Baz Luhrmann Unearths Lost Elvis Footage in New Concert Film, EPiC
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A groundbreaking new film, EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, promises to redefine how fans experience the king of Rock adn roll, featuring previously unseen footage from his iconic 1970s Las Vegas residency.the film, directed by Baz Luhrmann, weaves together long-lost recordings with rare 16mm and 8mm film, offering a fresh perspective on Presley’s legendary performances.
EPiC originated from a search during the making of Luhrmann’s 2022 biopic, Elvis, starring Austin butler. Luhrmann and his team sought missing concert footage, accessing studio vaults in Kansas. They uncovered a significant amount of unused material from Elvis: That’s the Way It Is (1970) and Elvis on Tour (1972), both documenting Presley’s Las Vegas performances. Decades of rumors fueled the search, with the trailer confirming the footage was found during the production of the biopic.
Rediscovering the King’s Vegas Years
The project began as a search for missing pieces of Elvis history during the production of luhrmann’s 2022 biopic, Elvis, starring Austin Butler. “There has always been talk amongst Elvis’ fans, both longtime fans and newer fans brought in by our film Elvis, of missing reels and never-before-seen concert footage,” Luhrmann explained in a statement released in January. The director and his team gained access to studio vaults in Kansas, uncovering a remarkable volume of unused footage from Elvis: That’s the Way It Is, documenting the 1970 Summer Festival in Las Vegas, and Elvis on Tour from 1972.
The discovery was spurred by decades of rumors surrounding lost recordings. As a title card in the trailer reveals, “In 1969, Elvis returned to the stage to begin a legendary residency in Las Vegas. For 40 years, there have been rumors of lost footage. During the production of Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, it was found.”
Beyond Documentary and Concert Film
Luhrmann is intentionally positioning EPiC as something distinct from conventional concert films or documentaries. “I wouldn’t call it a documentary, or a concert film; our aim here is to make something new in the Elvis canon,” he stated. This suggests a more immersive and artistic approach to presenting the rediscovered material, potentially offering a deeper understanding of Presley’s artistry and stage presence. The film’s trailer features a poignant moment where Presley himself reflects, “There’s been a lot written and a lot said, but never from my side of the story,” hinting at a narrative that aims to provide a more personal connection to
EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. It will be available to audiences in IMAX theaters beginning on February 20, followed by a wider release in general theaters on February 27. The film is expected to draw significant interest from both dedicated Elvis fans and those captivated by Luhrmann’s recent biopic, offering a unique and intimate glimpse into a pivotal era of the King’s career.
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