This is so hardcore. So remember earlier this year when we wrote about how they had gone back and worked on audiophile-quality remasters of all 711 of the master recordings Elvis Presley released in his lifetime, but the only place you could purchase them all together was via a corny collection from the Franklin Mint? Back then I whined, “it would be great if they could release a nice, chronologically sequenced box with good liner notes.” Well, my wish was somebody’s command because that’s exactly what they’re releasing: The Complete Elvis Presley Masters Collection Limited Edition.

The first run is limited to 1,000 copies and includes 30 discs (including all 711 master recordings plus 103 additional rare recordings — see complete tracklist below), a 240-page hardbound book, individually numbered display case, and an individually numbered certificate of authenticity. It ships on or before October 19, 2010. It costs $749 plus tax and $14.99 shipping. That’s steep, even for thirty CDs. But oh man, what a collection! Hopefully, a more reasonably priced second run will be released after the first run sells out…

Update: Some sharp-eyed fans on the Steve Hoffman forums have noticed that the collection is missing the song “Let’s Forget About the Stars,” recorded for the Charro soundtrack and issued on Let’s Be Friends in 1970. Oops!

Update #2: ElvisNews.com counters: Despite a typo on the official Sony Website and the Sony Press Release, we can now officially state that the 30 cd box set THE COMPLETE MASTERS is indeed… complete, including “Let’s Forget About The Stars” and “Big Boots”.

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