As the world commemorates the 35th anniversary of the King's passing, it appears he may return to the building. Here's a startling article from the Commercial Appeal.First Tupac, now the King: Company to produce 'virtual' Elvis Presley.
If seeing is believing, "The King" of rock and roll is returning to the building. Digital Domain Media Group has signed an agreement with CORE Media Group, the parent company of Elvis Presley Enterprises, to develop and produce a series of "virtual" Elvis likenesses for projects, including appearances in shows, film and TV productions.
"This is a new and exciting way to bring the magic and music of Elvis Presley to life. This will become an exciting and fresh way for his lifelong fans to experience Elvis all over again," said Jack Soden, Elvis Presley Enterprises president and CEO. "Elvis still does resonate. Young people discover Elvis every day, experience his voice, charisma and story. "Digital Domain is the best at what they do, and technology is moving very quickly."
This agreement follows a computer-generated likeness of the late rapper Tupac Shakur that wowed audiences at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 15. The video went "viral," pulling in more than 8 million hits on YouTube, as rumors spread that Shakur came out of hiding and made his comeback performance.
The realistic likeness of Shakur reuniting with rapper Snoop Dogg at Coachella was created by Digital Domain "based on techniques developed for the Academy Award-winning computer-generated likeness of Brad Pitt in 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,' Jeff Bridges in 'TRON: Legacy,' Kevin Bacon in 'X-Men: First Class,' and more," according to Digital Domain's website.
Elvis' sound developed a renewed fan base about five years ago when his remixed songs found new ears. " 'A Little Less Conversation' created a new wave of fans," Soden said. "It's not that he was forgotten but that definitely brought him forward in a new demographic." The companies have begun work on the Elvis holograms, but no announcement has been made about when and where audiences can see the first virtual performances. "Elvis is the most iconic, most recognized performer on the planet, and we are thrilled to have been chosen to bring new performances and original shows where fans can have their own, new experiences of Elvis," John Textor, Digital Domain Media Group chairman and CEO, said in a press release. "In addition to being a dream project on the creative side, this agreement enables us to participate in the success of any number of potential virtual Elvis appearances."
CORE Media, which owns the rights to Elvis' likeness, recently restructured itself after another of its properties, "American Idol," saw a ratings drop last season. The company also recently teased upcoming Elvis projects, including a revamp of Graceland. Elvis' likeness has already graced the stage, appearing on "American Idol" in 2007. Celine Dion, in a duet with the computerized King, sang the 1968 hit, "If I Can Dream."
Meanwhile In The Real World
An estimated 75,000 Elvis fans gathered at the gates of Graceland to celebrate the life and legacy of Elvis Presley on August 15. Fans were in for a surprise when, for the first time ever, Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley came to the gates to greet guests for the Candlelight Vigil.
Fans began the day with Conversations on Elvis where they heard from the men behind the cameras that captured some of the most iconic photos of Elvis. Priscilla Presley joined the list of guest speakers and shared memories about her time spent with the king. Fans then put on their leis and enjoyed an afternoon of cupcakes, hula dancers, and live music. Once all of the excitement calmed down, thousands gathered at the gates of Graceland to honor the king's life, turning the 35th celebration into the largest Elvis Week in history.
Elvis fans around the globe celebrated the life and legacy of the music icon, humanitarian, and father with social media, live performances at the Elvis Week Main Stage, and the highly anticipated 35th Anniversary Concert at the FedExForum.
Elvis Week became a trending topic on several social media networks including Twitter, Google+, and Facebook. Fans around the world shared stories and gave tributes to the King of Rock 'n' Roll for his impact on music and pop culture. Here in Memphis, thousands of fans attended the 35th Anniversary Concert featuring some of Elvis’ finest concert performances projected on a large video screen, accompanied live on stage by a cast of singers and musicians who worked with him and members of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. Elvis fans also welcomed Elvis' daughter Lisa Marie Presley who gave the audience a special surprise in honor of her father duetting 'I Love You Because".
35th Anniversary PromoAt the 35th Anniversary Elvis Concert those fans that paid out a whopping $300 got premier seating along with a Collectible Anniversary Concert Badge/Lanyard. They also receive an exclusive "35th anniversary CD sample" which contains four songs spanning the 50's through to the 70's.
1. Don't Be Cruel2. If I Can Dream
3. Suspicious Minds
4. That's All Right (Remastered from the upcoming MSG CD 'Prince From Another Planet')
'I Am An Elvis Fan' drops from 137 to 186 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Charts for w/e 25th August, 2012. The King And His Re-issues
The 2-DVD 'The King And His Music' will be re-issued once more on October 2, 2012 according to Elvis Club Berlin. It in English with German, French, Spanish and Italian subtitles.
I'm A Turkish Elvisfan
Kamel Audio Kaset released the Turkish edition of the "I'm An Elvisfan".
Bonus Tracks:
My Way (Elvis live version) / I Can't Stop Loving You (Remastered) / Burning Love ( Live January 14, 1973 at Honolulu International Center)
(Source: Commercial Appeal / EPE / Elvis Club Berlin / Elvis Express / Elvis On CD)