Anticipation builds as country music superstar Eric Church prepares to bring his electrifying stage presence to the big screen in his first-ever IMAX concert film, *Evangeline vs. The Machine Comes Alive*, set to premiere exclusively in IMAX theaters across the United States and Canada on February 13, 2026.
The cinematic experience captures two live performances filmed at The Pinnacle in Nashville, Tennessee, during May 2025, showcasing Church performing his eighth studio album from start to finish. The concert film delivers not only new material from *Evangeline vs. The Machine* but also reimagined versions of Church’s classic hits including “Springsteen,” “Desperate Man,” and “Sinners Like Me.”
Backing Church throughout the performance is a six-piece band enhanced by a four-piece horn section and four-piece string section, creating a rich orchestral backdrop unprecedented in his previous tours. An eight-piece choir further amplifies the sound with layered harmonies, while longtime collaborator Joanna Cotten joins as a guest vocalist, adding dynamic vocal interplay. The powerful alto section led by April Rucker provides distinctive depth to the choir’s overall sound.
IMAX’s cutting-edge 12-channel audio system and superior visual presentation transform the concert footage into an immersive experience that aims to transport audiences beyond traditional viewing. The production team utilized acoustic treatment techniques to optimize the concert venue’s sound before recording, ensuring studio-quality audio throughout the film. This marks a groundbreaking collaboration between IMAX, MCA Records, Mercury Studios, and Q Prime South management, representing an innovative approach to music distribution and concert consumption.
Church described the Nashville shows as “unforgettable,” noting they transcended standard performance metrics both emotionally and artistically. The two-night filming schedule allowed production teams to capture multiple angles and performances, preserving the unique energy and artistic intensity that characterized these special shows.
The limited theatrical release creates an exclusive event status for fans, who will experience Church’s evolving sound with unprecedented clarity and scale. The $30 price point for IMAX tickets presents a more affordable alternative compared to the $100-$200 range typically charged for live concert experiences.
Ticketing information will be available on the official IMAX website, with the film expected to attract both dedicated Church followers and new audiences drawn to this novel concert presentation format. This strategic partnership highlights the evolving intersection between live music performance and cinematic experience in the modern entertainment landscape.
Promotional efforts for the IMAX experience will include targeted social media advertising to reach both existing fans and potential new listeners interested in innovative concert formats.
