Overview: A thoroughly cinematic drama, Elvis’s (Austin Butler) story is seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks).

As told by Parker, the film delves into the complex dynamic between the two spanning over 20 years, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America.

Central to that journey is one of the significant and influential people in Elvis’s life, Priscilla Presley (Olivia DeJonge).

4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Verdict: Warner Bros. is expanding their 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray catalog offerings this month with the release of the highly-anticipated Elvis in the expansive 4K Ultra HD video format this September 13th, 2022.

For my money, this Elvis [4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital] combo pack sharpness takes a fairly large step forward from others in their 4K Ultra HD catalog and even comes with HDR (High Dynamic Range) for the complete 4K Ultra HD experience, of course.

So, what we have is Elvis presented to us as a two-disc combo pack with a sheet for a Digital HD Copy. Other stand out points you should know are: Codec: HEVC / H.265, Resolution: Native 4K (2160p), HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Aspect ratio: 2.39:1 and Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1.

Featuring Dolby Vision and HDR10 for brighter, deeper, and way more lifelike colors, as with most all 4K UHDs, everything that we watch features these qualities - but somehow, this film gloriously shines within them all.

Noticeably crisp with the overall clarity receiving an obvious boost here on this release, what is more is that it is enjoyably noticeable.

For as well as some new nuances to the somewhat drab palette courtesy of Dolby Vision we also get to witness sudden bright pops of color; such as the legendary Hayride Performance. From his moments backstage, lonely, alone, a dusty barn encapsulating him and his thoughts, until the moment he takes the stage, slightly numb, slightly off kilter to what to expect (from himself and the audience), the scene from barn to stage is colorfully nuanced to perfection here in 4K UHD.

Indeed, the picture enjoys the fruits of the added resolution in terms of bringing out the aforementioned extremely fine facial and some of the yellow graded material; notably the en masse of Elvis doing live shows as he got more famous, more known, more confident. For the more famous he became, the more adored he was, the sets became more colorful, more detailed, more poppy, shall we say.

As for the audio, well we have a veritable smorgasbord of choice here: English: Dolby Atmos, English: Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), English: Dolby Digital 5.1 (448 kbps), French: Dolby Digital 5.1 (448 kbps) and Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1 (448 kbps).

Overall, this is a very strong 4K HDR Blu-ray presentation, and, for the most part, the audio track remains fairly similar to its DTS-HD counterpart; with much of the action occupying the surrounds with outstanding directionality and placement where effects flawlessly pan between the sides and rears.

As for the movie itself, well, this 2 hour 39 minute biographical film begins to follow the life of Elvis Presley as a young white boy who grew up in a poor black neighborhood, which exposed him to sultry blues and rousing gospel music.

We watch along as when he was a young man, he took these musical influences and created his own brand of country music with a touch of the blues. His unique look and electric live performance style took his screaming female fans, and later the whole country, by storm.

Family-wise, Elvis had to deal with his mother Gladys (Helen Thomson), his father Vernon (Richard Roxburgh) and his wife Priscilla (Olivia de Jonge). Career-wise, Elvis was being forced to clean up his act as the US was going through a turbulent 1960s.

During his Vegas residency at the International Hotel, he was trapped in an exhausting schedule that had him dependent on addictive drugs just to be able to perform the next day.

However, instead of going the typical biopic presentation, director and co-writer Baz Luhrmann decided to tell Elvis’s life story from the point of view of his controversial manager, Col. Tom Parker (Tom Hanks).

This major cinematic decision was a very big risk because Parker was a very unlikable character. Every time he appeared on screen, the ever-reliable Hanks emanated an annoying, negative vibe that made watching him very uncomfortable.

Thankfully, Austin Butler was there to dominate and own the big screen with his spectacularly realistic and deeply emotional portrayal of Elvis Presley. That first trailer did not do Butler justice. Now that I have seen the whole film, I can say he more than stepped into the King’s big shoes.

During his take on If I Can Dream at the 1968 Singer TV special or Suspicious Minds on the Vegas stage, Butler convincingly transformed into Elvis before our eyes.

Indeed, Austin Butler puts it all on the line in the film with detailed meticulous research and preparation, and then immerses himself into the character, so much so that it is often hard to distinguish there is an actor performing, not Elvis despite only being somewhat similar in appearance.

Butler pulled it off doing a great job in acting performing and even singing Baby, Lets Play House in the film. Much of the rest is great lip syncing which was a good decision, in my humble opinion, but Butler performed enough to be counted as one of the greatest Elvis impersonators if one wants to take it to that level.

The buy-in is almost immediate and by the middle of the film, one is engaged in watching Elvis from a young man to 42 when he died so young.

This is the first film this year that is a clear contender during the awards season next year, including the Oscars. Aside from imminent acting nominations for Butler and Hanks, Baz Luhrmann’s scintillating direction will likely be cited as well, along with technical nods for cinematography, film editing, costume design, hair and make-up, and most especially sound.

In truth, it is a wall of meticulously-edited sounds that oh-so needs to be heard in a Dolby theater.

DIGITAL, 4K & BLU-RAY ELEMENTS:
“Elvis” Premium Digital Ownership contains the following special features:
1. Bigger Than Life: The Making of ELVIS
2. Rock ‘N Roll Royalty: The Music & Artists Behind ELVIS
3. Fit for a King; The Style of ELVIS
4. Viva Australia: Recreating Iconic Locations for ELVIS
5. “Trouble” Lyric Video

“Elvis” 4K UHD combo pack and Blu-ray contain the following special features:
1. Bigger Than Life: The Making of ELVIS
2. Rock ‘N Roll Royalty: The Music & Artists Behind ELVIS
3. Fit for a King; The Style of ELVIS
4. Viva Australia: Recreating Iconic Locations for ELVIS
5. “Trouble” Lyric Video

Experience an epic exploration of the life and music of Elvis Presley when “Elvis” arrives for Premium Digital Ownership at home on August 9th, 2022.

The film is directed by Baz Luhrmann from a screenplay by Luhrmann & Sam Bromell and Luhrmann & Craig Pearce and Jeremy Doner, based on a story by Luhrmann & Craig Pearce and Jeremy Doner, and stars Austin Butler (“The Dead Don’t Die,” “Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood”) and Tom Hanks (“Saving Private Ryan,” “Forrest Gump”). The film will also be available on 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD beginning on September 13th, 2022.

On August 9th, 2022, “Elvis” will be available for early Premium Digital Ownership at home for $24.99 and for 48-hour rental via PVOD for $19.99 SRP on participating digital platforms where you purchase movies.

On September 13th, 2022, “Elvis” will be available on 4K, Blu-ray and DVD. “Elvis” will also continue to be available to own in high definition and standard definition from participating digital retailers.

“Elvis” will also be available on Movies Anywhere. Using the free Movies Anywhere app and website, consumers can access all their eligible movies by connecting their Movies Anywhere account with their participating digital retailer accounts.

“Elvis” Movie @ Facebook