Baz Luhrmann’s ‘EPiC’ Lets Elvis Presley Tell His Own Story in IMAX
Baz Luhrmann returns to the world of Elvis Presley with EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, an IMAX documentary that premiered at Graceland on January 8, 2026 – what would have been the King’s 91st birthday [1]. The film utilizes rediscovered and previously unseen concert footage, allowing Presley himself to narrate his story through his own audio recordings.
A Cinematic Celebration of the King
EPiC isn’t a traditional biopic; it’s a concert film designed for the substantial screen. Luhrmann’s aim is to offer an immersive experience for those who never saw Elvis perform live, or to allow devoted fans to relive the magic [1]. The film primarily features footage from Elvis’s Las Vegas appearances in 1970 and 1972, showcasing over two dozen songs including classics like “That’s All Right,” “Burning Love,” and “In the Ghetto” [4].
Rediscovered Footage and a Unique Perspective
The documentary stems from Luhrmann’s search for unseen footage during the production of his 2022 biopic, Elvis. Sixty-eight boxes of 35mm and 8mm footage were discovered in the Warner Bros. Film archives, including outtakes and a performance from Hawaii in 1957 [2]. This footage, initially lacking sound, was painstakingly restored and synced with existing audio sources, including a 45-minute recording of Elvis discussing his life [2].
Release Dates and Availability
EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert debuted in select IMAX theaters on February 19, 2026, and had a wider theatrical release on February 27, 2026 [1]. The film is distributed internationally by Universal Pictures [2]. Specific release dates vary by country, with screenings available in Australia, Austria, Belgium, and many other locations throughout February and March 2026 [1].
A Celebration of Elvis’s Peak
The film focuses on Elvis at what many consider the high point of his career, after his 1969 comeback and before his divorce in 1973 [1]. It captures his confidence, humor, and undeniable charisma, showcasing his connection with the audience, even in intimate settings [1].
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