Today marks the birthday of the legendary Elvis Presley, and the world is celebrating the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll with some of the biggest news since his 1968 Comeback Special. While fans across the globe are spinning their favorite records, the real excitement is centered at Graceland where a massive new cinematic project is finally being unveiled to the public. Director Baz Luhrmann is returning to the world of Presley with his highly anticipated new film, EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, which is hosting its first advanced U.S. screenings right now at the mansion. This isn’t just another documentary; it’s a groundbreaking experience that blends long-lost footage from the Las Vegas residency with rare 16mm and 8mm film from the private archives. Fans are getting to hear Elvis tell his own story through newly discovered audio recordings that give a deeper look into the man behind the jumpsuit than ever before.
If you haven’t seen it yet, the official teaser trailer for the film recently dropped, showcasing the breathtaking restoration of Elvis at his absolute peak. The footage looks like it was filmed yesterday, capturing the raw energy and charisma that made him a global icon. For those who couldn’t make it to Memphis for the birthday festivities today, the big screen beckons very soon. The film is set for a special one-week exclusive IMAX engagement starting February 20, followed by a worldwide theatrical release on February 27. It’s being described as a “concert-film adrenaline burst,” and early reviews suggest it captures the electrifying presence of Elvis in a way that hasn’t been seen in decades.
The birthday surprises don’t stop with the movie. A massive soundtrack featuring 27 recordings is slated to drop next month, and the first single, “Wearin’ That Night Life Look”—a bold new medley of Presley classics—was released today. Graceland is also keeping the momentum going with two brand-new exhibits that opened this morning: the EPiC Exhibit, showcasing iconic stagewear and the famous Gretsch Country Gentleman guitar, and a retrospective called Elvis 1956 that focuses on the landmark year he became a superstar. Beyond the concert film, the Elvis renaissance continues on the small screen as well, as Sofia Coppola’s film Priscilla recently made its debut on Netflix. Whether you are watching the new concert footage or catching up on the latest biopics, it is clear that Elvis’s influence is just as electric today as it ever was. Happy Birthday, Elvis!