Director Baz Luhrmann surprised film buffs and rock ‘n’ roll fans alike with the announcement of his newest film, “EPiC (Elvis Presley in Concert),” as a follow-up to his 2022 biopic “Elvis.” Luhrmann, using 65 reels of previously unseen 35mm and 8mm footage he discovered in a Kansas salt mine where the Warner Bros. archives are located, compiled a beautiful collection of Elvis’ most heartfelt behind-the-scenes moments and bedazzling performances.

Throughout the film, Luhrmann curates the footage to create an enchanting spectacle of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll in the most notable moments of his career. Included are his Hollywood days, his army service, the aftermath and his performances at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. The segments feature Elvis’ own voiceovers, in which he discusses his emotions about the pinnacle of his career and his social-justice-driven motivations for making a comeback in the music industry. While these were things that his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, tried to stop him from revealing to the public, through his ’50s charm, Presley revealed his dedication to putting his heart and soul into each song.

This is not to say that the film only highlights Elvis’ pleasant moments in his career. It also showcases the pain of losing his mom, being desensitized toward fame, and the struggles with his divorce and relationship with his ex-wife, Priscilla Presley. Luhrmann made the creative decision to display the songs that best correlate with these elements of Presley’s life. Among them is a tribute sequence to his late daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, including various videos and pictures of them together, accompanied by the song “Always on My Mind.” The tearjerking combination serves as a reminder of the star’s love for his family even amidst the hardships of being a star.

The sequencing of the film, which happens chronologically to Elvis’ career, helps audiences understand the progression of his career and reminds them not to forget his passion for collaboration with his bands and playful, joking nature that made him a charmer on stage. Some of the rock ‘n’ roll star’s most beloved songs are featured in the film, like the recording of the first performance ever of his 1972 single “Burning Love”, accompanied by incredible sound restoration. Luhrmann even includes a recording of Elvis’ single “If I Can Dream”, which was written as a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. after the activist’s assassination.

Some viewers may not recognize many of the non-hits included in the recording sequences, and may find some songs more exciting than others. While this can be disappointing, Luhrmann’s choice of footage and the film’s compelling visuals prevent any possible dull moments. Some of the clips included are so well-restored that they appear they could have been filmed today. With such impressive visuals came accusations of using artificial intelligence, but Luhrmann assured audiences that the film was devoid of it and was the result of the hard-working crew that followed Elvis everywhere in 1972.

Whether or not you are an Elvis fan, “EPiC” is a compelling watch that reveals the importance of music’s potential to bring the world together in disparaging times. With inclusion of his most moving passions and motivations for music-making, the found-footage concert film presents audiences with Elvis’ most authentic, passionate self. It serves as a reminder of how he earned the title of king, and why he is still praised as such to this day.