Movie Review: ‘EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert’ March 6, 2026By John Mulderig OSV News Filed Under: Movie & Television Reviews, Uncategorized NEW YORK (OSV News) – Combine the exuberant screen style of Australian auteur Baz Luhrmann with the intensity of the King of Rock and Roll and the results are bound to be splashy. So it proved with the director’s 2022 biopic “Elvis” and the same now holds true for the helmer’s engaging documentary “EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert” (Neon). During the production of the former film, Luhrmann uncovered a treasure trove of archival footage as well as a sound recording of Presley reflecting on his life and craft. These provided the material for this enjoyable retrospective, a look back at a turning point in the star’s legendary career that’s suitable for a wide range of age groups. Presley’s hold-nothing-back showmanship and command of his audiences during live performances are on full display as he attempts a comeback in late-1960s Las Vegas. His career had earlier been stalled first by two years of conscripted military service and then by his casting in a series of bad Hollywood movies. His successful rebound, which began with a 1968 TV special, led to hundreds of concerts at Sin City’s International Hotel (now called the Westgate Las Vegas). Luhrmann artfully samples some of these, shuttling between the recorded shows. Elvis gyrates and perspires and, in a pop tradition that began with Sinatra and continued with the Beatles, inspires female pandemonium. A heartfelt rendition of the hymn “How Great Thou Art,” on the other hand, reminds viewers that Gospel singing was one of the important strands in the skein of influences that Presley bound together to produce his trademark style. Perhaps most significantly, Presley’s musings on his past, his critics, his achievements and his ambitions offer viewers fresh insights into his seemingly familiar persona. Given that his untimely death, aged 42, took place not quite half a century ago, however, the marshalling of these video and audio resources may, in fact, serve as an introduction for many. The film contains a couple of crass expressions and a sight gag involving lingerie. The OSV News classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. Read More Movie & TV Reviews Meet the Catholic filmmaker behind a new series on ‘Women of the Bible’ Movie Review: ‘Reminders of Him’ Movie Review: ‘Project Hail Mary’ Home viewing roundup: What’s available to stream and what’s on horizon ‘The Optimist’ tells story of Holocaust survivor helped by Catholic family St. Patrick’s Day celebration twist: Catholic Irish actress brings pro-life message to Oscars stage Copyright © 2026 OSV News Print
