Elvis On Tour

Review by David Woodward

Elvis On Tour (1972) was Elvis Presley's last theatrical film released during his lifetime. 

Almost 38 years later, it is also now the last of his movies to be "officially" released on DVD.

Elvis On Tour recorded Elvis on the road as he travelled across the US performing a concert tour that began in Buffalo, New York on 5 April 1972 and concluded in Albuquerque, New Mexico on 19 April 1972. 

Four of these concerts were filmed by MGM and integrated with archival footage and rehearsals, with perhaps the most interesting moments coming from the inclusion of audio from an informal forty-minute interview that Elvis gave before filming began.

While footage in the film may not show Elvis at his best (not as energetic as in his earlier film documentary That’s The Way It Is in 1970 or as fit as in The Aloha Concert in 1973), it does display him in slim fitting jumpsuits, good spirits, and with a great voice.  

It is certainly a far cry from his last filmed TV effort, Elvis In Concert (1977) which has yet to have an official DVD release, partly due to Elvis not being in the best of health at the time.

Strangely, Elvis On Tour has previously only been released in VHS, although there have been many bootleg DVD versions available – the best being "Through My Eyes" which featured totally new remixes from the original 1972 movie and recently discovered outtakes.

Over 50 hours of film was shot during the production of Elvis On Tour, and MGM reduced this footage to the completed film which ran for just 89 minutes. Therefore it is a wonder that the Elvis Presley Estate has not taken advantage of this extensive unused footage.

For example, four complete shows were filmed during the 15-city tour. You would think that this footage alone could generate at least four DVD releases comprising these individual concerts – and the Elvis fans would gobble them up!

Regardless, this 2010 DVD release of Elvis On Tour is well worth waiting for to complete your Elvis collection. If nothing else, it is a milestone event to hear the music from Elvis On Tour in Dolby Digital 5.1 audio for the first time!

DVD Special Features

Almost all DVD releases of Elvis Presley movies are very sparing in their bonus material, generally restricted to original theatrical trailers. 

The one exception was the 2001 DVD release of That’s The Way It Is which was a two-disc package that included a specially restored version of that movie.

However, it is pleasing to see that the Elvis On Tour DVD has been released with a 40-page glossary booklet with lots of information and pictures about Elvis’ April 1972 concert tour, the filming and the movie’s production. 

It is a worthwhile addition to any Elvis collector’s set!

Conclusion: Episodes 99% Extras: 80%