For decades, fans have been longing to witness the legendary Elvis Presley at his peak. Now, thanks to the groundbreaking documentary 'EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert', directed by Baz Luhrmann, they can experience the iconic performer like never before. This immersive film, which opens in IMAX on February 20, 2026, and hits theaters everywhere on February 27, offers a captivating glimpse into Elvis' groundbreaking Las Vegas residency at the International Hotel. The movie is a treasure trove of never-before-seen footage, including electrifying rehearsals and concert performances, and features a candid Elvis Presley narrating his life story in a newly unearthed interview. The documentary showcases the Elvis we forgot about, the charismatic performer with the great cheekbones, who captivated audiences with his energetic performances of 'Suspicious Minds' and 'Burning Love'. It's the Elvis who charmed his way through a packed ballroom, leaving female fans in a state of ecstasy. The film also presents the Elvis who famously wore a white polyester jumpsuit that was, indeed, a size too big for his lean frame, adding to his iconic style. Luhrmann describes this Elvis as being at the pinnacle of his career, almost inhuman on stage, yet deeply human. The footage, which had been buried in a Kansas salt mine for 50 years, was discovered during the making of Luhrmann's 2022 biopic 'Elvis', starring Austin Butler. The recovery process was akin to 'Raiders of the Lost Ark', with Luhrmann and his team negotiating with gangsters on the black market and appealing to private collectors for missing pieces. The result is a visually stunning and immersive experience, thanks to the collaboration with Peter Jackson's team at Park Road Post Production. The documentary takes a unique approach by focusing solely on Elvis, with him sharing his story directly, providing a rare and intimate perspective. Elvis candidly discusses his disappointment in his film career, highlighting the challenges he faced in Hollywood and the struggle for respect for his creative endeavors. The film also explores Elvis' return from the Army, his rise to become the highest-paid actor, and the subsequent backlash from the industry. The documentary showcases Elvis' signature songs, including 'Polk Salad Annie' and 'Never Been to Spain', as well as a captivating mashup of 'Little Sister' and The Beatles' 'Get Back'. While the film touches on various aspects of Elvis' life, it skips over some details, such as his marriage to Priscilla Presley and the performance of 'Always On My Mind'. It also avoids discussing his prescription drug abuse and the complex relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, who is portrayed through clips of 'Devil in Disguise'. Despite these omissions, the documentary provides a comprehensive and captivating portrayal of Elvis' peak years, leaving fans enthralled and eager for more.
