Elvis Presley That’s the Way It Is – Deluxe Edition A Timeless Classic Reimagined
Elvis Presley that’s the way it is deluxe edition as a pivotal moment in Elvis Presley’s illustrious career, capturing the King of Rock and Roll at the height of his powers during his Las Vegas residency in 1970. The release of the Deluxe Edition of this iconic album and documentary film offers fans and music enthusiasts an unprecedented look into Elvis’s artistry, showmanship, and the creative process behind his performances.
This comprehensive collection not only remastered the original material but also unveiled a treasure trove of previously unreleased content, providing a multi-faceted portrait of Elvis as both a performer and a person.
A Deeper Dive into the King: Exploring the Deluxe Edition of ‘That’s the Way It Is’
The Genesis of a Landmark Release
The original \ Way It Is\ album and documentary, released in 1970, marked a significant milestone in Elvis Presley’s career. It showcased his return to live performances after years of focusing on movies and studio recordings. The Deluxe Edition takes this landmark release and expands it into an immersive experience that allows fans to witness Elvis’s creative process and stage presence in unprecedented detail.
Remastering a Classic
One of the most significant aspects of the Deluxe Edition is the meticulous remastering of the original audio tracks. This process has breathed new life into Elvis’s performances, bringing out nuances in his voice and the instrumental arrangements that may have been less apparent in previous releases. The enhanced audio quality allows listeners to feel as if they’re right there in the showroom, experiencing Elvis’s magnetic presence firsthand.
Expanded Content: A Feast for Elvis Enthusiasts
The Deluxe Edition goes far beyond simply remastering the original material. It includes:
- Multiple complete concert recordings
- Rehearsal footage and outtakes
- Alternate takes of classic songs
- Rare photographs and memorabilia
This expanded content offers a 360-degree view of Elvis’s Las Vegas residency, providing context and depth to the performances captured in the original release.
A New Perspective on a Legendary Performer
By including rehearsal footage and outtakes, the Deluxe Edition allows fans to see Elvis in a more relaxed, unguarded state. These moments reveal his sense of humor, his perfectionism, and his interactions with his band and backup singers. This behind-the-scenes access helps to humanize the larger-than-life figure, offering a more intimate portrait of the man behind the legend.
Unveiling the Unseen: New Material in the ‘That’s the Way It Is’ Deluxe Edition
Previously Unreleased Concert Recordings
The Deluxe Edition includes several complete concert recordings that were not part of the original release. These recordings offer a broader perspective on Elvis’s Las Vegas performances, showcasing the variety in his setlists and the evolution of his stage presence over the course of the residency.
| Date | Venue | Notable Performances |
|---|---|---|
| August 10, 1970 | International Hotel, Las Vegas | \Polk Salad Annie\ \ Minds\ |
| August 12, 1970 | International Hotel, Las Vegas | \ Over Troubled Water\ \’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling\ August 13, 1970 | International Hotel, Las Vegas | \The Wonder of You\Heartbreak Hotel\ Rehearsal Footage: The King at Work
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Deluxe Edition is the inclusion of extensive rehearsal footage. This material provides an intimate look at Elvis’s creative process, showing how he worked with his band to arrange songs and perfect his performances.
Key elements of the rehearsal footage include:
- Elvis experimenting with different vocal techniques
- Interactions between Elvis and his musicians as they fine-tune arrangements
- Light-hearted moments and jokes that reveal Elvis’s personality off-stage
Outtakes and Alternate Takes
The Deluxe Edition also features a wealth of outtakes and alternate takes of songs from the original album. These tracks offer insight into the evolution of the performances, showing how Elvis and his team refined their approach to each song.
Notable outtakes include:
- Multiple versions of \ Minds\ with varying arrangements
- An extended jam session on \ Salad Annie\ stripped-down, emotional rendition of \ Over Troubled Water\ Rare Photographs and Memorabilia
Complementing the audio and video content, the Deluxe Edition includes a treasure trove of rare photographs and memorabilia from the Las Vegas residency. These visual elements help to contextualize the performances and provide a glimpse into the glamour and excitement of Elvis’s shows at the International Hotel.
The Evolution of a Legend: How the ‘That’s the Way It Is’ Deluxe Edition Reflects Elvis’s Journey
From Rock ‘n’ Roll Rebel to Vegas Showman
The Deluxe Edition of \ Way It Is\ captures Elvis at a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing his evolution from the young rock ‘n’ roll rebel of the 1950s to the polished Vegas showman of the 1970s. This transformation is evident in both his musical choices and his stage presence.
Key aspects of Elvis’s evolution include:
- A more diverse setlist incorporating rock, country, and pop standards
- Elaborate stage costumes that became iconic in their own right
- A mature vocal style that demonstrated increased range and control
Musical Maturity and Experimentation
The expanded content in the Deluxe Edition highlights Elvis’s growing musical maturity and willingness to experiment with different genres and styles. This period saw him incorporating elements of gospel, soul, and even operatic techniques into his performances.
Examples of Elvis’s musical experimentation:
- His soulful interpretation of \ Over Troubled Water\ incorporation of orchestral arrangements in songs like \ Wonder of You\
- His playful approach to the bluesy \ Salad Annie\ Impact of the ’68 Comeback Special
The success of Elvis’s 1968 television special, known as the ’68 Comeback Special, played a crucial role in shaping the performances captured in \That’s the Way It Is.\ Deluxe Edition allows fans to trace the line from the raw energy of the Comeback Special to the more polished, but still electrifying, Las Vegas shows.
Personal Growth and Artistic Confidence
Through the rehearsal footage and outtakes, the Deluxe Edition reveals Elvis’s growth as an artist and his increasing confidence in his abilities. We see him taking control of arrangements, offering suggestions to his band, and pushing himself vocally to deliver powerful performances night after night.
Beyond the Stage: The ‘That’s the Way It Is’ Deluxe Edition Presents a More Intimate Perspective on Elvis
Behind the Scenes: Elvis Unplugged
One of the most valuable aspects of the Deluxe Edition is its inclusion of behind-the-scenes footage that shows Elvis in unguarded moments. These clips reveal a side of the King that fans rarely got to see, offering insights into his personality, work ethic, and relationships with his colleagues.
Notable behind-the-scenes moments include:
- Candid conversations with band members during rehearsals
- Elvis joking with his entourage between takes
- Quiet moments of reflection as he prepares for performances
The Man Behind the Jumpsuit
While Elvis’s elaborate stage costumes became an integral part of his image during this period, the Deluxe Edition allows fans to see beyond the glitz and glamour. In rehearsal footage and backstage clips, we see Elvis dressed casually, focusing intently on his craft.
Interactions with Fans and Staff
The expanded content in the Deluxe Edition includes footage of Elvis interacting with fans and hotel staff, revealing his charm and generosity. These moments humanize the larger-than-life figure, showing his genuine appreciation for the people who supported him.
Elvis as a Collaborator
Through rehearsal footage and outtakes, the Deluxe Edition showcases Elvis’s collaborative approach to music-making. We see him working closely with his band members, backup singers, and arrangers to craft the perfect sound for each song.
Key collaborative moments include:
- Elvis discussing arrangement ideas with his musical director
- Impromptu jam sessions with band members
- Playful interactions with the backup singers as they work out harmonies
A Collector’s Dream: Why the ‘That’s the Way It Is’ Deluxe Edition Is a Must-Have for Elvis Fans
Comprehensive Coverage of a Pivotal Moment
The Deluxe Edition offers the most comprehensive look at Elvis’s 1970 Las Vegas residency ever assembled. For collectors and serious fans, this makes it an essential addition to their Elvis libraries.
Rare and Exclusive Content
Much of the material included in the Deluxe Edition has never been released before, making it a treasure trove of rare Elvis content. This exclusivity adds significant value for collectors.
Exclusive content includes:
- Previously unreleased full concert recordings
- Candid backstage footage
- Alternate takes of classic songs
Superior Audio and Video Quality
The remastered audio and video content in the Deluxe Edition offers the highest quality presentation of this material ever released. For audiophiles and videophiles, this alone makes the set worth acquiring.
Comprehensive Packaging and Liner Notes
The physical release of the Deluxe Edition includes extensive liner notes, rare photographs, and other memorabilia, creating a complete package that tells the story of \That’s the Way It Is\ in unprecedented detail.
Historical Significance
As a document of Elvis at the peak of his powers, the Deluxe Edition of \ Way It Is\ holds significant historical value. It captures a moment in time when Elvis was redefining his career and solidifying his status as the King of Rock and Roll.
From Las Vegas to Your Home: The Impact of the ‘That’s the Way It Is’ Deluxe Edition
Bringing the Vegas Experience to Life
The Deluxe Edition allows fans to experience the excitement and energy of Elvis’s Las Vegas shows from the comfort of their own homes. Through the combination of high-quality audio, video, and supplementary materials, listeners can immerse themselves in the world of 1970s Las Vegas.
A New Appreciation for Elvis’s Artistry
By providing such a detailed look at Elvis’s creative process, the Deluxe Edition fosters a deeper appreciation for his musicianship and artistic vision. Fans can gain new insights into the thought and effort that went into crafting his performances.
Inspiring a New Generation of Fans
The comprehensive nature of the Deluxe Edition makes it an excellent entry point for new Elvis fans. By showcasing the King at his best, it has the potential to inspire a new generation to explore his music and legacy.
Preserving Cultural History
Beyond its value to Elvis fans, the Deluxe Edition serves as an important cultural document, preserving a significant moment in American popular music history. It offers scholars and music historians a wealth of material to study and analyze.
Influence on Contemporary Artists
The release of the Deluxe Edition has the potential to influence contemporary artists, showcasing Elvis’s showmanship and musical versatility as a model for modern performers.
The King’s Legacy: How the ‘That’s the Way It Is’ Deluxe Edition Preserves Elvis’s Enduring Influence
A Testament to Elvis’s Musical Range
The Deluxe Edition showcases Elvis’s incredible musical range, demonstrating his ability to masterfully perform rock, country, gospel, and pop standards. This versatility continues to influence artists across multiple genres.
Examples of Elvis’s genre-crossing performances:
- Rock: \ Minds\
- Country: \ Can’t Stop Loving You\
- Gospel: \ Great Thou Art\
- Pop Standard: \ Wonder of You\
Preserving the Art of the Live Performance
In an era of heavily produced studio recordings, the Deluxe Edition serves as a reminder of the power of live performance. Elvis’s ability to connect with an audience and deliver electrifying shows night after night set a standard that artists still strive to meet today.
Influence on Fashion and Style
The elaborate jumpsuits and stage costumes documented in the Deluxe Edition have become iconic in their own right. Elvis’s stage wear continues to influence fashion in music and beyond.
Documenting Cultural Shifts
\That’s the Way It Is\ Elvis at a time of significant cultural change in America. The Deluxe Edition preserves this moment, offering insights into the shifting musical landscape of the early 1970s.
Technological Innovation in Music Production
The remastering process used for the Deluxe Edition demonstrates the ongoing technological innovations in music production and restoration. This work ensures that Elvis’s performances can be enjoyed with the highest possible quality for years to come.
The Sound of Innovation: Exploring the Remastering and Bonus Content in the Deluxe Edition
State-of-the-Art Remastering Techniques
The Deluxe Edition employs cutting-edge remastering techniques to breathe new life into the original recordings. This process involves:
- Noise reduction to eliminate tape hiss and other artifacts
- Frequency balancing to enhance clarity and depth
- Stereo enhancement to create a more immersive soundstage
Surround Sound Mixes
For the first time, select performances from \That’s the Way It Is\ been mixed in surround sound, offering a new way to experience Elvis’s music.
Benefits of the surround sound mixes include:
- Increased sense of space and dimensionality
- Greater separation of instruments and vocals
- Enhanced feeling of \being there\ the audience
Restoration of Visual Elements
The video content in the Deluxe Edition has undergone extensive restoration, including:
- Color correction to enhance vibrancy and accuracy
- Digital cleanup to remove scratches and blemishes
- Frame-by-frame restoration of damaged footage
Bonus Audio Content
The Deluxe Edition includes a wealth of bonus audio content, such as:
- Studio outtakes and alternate takes
- Rare live performances from other shows
- Interview snippets with Elvis and his team
Interactive Features
For digital releases, the Deluxe Edition may include interactive features that allow fans to:
- Switch between different camera angles during performances
- Access detailed information about songs and performances
- View lyrics and annotations in real-time as the music plays
A Journey Through Time: The ‘That’s the Way It Is’ Deluxe Edition Captures Elvis at His Creative Peak
The Culmination of a Comeback
\That’s the Way It Is\ the culmination of Elvis’s comeback, which began with the ’68 Comeback Special. The Deluxe Edition allows fans to trace this journey, showcasing how Elvis rebuilt his career and redefined his artistic identity.
A Snapshot of Musical Excellence
The performances captured in the Deluxe Edition demonstrate Elvis at the height of his vocal and performative powers. Key elements include:
- Masterful control of his voice across various styles
- Charismatic stage presence that captivates the audience
- Seamless integration of humor and banter into his shows
The Evolution of Elvis’s Repertoire
Through the multiple concerts and rehearsals included in the Deluxe Edition, fans can observe how Elvis’s song choices and arrangements evolved over time. This provides insight into his artistic decision-making process and his ability to keep his shows fresh night after night.
Collaborations with World-Class Musicians
The Deluxe Edition highlights Elvis’s collaborations with some of the best musicians of the era. The interplay between Elvis and his band members showcases a level of musical synergy that elevates every performance.
Notable collaborators include:
- James Burton on lead guitar
- Glen D. Hardin on piano
- Jerry Scheff on bass
- Ronnie Tutt on drums
A Time Capsule of Las Vegas Entertainment
Beyond its significance to Elvis’s career, the Deluxe Edition serves as a time capsule of Las Vegas entertainment in the early 1970s. It captures the glamour, excess, and musical innovation that defined the era.
Conclusion
The \’s the Way It Is\uxe Edition stands as a monumental tribute to Elvis Presley’s enduring legacy and unparalleled artistry. This comprehensive collection not only preserves a pivotal moment in the King’s career but also offers fans and music enthusiasts an unprecedented look into the creative process and personal charisma that made Elvis a true icon.
Through its meticulously remastered audio, restored video footage, and wealth of previously unreleased material, the Deluxe Edition brings the excitement of Elvis’s 1970 Las Vegas residency to life in stunning detail. It allows listeners to experience the power and versatility of Elvis’s voice, the magnetic pull of his stage presence, and the depth of his musical repertoire in a way that was previously impossible.
Moreover, the behind-the-scenes content included in this release provides a more intimate perspective on Elvis as both an artist and a person. We see him collaborating with his band, joking with his entourage, and fine-tuning his performances with a level of dedication and perfectionism that explains his enduring influence on popular music.
For longtime fans, the Deluxe Edition offers a treasure trove of new material to explore and analyze. For newcomers, it serves as an ideal introduction to Elvis at the peak of his powers, showcasing why he remains one of the most significant figures in music history.
Ultimately, the \That’s the Way It Is\ Deluxe Edition is more than just a reissue of a classic album and film. It’s a comprehensive document of an artist at the height of his creative powers, a time capsule of a unique moment in entertainment history, and a testament to the enduring power of Elvis Presley’s music and persona.Â
