Elvis: That's the Way It Is
A vibrant concert documentary captures Elvis Presley rebuilding his stage identity through preparation, fan fervor, and a triumphant Las Vegas performance.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- electrifying
- celebratory
- intimate
- concert night
- classic rock marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly agree that the film offers enthralling footage of Elvis Presley performing his hits while providing only limited insight into his private life.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The film follows Elvis Presley preparing for and undertaking his 1969 return to the concert stage after nearly a decade away.
The documentary crosses between electrifying live numbers, rehearsal and preparation, and glimpses of the concert environment.
Elvis is shown not only as the King of Rock ’n’ Roll before fans but also as a singer preparing carefully with his musicians.
Fans travel from around the world to witness the history-making Las Vegas concerts.
Films like Elvis: That's the Way It Is, and why
The Last Waltz
behind-the-scenes concert preparation, charismatic rock performance, and documentary access to a major music event
Woodstock
electrifying live music staged as a cinematic event with strong performer presence and backstage context
Gimme Shelter
intimate observational access to a legendary musician balancing public performance with professional pressure
Movie Details
- Director
- Denis Sanders
- Release Date
- 1970-11-11
- Runtime
- 95 min
- Rating
- 8.1 / 10 (99)
Cast
- Elvis Presley
- James Burton
- John Wilkinson
- Charlie Hodge
- Jerry Scheff
- Glen D. Hardin
- Ronnie Tutt
- Cary Grant
- Sammy Davis Jr.
- Tom Parker
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Howdy Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Elvis: That's the Way It Is about?
- A vibrant concert documentary captures Elvis Presley rebuilding his stage identity through preparation, fan fervor, and a triumphant Las Vegas performance.
- What is Elvis: That's the Way It Is like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Elvis: That's the Way It Is as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Elvis: That's the Way It Is violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Elvis: That's the Way It Is.
- What did critics think of Elvis: That's the Way It Is?
- Critics broadly agree that the film offers enthralling footage of Elvis Presley performing his hits while providing only limited insight into his private life.
- Which films are like Elvis: That's the Way It Is?
- Films with a similar feel include The Last Waltz, Woodstock, and Gimme Shelter.
- How long is Elvis: That's the Way It Is?
- Elvis: That's the Way It Is runs 95 minutes.
- Where can I watch Elvis: That's the Way It Is?
- In United States, Elvis: That's the Way It Is streams on Howdy Amazon Channel.
