Producers combined the talents of both Elvis Presley and Martina McBride for the album, Elvis Presley Christmas Duets.
This may sound like just another mash-up but, after watching the video, you may be surprised by how realistic the duet looks. Producers used footage from Presley’s 1968 Comeback Special and impressively edited a video of Martina McBride singing alongside him. With full 60’s hair and makeup, McBride is a convincing co-performer.
The two perform “Blue Christmas.” Elvis Presley originally recorded the holiday classic for his 1957 Christmas album.
With Technology, Age Is Nothing But A Number
When Elvis Presley performed “Blue Christmas” during his 1968 TV Special, Martina McBride was not even two years old. Nevertheless, 40 years later, with the help of some savvy technology, McBride was able to step back in time and perform with the rock n’ roll legend.
How Did They Bring Elvis Presley and McBride Together?
During an interview, producer George Flanigen said that the process they used to create this video was different from the ones they’ve used before. In other juxtapositions, they took footage of Elvis and edited him into modern-day performances. However, for this project, they had to bring McBride to 1968.
“We were taking Martina to the 68 special,” said Flanigen. In the 1968 footage of Elvis Presley, there is an empty chair sitting between him and his guitarist. The perfect spot for McBride, according to Flanigen. “It was like somebody should have been sitting there,” said Flanigen. “We’re like, we could probably figure a way to put her with Elvis,” said Flanigen.
Martina McBride filmed her part of the duet in front of a green screen. Her video was then combined with the preexisting footage of Elvis Presley. Flanigen said it took four weeks to complete the project. Watch behind the scenes footage to see exactly how they brought this duo together for the holidays.
