Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii (1972)

Highly Overrated But Still Good

Absolutely Fantastic

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

This movie tries so hard to be funny, yet it falls flat every time. Just another example of recycled ideas repackaged with women in an attempt to appeal to a certain audience.

I originally saw Live at Pompeii years ago then went on the hunt for the then out of print VHS. I have to say that as brilliant as the film is I am not a fan of the director's cut on the DVD with all the alternate clips (especially the new intro). Don't get me wrong, this is still an amazing must have for any Floyd fan. It documents the band after the Meddle album was released and right on the cusp of their major breakout (Dark Side of the Moon) which would officially end their psychedelic phase. The film gives a brilliant insight into the live and studio aspects of the Floyd which, as a musician, is always fascinating. If you like to see the inner workings of a band in the studio, performing live and on the road this film provides plenty. There are clips of the band recording Dark Side, interviews which provide a glimpse into how they perceived themselves and the evolution of the band (ex. Nick Mason saying they are all done because 1967 is long gone) and clips from the road with all the typical rock star banter and complaining ("And no crust!!!"). If you've never seen the original of this film then the newer DVD will probably be just as wonderful as the original is for me. I don't like change. Pink Floyd is a monumental rock band and this period of time for them shows some of the well thought out musical genius that was, and will always be Pink Floyd.

I first saw this trippy concert documentary as a midnight movie some years ago (at least a year or two before 'The Wall'). As I always liked Floyd's music (especially the pre-Dark Side era Floyd), I sought out this film for some years, until the window of opportunity opened for me. As I watched Floyd perform a version of Echoes, which I liked even better than the one on the Meddle L.P., I just wished I had showed up stoned out of my bird. The film seems to have been filmed in several places,besides the ruins of that ancient Roman amphitheater (there are a few selections shot in a film studio). The interview sections are well documented, as well. There are sections of Floyd in the recording studio, working out the 'Dark Side' L.P. I wonder if any of that unused material has ever turned up on any Floyd bootleg? Now that I've heard that a longer version exists of this film, I'll have to scour the planet for a version of it. Does anybody know if there is either a DVD or VHS copy of it in existence? I would even settle for a bootlegged copy.

I have been watching this DVD of Pompeii over and over and I just can't seem to get enough of it. I happen to really enjoy the interviews with the band members as I find them to be quite amusing! They have left my friends and I with many memorable quotes to use. The music on the Pompeii disc is unbelievably incredible and it only makes me appreciate the Floyd that much more. This DVD is the best ever. I do believe however that only a true Floyd fan can truly appreciate this movie, including the interviews. The shot of Dave with his headphones on coming out from behind the shadows to look at the cameraman just sends me over the edge every time I watch it. It makes me feel as if he is just looking at me, and it makes me melt every time. Nick to me seems a tad pompous at times but I understand he is from the upper crust of society. Rick seems a bit mousy at times, but his playing outdoes any of that. Roger of course is genius and Dave is unrivaled in his playing (and his looks!!)

This is what Pink Floyd were like before Dark Side of the Moon shattered their status as a cult band. By performing in such peculiar surroundings they showed they didn't care if this was a daring move - playing live with no public but an empty amphitheater build 2000 years before.The songs are greatly performed - the only flaws are the filming, that sometimes doesn't show what it should. Examples of that are One Of These Days and near the end of Echoes, part 1. However, the video is a must see and have for any true Floyd fan. The Mademoiselle Nobs bit with the dog singing to a blues melody is amusing, reminding us of the same device used in the track Seamus from the Meddle album.By the way, it is said there is one edition of this video featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes footage of the band in the studio, but unfortunately this is not the one I've got.Forget about the lame stuff the Roger-less Floyd have put out and sit down, relax and watch a great piece of music.10/10.