Later this year, Sony BMG will distribute a DVD release that could serve to introduce Elvis to new audiences of all ages, perhaps prompting their first Elvis purchase, and encourage some casual Elvis fans to get more serious. 

In North America it will be Elvis #1 Hit Performances -  a 15-song collection of videos of Elvis peforming some of his #1 US and UK hits.  Internationally it will be Elvis #1 Hit Performances and More - the same content as the American release and 15 additional performances of songs that were either #1 in the US or UK or are simply Elvis classics.   This is sort of a DVD version of the concepts for the ELV1S 30 #1 Hits and ELVIS 2ND To None CDs of 2002 and 2003.

The content is less for the North American release partly because in North America music publishing clearance rates are not standardized for DVD releases like they are for CDs.  Music publishers can hold the songs they own or represent for ransom for a U.S. DVD release.  In other countries the music publishing clearance rates are standardized for DVDs. 

Release dates to be announced.  These are expected to come out sometime in the fourth quarter of 2007, timed nicely for holiday gift sales.

Below is an advance look at the first draft of the back-of-the-box text for both releases and the first draft of the liner notes describing the contents are in a separate article.


(1 Disc – 15 Songs – North American Release)

ELVIS #1 HIT PERFORMANCES

What an outstanding introduction to the magic of Elvis Presley! This collection of 15 wonderful performances by the King of Rock 'n' Roll showcases some of his #1 US and UK hits. Culled from his TV guest appearances, movies, and concert films and television specials -- from 1956, the year his star ascended, to the 1970s when he reached the pinnacle of his career -- this is Elvis at his best.

See Elvis perform Heartbreak Hotel, his first gold record award winner, shortly after the single's release. Witness the raucous rendition of Hound Dog that got him into trouble with the press and the morally concerned. See the matinee idol croon one of his greatest love ballads, Can't Help Falling in Love, and sing and dance in one of rock music's all-time greatest production numbers, Jailhouse Rock. Marvel at his "from the waist up only" Ed Sullivan Show performance of Don't Be Cruel. Experience Elvis in Las Vegas with an energetic delivery of Suspicious Minds and in Hawaii performing a version of Burning Love for a global television audience. Also included: Love Me Tender, All Shook Up, Teddy Bear, Stuck on You, Are You Lonesome Tonight?, Return To Sender, In the Ghetto and The Wonder of You.


(1 Disc, 30 Songs – International Release)

ELVIS #1 HIT PERFORMANCES AND MORE

What an outstanding introduction to the magic of Elvis Presley! This collection of 30 wonderful performances by the King of Rock 'n' Roll showcasing 21 of his #1 US and UK hits and 9 other classics. Culled from his TV guest appearances, movies, and concert films and television specials -- from 1956, the year his star ascended, to the 1970s when he reached the pinnacle of his career -- this is Elvis at his best.

The #1 Hits - See Elvis perform Heartbreak Hotel, his first gold record award winner, shortly after the single's release. Witness the raucous rendition of Hound Dog that got him into trouble with the press and the morally concerned. See the matinee idol croon one of his greatest love ballads, Can't Help Falling in Love, and sing and dance in one of rock music's all-time greatest production numbers, Jailhouse Rock. Marvel at his "from the waist up only" Ed Sullivan Show performance of Don't Be Cruel. Experience Elvis in Las Vegas with an energetic delivery of Suspicious Minds and in Hawaii performing a version of Burning Love for a global television audience.

More #1 hits: Love Me Tender, All Shook Up, Teddy Bear, Stuck on You, Are You Lonesome Tonight?, Return To Sender, In the Ghetto, The Wonder of You, One Night, A Big Hunk o' Love, Wooden Heart, Rock-a-Hula Baby, Too Much, and I Want You, I Need You, I Love You. Additional Elvis classics: That's All Right, Blue Suede Shoes, Love Me, Treat Me Nice, Trouble, Bossa Nova Baby, Don't Cry Daddy, An American Trilogy, and If I Can Dream.