Imagine stepping into a world where Elvis Presley comes alive once more, not just in songs but through unseen footage that transcends time. Baz Luhrmann, fresh off the success of his biopic Elvis, is set to deliver a cinematic experience like no other with his new documentary, EPiElvis Presley in Concert.
Luhrmann has embarked on a quest, reminiscent of the meticulous efforts seen in Peter Jackson’s retrospective The BeatleGet Back. He’s gained access to an impressive trove of rarely seen archival footage from classic Elvis documentaries, including the legendary 1970 Las Vegas concert film ElviThat’s The Way It Is and the 1972 road film Elvis on Tour.
What sparked this cinematic treasure hunt? During his research for the Elvis biopic, Luhrmann was granted the opportunity to explore the Warner Bros underground vaults in Kansas, where dusty boxes of forgotten film awaited discovery. The journey led to the astonishing revelation of 68 boxes of film negatives and previously unseen 8mm footage. Along with these visual gems, the filmmaker uncovered lost audio recordings, featuring the King himself recounting stories of his illustrious life.
Recently, Luhrmann took to Instagram to tease EPiC, showing previously unseen snippets of Elvis that left the audience captivated. He described the atmosphere at the Sony Music Vision Content Showcase, where the documentary made its grand revea“EPiC rocked the house,†he wrote, capturing a night filled with nostalgia and excitement.
Luhrmann’s vision for EPiC isn’t merely to serve fans a collection of concert footage. Instead, he seeks to weave a narrative that allows Elvis to connect with viewers as never before. “It’s not specifically a documentary, nor a concert film,†he explained. “It’s about Elvis guiding the audience through his journey, stitched together with unseen footage and iconic performances.†From the lavish 1970 Vegas show to the intimate moments of his 1957 performance in Hawaii, the film promises a journey through time, allowing Elvis’ voice to resonate in first person.
The painstaking restoration process spanned two years, with technical teams working diligently to present the footage in a quality never before projected. The documentary aims to blend Elvis’ timeless music with both classic and contemporary contexts, giving life to his narrative as he reflects on the powerful role music played in shaping who he was.
EPiElvis Presley in Concert is set to hit theaters later this year. As anticipation builds among fans, it’s clear this documentary promises to revitalize the legacy of one of music’s greatest icons in a manner that feels both personal and expansive, reminding us why Elvis continues to hold a special place in the pantheon of entertainment.