Movie: EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert
Release Date: Feb. 27, 2026
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Runtime: 1 hour, 36 minutes
Genre: Concert/Documentary
Rating: A
For many, Elvis Presley is the singer that their grandparents always go on about or the guy that impersonators dress up as to marry couples in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Everyone knows “Elvis Presley: The King of Rock n’ Roll,” and most could probably name at least a handful of his songs even if they don’t consider themselves to be fans.
Elvis is undeniably iconic; he is a staple of the music industry, and his songs have stood the test of time. However, director Baz Luhrmann doesn’t just show audiences the icon in “EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert,” he goes further and presents the man underneath as well.
The documentary focuses on the era of Elvis’ life during which he had his Las Vegas residency from 1969 until his death in 1977. It interweaves footage from interviews, behind-the-scenes b-roll and the concerts themselves to tell the story of both the man and the legend he became.
The opening is a swift overview of Elvis’ career and what ultimately led him to the Las Vegas residency. The film shows his rise to fame, his arrest, his time in the military and his film career in a brief montage.
Much of the footage in the film comes from lost tapes that have been restored and remastered for an immersive film experience. It was found during the making of the 2022 biopic “Elvis,” also directed by Luhrmann.
It’s a unique film because it’s not strictly a concert film or a documentary. Rather, it’s an even blend of both that adds to the quality and impact of the film, making it an unforgettable experience. Due to the film being comprised entirely of real-life footage, it lacks Luhrmann’s signature stylization, but Luhrmann uses that to let Elvis truly shine as the sole subject of the spotlight.
While there are no acting performances to speak of, the concert performances on display in the film are absolutely riveting. The level of production in the shows might pale in comparison to today’s standards, but there’s no denying the level of performer that Elvis Presley was. His energy on stage alone dazzles an audience just as much as the pyrotechnics of today’s biggest concerts.
The passion Elvis has in his music and in his performance is on display at every turn. He doesn’t just perform with his voice, but with every part of his body. It doesn’t matter if he’s standing or sitting; he’s always put everything into it, and it’s no wonder that he was so captivating to the audiences of his time.
He’s a larger-than-life presence who keeps the audience’s attention, even when he’s not singing, with a strong stage presence and fun jokes. He completely owns the stage with his relaxed nature and contagious joy, often displayed in a huge grin.
He doesn’t need back-up dancers or special effects to make the show stand out, as he’s able to do it all on his own. His bright costumes, infectious energy and passionate singing will draw you in and make you want to join him. For many people, it will be the closest they get to seeing Elvis Presley live on stage, but it’s easy to forget that it’s just pre-recorded 40-year-old footage when the performances still feel just as lively now.
What truly makes the film special, however, is how it pulls back the curtain to show who Elvis truly was. It shows behind-the-scenes footage of him in rehearsals joking and having a good time with his band or after shows sitting around with friends having a drink.
Elvis tells stories of the music he loved as a kid, such as gospel and R&B, that inspired his sound and drove him to be a musician. He discusses initial failures he had in the music world, such as coming in fifth place during a childhood talent show and failing music class in school.
Elvis talks about his dreams to go overseas and share his music with an international audience. He describes his struggles with loneliness and searching for someone to connect with in his life. He even expresses how hard it is to grapple with living up to his own image. These aren’t the stories of a legend and an icon, but a human being going through the same life struggles as everyone else.
Luhrmann gives Elvis the chance to tell his own story, and in doing so, humanizes him on a level even most of his fans probably haven’t seen before. The film cements Elvis’ status as a legend and proves that he has earned his rightful place in history as a performer and the “King of Rock 'n’ Roll”. However, what truly makes the film epic is its poignant reminder of the man behind the icon.