Elvis Presley's Follow That Dream Blu-ray

[quickdraw]

Originally Posted by Early Memphis

Sorry, Jeff, normally I like your reviews but you missed the boat on this one. You gave a generic, sixties Elvis movie review to a movie that was anything but a generic sixties Elvis movie. "It's easy to picture (Col. Tom Parker) pitching this film to some midlevel bean counter in Hollywood. 'Aw, shucks, fellas, just stick Elvis under a palm tree with a pretty girl—wait. . .two pretty girls—and have him sing a few songs, and it's like putting money in the bank.'" Sure, but that's Clambake and Tickle Me and Girls! Girls! Girls! and a whole slew of others - the kind of movies that eventually made E himself throw up.

This is not Elvis playing Elvis, it's Elvis playing what he was : a southern boy who was a whole lot sharper than most east and west coast snobs gave him credit for bein'. Sure, there are a few songs, but only five of 'em, including the opening and closing numbers. This was Elvis when he was still tryin' and not dyin' - before Hollywood totally boxed hin in. Perhaps with a better perspective you coulda been laughin' with Toby and not at him. Pity, 'cause you missed a damn good little movie where Elvis was playin' to his southern roots - and not tryin' to sell a bunch of effete strangers on how cool he could be. But, hey ... to each their own, brother.

Very well said Early. Elvis movies were never meant to be art house cinema pieces. They were framed in the popular culture of the time and were meant as pure entertainment. To me, they represent a simpler, more innocent time in America. I'm sure there's a whole generation of movie goers who look at these films in disdain, because they view the subject matter as unsophisticated drivel. That's their opinion, but to many who lived in that era, these films remind us of an uncomplicated life without cellphones, computers or political correctness. These films are cherished memories for me and will always be a part of my movie collection.

[Elvis]

Originally Posted by quickdraw

Very well said Early. Elvis movies were never meant to be art house cinema pieces. They were framed in the popular culture of the time and were meant as pure entertainment. To me, they represent a simpler, more innocent time in America. I'm sure there's a whole generation of movie goers who look at these films in disdain, because they view the subject matter as unsophisticated drivel. That's their opinion, but to many who lived in that era, these films remind us of an uncomplicated life without cellphones, computers or political correctness. These films are cherished memories for me and will always be a part of my movie collection.

It was not the worst film he made but after Viva Las Vegas it should have been brought to a sudden halt. But they all made money and took about 5 to 6 weeks to shoot. Three pictures a year at 1 mil a picture in the 1960's was great money. Unfortunetly it was during this time that his music became insignificant (save How Great Thou Art whcih was Gospel). From 64- Dec of 68 was the lowest point in his career.

[Aerodude73]

So when exactly does the price come down to NORMAL pricing?

[moviebuff75]

Is this uncut? It was cut on vhs...but the running time on this review is the same.

[bruceames]

Originally Posted by Aerodude73

So when exactly does the price come down to NORMAL pricing?

IIRC, it should come down around the 12th of Never. This is as cheap as it gets, at least for the Twilight Time version. It's possible they could have a sale someday for the low sellers (like they did only one time for about 4 days) but this won't be one of them. This will eventually sell out and then you'll be at the mercy of scalpers prices.

[Aerodude73]

Originally Posted by bruceames.

IIRC, it should come down around the 12th of Never. This is as cheap as it gets, at least for the Twilight Time version. It's possible they could have a sale someday for the low sellers (like they did only one time for about 4 days) but this won't be one of them. This will eventually sell out and then you'll be at the mercy of scalpers prices.

Oh well then. There's no way I'd EVER pay that much for Any single movie.

[Early Memphis]

Originally Posted by Aerodude73

Oh well then. There's no way I'd EVER pay that much for Any single movie.

Your loss. I mean, of course it sucks, but this appears to be the future : cheaper versions available via streaming and small-run, high price versions for folks who insist on hard copies (usually in two "tiers" : upper crust, like Twilight Time & Criterion, and lower quality but "in print" releases on Kino, etc.). I've got several TT releases, but it's gotta be something I really want.

[omenboy]

Originally Posted by Aerodude73

Oh well then. There's no way I'd EVER pay that much for Any single movie.

I know how you feel but there was a time - back in the 80's - when some VHS tapes (!) cost around $100 per film. Compared to that, this is a bargain!

[Elvis]

Originally Posted by Early Memphis

Your loss. I mean, of course it sucks, but this appears to be the future : cheaper versions available via streaming and small-run, high price versions for folks who insist on hard copies (usually in two "tiers" : upper crust, like Twilight Time & Criterion, and lower quality but "in print" releases on Kino, etc.). I've got several TT releases, but it's gotta be something I really want.

I wonder if the age of physical media us almost over and all the studios will be going to these models.

[ccbaxter]

Don't know if this has been addressed earlier, and I'm sorry that this isn't related to Blu-ray quality, etc., but fans of the movie may be interested to know (if they don't already) that the "homestead" location looks pretty much the same today as it did in the movie. The only difference is that the large sandy area in the film is now fairly overgrown with palmettos and high grass. This location is at (nearly) the western end of Highway 40, west of Inglis, Florida. (In fact, they renamed this short stretch of highway "The Follow That Dream Highway" several years ago.) The adjacent bridge is a popular fishing spot, as well as the parking area at the western end of the highway. Curiously, now visible across the road from the "homestead" is the Crystal River Nuclear Power Plant about 4 miles away. (I'm guessing this is why the area isn't more developed.) Check it out if you're ever down there.

[charlieray1]

Originally Posted by Elvis

It was not the worst film he made but after Viva Las Vegas it should have been brought to a sudden halt. But they all made money and took about 5 to 6 weeks to shoot. Three pictures a year at 1 mil a picture in the 1960's was great money. Unfortunetly it was during this time that his music became insignificant (save How Great Thou Art whcih was Gospel). From 64- Dec of 68 was the lowest point in his career.

I completely agree. Viva Las Vegas is good, light-weight fun. It SHOULD have been his weakest film . . . unfortunately it's one of the better ones. How tragic that he kept listening to Tom Parker and cashing the paychecks for dreck instead of stretching and doing work he could have been really proud of.

When you watch early films like King Creole, it's obvious that he had real potential.

[MifuneFan]

This is $22.50, sold directly by Amazon

[Early Memphis]

Originally Posted by MifuneFan

This is $22.50, sold directly by Amazon

Alas, if I didn't already own it ... Thanks for keeping the Dream alive. All things considered, perhaps my favorite non-concert Elvis flick.

[Swissangel4616]

also recently released in the german speaking area in good Quality with a nice making-of booklet. Personally I recently met Anne Helm