The chance to see newly discovered concert footage of Elvis Presley on the big screen was always going to pull me in. During the research for his recent biopic, Baz Luhrmann helped bring this long-rumoured, previously lost material to the big screen. Discovered in 2022, it includes rehearsal clips and Las Vegas performances that many fans had only ever heard whispers about. I’d been looking forward to it for a while, so I booked early.
It was genuinely great to see the cinema so busy. The screen was packed and the atmosphere had a bit of an event feel to it. It’s been marketed as more than just a documentary or a straightforward concert film, and in truth it sits somewhere between the two. I imagine this would look phenomenal on IMAX, but even on the large screen at my local it looked superb.
The restoration work is impressive. The footage has been digitally cleaned up beautifully and really holds its own on a cinema screen. What surprised me most was how well the commentary is handled. It’s crafted using Elvis’s own voice, edited together so seamlessly that it feels as if he’s narrating it for this film.
For the true Elvis fans, this must feel like a rare treat. I enjoyed it, but I suspect you probably need to be a proper fan to truly enjoy every moment. That said, I’ve always had a soft spot for the King, and there’s something special about seeing those performances in this way.
The music, of course is timeless along with his amazing vocals. Classic tracks, the unmistakable moves, and footage that captures both Elvis and his audience in that early to mid-70s era. If you enjoy his music and want to experience a slice of that Vegas magic on the big screen, it’s absolutely worth a watch.
Film Rating
Music
5 out of 5 (would you expect anything else)
Story/plot
out of 5
Acting/Performances
out of 5
Overall
out of 5
Certification: 12A
Running time: 97 minutes
Screening type: 2D
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