A newly restored version of the iconic 1972 concert film, "Pink Floyd at Pompeii - MCMLXXII", is set to be released in IMAX and cinemas worldwide on 24 April. This historical documentary, which was directed by Adrian Maben, captures the legendary progressive rock band during their first performance at the ancient Roman amphitheatre in Pompeii, Italy, back in October 1971.
The restoration of this film has been made possible following the discovery of five "dubiously labelled cans" within the band's archives. Lana Topham, who spearheaded the restoration project, expressed her excitement about finding the original 35mm cut negative, stating, "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." The remastered version will include a full 90-minute cut, merging the original 60-minute performance with documentary segments filmed at Abbey Road Studios shortly after.
The film showcases Pink Floyd's performance of several tracks, including "Echoes", "A Saucerful of Secrets", and "One of These Days". Interestingly, it was one of the first concert films to forego a live audience, being filmed in the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the amphitheatre. The documentary not only features the band’s performance but also includes behind-the-scenes footage and glimpses of the group working on their seminal 1973 album, "The Dark Side of the Moon".
The remastered film has been enhanced with a 4K digital quality from the original 35mm footage and features a newly mixed audio track created by Steven Wilson, the renowned music producer and musician. Reflecting on his connection to the band, Wilson remarked, “Ever since my dad brainwashed me as a kid by playing The Dark Side of the Moon on repeat, Pink Floyd has been my favourite band. They are my 'Beatles', deeply ingrained in my musical DNA." He also mentioned the significant impact that the original film had on him, calling it "an incredible impression... with its untethered and exploratory rock music made by four musicians that seemed to epitomise the notion of intellectual cool."
Accompanying the film's release, a live album is also set to launch on 2 May, featuring the soundtrack for the first time in Dolby Atmos and vinyl formats. This long-awaited soundtrack has previously been only sparsely available, having been part of the 2016 box set "The Early Years".
In addition to the film’s content, it has been a notable year for Pink Floyd as they navigate their legacy and members’ collaborations. David Gilmour, one of the surviving members of the band, had returned to Pompeii for a concert in 2016, performing with a live audience. The band's last studio album, "The Endless River", was released in 2014, although in 2022, Gilmour and drummer Nick Mason collaborated on "Hey, Hey, Rise Up", which was released to support Ukraine amid the 2022 invasion.
As interest in their music continues, the forthcoming restoration and new releases promise to reignite the appreciation for Pink Floyd's artistic contributions, further solidifying their enduring influence in the music world. Tickets for the film will go on sale beginning 5 March at various outlets, providing fans an opportunity to experience the band’s unique blend of music and visual artistry within the ancient confines of Pompeii once more.
Source: Noah Wire Services