Baz Luhrmann Unearths the King: ‘EPiC: Elvis Presley In Concert’ Hits Streaming
Baz Luhrmann is returning to the world of Elvis Presley, but this time, the focus isn’t on a scripted biopic. EPiC: Elvis Presley In Concert arrives on streaming services this week, offering fans a rare, unfiltered look at the King of Rock ‘n’ roll during his prime. Running 1 hour and 36 minutes, the film is a meticulously assembled collection of previously unused footage and restored sequences from two iconic 1970s concert films.
The Making of EPiC: A Treasure Trove of Lost Footage
While researching his 2022 blockbuster biopic, Luhrmann discovered a “treasure trove” of unseen material stored in the Warner Bros. Underground salt mine vaults in Kansas. This discovery allowed Luhrmann to create a project he described as “absolutely unprecedented.”
The film primarily draws from two pivotal productions:
- Elvis: That’s the Way It Is (1970): This footage captures Elvis’ legendary Summer Festival in Las Vegas, shot on high-quality anamorphic 35mm film.
- Elvis on Tour (1972): A road concert film from two years later. Notably, the original 1972 release featured a montage of extant footage supervised by a then 30-year-old Martin Scorsese.
Beyond the Performance: The “Lost” Audio
One of the most compelling aspects of EPiC is the inclusion of rare, behind-the-scenes audio that was feared lost for decades. In the spring of 1972, a film crew captured approximately 40 minutes of Elvis talking casually on tape. These recordings feature Presley telling stories from his own life in his own words—insights he never previously put on record.
According to Jerry Schilling, a confidant of the King, these tapes were largely suppressed during Elvis’ lifetime by his censorious manager, Colonel Tom Parker. For the first time, significant portions of this intimate audio are being heard in Luhrmann’s new production.
Key Takeaways for Fans
- Runtime: 1 hour, 36 minutes of featured content.
- Visual Quality: Includes restorations and unused anamorphic 35mm footage.
- Unique Content: Features 40 minutes of casual audio recordings previously hidden by Colonel Tom Parker.
- Historical Connection: Showcases work from the 1970s and early involvement by Martin Scorsese.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between EPiC and the 2022 Elvis movie?
The 2022 film was a scripted biopic starring Austin Butler. EPiC: Elvis Presley In Concert is a documentary-style film consisting of actual restored and unused footage of Elvis Presley himself.
Where did the unused footage come from?
The footage was recovered from the Warner Bros. Underground salt mine vaults in Kansas, specifically from the productions of Elvis: That’s the Way It Is and Elvis on Tour.
When can I watch EPiC: Elvis Presley In Concert?
Reports indicate the film arrives on streaming services the week of April 5, 2026.
By blending high-fidelity restorations with intimate, previously unheard audio, Baz Luhrmann has moved past the “image” of Elvis to showcase the man behind the myth. This release serves as a vital historical record of Presley’s early 1970s era, providing a level of access that was impossible during the King’s lifetime.
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