David Bowie’s Previously Unseen 1978 Concert Film ‘Stage’ to Hit Arenas as ‘Immersive Experience’

David Bowie's previously unseen 1978 concert film, "Stage," is set to debut at Berlin's Uber Arena on February 14 as an immersive experience. The film, which combines archival live footage with immersive sound and light, was created from recently discovered and restored footage from Bowie's 1978 Isolar II world tour, featuring songs from his landmark album "Heroes."

The production, a collaboration between Wonderworld, the David Bowie Estate, and filmmaker Brett Morgen, who directed the 2022 docudrama "Moonage Daydream," will be presented in a three-screen format with large-scale projections of raw 35mm film and transparent LED screens, accompanied by an elaborate lighting design by Patrick Woodroffe.

The newly composed sound mix was crafted by Oscar-winner Paul Massey. Bowie conceived and produced the film in 1978 during his Isolar II concerts at London's Earls Court, with the footage remaining unseen in his archives for over 50 years. Meanwhile, Morgen and his team utilized cutting-edge spatial audio and visual technology to recreate Bowie's vision for a film that producers say captures "Bowie at the zenith of his powers as a live performer."

Director Morgen has reportedly spent nearly a decade reconfiguring, editing, color-grading, and hand-painting the archival footage, aiming to create an intimate atmosphere that mimics a real-time live performance. The world premiere will take place on Valentine's Day as part of the 77th Berlin Film Festival, with tickets available through Eventim.

A 30-second teaser released on October 27 showed footage of stage hands setting up the rigging and enthusiastic fans entering the venue in Ziggy Stardust-inspired makeup and outfits.