Saturday, December 19, 2020

December 19 - Trouble In Paradise?

A few days ago the new Pyramid import-label announced the release of the double DVD set 'Sold Out! The Rex Martin 8mm Collection: Volume 1'. Reactions from fans and collectors on various forums were mixed, and there seems a bit of trouble in bootlegger's paradise. One collector announced he would upload the footage to YouTube. 

And he did. View the footage on >>> YouTube.

The Pyramid label issued a statement

Since announcing our 2 DVD-set release ”Sold Out!” a couple of days ago, there have been a lot of fan reactions. A lot of interest from the fans, who are excited by the release of such an extravaganza of rare 8mm footage. This release has also sent a shockwave through the community of hardcore collectors, who always pride themselves in sitting on the treasures they own, every once in a while inviting a select few to see this footage, so that they can feel “superior”.

Now that we are releasing such a treasure trove of unreleased material, one German collector in particular has tried to sabotage our release, simply because he does not want this material to come out. We have received several unhinged mails with threats from this individual, who shall remain nameless for now. We find his behavior appalling, and actually a bit sad. The greatness of Elvis is to be shared, and this footage deserves to be seen by all of you, as much of it is absolutely sensational. The people who originally shot this footage, including Rex Martin and Jim Curtin, gladly shared their footage with others, and it is in that spirit that we are now sharing it with you.

And only now that these 8mm films is coming out, this German collector threatens to put it online, in a sad attempt to try and prevent the other volumes from coming out. But we will not be intimidated by this very “small” man. It has only made us more determined to release it all. The good news is that we have 25+ hours of rare 8mm footage, some of it having been located only recently. Volume 1 is now out, volume 2 is in production, and # 3 and 4 will also follow shortly. As we stated in our first press release, this is a release from fans for fans. **** those few creepy elitists – the time has come for the real fans to see this footage.

This is the most significant release of unreleased material in ages. We have done everything to ensure that this material is presented in the best and most affordable way possible. No bullshit, no expensive extras – just the real deal. And the fact that our first release is making various hardcore collectors nervous is itself quite an endorsement, and underlines the fact that these releases are not to be missed. We are ready to blow the gates wide open…. Because the fans deserve it. Support us and prepared to be surprised: 2021 is going to be a great year for all Elvis fans! 

Sold

Elvis Presley’s 1969 Mercedes-Benz 600 limo sells for US$293,888

Elvis Presley bought and sold and estimated 200 cars in his lifetime, most of which he enjoyed driving himself. Some, however, were chauffeur-driven show pieces for those times when The King of Rock ’n’ Roll required a more distinguished ride. One of those, a 1969 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman limousine, just sold for US$293,888 on Bring a Trailer.

The average value of a non-Elvis-owned 1969 Mercedes-Benz 600 in #2 (Excellent) condition is $163,000. Clearly, the King still has the Midas touch, more than four decades after his death. According to the comments, the winning bid was still less than the seller expected (US$288,888, plus a US$5000 commission fee). He indicated that he is donating the proceeds to charity.

(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / MSN)