Blue Hawaii

Not all Elvis films are this good. What makes this one better are the glossy production values; and the letterbox print definitely helps. Angela Lansbury puts in a highly amusing performance as Elvis's ditzy Southern Belle mama (after all, Hawaii is the southernmost state, no?). The whole story hinges around Elvis's return from the military and his desire to return to his cozy beach bum existence, while mater and pater want him to join the family pineapple firm.

The King, of course, is subject to no law. He goes into the tour guide business, marshalling a well-preserved teacher and her four teenage charges around the islands. His Franco-Hawaiian girlfriend is jealous that there's more than tourism going on behind closed doors.

At the end, everything comes together. Elvis gets hitched AND finds a way to work in tourism and for the pineapple firm at the same time. All is at peace in the world, and the music wells up. Finis.


OUTSTANDING ELVIS DVD   May 30, 2000
William Miller (Florissant, MO)
18 out of 19 found this review helpful

Paramount had done a terrific job on the Elvis "Blue Hawaii" DVD. At last we get get to see the beautiful letterbox image in all of it's Panavision glory. The color is dark and rich. And they have done wonders with the sound by turning a mono movie into a partially stereo movie. The music tracks have been redone to make it almost sound like true stereo. The Hawaii location photography has never looked better and this movie also serves as a great commerical for the Hawaii Department of Tourism.

This movie is the prototype of most of the Elvis movies that were to follow. Some Elvis fans do not like these formula type of Elvis movies, preferring the earlier ones where he was more rock 'n' roll and raw. But Blue Hawaii is very entertaining and it features probably the best bunch of Elvis songs in any of his movies. A great supporting cast helps a lot especially Angela Lansbury as Elvis' wacky mother. (Trivia fans take note: When this movie was filmed, Elvis was 26 years old and Lansbury was 36 years old.)

I strongly recommend this DVD to all Elvis fans. And if you are not an Elvis fan, buy this DVD and you might become one quickly.


The Hawaiian Wedding Song does it every time.   July 14, 2002
Rick D. Barszcz (bristol, ct United States)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

I'm not a big Elvis fan but i've always loved this movie more than all of his others. I never thought of him as a great actor but he does (did) have wonderful stage presentation and is also wonderful to look at. God, he just ozzed sex.But the main reason why i bought this was for "The Hawaiian Wedding Song." I've always thought of it as a beautiful song of ultimate love and combined with that whole wedding scene and hearing the music in 5.1 just gives me goose bumps all over. That song alone is worth the whole movie.The other songs, costumes, beautiful Hawaii itself and the other actors all speak for themselves and i just LOVE Angela Lansbury as the mother. She is just a hoot and plays the part to a "tee."It's just a great movie and if you like old fashion romance, nice music, a sexy Elvis, beautiful secenery you'll really enjoy this movie. Good job!


Blue Hawaii DVD is SUPERB!   May 14, 2000
Carbo3D (Boss Angeles, USA)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

The new DVD blows away the new Paramount VHS that is out now...The print is superb (letterbox), and the SOUND is really amazing! They REMIXED the songs and the music for TRUE 5.1...vocals in the center, instruments left and right, and the Jordanaires come at you from behind! The sound truly envelopes you...TRUE ELVIS FANS ARE IN FOR A TREAT! Get this DVD! (This disc rates a "5" on the Elvis scale...)


My favorite Elvis movie!   October 10, 2001
krystlep (Dallas, Tx)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

My favorite Elvis song of all time is "I can't help falling in love with you." When my sister got married in Nevis this past summer, the sounds of the steel drum band playing that song were so beautiful. Elvis is great in this movie. He loved Hawaii and this movie shows that. The music is great as is the plot, especially for an Elvis movie. Although most Elvis movies are for the most part very simmilar, this one stands out in my mind. I highly recomend it!