They didn’t call Elvis Presley the King of Rock and Roll for nothing. With tens of millions of records sold, an undeniable stage presence, and a huge back catalogue that spanned sounds from the blues to gospel, it’s no surprise he’s still hailed as the King even long after his death. But did you know that despite his lofty stature, he never performed outside of North America? EPIC showcases beautifully restored footage of Mr. Presley on stage at Las Vegas’ International Hotel (now the Westgate), studio sessions, and even personal footage showcasing his life away from music and off the stage.
What does one say about Elvis Presley that hasn’t already been said? Apparently, Baz Luhrmann, who directed 2022’s Presley biopic (simply entitled ELVIS), had more to say about the King of Rock and Roll. For EPIC, Luhrmann brings a treasure trove of content together to give audiences the definite Elvis. On stage in his most famous gigs. In a studio setting. And off the stage as well. Some light biographical elements help to set the state, but rest assured, this is about live music first and foremost. EPIC is an Elvis experience fit for a king… and his fans won’t disagree.
What is EPIC: ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT? Is it a documentary? Is it a concert film? It’s certainly the latter more than the former, but Luhrmann does manage to unearth some great footage that depicts the man on the stage as well as the one off the stage. We get a look at his early days, his being drafted and taken away from the industry for a period, and of course, his foray into feature films, and even his increasing disillusion with them. One of the best aspects of EPIC is it doesn’t just show us what Elvis did; it let the King tell us, in his own words, what he wanted to go out and do. That he died so young and never got the opportunity to perform outside North America is both shocking and heartbreaking; the same can be said of old home movies that show footage of a young Lisa Marie. Luhrmann never goes overboard with this footage; he uses just enough of it to get the point across. If you’re looking for a comprehensive career-spanning documentary, EPIC isn’t that film.
But, you don’t come to a movie subtitled ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT to hear his life story. You come to hear him do what he does best. Sing. On a live stage.
Random filmed excerpts of Elvis are all over the place… but Baz Luhrmann managed to get his hands on an absolute treasure trove of footage. It’s not clear if this footage (shot on glorious film!) was in pristine condition or if it had to be restored, but one thing audiences will immediately notice is how spectacular it looks. And sounds. The screening I attended was at the AMC Town Square theater’s IMAX room, with blaringly loud speakers. Having been born in 1984 I’m too young to have seen Elvis live on stage. But I have no doubt EPIC is the closest I’ll ever come.
And, you know what? That’s fine with me. EPIC is epic.
Not only are the audio and video absolutely perfect; the movie does a great job capturing the King’s charisma. Seeing him rushing to a car after a gig or being mobbed by fans, or having women try to kiss him during his performances just goes to show what an effect he had on his listeners. I’ll be the first to admit I’m not the world’s biggest Elvis fan, but I was mesmerized by Luhrmann’s look into the King’s life on and off the stage.
EPIC is, hands down, the best Elvis content I’ve ever seen, unleashing unseen footage on a multigenerational fanbase that only grows larger decades after the King’s demise. Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS biopic from 2022 was entertaining enough, but this is the REAL Elvis, packed into an hour-and-a-half live concert experience and more. I’ve never seen a better concert film than this. I’m not sure I ever will.
Absolute highest recommendations.