Elvis is back in the building (well, on-screen at least), as the music legend is the subject of an all-new biopic from director Baz Luhrmann, appropriately titled Elvis. The movie was released on June 24 and if you haven’t seen it yet we’ve got everything you need to know about how to watch it right here.
Where to watch Elvis
Can you stream Elvis in the US?
Elvis is available to stream and rent through digital on-demand at home right now.
The movie is streaming in the US exclusively on HBO Max, part of what's new on HBO Max in September. If you are not an HBO Max subscriber and want to watch Elvis at home, you can rent or purchase it on Prime Video, Google Play and more digital on-demand options.
Where can you stream Elvis in the UK?
There are no confirmed streaming plans for the UK at this time. But the ongoing deal between WarnerMedia (owner of HBO Max) and Sky TV in the UK, means that it's likely Sky Cinema (on Sky TV) will be the first UK streaming service to get Elvis.
In the meantime, the movie is available to watch at home via premium video on demand. You can rent Elvis online for £15.99 or buy a digital version to own for £19.99 from Amazon (opens in new tab) and Google Play.
How to watch Elvis in movie theaters
As of September 2, Elvis is still playing in select movie theaters around the world. If you want to see where and when Elvis is playing near you, you can check your local movie theaters’ websites to see if they are showing the movie or use a resource like Fandango (opens in new tab), which can show you where and when Elvis is playing in your area.
Over the last few years, many film fans have gotten accustomed to being able to watch blockbusters on streaming services at the same time or instead of in movie theaters. But almost all of the big Hollywood new movies in 2022 are getting their first runs exclusively in theaters once again.
If you make frequent trips to the movies you might want to look into movie theater subscription/membership deals to make extra savings on your movie-going habit. Many US and UK theater chains provide specialized packages that offer moviegoers a flat-rate monthly cost to see multiple movies in a month, discounted/free tickets, deals on concessions and more.
How to watch the Elvis 1968 comeback special
If you've already seen Elvis, you'll know that the King’s 1968 comeback special is a big part of the movie. It was supposed to be a corny Christmas show, complete with Elvis wearing a reindeer cardigan and shilling Christmas merchandise but producer Steve Binder convinced Presley to squeeze into his leather and return to his rock and roll roots. It represented a turning point for Presley after years of mediocrity and relaunched his musical career.
For Elvis fans that are keen to watch the original, the 1968 Comeback Special is available to rent online on Apple TV and on Prime Video.
Elvis on DVD/Blu-ray
The 4K/Blu-ray/DVD version of Elvis (opens in new tab) will be released on September 19 and it's already available to preorder starting at $19.99/£9.99. In addition to the movie, the physical copy of Elvis has a number of special features. These include:
- Bigger Than Life: The Making of Elvis
- Rock ‘N Roll Royalty: The Music & Artists Behind Elvis
- Fit for a King; The Style of Elvis
- Viva Australia: Recreating Iconic Locations for Elvis
- "Trouble" Lyric Video
These special features are also available if you buy a digital version of Elvis.
What else you need to know about Elvis the movie
Elvis, which stars Austin Butler as Elvis Presley and Tom Hanks as his controversial manager Colonel Tom Parker (meet the rest of the Elvis cast here), is a "Certified Fresh" movie on Rotten Tomatoes (opens in new tab). What to Watch’s Elvis review gives it 3.5 stars out of 5.
The movie is rated PG-13 in the US and 12A in the UK. It has a runtime of two hours and 39 minutes.
Watch the Elvis trailer below.
Michael Balderston is a DC-based entertainment and assistant managing editor for What to Watch, who has previously written about the TV and movies with TV Technology, Awards Circuit and regional publications. Spending most of his time watching new movies at the theater or classics on TCM, some of Michael's favorite movies include Casablanca, Moulin Rouge!, Silence of the Lambs, Children of Men, One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest and Star Wars. On the TV side he enjoys Peaky Blinders, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Saturday Night Live, Only Murders in the Building and is always up for a Seinfeld rerun.