With handlers not mesmerized by his voice and looks, Elvis Presley might have also evolved into a quality actor. Jailhouse Rock — released two years after Rebel Without a Cause catapulted James Dean to cult status — showcases Elvis’ successful portrayal as a directionless young man who learns how to belt out tunes while in jail for manslaughter. The 1957 release includes the songs “Treat Me Nice,” “I Wanna Be Free” and the scene-stealing title tune.

Under the high-def microscope of HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc, Jailhouse Rock underscores Presley’s considerable cinematic presence (those piercing eyes), even in black and white and with a limited script.

The bonus material, in standard-definition, includes commentary by Steve Pond, author of Elvis in Hollywood, a theatrical trailer and the featurette “The Scene That Stole Jailhouse Rock.” As Elvis remains largely defined by his music, it is only appropriate that Warner Home Video digitally remastered the soundtrack in Dolby HD.

The choreographed “Jailhouse Rock” dance sequence, which Elvis apparently had reservations doing, was so physically demanding it was filmed in installments and spliced together in post-production. In a time before music videos and digital voice-overs, the musical numbers hold their own, thanks to The King.