Iconic Pink Floyd Concert in Pompeii Gets Imax Release

The famed Pink Floyd concert film, “Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii,” originally filmed in 1971 and released in 1972, is making a remarkable return to theaters, and this time, it promises to captivate audiences more than ever. The film, directed by Adrian Maben, captured the legendary rock band performing at the ancient Roman amphitheater in Pompeii, Italy, in a groundbreaking event as the first ever concert held at this historic location. The reincarnation of this iconic film is scheduled for release worldwide on April 24th, and for the first time, fans will be able to experience the concert for themselves on the big screen with a 4K restoration.

The meticulous restoration process involved frame-by-frame scanning from the original 35mm film negatives, uncovered after years of being misplaced in what were described as “dubiously labeled cans” within the band's archives. The restoration process, spearheaded by Lana Topham, Pink Floyd's Director of Restoration, not only preserves the integrity of the original film but enhances its visual quality to contemporary standards, making it appear as though it “could have been filmed yesterday.” This restoration comes complete with a new audio mix by renowned producer Steven Wilson. Famous for his work in prog rock, Wilson has fashioned this latest edition’s sound into modernity with cutting-edge 5.1 and Dolby Atmos audio mixes, providing a previously unreleased depth and clarity to Pink Floyd’s already groundbreaking soundscape.

The setlist from the film features quintessential Pink Floyd tracks such as “Echoes,” “Careful with That Axe, Eugene,” “Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun,” and “A Saucerful of Secrets.” Unique to this film is its lack of a live audience, creating a more intimate and haunting listening experience within the eerie beauty of the deserted ruins. Furthermore, the footage offers fans an unprecedented behind-the-scenes glimpse of the band during the nascent stages of recording “The Dark Side of the Moon” at the famed Abbey Road Studios, incorporating early renditions of “Us and Them,” and “Brain Damage.”

Fans will find the release of the 4K-drenched, revitalized film exciting, as it is complemented by a live album. Set for release on May 2nd, this companion album ventures to provide the quintessential auditory experience, available on a variety of formats including CD, vinyl, and streaming in Dolby Atmos. The film will also be available on Blu-Ray and DVD with additional material previously unseen. Notably, this event marks the first official release of the “Live at Pompeii” soundtrack available outside bootleg versions, offering a beautifully mixed, officially recorded rendition not heard before outside the band's expansive “27-disc box set The Early Years.”

With tickets available starting March 5th, the release is set to appeal not only to longtime fans but to a new generation of music lovers who can witness the brilliance of Pink Floyd in a manner fitting the revolutionary nature of their music. This event promises to be a revival of both the film and the majesty of Pink Floyd's original artistry, bringing it vividly to life for the 21st-century audience.

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