EPiC: ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT...And Then Some

EPiC: ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT (4K + Blu-ray)

2025 / 96 min

NEON

Review by Princess Pepper😺

Though my mother was certainly around when Elvis ruled the world, she didn’t become a big fan until long after he died. For a time, it seemed like whenever I visited or happened to be riding in the car with her, it was all she ever listened to…incessantly. I never really got into his music, but appreciated the joy it brought her. It’s just too bad that belated fandom meant she never got the chance to see him live.

Mom passed away a few years ago, and since I still miss her very much, music by some of her idols evokes memories whenever I hear it…Neil Diamond, Tom Jones, and of course, Elvis Presley. At least she got to see Neil & Tom live (more than once, I think). As for The King himself…she would’ve absolutely loved EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert because it’s arguably the next best thing to being there.

The film collects and restores classic, rare and formerly-lost footage of Elvis shows during the Vegas era of capes, sequined jumpsuits, gold belts and martial arts (shortly before the mileage and rock & roll lifestyle began to catch up with him). Whether one likes the man’s music or not, you can’t deny his total showmanship, command of the crowd and dedication to each performance. And behind it all is the type of sincerity that’s difficult to fake. While directly addressing the audience, Elvis is both funny and charming.

Elvis conjures a Twinkie.

Title notwithstanding, EPiC is more than just a concert film. Through archival video and audio interviews, Elvis himself narrates his own history and feelings regarding his status as an icon. Coming across as congenial and humble, sometimes he even seems perplexed over his own level of stardom, to say nothing of the controversy his performances garnered in the early years. Just as engaging is all the behind-the-scenes footage of rehearsals with his band, which are nearly as energetic as his stage performances (and a bit more down to Earth). 

It’s all lovingly assembled by Baz Luhrmann, the same director responsible for the shockingly good 2022 Elvis biopic. I guess he hadn’t quite gotten all that King worship out of his system, which is ultimately a good thing for longtime fans (or curious newcomers). While there’s certainly no shortage of Elvis documentaries and concert films, not only does EPiC serve up footage not seen in over 50 years (if ever), the whole thing looks and sounds as good as any modern concert film, especially in 4K UHD (the accompanying Blu-ray disc is no slouch either). 

While I still wouldn’t count myself among his fans, the film did have me developing a greater appreciation for Elvis’ skills as a performer. I may not dig most of the songs (though “Burning Love” kinda kicks ass), but watching and hearing him belt them out in hi-def before a worshiping crowd is infectious. Mom would’ve loved this.

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