Elvis Presley’s That’s the Way It Is: A Deep Dive into the King’s 1970 Documentary

Alright folks, gather ’round. As Scotty Moore, I’ve seen a thing or two in my time with Elvis. Now, you young’uns might not know it, but there was more to the King than just hip-shaking and hound dogs. One thing that really showcased his raw talent and dedication was the 1970 documentary, Elvis: That’s the Way It Is. This ain’t your average concert film; it’s a look behind the curtain at Elvis at his peak, blending the magic of the stage with the man himself. This flick captured the essence of the King during his triumphant return to live performances in Vegas and became a must-see for anyone who wanted to truly understand Elvis.

What Makes That’s the Way It Is So Special?

This ain’t just another concert recording. Elvis: That’s the Way It Is gives you a front-row seat to the intense rehearsals, the band interplay, and the man himself, in his element. You get to see the King’s meticulous work ethic, the countless hours he puts into perfecting each song, and the undeniable passion he has for his craft. It’s not just about the glitz and glamour of the Vegas stage. It’s the raw energy, the sweat, and the dedication that made Elvis who he was, and it’s all on display in this film. The documentary features performances from both the International Hotel and MGM Studios, giving you a comprehensive view into the process of bringing the music to life. It reveals the collaborative nature of Elvis’ work, showcasing the contributions of his band and the commitment of his crew to make each show unforgettable. It’s a genuine window into the world of a true musical innovator. You’ll see why, even today, no one can quite capture what Elvis had.

The Raw Power of the Live Performances

The core of That’s the Way It Is is, without a doubt, the live performances. These weren’t just run-of-the-mill gigs; they were electric. From the gospel-infused power of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” to the soulful rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” Elvis’s vocal range and stage presence is truly mesmerizing. Seeing him belt out those classics is an experience that will give you chills. The film does a fantastic job of capturing not just the music, but also the connection Elvis had with his audience. He wasn’t just performing; he was sharing his soul. You can see the energy in the room, the excitement in the crowd, and that’s something that’s hard to replicate. The stage presence, the charisma, the absolute command of the audience, it’s all there, plain as day. And let me tell you, even watching it on screen, you can feel it.

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Beyond the Stage: Elvis the Man

But That’s the Way It Is isn’t just about the concerts. It also provides a glimpse into Elvis’s personal life, the interactions with his band, and his conversations with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker. You see Elvis joking around with the guys, working hard on the music, and occasionally even letting his guard down a little. This is where we witness the human side of Elvis, away from the blinding lights and adulation. For instance, there’s the genuine camaraderie he shared with his band, that you get to see during the rehearsals. These moments gave the fans a peek at the kind of person he was: humble, hardworking, and deeply devoted to his craft. They reveal the effort he put into his performance, showing the man behind the music, not just the icon. These intimate moments are what make this film so compelling.

“What I always appreciated about Elvis was his commitment to the music,” says renowned music historian, Dr. Eleanor Vance. “He wasn’t just going through the motions; he lived every note. That’s the Way It Is really showcases that.”

The Making of That’s the Way It Is: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

The genius behind That’s the Way It Is wasn’t just Elvis, though he certainly was a big part of it. The film was expertly directed by Denis Sanders. The production team managed to capture the raw energy of Elvis’s live shows in a way few others could. They didn’t just point cameras at the stage, they immersed you in the whole experience. They used multiple camera angles, close-ups, and smooth transitions that bring the viewer closer to Elvis. The editing is also top-notch, seamlessly weaving together the live footage and rehearsal sessions into a captivating story. This gave the viewer a behind-the-scenes look at how the shows were put together. It was a level of detail that set the standard for music documentaries to come.

The Lasting Impact of That’s the Way It Is

That’s the Way It Is has remained a classic in the realm of music documentaries for a reason. It serves as a time capsule, encapsulating Elvis’s powerful return to live performing in the 1970’s. For many fans, it remains the most authentic representation of the King on stage. This film helped a new generation to understand his music. It captured the magic, the energy, the talent, and the dedication of a man who changed music forever. The performances aren’t just recorded; they’re immortalized, and continue to captivate and inspire new audiences. The film continues to be relevant and resonates with fans old and new. This is why it remains an essential part of Elvis’s legacy.

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Why This Movie Still Resonates Today

Even now, so many years later, Elvis: That’s the Way It Is continues to captivate. It shows us that Elvis wasn’t just a performer; he was an artist. He wasn’t just going through the motions; he was living his music. And the sheer talent, stage presence, and dedication captured in this documentary are universal. It reminds us that what makes great music is the passion, the hard work, and the connection between the performer and the audience. Whether you are an avid Elvis fan or someone curious about the power of music, this movie resonates. It provides an insight into how an artist can transform a show into a moment in time that will last forever. The legacy of this documentary is undeniable.

And as a longtime companion of the King himself, I can attest that this is the Elvis I knew. He worked hard, he cared about his music, and he gave it his all on stage, night after night. To really understand what made Elvis the King, you need to see Elvis: That’s the Way It Is. It captures a side of him that the studio recordings just can’t capture. To see the real Elvis in his element, check out play suspicious minds elvis presley.

“The authenticity of That’s the Way It Is is what makes it stand out,” explains film critic, Dr. Samuel Peterson. “It’s not a manufactured image of Elvis; it’s a raw, unfiltered look at the man behind the legend.”

Elvis and the Magic of Live Performance

One of the most compelling aspects of That’s the Way It Is is how it showcases the magic of live performance. You see the energy exchange between Elvis and the audience, the improvisation on stage, and the pure joy of music-making in real-time. It was more than just a performance; it was an experience. And that feeling, that experience, is something that has continued to draw audiences to this film for over five decades. The documentary shows us how, live performance can elevate music, transforming songs into lasting moments in the lives of the fans. The film emphasizes why a live performance can never be fully captured by studio recording.

The Importance of Rehearsal and Preparation

The documentary does not shy away from showing the hard work that goes into putting on an Elvis concert. We see the meticulous process of rehearsals, the hours of practice, and the dedication of the band and crew. This emphasizes that the magic of Elvis’ performances was not accidental. It was the result of hard work, careful planning, and an attention to detail. It highlights the importance of preparation when you want to be at the top of your game. The rehearsal scenes give viewers a glimpse of the work behind the magic, further highlighting Elvis’ dedication to his art. If you want to know more about his journey to becoming a legend, you can always tell me about elvis presley.

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Why Should New Fans Watch That’s the Way It Is?

For those just getting into Elvis, That’s the Way It Is is a great place to start. It’s like a musical time capsule, capturing the King at his peak. It’s more than a concert movie; it’s a documentary that delves into the essence of Elvis’s artistry. It allows the viewer to understand the energy, the talent, and the heart of what makes his music so great. It is an introduction to his music, his stage presence, and the man himself, all in one comprehensive package. If you’re curious about what made the King so iconic, this is a great first step. It’s a masterclass in music, performance, and the magic of the stage. To get a feel for his romantic side, maybe look into i can t help falling in love with you.

The Evolution of Elvis’s Music

That’s the Way It Is also provides a unique snapshot of Elvis’s musical evolution. You hear the classic rock ‘n’ roll sound that made him a star. But also, we hear him venture into more soulful ballads, gospel-inspired pieces, and songs that showcased his vocal range. It’s an indication of his versatility and eagerness to experiment with different styles. The film demonstrates how his music evolved from his early days to his return to live performances. It also highlights his ability to incorporate diverse musical influences into his performances, showing that the King wasn’t afraid to break new ground. This all shows the breadth and depth of his musical talent. And to hear more of his soulful side, check out elvis presley lonesome tonight.

Conclusion

Elvis: That’s the Way It Is isn’t just a documentary; it’s a monument to Elvis Presley’s genius. It’s a raw, honest, and unforgettable portrayal of an icon in his element. It’s a must-watch for any music fan, not just the devoted Elvis faithful. It’s where you can see his power and vulnerability, his talent and dedication, and the heart and soul of a legend. To see more of Elvis’s classic hits and performances, check out youtube elvis presley can t help falling in love. It’s a glimpse into the man who changed music forever and the legend that will never fade. That’s the Way It Is is a testament to the power of Elvis, and why he is still the King.

FAQ about Elvis: That’s the Way It Is

1. What year was Elvis: That’s the Way It Is released?
The documentary Elvis: That’s the Way It Is was released in 1970. It captured Elvis’s triumphant return to live performing in Las Vegas that summer.

2. What kind of performances are featured in the documentary?
The film features a mix of rehearsal footage and live performances from the International Hotel in Las Vegas. It showcases his dynamic stage presence and musical versatility.

3. Is Elvis: That’s the Way It Is a concert film or a documentary?
It’s a hybrid of both. While it features many live concert performances, it also includes behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, making it a comprehensive documentary about Elvis at the time.

4. Where was Elvis: That’s the Way It Is filmed?
The live performances were filmed at the International Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The rehearsal footage was captured at the MGM Studios.

5. What makes That’s the Way It Is different from other Elvis films?
Unlike many films, That’s the Way It Is focuses on Elvis’s live performance and shows the hard work he put into his concerts. It offers an unfiltered look at Elvis in his element.

6. Who directed the movie Elvis: That’s the Way It Is?
The film was directed by Denis Sanders. He did a fantastic job of capturing the energy of Elvis on stage and giving a sense of intimacy with the man himself.

7. Is Elvis: That’s the Way It Is available to watch today?
Yes, the movie is available on DVD, Blu-Ray, and digital platforms. It has had multiple releases and remains a fan favorite.

8. What’s the best thing that That’s the Way It Is captures about Elvis?
The film captures Elvis’s passion, raw talent, and dedication to his craft. It also highlights the human side of the King, showing his interactions with his band and crew.

9. Why is Elvis: That’s the Way It Is considered a must-see for Elvis fans?
It provides an authentic and detailed look at Elvis at his peak, showcasing his incredible performances and his genuine love for music and performing. It’s a window into the very essence of what made him the King.