A new concert film titled "EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert" has premiered, offering audiences never-before-seen footage of the music icon. The film, which features 58 hours of discovered negatives from Presley's 1970s Las Vegas concerts, promises an intimate look at the performer, including rare interviews and behind-the-scenes moments.
Key Takeaways
- "EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert" features 58 hours of unseen footage.
- The film includes 1970s Las Vegas concert performances and personal interviews.
- Baz Luhrmann and his team discovered the footage in a Kansas City salt mine.
- The film highlights Elvis's personality, vulnerability, and musical range.
- Initial screenings are exclusively in IMAX theaters before wider release on February 27.
Discovery of Lost Footage
The journey to create "EPiC" began during the production of Baz Luhrmann's 2022 biopic, "Elvis." While researching for the film, Luhrmann and his team uncovered a treasure trove of lost footage in a Kansas City salt mine. This discovery included 58 hours of previously unseen negatives from 65 boxes, primarily featuring Presley's Las Vegas concerts from the 1970s.
Luhrmann described the find as "mind-blowing," comparing the experience to an adventure akin to "Raiders of the Lost Ark." The sheer volume of material provided an unprecedented opportunity to explore Presley's life and career in his own words.
Fact File: The Lost Tapes
- Total Footage: 58 hours of unseen negatives
- Origin: Found in a Kansas City salt mine
- Content Focus: Elvis's 1970s Las Vegas concerts
- Unique Aspect: Includes 30 minutes of Elvis speaking about his life
Elvis in His Own Words
One of the most compelling aspects of "EPiC" is the inclusion of 30 minutes of Elvis Presley speaking directly about his life. This rare audio, found on a separate tape, offers a deeply personal perspective from the King of Rock and Roll. Luhrmann emphasized that this allows audiences to hear Elvis tell his story with remarkable humanity.
"What's incredible is that Elvis tells the story in his own words. We found 30 minutes of him just talking about his life," Baz Luhrmann stated.
This personal narrative reveals much about his aspirations and feelings about his career, offering insights rarely heard by the public. Jerry Schilling, a friend and former business partner of Presley, praised this aspect of the film. Schilling noted how Luhrmann allowed Elvis to present himself authentically.
Restoration and Production Challenges
Bringing the unearthed footage and audio to life was a significant undertaking. Producers Matthew Gross and Jeremy Castro detailed the extensive restoration process. The raw footage required months of work in the studio to perfect the visuals and remaster the music.
Castro explained, "It was in its most rawest state. And after over eight and a half months in the studio, working on the edit, perfecting the craft, going through the process or remastering, bringing back the visuals and the music, the elevation -- you're like, this is something epic."
Behind the Scenes
The technical challenges involved in restoring decades-old film negatives and audio tapes are substantial. This includes color correction, stabilization of images, and the careful reconstruction of sound elements to match the visuals. The goal was to ensure the highest quality presentation for modern audiences while preserving the original essence.
A Multifaceted Portrait of Elvis
The film showcases many sides of Elvis Presley. Audiences will see his iconic stage presence alongside moments of vulnerability and compassion. Luhrmann highlighted Presley's playful nature, often clowning around with his musicians, who always watched him closely because "you never knew what he was going to do on stage."
The concert footage features some of Presley's biggest hits, including "Suspicious Minds" and "Can't Help Falling in Love." It also includes his unique interpretations of other artists' songs, such as "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" by The Righteous Brothers and Willie Nelson's "Always on My Mind." One notable performance transforms Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" into a powerful gospel number.
Elvis as an Underrated Producer
Jerry Schilling also highlighted Presley's often-overlooked talent as a producer. The film offers glimpses into his creative process, suggesting he was a significant force behind the musical arrangements and performances. This aspect provides a new understanding of his artistic contributions beyond his role as a performer.
Premiere and Release
The Los Angeles premiere of "EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert" took place at the Chinese Theater in Hollywood. The event saw the reunion of director Baz Luhrmann and actor Austin Butler, who portrayed Elvis in the 2022 biopic. Other notable attendees included Priscilla Presley, Tallulah and Scout LaRue Willis, Janey Seymour, Dita von Teese, songwriter Mike Stoller, and Jerry Schilling.
The film is currently showing exclusively in IMAX theaters. It will expand to other theaters starting February 27. This limited IMAX run offers a unique opportunity to experience the restored footage on a grand scale, immersing viewers in the energy of Presley's live performances.
Film Release Details
- Initial Release: Exclusively in IMAX theaters
- Wider Release Date: February 27
- Director: Baz Luhrmann
- Featured Songs: "Suspicious Minds," "Can't Help Falling in Love," "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'," "Always on My Mind," "Bridge Over Troubled Water"
The release of "EPiC" marks a significant moment for Elvis fans and music historians alike. It provides a fresh, authentic perspective on one of music's most enduring figures, allowing his voice and performances to resonate with a new generation.