Rare Footage of Elvis at His Peak Unearthed for New IMAX Concert Film

Director Baz Luhrmann brings the King of Rock 'n' Roll back to life in "EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert"

Feb. 28, 2026 at 2:07pm

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Baz Luhrmann's new documentary "EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert" captures the King of Rock 'n' Roll at the absolute height of his powers during his 1970s Las Vegas residency. The film features never-before-seen rehearsal and concert footage that was lost for decades, now restored to IMAX quality. Luhrmann worked to uncover the disintegrating footage and pair it with candid audio of Elvis reflecting on his career disappointments and the creative freedom he found in his Vegas shows.

Why it matters

This rare footage of Elvis at his peak provides a fresh perspective on the iconic entertainer, showcasing his incredible stage presence, vocal prowess, and the creative control he fought to regain in his later years. The documentary offers fans an unprecedented look at the King in his prime, while also shedding light on the challenges and compromises he faced throughout his career in Hollywood.

The details

The "EPiC" documentary was built around electrifying, never-before-seen footage that was originally filmed for the documentaries "Elvis: That's the Way It Is" (1970) and "Elvis on Tour" (1972). Director Baz Luhrmann and his team had to negotiate with collectors and even "gangsters on the black market" to recover the disintegrating footage, which they then worked with the team at Park Road Post Production in New Zealand to restore to IMAX quality. The film features Elvis rehearsing, performing classic Vegas hits like "Polk Salad Annie" and "Never Been to Spain," and even interacting with adoring fans.

  • The "EPiC" documentary will be released in IMAX theaters on February 20, 2026, and in regular theaters on February 27, 2026.
  • The footage used in the film was originally shot during Elvis Presley's groundbreaking residency at the International Hotel in Las Vegas in the early 1970s.

The players

Baz Luhrmann

The director of the new "EPiC" concert documentary, as well as the 2022 Elvis Presley biopic starring Austin Butler.

Elvis Presley

The legendary King of Rock 'n' Roll, who is the sole focus of the "EPiC" documentary and whose never-before-seen concert and rehearsal footage is the centerpiece of the film.

Jonathan Redmond

The film editor and executive producer who worked with Baz Luhrmann to bring the lost Elvis footage back to life.

Peter Jackson

The filmmaker whose Park Road Post Production team in New Zealand helped restore the visual quality of the Elvis footage to IMAX standards.

Priscilla Presley

Elvis Presley's ex-wife, who will be seeing the "EPiC" documentary for the first time next week.

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What they’re saying

“The Elvis of 1970 that you see in this film is the Elvis at the absolute pinnacle, almost like he's flying so close to the sun. He's almost inhuman on stage, and yet so human.”

— Baz Luhrmann, Director

“Hollywood's image of me was wrong, and I knew it. And I couldn't say anything about it.”

— Elvis Presley

What’s next

Priscilla Presley and Elvis' daughters, Riley Keough and twins Finley and Harper Lockwood, will be attending private viewings of the "EPiC" documentary in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This rare, restored footage of Elvis Presley at the height of his powers provides a captivating and intimate look at the King of Rock 'n' Roll, shedding new light on his creative struggles and the artistic freedom he found in his legendary Las Vegas residency. The film offers fans an unprecedented cinematic experience that brings Elvis' electrifying stage presence back to life.