Pink Floyd’s iconic 1972 concert film, Pink Floyd at Pompeii, has been restored and re-released in IMAX theaters as Pompeii MCMLXXII, offering a mesmerizing portrait of the band at a pivotal moment in their ascent to rock legend status. Directed by Adrian Maben, the film captures the band performing in the ancient Roman amphitheater of Pompeii without an audience, creating an otherworldly and introspective atmosphere.
The film showcases the band’s performances of tracks like “Echoes,” “A Saucerful of Secrets,” and “One of These Days,” interspersed with candid moments and studio sessions from London’s Abbey Road Studios and a Paris session, providing insight into their creative process. Notably, the documentary features discussions on music technology and the creative process, with drummer Nick Mason taking a prominent role, and Roger Waters expressing thoughts on the use of synthesized music.
The re-release, enhanced with a 4K restoration and a new mix by Steven Wilson, brings the film’s hallucinatory visuals and unique tone to a new generation, solidifying its status as a time capsule and a fascinating glimpse of Pink Floyd on the verge of legendary success.
