I am more of a casual observer of Elvis’s life and legacy than a fan. After Baz Luhrmann’s chaotic 2022 non-fiction film, Elvis, I didn’t know what else could come from The King’s story. Three years later, EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert has managed to show that there’s a lot more. This documentary film is comprised of 68-boxes-worth of 35 mm and 8 mm footage found in the Warner Brothers film archives in Kansas. EPiC is anything but a documentary; instead, it is a transportive concert experience.
Yet, EPiC is more than just a concert film in the traditional sense. It shows the moments before, after, and in between Elvis Presley’s numerous shows, showcasing the toll they took on him. That is not just the physical toll, but the psychological stress he was very obviously put under. To be clear, that description is not something directly spoken in the film. Instead, with Jonathan Redmond’s (The Great Gatsby; Elvis) editing, the idea exists as an undercurrent. Luhrmann has compiled this footage in ways that make every concert or behind-the-scenes moment feel personal. This personal connectivity is signified in the close-ups of Elvis’s face.
Elvis Presley in concert. International Hotel, Las Vegas, August 12th 1970. Photo courtesy of NEON.
Whether unseen from his tours or from his brief time in films, the footage is cut together to tell an emotional story of his life. That is not just a “story” as in narrative, but within the emotion Luhrmann gets out of Elvis’s eyes. This emotion in the performer is delivered in two forms throughout the 96-minute running time. Such a delivery is even presented in the grace notes of The King’s rise as a star, particularly through Colonel Tom Parker’s control over him (and some very obvious musical choices by using such songs as “You’re the) Devil in Disguise” to signify Parker’s villainy).
Elvis Presley in concert. International Hotel, Las Vegas, August 12th 1970. Photo courtesy of NEON.
When Elvis is performing on-stage, Luhrmann makes the sequences do more than have a pulsating energy. He makes each moment feel like Elvis is genuinely connecting with audiences not only as a performer, but as an entertainer. Those moments convey the passion Elvis had for performing while also showing the pain in doing so. That is not just the emotional pain, but the true strain he placed on his body. Besides the concert footage, Luhrmann uses the breaks between shows as a form of meditation. That is not just for audiences to take a breath, but to show how The King never had a moment to breathe. It’s a sad and poignant revelation that, as a non-fan, felt quite resonant. This results in the film having an emotional catharsis that was rather unexpected.
As a concert, EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert delivers on every possible level, which leads to the last question — is the concert film worth a purchase upon home release? Is it something just for the fans? Or can a casual viewer appreciate its ambitions? As a casual to lukewarm Elvis Presley fan, I cannot deny the film’s effectiveness. Baz Luhrmann has made a rock’n’roll concert on film. In its 4K format, the 35 mm and 8 mm footage pops off the screen. It is so bright and vibrant that it is difficult to take your eyes off the screen and so lively that the urge to tap your feet is irresistible. This release skips on the bonus features which, admittedly, the film does not need. There are only a teaser trailer, trailer, and television spots.
Elvis Presley in concert. Greensboro, North Carolina, April 14th 1972. Photo courtesy of NEON.
In many cases, EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert is a home release unlike any other. While not a revelatory film, it succeeds in every way it wants. It’s an intimate, entertaining, emotional, and downright fun behind-the-scenes look at an icon. If you are not already a fan of Elvis, then the film may not do anything to convince you to make a purchase. If you are an Elvis fan, then EPiC is more than worthy of a 4K purchase. Even if you are not a fan, I would like to encourage viewers to give this one a chance. The film’s hearty ambitions have given us one of 2026’s more unique film experiences.
Available on VOD and digital April 7th, 2026.
Available on Paramount+ June 3rd, 2026.
Available on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD August 11th, 2026.
For more information, head to the official EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert website.
To purchase, head to the official NEON shop EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert webpage.
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Categories: Home Release, Home Video, Recommendation, Reviews, streaming
I bought the Epic movie Elvis P in concert.I loved it so much I orderedthe 4k version that im picking up tomorrow .Thanks for keeping his memory alive Baz.
Personally, I loved it. I’m a fan of Elvis.and i could watch this.over and over.
I wish they had epic on DVD I don’t have Blu-ray
The official release says that the film is available on DVD and (with a quick search) found it on Amazon. Check your local retailers, if you can. Should be available to you.
Hey Bonnie, I got my DVD copy at Walmart. It was under $20. Enjoy!
I have always been a Elvis fan. Love his music. , exapecially the gospel.
I have been an Elvis fan since I was 13 years old. I LOVE all types of his music he sang with his heart and soul. We lost a Great man and Entertainer when he passed, there will never be another one like him. Elvis’s music will live on forever and will never be forgotten. Oh I forgot to mention that I am 80 years old now and I am still a ELVIS forever. May he rest in peace he is greatly missed and Loved by so many.
I am 88 and loved Elvis since a teen ager recently saw the movie Elvis Presley in concert loved it forever live the King
Elvis was an absolute genius 👏 on stage he leaves everything off stage every picture tells a story and you can see a gradual decline in performance and health until the inevitable happened there was no way out for elvis he knew exactly what he was doing to himself and he wouldn’t listen to anyone besides that we are honoured to have lived in a time when the greatest entertainer that ever graced earth he came he he conquered and he left us but he will live on forever history will make sure off that long live the king 🤴
A day without Elvis is like a day without sunshine.