Diamond Joe Esposito was one of Elvis Presley’s closest friend and in this DVD Esposito reveals the very human side to a very large King of Rock and Roll. From Elvis's early days to the unexpected end of his short life, this DVD has many pictures which I had never seen on any other DVDs. It is very interesting to see that Elvis really was just like everyone else. Esposito really cared about Elvis and was a real friend to him.

Esposito talks about getting to know Elvis in Bad Nauheim in 1958 for duty for the US Army. Esposito gives you the inside Elvis only a few people got to see plus home footage. Esposito shares his joy and sorrow with fans. This 2 hour 10 minute documentary includes extended interview segments not usually seen in the usual Elvis rehash documentaries, but by Elvis’ closest and confidant friend – ‘Diamond Joe’ as Elvis called Esposito.The DVD is divided into 24 chapters, with an additional 11 chapters of bonus material.

After the two met and became friends, Elvis offered Esposito a job. Esposito took it and continued to work for Elvis for the rest of Elvis' life. It was the best break ever in Esposito’s life that changed his destiny.

Esposito was in many of Elvis’ movies as an extra, you can truly tell Esposito loved Elvis as it comes out in the movie.  It also explains how Elvis got interested in karate, bet you didn’t know that.

Esposito was also best man at Elvis' wedding to Priscilla, so you get to see the wedding albeit briefly. Esposito also goes on location to show us some of Elvis' homes and places where he performed. These are mostly shown from the outside of the properties with Joe standing on the street or sidewalk. Esposito tells a story about Lisa Marie’s birth and how later how the Lisa Marie jet was purchased, the story of his army days with Elvis going to Paris for a wild night that started in a topless club. 

There's also a few glimpses of the press-conference at Graceland in 1960, Frank Sinatra and Elvis talk on the Welcome Home show from Miami. You also see a few glimpses from a 1950's newsreel, the press-conference after the wedding. There's about a minute from the famous b/w-footage done at Hayride in '57 where you see Elvis rockin' and rolling.

Esposito also said that Elvis spent a lot of time signing autographs for his fans. He said Elvis appreciated his fans very much and signing autographs was one of the ways he liked to show his appreciation for their support to him. There's no doubt this appreciation was reciprocal. More than any other rock star, Elvis never lost touch with his roots or his fans.

The final chapter is what brings a tear to the eye. It’s the day Elvis died. Esposito literally breaks down at this final stage, when he talks about 16^th August, 1977.

One of the 24 chapters, the last is a music video tribute to Elvis sung by country-western singer Tamara Walker titled Cry Like Memphis.

In the bonus chapters in "Touring Memphis," it shows the extent of the Elvis industry in that city, with tours of Graceland, Meditation Garden (where Elvis and his parents are buried), the museum of Elvis' cars, Sun Records and the Lisa Marie jet tour. Talk of Elvis impersonators, and there are several of whom are interviewed, but you don't see them perform. There’s also one about the world's nuttiest Elvis-fan to the biggest fan. There’s also 30 seconds with J.D. Sumner from an interview done right after Elvis died, and all he says is "except for Jesus Christ, there was no bigger man".

There is a short interview with Al Dvorin, who popularized the phrase "Elvis has left the building." Dvorin coined the phrase when he was pressed into service as an announcer during a show in Minneapolis. After the concert was over, he said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, Elvis has left the building. Thank you and good night." This statement has been used ever since and as they say is history.

Today, Memphis brings tourists by the millions to the city. An all-nightcandlelight procession at Graceland on the anniversary of Elvis' death is also shown. The road and wall full of fan messages at Graceland is shown too. It is truly amazing how many people still make a good living off of Elvis after all these years. Elvis' biggest fan, for instance, charges $5 admission to his Elvis museum. Watch him talk about his museum of Elvis that gets a lot of visitors and the money of which helps to sustain his family. There’s also an interview with a fan who lives next to Graceland and who claims that Elvis' spirit is manifesting itself in the house.

In ‘Joe’s Favorite Stories’, Esposito talks on the time where Elvis buys a chimp and a kiss from Don Ho.

On the final analysis, Elvis captured the hearts of millions during his lifetime and after. Considering he really was Elvis' right-hand man for 20 years, this movie makes it clear how close Joe was to Elvis Presley Enterprises. The stories are a little shallow at times, but picture after picture and video after video, Esposito tells his stories. But one quickly realizes that everything is told very superficially and quickly. Most of the things Esposito addresses are already familiar to most fans, but still it is enlightening to know it from someone who has been with him all through the years.

However really upsetting is that Joe praises Colonel Parker for all he did for Elvis. Surely many would disagree if you know what Parker really was to Elvis and how he almost saw the end of the King.

The Elvis Presley Estate did not approve the film, so therefore no Elvis music could be used, which if you watch carefully will notice.

The DVD is in full-screen format. Sound is English Dolby 2.0 with subtitles available in English, French and Spanish. The whole DVD makes a nice tribute to the memory of a legendary entertainer and his many fans. 

The movie is written, directed and produced by Terry Maloney. Joe Esposito and Maloney are executive producers of the film.

Release date: ‎ 30^th July, 2002

Date First Available: ‎ 29^th September, 2006

Studio: ‎ Universal Studios Home Entertainment

Rating: *****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira