Nearly half a century after his death, Elvis Presley remains a mythical figure in popular music. A new film, comprised of footage from concerts he gave between 1969 and 1972, arrives in theaters this week. The documentary is the result of a colossal restoration effort, and marks the latest project from Baz Luhrmann, who also directed the 2022 biopic Elvis.
EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert opens exclusively in IMAX theaters on , with a wider theatrical release following on . The film isn’t a traditional, chronological documentary, Luhrmann explains. Instead, he envisioned something more evocative – a “tone poem,” as he calls it – where “it’s as if Elvis comes to you in a dream and tells his story, and he sings it.”
The source of this remarkable project lies in 59 hours of film footage, professionally shot during the early 1970s, that sat inaccessible for 50 years in a Kansas salt mine. The footage was originally intended for the 1970 documentary Elvis: That’s the Way It Is and the 1972 concert film Elvis on Tour. When Luhrmann secured the rights to make his 2022 biopic, he insisted Warner Bros. Excavate the archives, hoping to find inspiration. What he discovered exceeded expectations.
“We couldn’t let this footage go back into the salt mines,” Luhrmann said. The unearthed material includes not only multi-angle concert performances captured by skilled filmmakers, but also candid backstage moments and interviews with the notoriously private music icon. The salt mine environment proved crucial to the footage’s preservation, protecting it from moisture damage. However, even with its protected storage, restoring the film presented significant technological and financial challenges.
The film focuses heavily on Presley’s groundbreaking Las Vegas residency at the International Hotel. Luhrmann and editor Jonathan Redmond spent considerable time combing through boxes of 35mm and 8mm film reels. A key element of the documentary is a newly discovered 45-minute audio recording of Presley discussing his life story. The footage itself, however, initially lacked sound. Over two years, Luhrmann’s team painstakingly restored the visuals and synchronized them with existing audio sources.
EPiC captures Presley at what many consider the peak of his powers. As described by USA Today, the film showcases “the Elvis we forgot about, the one with the great cheekbones who karate chops and sings the fire out of ‘Suspicious Minds’ and ‘Burning Love.’” It’s a portrait of a confident, commanding performer, rehearsing in vibrant attire and directing his band with enthusiasm.
The documentary’s journey to the screen began with a premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on . Advanced screenings were then held at Presley’s Graceland mansion on , coinciding with what would have been his 91st birthday. The decision to release the film in IMAX underscores the filmmakers’ desire to present the footage in the most immersive and visually stunning format possible.
The project is a collaboration between Sony Music Vision, Bazmark Films, and Authentic Studios, with Neon distributing in the United States and Universal Pictures handling international distribution. The film runs 97 minutes.
The rediscovery and restoration of this footage represents a significant moment for Elvis fans and film preservationists alike. It offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the life and artistry of a cultural icon, presented with a level of technical sophistication that honors the legacy of both Elvis Presley and the filmmakers who captured his performances.
