24/02/2026
Janey and I saw the new Baz Lurhrmann film ‘Epic’ (Elvis Presley In Concert) this past Friday in IMAX. It has taken me a couple of days to digest what we saw and decide how I really felt about it. After a years worth of hype and promises of a slew of newly discovered footage to work with there’s good and disappointing news to report. The concert footage used was shot during the production of (1971) ‘Elvis – That’s The Way It Is’ and (1973) ‘Elvis On Tour’. Much of the connecting footage used has been seen before and the majority of interviews used have also been previously released, so if you’re expecting a lot of ‘new’ material you’ve you’ll be disappointed. What is great to see, is the restoration of concert footage especially from the 1971 film. Elvis was in top voice, physical shape, and hadn’t been eroded by playing the same show night after night, month after month, year after year. He was having a great time and it shows. Starting off with a passionate version of ‘That’s All Right’ and tearing into ‘Tiger Man’ it was a promising start. After that what doesn’t work for me, was what did work for Baz’ Elvis movie with Austin Butler - mixing Elvis songs within one another. For instance, the 68’ special version of ‘Let Yourself Go’ was mixed within ‘Wearin’ That Loved On Look’ which morphed into ‘Night Life’ – a song recorded for the Viva Las Vegas film that was eventually cut from the movie. I did like the extra background added to ‘Burnin’ Love’ which gave it even more punch, but these were not “cover” songs like ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, ‘Walk A Mile In My Shoes’, and ‘You’ve Lost That Loving’ Feelin’. Seeing Elvis 7 times between 1970-1976, that was always my most disappointing part of the shows: Elvis covering other artists hits. It’s a personal taste and I realize others love the covers he did. The sound itself throughout was great (too loud at the AMC where we saw it) and again the film quality was excellent, but Baz playing ‘scramble song’ within the songs throughout the movie started to distract rather than move the movie forward. One more point: seeing footage from 1971 and 1973 almost side by side, showed Elvis’ physical deterioration that had taken place over just two years. He was heavier and not having the fun and energy that came across previously. Lethargy was starting to creep in. I didn’t hate ‘Epic’. I loved seeing Elvis healthy, having fun, and working a crowd. But ‘Epic’ could have never lived up to the claim of ‘Elvis as you’ve never seen him before’. It was a colossal effort for Baz to put together, and I hope it does well. Just know it’s not the Elvis movie to end them all. Go see it with a box of popcorn and a soda and spend an hour and 45 minutes with Elvis. Regardless of my criticisms, how bad can that be…
