LIVE AT POMPEII (THE DIRECTOR'S CUT)

The original video ('71) was one of my favorite's although I was not particularly pleased with the video re-release ('73) that contained interviews and studio-scenes from the "Dark Side of the Moon" era. In my opinion this distracted from the compelling 'Pompeii-climate'. Well, this DVD gives me the opportunity to zap and to choose (track selection) my ultimate experience. In comparison with the video some beautiful and exciting 'visual effects' are integrated (the original city, the vulcanic eruption, waves of lava, atmospheric space shots). And on the main menu you wil find: a documentary with an interesting interview with director and mastermind ADRIAN MABEN (about the worse start of the project, no electricity in Pompeii and his wish to re-release the film with extra interviews and scenes from "Dark Side of the Moon" rehearsals in the Abbey Road Studios), the original concert, track selection, miscellanea (posters/press/illegal copies), Pompeii map and history, lyrics, photo gallery and album graphics.

The music from PINK FLOYD has been recorded in the empty amphi-theater of Pompeii, only the roadies, film-crew and the band were present. The combination of the impressive surroundings, the extraordinary light, the silence (according to ADRIAN MABEN "a kind of anti-Woodstock with no audience and applause") and the compelling music is perfect and turnes this DVD into a mindblowing experience! My favorite moments are the second part of "A saucerful of Secrets" (great build up with Gilmour's guitar, Mason's propulsive drumming and Wright's Farfisa organ and splendid climax with Gilmour's howling vocals), "One of these Days" (night-shots with furious drums and great slide guitar by the almost invisible Gilmour), "Set the controls for the heart of the sun" (a fierce climate with lots of spotlights, perfectly blended with expressive Pompeii mosaics and the aerie combination of the psychedelic keyboard solo and images from the dead Roman bodies, surprised by the waves of lava) and of course many parts of the epic "Echoes". This DVD belongs to my Top 3 of best DVD's of all time!