Nowhere Near As Good As "That's the Way It Is"

Some of the previous reviews have already touched on what I would have to say so I'll keep this short. "Elvis on Tour" is nowhere near as good as "That's the Way It Is". The performances are weaker, the song selection (in my opinion) is poorer since he doesn't sing most of the great songs for which he is known, and the overall structure of the film lacks the coherence and polish of "That's the Way It Is". And on a fairly superficial level, Elvis looks a lot better in "That's the Way It Is"-tanned and leaner. Tanned, anyway. Better hair, too, for what that's worth. True, those are superficial things but they do make a difference to one's sense of "The King". I had seen "That's the Way It Is" awhile back and thought it was one of the best concert films I've seen and expected more of the same with "Elvis on Tour" but I was sadly disappointed. So if you give five stars to this movie, you'd have to go off the scale when rating "That's the Way It Is", such is the difference in these two movies.

superb music documentary

Director Robert Abel and producer Pierre Adidge present a marvelous look at Elvis in this documentary, using concert, rehearsal and backstage footage, as well as clips from the early days of his career, and a montage of him kissing his co-stars while "Love Me Tender" is performed. Excellent use of split-screen techniques are used, and the cinematography is always interesting.
Elvis looks in great shape from the neck down, quite trim and with the athletic flexibility to do deep leg lunges, and delivering each song with enormous emotional and physical energy. His face shows much dissipation however, and tells another story; the feeling one gets from this film is of a desperately sad man, a hurting soul, putting a brave mask on for the world. There is also not even a flicker of ego...we see only a hard-working guy, with not a shred of arrogance. He wears his flashy clothes with grace, style and humility, and sings his heart out, and it's a beautiful thing to see.

His voice is occasionally wobbly (and the sound quality also has its variables), but for the most part he shines, particularly in the songs with a spiritual theme. "Bosom of Abraham", "I John", and especially "American Trilogy" and "You Gave Me a Mountain" are very moving, and terrific listening.
His band is wonderful, and his back-up singers, The Sweet Inspirations and J.D.Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, an added delight.
Song list:
"Johnny B. Goode" (film titles)
"See See Rider"
"Polk Salad Annie"
"Separate Ways" (recording studio)
"Proud Mary"
"Never Been to Spain"
"Burning Love"
"Don't be Cruel" (over early stills and clips)
"Ready Teddy" (Ed Sullivan Show)
"That's All Right"
"Lead Me, Guide Me" (rehearsal)
"Bosom of Abraham" (rehearsal)
"Love Me Tender"
"Until it's Time for You to Go"
"I John" (rehearsal)
"Bridge Over Troubled Water"
"Funny How Time Slips Away"
"An American Trilogy"
"Mystery Train" (at an airport)
"Suspicious Minds"
"I Got a Woman"
"Amen"
"A Big Hunk of Love"
"You Gave Me a Mountain"
"Sweet, Sweet Spirit" (exquisitely sung by J.D. Sumner and the Stamps)
"Lawdy Miss Clawdy"
"Can't Help Falling in Love"
"Memories" (final credits)
You don't have to be an Elvis fan to enjoy this film, but you're guaranteed to have a deeper appreciation of his talent, and understand why he was "The King" after seeing it.
This is one of the best music documentaries I've seen, up there with Martin Scorsese's "The Last Waltz", who incidentally, is listed as Montage Supervisor in the credits of this film.
Total running time is 93 minutes.

Excellent Document Of Elvis's Later Years

"Elvis On Tour" captures a loose, energetic King on the road. It features dozens of innovative split screen shots of Elvis. Whether he's making a quip or showing off his karate moves, this is Elvis at his peak.

"Elvis On Tour" is much looser than "That's The Way It Is". He does not seem nervous like he did on the previous tape, and he adds extra flare to the songs that he performed in the previous outing. Elvis's voice is in its greatest shape ever here. He delivers a powerful, intense vocal performance on "Bridge Over Troubled Water", then gives a gentle reading of "Funny How Time Slips Away". The rockers are also extremely good. Elvis gives electrifying versions of "A Big Hink O' Love" and "Lawdy, Miss Clawdy", plus a good version of "I Got A Woman". Closing this magnificient video is a beatiful rendition of "Can't Help Falling In Love".

I do have one gripe however. On the "Lost Performances" video, there are several performances filmed for this video that should've have been included. These songs are a powerful "Are You Lonesome Tonight", "I Can't Stop Loving You", "All Shook Up", "Release Me", "Teddy Bear"/"Don't Be Cruel", and a stunningly beautiful "How Great Thou Art". However, this truly is a must - have. Elvis is truly at his finest hour, his last moment of glory before sinking into the pits of drugs and fatty food.