Pink Floyd's legendary concert film, Live at Pompeii, is making its much-anticipated return to theaters April 24, 2025, after undergoing extensive restoration and audio remixing. Originally directed by Adrian Maben and filmed in 1971 at the ancient Roman Amphitheater in Pompeii, Italy, this iconic film will be screened on standard and IMAX formats, ensuring audiences can experience the full visual and audio splendor of the landmark performance.
For fans of the band, this re-release marks not only the revival of a classic but also celebrates the historic significance of the concert, which took place without any audience. It simply captured the essence of Pink Floyd during their formative years, before they became global rock icons with the release of their 1973 album, The Dark Side of the Moon.
The project, which has taken years to realize, is spearheaded by Lana Topham, Pink Floyd's Director of Restoration. "Since 1994, I have searched for the elusive film rushes of Pink Floyd At Pompeii, so the recent discovery of the 1972 original 35mm cut negative was a very special moment," Topham stated. This breakthrough allowed the team to present the first full 90-minute version of the film, incorporating footage from the band's recording sessions at Abbey Road Studios.
Fans can expect to see enhanced visuals, digitally remastered to 4K quality, alongside sound that's been masterfully remixed by renowned producer Steven Wilson. Wilson’s contribution is particularly noteworthy, as he has infused the audio with benchmarks like Dolby Atmos for the first time. He expressed his excitement, saying: "It was an honor to remix the soundtrack to accompany Lana Topham’s incredible restoration of the film, which looks like it could’ve been filmed yesterday." His passion for Pink Floyd’s music runs deep, as he reminisces about being influenced by The Dark Side of the Moon during his childhood.
The concert film features performances of classic tracks such as "Echoes," "A Saucerful of Secrets," and "Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun" along with footage highlighting the band's initial steps toward creating what would become The Dark Side of the Moon. This behind-the-scenes look is invaluable for fans curious about the band's creative process.
After the theatrical run, Legacy Recordings will also release the concert's soundtrack as Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII on May 2, 2025. This marks the first time the film's music has been released as a standalone album, enhancing its significance within the band's extensive catalog. Available formats will include CD, digital audio, and vinyl—all featuring the newly remixed audio.
The album track listing includes notable performances like "Careful With That Axe, Eugene" and "One of These Days," plus alternate takes and unedited versions, providing fans with exclusive content they have long awaited.
For many, the original Live at Pompeii was not just another concert film; it was something groundbreaking. It presented the band without audience distractions, offering the raw essence of their music. Now, with enhanced quality and depth thanks to modern technology, both longtime fans and newcomers will have the chance to understand why Pink Floyd has endured as one of the most influential bands of all time.
Tickets for the screenings will go on sale beginning March 5, 2025, at 6 AM PT/9 AM ET at pinkfloyd.film. This revival not only pays homage to Pink Floyd's legacy but also invites audiences to reconnect with the music and artistry of one of rock history’s most groundbreaking bands.
Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII is more than just nostalgia; it's about celebrating the unique ways music can connect with audiences across generations and the timeless nature of artistic expression.<\/p>