Elvis Presley: He Touched Me - The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley, Vol. 1 & 2

 (20 customer reviews)

This is not called "Elvis Presley sings every one of his Gospel songs" for a reason - this is an overview of the "gospel/spiritual" side of Elvis Presley. An overview is just that - an overview. Yes, some of the songs are not complete, but if you want to know how strongly Elvis was influenced by black and white gospel quartets, this DVD will give you new information. There are some things not seen (very often) of Elvis at the piano, etc. True, if you are an Elvis fan (like me) who has everything he recorded and every DVD they've re-released, then this DVD set will not show you much new (although the interviews with those who sang with Elvis ARE interesting) - but if you are the casual Elvis fan, this will be a learning experience for you. The music is great and it shows Elvis at his best.

I love this dvd for the simple fact that it dares to focus on the music and not the hype around Elvis. Gospel music fed his soul and if you want to know about the true Elvis, forget all the hype and negative personal dirty jounalism and focus on the music, both what he made and what inspired him. Then you will know the true Elvis. This documentary does an excellent job of presenting the Gospel and religious side of Elvis with excellent interviews by those that sang with him on the road, on recordings and long into the wee hours of the morning, doing what Elvis loved best, singing gospels. Definately worth the money for the serious or casual fan.

The concept is good- Elvis singing gospel with commentary. What will leave Elvis fan's very dissapointed is the fact that his songs are cut off for the sake of commentary. This is a common complaint. What could have been a great DVD is now severely flawed in it's execution and will leave Elvis fans exasperated and pulling their hair out. Considering that his Gospel music was the only music that won him Grammy awards and is arguably some of his best and most inspired work- Elvis fans deserve better. Email or contact the licensing Executive (currently Irene Houston- 800-238-2000) at Elvis Presley Enterprises (Corporate Division)and make your request that this be re-released as a Collector's Edition with full length songs.