Elvis (4K UHD Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Warner Brothers
Release Date: September 13, 2022
Rating: PG-13
Film: 4/5
 
Plot
A thoroughly cinematic drama, Elvis’s (Austin Butler) story is seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks). As told by Parker, the film delves into the complex dynamic between the two spanning over 20 years, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America. Central to that journey is one of the significant and influential people in Elvis’s life, Priscilla Presley (Olivia DeJonge).
 
My Thoughts
I grew up with Elvis tunes playing in the house constantly. My Mom was a huge fan of the music icon, which wasn’t uncommon for women her age. She was in high school when he burst on the scene in the mid-50s and changed the landscape of music forever. The girls fell in love with him instantly, but I’m not sure it was because of his music or his pelvic thrusts on stage. Regardless, he was the biggest name in music and entertainment for over 20 years until his untimely death in 1977.
 
As a film, this does a good job of cataloging his life and his rise to fame, but the story is told through the eyes of his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, who was a unique character in his own right. I generally like Tom Hanks’ acting, but in this case, I felt a little forced and inauthentic—but knowing Hanks, he nailed the character and Parker just isn’t that likable of man (I lean more this way). Austin Butler delivers an Oscar-worthy portrayal of Elvis and it wouldn’t shock me if he walks away with the golden statue next year.
 
I do have to caution some about the film. First, it’s a Baz Luhrmann production, so the narrative can be a bit much for some (and took some getting used to). Second, the film is overly long at nearly 2 hours and 40 minutes (including credits). I understand why the film was sol long given Elvis’ enthralling life, but sometimes less is more. That being said, I only felt it dragged in a couple of segments throughout the film and can’t think of any scenes that could have been dropped entirely, but a few could have been shortened along the way.
 
The presentation is excellent, although the audio track is what shines the most. The 4K disc really highlights the bold color palette from the opening credits onward. Elvis’ pink suit really shines and I love how every detail of downtown Memphis shines in 4K. The Dolby Atmos track is a crowd pleaser with intelligible dialog, perfect ambiance, and great use of directional cues ;;with the right amount of LFE.
 
Video 9/10
 
Audio 9.5/10 (Dolby Atmos)
 
Special Features:

• Bigger Than Life: The Making of Elvis
• Rock ‘N Royalty: The Music & Artists Behind Elvis
• Fit for a King: The Style of Elvis
• Viva Australia: Recreating Iconic Locations for Elvis
• “Trouble” Lyric Video
• 4K + Blu-ray + Movies Anywhere Digital Copy

 

 
 
Conclusion
My Mom loved this movie and went to theaters twice to see it. I decided to wait for the 4K and watch it at home, which I have no regrets doing. For one, it’s hard for me to make it through such a long movie without at least one trip to the little boys room, so the pause button really comes in handy. Secondly, the presentation is my home is a more enjoyable experience for me because both the picture and sound are better and this movie doesn’t require a huge screen experience like Top Gun. Regardless, this one is easy to recommend.
 
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS2000 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 88” 16x9 Fixed Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
SVS PC-Ultra Cylinder Subwoofer
HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
M&K Sound X15+ Subwoofer
Dual JL Audio F-110 (stacked and treated as one sub)
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[tripplej]

Thanks for the review. Growing up, we watched Elvis and his songs were good. I did enjoy "Elvis and Nixon", which was the last Elvis oriented movie that I saw..

Will check this out on streaming channels once available.

[bmoney]

I have this in the queue. Just waiting for a long chunk of free time to watch 

[David Vaughn]

I have this in the queue. Just waiting for a long chunk of free time to watch

It is long, but entertaining. 

[bmoney]

It is long, but entertaining.

awesome.  i never mind a long movie as long as it keeps my attention   might even break it into two parts (ya jknow pretend its a double VHS tape ala Titanic)

[AVSCraig]

My copy should arrive this weekend. Looking forward to watching this.

[bmoney]

Halfway through. It’s just ok so far. Feels VERY rushed. Which is weird for a 3 hour movie. All i know is the WB opening is so crisp and clear. Wow

[AVSCraig]

Just watched this this with my wife and 3 friends. Wow - what a fantastic movie! Everybody loved it. Austen Butler is phenomenal. I love Baz's directing style ( loved Moulin Rouge )  and this was perfect.

[bmoney]

finished the second half last night.  much better than the first half.  would i call it fantastic movie? no but was def solid.  but a once and done watch for me

[AVSCraig]

I'll be watching it again with a 2nd set of friends after the Halloween movies are finished. 

[bmoney]

Wish it wasn’t so long. Payoff didn’t meet the investment for me 

[AVSCraig]

Watched this a 2nd time last night with friends that hadn't seen it - saw a few things I missed the first time around, and they loved it. A flight of 3 single malts went well with the film too!