Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII Returns to Big Screen This Spring
Pink Floyd’s iconic 1972 concert film, Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII, is making a triumphant return to the big screen this spring. Originally directed by Adrian Maben, the film captures the band’s mesmerizing performance in the ancient Roman amphitheater of Pompeii, an unprecedented setting that highlights their avant-garde approach to live music. The remastered version, released in stunning 4K resolution, restores the original film’s visual grandeur while enhancing the auditory experience with a newly mixed soundtrack by prog rock luminary Steven Wilson.
The restoration process painstakingly rebuilt the film from the original 35mm negatives, which were rediscovered in Pink Floyd’s archives after being misplaced for decades. Lana Topham, the band’s director of restoration, emphasized the significance of this find, noting that the restoration now presents the first complete 90-minute version. This includes the original 60-minute performance combined with additional documentary footage from Abbey Road Studios, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the band’s creative process during the recording of their groundbreaking album, Meddle.
Accompanying the film’s cinematic release on April 24 is the eagerly anticipated soundtrack, available on vinyl, CD, and digital formats. The album features a meticulously curated tracklist, including seminal pieces like “Echoes,” “Careful With That Axe, Eugene,” and “Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun.” The new mix by Steven Wilson not only preserves the intricate layers of Pink Floyd’s sound but also elevates it with modern audio engineering techniques, providing audiophiles with an immersive listening experience in both 5.1 and Dolby Atmos formats.
Fans can secure their tickets starting March 5, with the film also available in IMAX theaters for those seeking the ultimate visual and auditory immersion. The restoration honors the original vision of Pink Floyd, allowing both longtime admirers and new audiences to experience the timeless artistry of one of rock music’s most influential bands. Additionally, the release of the concert album on May 2 offers a tangible connection to the band’s rich sonic landscape, ensuring that the legacy of Pink Floyd at Pompeii continues to resonate for generations to come.
