EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert

EPiC is EPIC! I’ve seen “Elvis Presley in Concert” twice now, once in IMAX and once in a standard theater. While any theater will do, IMAX is the way to go to watch the man, who stunned the world with his beautiful voice and face, come to life before your very eyes. He was never just a singer; he was a performer, one I hate to have missed seeing. ​

Entertaining was of great importance to the energetic, dynamic man. His fans were crucial to him. What he says about them is something you hope all entertainers think about those who love them.

During this film, you’ll see why he was so beloved and why he was thought of as the “King of Rock and Roll.” I was quite young when he passed, but I remember how upset everyone was upon hearing the news. I recall his music being played around the house rather often. My mom, dad, and older sister all worshiped the ground the man walked on, even going to Graceland once. I was too young to be taken on the trip. Whatever, guys!

I’ll admit, I barely knew who he was, but the biggest memory I do have of him was that he was considered the best to many, and that his death was a great loss. This film brings him back to life in a way. For this documentary, director Baz Luhrmann uncovered 69 boxes of Elvis material, including 59 hours of unseen footage and mislabeled products. There was 35mm and 16mm film stashed in a Kansas salt mine! What luck for us all that it was procured.

It contained raw footage from “Elvis: That’s the Way It Is” and “Elvis on Tour.” The footage, which the director restored to 4K without using AI or visual effects, also includes a 45-minute audio recording of Presley speaking openly about parts of his life.

This film is masterfully cut. The songs chosen to accompany the credits, to be heard during the most special moments, and used especially for the narration, are perfect. How the editing works with the clips and the music are mind boggling. Some of it plays in the background, but it’ll jump out at you. Please consider listening to the soundtrack as I have many times over. What you hear and see will make you wish you hadn’t missed the whole Elvis love thing, or make you feel miserable that he hadn’t lived longer to have given you more.

It’s clear to see the fan of Elvis that Baz Luhrmann is, as every moment makes you love and value Elvis more. Luhrmann doesn’t dig into it, but he didn’t like Presley’s manager, Tom Parker. He really only speaks of Parker once. When this happens, a popular Elvis tune, “The Devil in Disguise,” can be heard. That tracks with what Parker did to Elvis. I won’t get into it, but he was a monster.

There’s a lot written about Elvis. Various books have been written, and a great deal of movies have been made, but what Luhrmann has done with this documentary is give the entertainer the chance to speak for himself. You’ll be grateful for the time he puts in to bring this to you. Elvis talks about his music and tells us about a new song his band has just produced. We hear and watch everyone during the arrangement of “Burning Love” they’re perfecting for his next live show. He shared that he was “going to spring it on” his audience. These scenes make the movie so very special and make you feel as if you’re in on something no one else is. You’re actually backstage while they practice their new song! The cuts between concert and rehearsal footage, and showing the banter Elvis has with his entire band and entourage, are brilliant. See this on the biggest screen you can, IMAX, if possible!! The sound is tremendous. The songs, the music, and the narration deserve your full attention.

Clips never before seen will make you a first-time fan or a much bigger fan than you were. Try not to sing DURING the film, though. It’s a challenge. He sings a few Beatles songs. Those moments are where you might consider humming to yourself to keep from disturbing your neighbor. Elvis sings “Polk Salad Annie,” bringing the song, and you as an audience member of his, to life. This entire portion is spectacular and considerably noteworthy. Luhrmann stayed away from his personal life, focusing more on who Elvis was when it came to his music and the unqualified love he had for his fans… and the joy all of that brought him. This was so well done, I plan to see it again before it leaves IMAX.

*Pay attention to who’s in the audience during a few of his shows.

*Stay for one middle credits scene.

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