EPiC - new film - thoughts from the premiere

[Today]

Greetings to all! My first post on this message board. My apologies if this isn’t in the correct category of the board.

I attended the world premiere showing of EPiC at the Toronto International film festival on September 6th with Baz speaking before and after about his labor of love. It is obvious from the outset that he greatly admires the subject and can feel the Elvis rags to riches story drawing parallels to that of his own.

The film was spectacular with the images as striking as you could imagine them to be. Color and sharpness was presented to a maximum. The movie grabs your attention from the beginning and never lets you go.

We heard many, many songs throughout the film, very few in their entirety and lots of mashups of bits and pieces of different performances put together. Probably the best examples would be Polk Salad Annie and Burning Love which put together footage of rehearsal and live versions. Also, as others mentioned, In The Ghetto, offers a studio vocal together with the live performance footage. It should be mentioned that a few of the remix versions from the Baz Elvis documentary of a few years back have been used again in this film.

It was stated twice by Baz that the Hampton concert exists in its entirety. No other performance was mentioned and it should be taken as many hours were filmed that it could be that this is the only concert of the 10 in question (6 from Vegas 1970 and 4 from Tour 1972) that exists in its entirety. Let’s not forget that different camera angles could exist of the same performances. Then there is the issue of the rehearsals.

This is an excellent film!

I think Baz is trying to show us what a unique individual Elvis was - a good man with a caring heart and above all, an exceptional entertainer who was quite intentional and knowledgeable in his craft and loved what he did bringing happiness to those who listened to his music and were fans.

Hope this gets lots of support and we can see some more excellent releases, perhaps mirroring the comprehensive 68 and Aloha video collections.

[Elfan]

I'm Really looking forward to seeing this sometime soon.
Not sure when it will reach the U.K though.

[Today]

I offer an update to my post as i saw the film again, this time on the IMAX screen, and i can tell say that the detail is incredible, although it can get a little grainy at times, showing limitations of the source material.

The aspect ratios of the sources jump between many different sizes, TTWII that has 2:35:1 to the On Tour footage that is 4:3 (yes you read that right). Spoiler alert is that many clips from the 50s/60s movies were shown and the screen size was all over the place. The world premiere showed all of the different sources and it was very obvious of the different sizes, whereas the IMAX showing was more zoomed in and the differences were less pronounced.

This movie was singing and Elvis talking and many, many songs.

As Baz said in the premiere, he would go to the Sunday matinee in his hometown and it was Elvis movie time. He recalled watching Elvis in Easy Come Easy Go and thought, “this guy is so cool”.

And that is what pops from the screen in this movie!

Hope everyone gets to see this film soon and it opens the door to so much more.

[Iwillbetrue]

I offer an update to my post as i saw the film again, this time on the IMAX screen, and i can tell say that the detail is incredible, although it can get a little grainy at times, showing limitations of the source material.

The aspect ratios of the sources jump between many different sizes, TTWII that has 2:35:1 to the On Tour footage that is 4:3 (yes you read that right). Spoiler alert is that many clips from the 50s/60s movies were shown and the screen size was all over the place. The world premiere showed all of the different sources and it was very obvious of the different sizes, whereas the IMAX showing was more zoomed in and the differences were less pronounced.

This movie was singing and Elvis talking and many, many songs.

As Baz said in the premiere, he would go to the Sunday matinee in his hometown and it was Elvis movie time. He recalled watching Elvis in Easy Come Easy Go and thought, “this guy is so cool”.

And that is what pops from the screen in this movie!

Hope everyone gets to see this film soon and it opens the door to so much more.

Feeling very jealous that you got to see it twice!!

Just kidding. Thanks for sharing your review.

[TCB-FAN]

It is expected to have a wider theatrical release in late 2025 or possibly to coincide with Elvis's birthday in January, 2026.
A physical release, likely on Blu-ray as an extended version, is planned to follow the theatrical run.

[FanFrom'61]

It is expected to have a wider theatrical release in late 2025 or possibly to coincide with Elvis's birthday in January, 2026.
A physical release, likely on Blu-ray as an extended version, is planned to follow the theatrical run.

I’m just a bit confused or curious, but if it is ‘planned’ to follow the theatrical run, and that does not seem to be guaranteed as there appears to be talk now that streaming providers are pushing quite hard to get it without a regular theatre release but just imax, wouldn’t an extended version be planned at the same time as opposed to it being likely.

But in recent years, some distributors seem to be losing interest in offering bonus material or extended versions like they used to do - Disney for example seems to be very anti giving bonus material, in fact they seem to be anti anything physical when they end up getting the rights - there are two Beatles movies that have suffered that fate and are stuck on their VoD streaming platform with zero sign of physical releases.

[TCB-FAN]

There are two Beatles movies that have suffered that fate and are stuck on their VoD streaming platform with zero sign of physical releases.

Well, thankfully, Baz is not dealing with Disney. Baz confirmed last month that there will be an extended version released on Blu-Ray when all is said & done.


Article link........https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/ ... 641553007/

[FanFrom'61]

There are two Beatles movies that have suffered that fate and are stuck on their VoD streaming platform with zero sign of physical releases.

Well, thankfully, Baz is not dealing with Disney. Baz confirmed last month that there will be an extended version released on Blu-Ray when all is said & done.


Article link........https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/ ... 641553007/

Baz says lots of things - three years ago, he was talking about a 4 hour version of his Elvis movie. Now there’s nothing wrong with that, but it would be up to the studios to decide if that kind of thing gets a green light, especially if it takes him away from other projects that are being put together by Warner’s with the idea of using Luhrmann as the director.

But this is what has been reported regarding EPiC
"The Luhrmann doc was financed by Sony Music in partnership with EPE. Weinshanker said the film’s debut at TIFF will be an opportunity to sell the project to a distributor.

“We're gonna go to market. We actually don't know yet who is going to distribute the film,” said Weinshanker, who added that everyone involved believes the movie should have a proper theatrical release, rather than just going direct to streaming. “It needs to be seen in theaters,” he added.

So there’s an opportunity to sell but Warner’s/Sony will take the best financial deal offered to them, whoever that may be. If Disney make the biggest financial offer, why would Warner’s/Sony run with a much lower offer. There’s reason why the movie was restricted to 96 minutes despite Baz’ vision and what he wanted and would have liked, because Warner’s/Sony recognise that to attract a wide audience outside of the fanbase, a movie too long would have the opposite effect. So Warner’s/Sony have the control over this. You can see it when Baz was talking about his movie that there was an element of frustration that much more could not be seen.

That’s not to say that a Blu-Ray release will not happen but it does not automatically mean it will. We as fans just hope it does.

[Ale]

Is Hound dog a different version?
Thanks

[Iwillbetrue]

There are two Beatles movies that have suffered that fate and are stuck on their VoD streaming platform with zero sign of physical releases.

Well, thankfully, Baz is not dealing with Disney. Baz confirmed last month that there will be an extended version released on Blu-Ray when all is said & done.


Article link........https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/ ... 641553007/

Baz says lots of things - three years ago, he was talking about a 4 hour version of his Elvis movie. Now there’s nothing wrong with that, but it would be up to the studios to decide if that kind of thing gets a green light, especially if it takes him away from other projects that are being put together by Warner’s with the idea of using Luhrmann as the director.

But this is what has been reported regarding EPiC
"The Luhrmann doc was financed by Sony Music in partnership with EPE. Weinshanker said the film’s debut at TIFF will be an opportunity to sell the project to a distributor.

“We're gonna go to market. We actually don't know yet who is going to distribute the film,” said Weinshanker, who added that everyone involved believes the movie should have a proper theatrical release, rather than just going direct to streaming. “It needs to be seen in theaters,” he added.

So there’s an opportunity to sell but Warner’s/Sony will take the best financial deal offered to them, whoever that may be. If Disney make the biggest financial offer, why would Warner’s/Sony run with a much lower offer. There’s reason why the movie was restricted to 96 minutes despite Baz’ vision and what he wanted and would have liked, because Warner’s/Sony recognise that to attract a wide audience outside of the fanbase, a movie too long would have the opposite effect. So Warner’s/Sony have the control over this. You can see it when Baz was talking about his movie that there was an element of frustration that much more could not be seen.

That’s not to say that a Blu-Ray release will not happen but it does not automatically mean it will. We as fans just hope it does.

Luhrmann never put a timeline or specifics about platform on any of these projects. The four hour cut, the complete Austin Butler concerts- he clearly mentioned that it takes him a long time to do these spin offs/ extended cuts ( Down Under, for example)

I think it is the fans who go up in smoke anytime he utters a single word about Elvis. Or even when it is not about Elvis at all- all his posts on instagram have Elvis fans constantly asking him about Elvis!! Lol!!

[VinylSpinout]

My Epic: Elvis Presley In Concert Screening

Sunday September 14, 2025 2:15 p.m. (IMAX) Scotiabank Theatre Cinema 12
Got there a little early, was sitting in my seat at 1:30 for the 2:15 showing – yes, I was kind of excited.
Watched the cinema fill with a real cross section of people – young kids, teens, the hip to the nerds to my generation in their Elvis T shirts and grandmas too. The sold-out theater holds 400+ people. Nice.

First of all: This Film Was Great! Not really a documentary, not really a concert film, I think Baz called it a Tone Poem.
This is a cinematic experience.
This takes you on a musical ride and I was happy to go along.

First, we get a fast-paced backstory of the rise to fame. Nice use of familiar TV and live footage along with the stunning new 8mm colour film and home movies. Looks like some gets a little AI enhancement but tastefully done. Elvis tells some of the story here using the Hy Gardner and Truth About Me interviews.
A fast-paced edit of the Hollywood years is next. IMAX quality Harum Scarum, Spinout, Stay Away Joe, Speedway clips etc.…I love it!
Now on to the rehearsal and live footage – others have already done a breakdown of what is there so I’ll just give you some of my thoughts.
Much of the Austin Butler ELVIS film style is there - High adrenaline fast edits that make you feel the energy of Elvis’ live shows. Once we get a copy of this on Blu-Ray I imagine we’ll be using the freeze frame often. I want to see more but it’s okay, it works.

Things of note:
• The use of saturated colour. Elvis’ rehearsal shirts really pop!
• We get a pumping Polk Salad Annie segment expertly intercutting rehearsal and live footage.
• Suspicious Minds is given a longer segment too and wow I didn’t think it was possible for a new appreciation of Elvis on stage from this era.
• Lots of audience interaction is shown with a particularly funny segment where one fan is trying to pull a fringe off of Elvis’ jumpsuit, "Honey it won't come off."
• 72 Elvis interviews are used to great effect with Elvis’s genuine love of his craft and bits of vulnerability coming through the story
• As the curtain comes down it was great to follow Elvis backstage right to the Elevator. (this sequence gave me a misty eye – you’ll know what I mean when you see it)
Baz expertly pulls out the emotion.
So that was just a piece of my thoughts……There’s so much more.

TORONTO TIFF50 SCREENINGS
Epic: Elvis Presley In Concert (I believe all were SOLD OUT)
1) September 6, 2025 Saturday 2:45 p.m. Visa Screening Room at Princess of Wales Theatre
2) September 7, 2025 Sunday 5:00 p.m. (Press and Industry) Scotiabank Theatre
3) September 7, 2025 Sunday 8:00 p.m. Scotiabank Theatre
4) September 12, 2025 Friday 7:30 p.m. Scotiabank Theatre
5) September 13, 2025 Saturday 8:30 p.m. Scotiabank Theatre (extra screening)
6) September 14, 2025 Sun 2:15 p.m. 400+ seats (IMAX) Scotiabank Theatre Cinema 12

myview.jpg (101.44 KiB) Viewed 5867 times

[Sweet-Angeline]

Well went to the sold out screening on Sunday afternoon and all I can say is "incredible" absolutely loved it. Footage was so clear and in your face mesmerizing to say the least. Many things stand out, I noticed pertaining to the 72 live footage that Elvis is not "pale anymore" as seen on previous DVD / BLURAY releases. I am sure the die-hards (I am one) may complain about not getting full performances, but it did not bother me at all. If they come at some later point then so be it. Scotiabank theatre was loud and the bass just seemed to pound throughout the venue. Hats off to Baz and his crew for this fine film. Thank God someone behind the scenes cares enough about this footage to get it out to the fans. I will go to future screenings when that happens. This needs to be supported. What a thrill and what a high to see the King doing his thing. Almost 50 yrs later Elvis lives...Forever!!

[Iwillbetrue]

Well went to the sold out screening on Sunday afternoon and all I can say is "incredible" absolutely loved it. Footage was so clear and in your face mesmerizing to say the least. Many things stand out, I noticed pertaining to the 72 live footage that Elvis is not "pale anymore" as seen on previous DVD / BLURAY releases. I am sure the die-hards (I am one) may complain about not getting full performances, but it did not bother me at all. If they come at some later point then so be it. Scotiabank theatre was loud and the bass just seemed to pound throughout the venue. Hats off to Baz and his crew for this fine film. Thank God someone behind the scenes cares enough about this footage to get it out to the fans. I will go to future screenings when that happens. This needs to be supported. What a thrill and what a high to see the King doing his thing. Almost 50 yrs later Elvis lives...Forever!!

Great to hear. You are 100% right that this needs to be supported. The chance to get the full performances out has never been higher. And this looks like one giant step towards that goal.

Pretty much all the reviews from mainstream and fans are uniformly great. I even saw some reactions by non fans which were excellent. Luhrmann's 2022 film was crucial in shifting the modern perspective on Elvis to a large extent, and it shows in the reception of this film.

There is interest in distribution, so hope to see the film in theatres.

[VinylSpinout]

TIFF 50 People’s Choice Documentary Award presented by Rogers:

The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue, dir. Barry Avrich

First runner-up: EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, dir. Baz Luhrmann

Second runner-up: You Had To Be There: How the Toronto Godspell Ignited the Comedy Revolution..., dir. Nick Davis

[elvis4life]

TIFF 50 People’s Choice Documentary Award presented by Rogers:

The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue, dir. Barry Avrich

First runner-up: EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, dir. Baz Luhrmann

Second runner-up: You Had To Be There: How the Toronto Godspell Ignited the Comedy Revolution..., dir. Nick Davis

You can find this quote by going on https://tiff.net/press/news/tiff-50-ann ... rd-winners , then scroll down to the headline "PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS PRESENTED BY ROGERS", then go to paragraph 4 to read:

"People’s Choice Documentary Award presented by Rogers: The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue, dir. Barry Avrich
First runner-up: EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, dir. Baz Luhrmann
Second runner-up: You Had To Be There: How the Toronto Godspell Ignited the Comedy Revolution..., dir. Nick Davis"

[FanFrom'61]

TIFF 50 People’s Choice Documentary Award presented by Rogers:

The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue, dir. Barry Avrich

First runner-up: EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, dir. Baz Luhrmann

Second runner-up: You Had To Be There: How the Toronto Godspell Ignited the Comedy Revolution..., dir. Nick Davis

You can find this quote by going on https://tiff.net/press/news/tiff-50-ann ... rd-winners , then scroll down to the headline "PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS PRESENTED BY ROGERS", then go to paragraph 4 to read:

"People’s Choice Documentary Award presented by Rogers: The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue, dir. Barry Avrich
First runner-up: EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, dir. Baz Luhrmann
Second runner-up: You Had To Be There: How the Toronto Godspell Ignited the Comedy Revolution..., dir. Nick Davis"

Interesting that the winning movie was initially stopped from premiering at TIFF because it was questioned as to whether the film makers had rights to Hamas footage and they wanted to avoid disruption at the premier, but the decision was overturned and reversed after a strong protest about its exclusion. Apparently When the movie was shown, there were indeed protests and about the movie itself, yet it still won the People’s Choice. Must be quite a powerful documentary.

[L Ray]

TIFF 50 People’s Choice Documentary Award presented by Rogers:

The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue, dir. Barry Avrich

First runner-up: EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, dir. Baz Luhrmann

Second runner-up: You Had To Be There: How the Toronto Godspell Ignited the Comedy Revolution..., dir. Nick Davis

You can find this quote by going on https://tiff.net/press/news/tiff-50-ann ... rd-winners , then scroll down to the headline "PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS PRESENTED BY ROGERS", then go to paragraph 4 to read:

"People’s Choice Documentary Award presented by Rogers: The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue, dir. Barry Avrich
First runner-up: EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, dir. Baz Luhrmann
Second runner-up: You Had To Be There: How the Toronto Godspell Ignited the Comedy Revolution..., dir. Nick Davis"

Interesting that the winning movie was initially stopped from premiering at TIFF because it was questioned as to whether the film makers had rights to Hamas footage and they wanted to avoid disruption at the premier, but the decision was overturned and reversed after a strong protest about its exclusion. Apparently When the movie was shown, there were indeed protests and about the movie itself, yet it still won the People’s Choice. Must be quite a powerful documentary.

How many films were there in total shown at the festival?

[Ale]

Well went to the sold out screening on Sunday afternoon and all I can say is "incredible" absolutely loved it. Footage was so clear and in your face mesmerizing to say the least. Many things stand out, I noticed pertaining to the 72 live footage that Elvis is not "pale anymore" as seen on previous DVD / BLURAY releases. I am sure the die-hards (I am one) may complain about not getting full performances, but it did not bother me at all. If they come at some later point then so be it. Scotiabank theatre was loud and the bass just seemed to pound throughout the venue. Hats off to Baz and his crew for this fine film. Thank God someone behind the scenes cares enough about this footage to get it out to the fans. I will go to future screenings when that happens. This needs to be supported. What a thrill and what a high to see the King doing his thing. Almost 50 yrs later Elvis lives...Forever!!

Cool!...is hound dog a different version ?

[Today]

From my recollection: The Hound Dog performance is a mashup beginning with an Ed Sullivan performance (not sure which one) and with the August 11, 1970 Midnight show version originally in the Lost Performances.

[Ale]

From my recollection: The Hound Dog performance is a mashup beginning with an Ed Sullivan performance (not sure which one) and with the August 11, 1970 Midnight show version originally in the Lost Performances.

Thanks...thats a pity...I thought it wss completely new. Seems to be the only filmed version