Tag Archives: Bazz Luhrmann

EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert Review


When there is a film to be made where the music shines and memories are spellbinding, director Baz Luhrmann does it right. After directing Elvis in 2022, he takes on another film in that same vein, only this time it contains archived footage of the real Elvis Presley. It is filled with moments of conversations, concerts, and the deep personality of the Elvis the world knows. EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert is surreal in its purpose, like a time-machine of moving and musical memories. With the IMAX experience, the gritty aspects of fame feel both circular and angular—the musical moments radiate out loud in the context tomake one feel present.

Audiences can immerse themselves in this film. Especially those who grew up with Elvis. The archived footage moves in a chronological mode jumping frequently from interviews to concerts. This felt like Moulin Rouge but with real footage, as the spellbinding aspects are on the same level in both films. Luhrmann knows how to transition from heartache and shining. Vividly emotional, EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert is a journey through time that keeps rocking with the very well-done concert footage.

There is a sense of appreciation that keeps moving through Luhrmann’s direction, especially in the frequent moments where the facial expression of Elvis is captured. Even though the audience will find themselves jamming a lot with the film, they will also see the realization that money and fame do not always buy happiness. The appreciative form of an artist is how real the experience feels. It is unstoppable.

The archived images of the tours in Las Vegas are where I felt the sparks of magnificence in the visions Luhrmann brings forth. There is a certain magic in all of his projects. Much of which had me thinking back to Elvis and Moulin Rouge. He weaves elements of hidden sadness with the attention of impacting the world with the charms of music and showmanship. Like Moulin Rouge, EPiC: Elvis Presley creates a vision of connections while hiding the sorrow below the fame—a humanistic value that speaks to many from the mind of Luhrman.

This is documentary- driven, and at times feels slow, but that is what the film is about. Appreciating Elvis Presley is what EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert is all about, because much of the footage has never been seen.  The era of when the footage was recorded gives it a time machine feeling that felt more immersive to me in IMAX. I felt like I was transported to a world of concerts I never got to experience. It takes us back toan era where it was all about ticket stands and phone lines to acquire concert seats. The days before the internet shine with thrills in Epic: Elvis Presley in Concert.

Despite the sad moments, the concert does not stop going. Luhrmann continuously pushes on with the true shots of the concerts—every moment matters.  EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert continues to relive the importance of one man that changed the world with not only his music, but his persona alone. Deep down the shots and continuity with fame and the concerts is what makes Epic: Elvis Presley in Concert an unstoppable force of a vivid musical sensation. I was hooked, and the IMAX technology continued to blow my mind in its and hour-and-a-half running time.

This is one that I feel must be seen on the big screen, and IMAX if available. To experience a film of this nature, it should definitely be seen in a way to feel as real as it can possibly be. Without that, the presence will not shine as big as it should in order to be fully appreciated.  An overall unforgettableexperience.   Four out of four stars for Epic: Elvis Presley in Concert.