The four-CD box-set Platinum was released to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Elvis's death. While much of the material here is made up of familiar hits, there are also 77 unreleased performances spread over the set. Of course, unreleased doesn't necessarily mean better. The original versions of "Heartbreak Hotel," "Rip It Up," and "That's All Right" are so firmly embedded as the foundations of rock & roll that the new versions here add little luster. But what makes Platinum a real treasure-trove is hearing Elvis off mic, whether off-duty or working up songs in the studio prior to recording. Presley had an instinctive grasp of all manner of music; as you can hear on these tracks, he could slip with ease from rock & roll to gospel, ballads, or the blues. Among the most revealing recordings are of Elvis relaxing at home, tackling such diverse material as "I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen," "Blowin' in the Wind," and "Blueberry Hill." Platinum may not be ideal as an introduction to the music of Presley, but--filled as it is with rare photos and a sensitively written song-by-song commentary--it provides an illuminating insight into the man whose shadow casts itself long into the 21st century. --Patrick Humphries

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Choice moments include a brilliant account of "What'd I Say" from rehearsals for "That's The Way It Is", replicating Ray Charles to a tee, while his commanding performance of "You'll Never Walk Alone" is gut wrenching, leaving Elvis, and the listener, drained.

A gritty, determinedly "down home" reading of "Blueberry Hill" (transferred from acetate) effortlessly overshadows the officially released version, while a rare live version of "Stuck on You" (from the Sinatra TV special) and the blistering Milton Berle show performance of "Hound Dog" are indispensable additions to any true fans' collection.

Also of note is an interesting, "looser" take of "Bossa Nova Baby", with the band blowing up a storm on the instrumental break, and Elvis resorting cheekily to the original lyric ("drink you fink, oh fiddly dink I can dance with a drink in my hand").

11 of 12 found the following review helpful:

A Remarkable Life in MusicJul 27, 1999
By Scott T. Rivers
"Platinum" is a terrific 4-CD overview of Elvis Presley's artistry from 1954 to 1977. Along with the essential classics, this set includes a gold mine of previously unreleased material. The 1970 jam sessions on Disc 3 are a revelation - proving that Elvis could out-rock all comers. Presley's hard-edged run-through of "What'd I Say" is a masterpiece. Other gems include alternate takes of "Burning Love," "Promised Land," "Hurt" and "Way Down." In retrospect, "Platinum" is the finest display of Elvis' creative scope - an indispensable chronicle of the man and his music.

8 of 9 found the following review helpful:

AwesomeDec 08, 2002
By Joseph A Jones
Back in '97 when I purchased this, I can remember saving up money that I had gotten for my birthday and 12 days later going to the store and buying it the day it came out. I got home shortly after and listened to it start to finish. I was completely amazed. From disc one 1954 to disc four 1977, this collection spans The King's career wonderfully featuring 77 previously unreleased performances sprinkled in with 23 essential studio and live recordings. There's little to zero fill on here and this collection gives a wonderful insight to what went out between songs in many Presley recording sessions and his live performances also. Too bad the "Today, Tomorrow and Forever" collection didn't follow in Platinum's footsteps.

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