Home / Arts and Entertainment / Lost Bowie Film Becomes Arena Spectacle
Lost Bowie Film Becomes Arena Spectacle
27 Oct
Summary
- Lost 1978 David Bowie concert footage unearthed
- Footage transformed into a multimedia arena experience
- The film premieres in arenas almost 50 years later
Director Brett Morgen has unearthed and transformed lost footage from David Bowie's 1978 concerts into a groundbreaking arena spectacle. The previously unseen 35mm film captures Bowie's legendary performances at Earl's Court, recorded nearly 50 years ago.
Bowie himself commissioned the filming in 1978 with the intention of a theatrical release, but the project was shelved as he moved on to new music and locations. Morgen spent nearly a decade meticulously restoring the beautifully preserved footage, dedicating over 1,000 hours to color grading.
The result is not merely a film but a multimedia experience designed for arenas, featuring multiple screens, integrated lighting, and a 7.1 surround sound mix. This presentation brings Bowie's 1978 performance to life with a 2027 aesthetic, allowing audiences to engage with the show in a new, immersive way.
Morgen highlights the raw energy and improvisational nature of the performances, noting the extraordinary inclusion of instruments like electric violin and synths in a 1978 rock show. He emphasizes Bowie's peak performance power, calling the footage the greatest filmed performance of his career.
