Reinventing Elvis: The '68 Comeback (2023)

In 1968, the world was changing. Elvis Presley, once the King of Rock and Roll, was losing his appeal. His notorious manager, Col. Tom Parker, wanted to restore Elvis’ popularity: a network TV Christmas special, replete with sweaters and Santa. To direct the Special, Parker and Elvis both approved of NBC’s choice, the brash, young, socially conscious rebel director Steve Binder. But Binder had a completely different vision for the Special, one that Elvis enthusiastically embraced — much to Parker’s dismay. For the first time on camera, Binder tells the true story of Reinventing Elvis and the Fight which resulted in the ’68 Comeback Special.

Go behind-the-camera and hear from Elvis Presley, music historians and many of the people who were there for the making of this unforgettable moment in music and pop-culture history. Binder’s work reinvigorated Elvis’ image and turned him back into an icon while inventing new filming techniques in the direction of the Special. Reinventing Elvis: The Comeback also features appearances and new musical performances by multi genre superstar, Darius Rucker; young emerging music star, Drake Milligan (“Sun Records”), Latin musical sensation Maffio performing a Salsa version of Blue Suede Shoes— and, above all, Elvis Presley.