Not content to rest after the global success of 2022's Austin Butler starring Elvis, Australian filmmaker Baz Luhrmann was gifted a chance to bring Elvis Aaron Presley back to the big screen once more after significant unseen footage was discovered in vaults of MGM studios, including the crown jewel of Elvis himself talking about his life and career which has here been used for the entertainment icon to narrate his own story. While it's obvious that none of us who came after the untimely passing of Presley will ever get to fully know what it was like to witness the king of rock n roll in person, EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert is as close as we will ever get to being front row to a show that needs to be seen to be believed. Rolling along at a relatively breakneck pace across its just under 100 minutes of running time, EPiC isn't about taking us all the way back to Presley's founding years or warts and all exploration of his life well lived with all of those things naturally becoming a part of Luhrmann's vision as he transports us not only back in time but to Presley's own inner self, giving us both the most intimate and grand look at Presley we've ever been able to partake in. It's an incredible feat of directional prowess by Luhrmann, helping lead an Australian production to deliver one of the most notable concert/musical documentaries of the modern era and it's clear to see that he has a great respect and admiration for Presley which allows him to transform that into an entertaining, thrilling and powerful experience that will work for long-term fans and newbies alike. An effervescent presence who no doubt had his demons but comes across here as a man who loved his craft, his fans and most of all music, EPiC also works as a wonderful spotlight and showcase of Presley's unique and once in a lifetime skillset/personality that made him an adored and admired figure across the globe. Getting to hear Presley speak via voiceover so openly in a calm and considered manner, acting as lead in too many of his famous songs or merely meshed in with footage of Presley going about his daily business or practicing with his bandmates is a truly special treat for audience members allowing us too not only sit back and tap our toes and shake our legs but to pause and ponder the man behind the hips, glasses and flamboyant wardrobe. A marvellous cinematic spectacle that has been born out of care and respect, EPiC should be sought out at the biggest screen available to your viewing needs, the best way to be transported to a special time and place where one of the most iconic performers in history was allowed to shine on the big stage, doing what he was born to do. Final Say - An enthralling concert film that works as a documentary, an expose and a seat rattling piece of big screen entertainment, EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert is one of Luhrmann's most impressive directional feats yet and one of the most necessary Elvis documentations yet produced. 4 1/2 bedazzled belts out of 5.

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