Elvis (1968 TV Program) - Additional Information

Additional Information

Two versions of the special were initially aired by NBC. The first included Presley singing "Blue Christmas" – the only seasonal song Binder agreed to use. When the special was rebroadcast the following summer, this was replaced with a performance of "Tiger Man".

In 1984, one of the sit down sessions was released uncut and unedited by Media Home Entertainment, Inc. on a video as Elvis - One Night With You. RCA Video Productions also made a shorter version for television and an album. The original special has also been made available for television and home video - the reissued version restores the censored musical numbers from the "Guitar Man" segment, and features both "Blue Christmas" and "Tiger Man".

In June 2004, RCA Records issued a deluxe 3-disc DVD release containing all the video footage still in existence, including bloopers and incomplete performances. It features a 24-page color booklet with text written by Greil Marcus.

A number of songs were shortlisted for recording but were rejected. "I'll Be Home for Christmas" was cut in favor of "If I Can Dream". Undistinguished songs showcasing his movie career, like "Cotton Candy Land" and "How Would You Like To Be", were axed - as was "U.S. Male". A song that was partially re-recorded but did not make the final show was "A Little Less Conversation", a track from Presley's then-current film release, Live a Little, Love a Little. In 2002, this version was used as the basis for a popular remixed version of the song by Junkie XL, giving Presley his second posthumous #1 hit in Britain (he has now had a record twenty-one no.1s in the British charts). The remix reached #1 in an additional 20 countries, and was added, at the last minute, to the quadruple platinum 2004 compilation ELV1S: 30 #1 Hits

The famous opening sequence, featuring the "Trouble"/"Guitar Man" medley and concluding with the iconic ELVIS sign in red lightbulbs, was subsequently copied or paid homage to by various artists. Robbie Williams (The Robbie Williams Show, 2002), Falco (music video for "Emotional Man", 1986) and Texas (music video for "Inner Smile", 2000) are among the most notable examples. Trix also paid homage to the opener for one of their 2011 commercials.

In 2007 and 2008, two "virtual duets" were inspired by Presley's performances in the show. In a special Idol Gives Back segment, set in 1968 and aired during the sixth season of the popular American Idol TV series, footage of Presley performing "If I Can Dream", taken from the show closer, was digitally inserted into a performance by Céline Dion; later, in December 2008, the reverse happened, with Martina McBride being digitally inserted into footage of Presley performing "Blue Christmas" within the original show. The result was used as a promotional video for the album Christmas Duets, although the album itself does not feature the same recording.