Pink Floyd – Live at Pompeii (MCMLXXII) is an experimental concert film directed by Adrian Maben, released in 1972. It features the British band Pink Floyd performing a selection of their tracks in the ancient Roman amphitheatre of Pompeii, Italy — without an audience. The majestic and silent setting, with its open sky and ruins, enhances the introspective and psychedelic nature of the music.
Unlike a traditional concert film, this work blends live performance with artistic cinema. It captures Pink Floyd at a pivotal moment in their career, just before the release of their landmark album The Dark Side of the Moon. Some versions also include studio footage that offers a rare glimpse into the band’s creative process.
The original version, released in theaters in September 1972, runs for about an hour and focuses solely on the live performances in Pompeii.
In 1974, an extended version was released, adding around twenty minutes of documentary footage showing the band working on The Dark Side of the Moon, along with interview excerpts with all four members, conducted by Adrian Maben. This edition, like the director’s cut, opens with a heartbeat — a sonic reference to the track Speak to Me.
This new edition of Live at Pompeii MCMLXXII features a fully remixed soundtrack by Steven Wilson, including a Dolby Atmos version that is particularly immersive. This mix draws the listener into a spatial audio environment, heightening the meditative and psychedelic feel of the band’s music. Steven Wilson once again showcases his mastery of surround sound, as previously demonstrated on his albums The overview and The Harmony Codex, as well as in other Dolby Atmos remixes like Tears For Fears – The Hurting.
Other Pink Floyd albums reviewed:
For this review, you will find 9 versions tested: vinyl records, Blu-ray 2025 and 2016, Streaming, with stereo and Dolby Atmos mix.
Below you will find the description of the different editions, as well as the measurements of each edition in the following chapters.
The album consists of a maximum of 11 between the 13 tracks below, depending on the medium:
- Pompeii Intro
- Echoes – Part 1# (With Dynamic Spatialization video)
- Careful with That Axe, Eugene#
- A Saucerful of Secrets#
- Us And Them*
- One of These Days#
- Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun#
- Mademoiselle Nobs
- Brain Damage*
- Echoes – Part 2#
- Careful with That Axe, Eugene – Alternate Take***
- A Saucerful of Secrets – Unedited**
- Echoes – Part 1 – Edit**
* only on 2025 bluray, ** only on Tidal, *** only on Tidal and vinyl record, # present on the 1996 bluray
Summary, scoring and Samples
Ed 1: Tidal MAX – 2025
Presentation
This is the originalTidal Max released in 24 bits 96 kHz with the new 2025 mix. The track order is as shown above and includes an 11th track “Echoes – Part 1 – Edit” , and one track less than on the blu-ray: “Us And Them”.
Waveform and Spectrum: DR12
The waveform of the Tidal version shows a very good dynamic range confirmed with DR12.
The spectrogram shows that the signal rises to 30 kHz (yellow arrow) with no music signal above this frequency (white arrow) due to the 96 kHz sampling frequency.
The graph below compares the spectrum of the Tidal MAX – 2025 (white curve) with the spectrum of the Bluray Stereo – 2025 (blue curve).The two spectra are almost perfectly superimposed. The yellow arrow indicates a 25 kHz imitation of the Blue curve.
Synthesis and listening
This Tidal MAX version faithfully reproduces the sound balance and dynamics of the Bluray version, offering a similar listening experience with all the clarity and precision of the new mix.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●oo (3.5)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
- Restitution: ●●●●o (4)
Sample : “A Saucerful of Secrets” 24 bits 96 kHz:
Ed 2: Tidal Dolby Atmos – 2025
Presentation
This is the Tidal Dolby Atmos presented in Dolby Digital Plus or AC-4 (link). This version features the same tracks as the Tidal MAX version.
Spatialization:
The spatialization of Tidal Dolby Atmos – 2025 version varies from track to track, with values between 4.3 and 8.5.
Spatialization : ●●●●●●oooo (6.5)
Below the spatialization for all tracks. Click on the images to zoom in.
Below the spatialization for all tracks in 9.1.6. Click on the images to zoom in.
Dynamic Spatialization :
Updated with a dynamic representation of Dolby Atmos spatialization in 7.1.4 video.
Waveform and Spectrum: DR13
The waveform of the Tidal Dolby Atmos shows a high range confirmed with DR13.
The spectrogram of the Tidal Dolby Atmos track downmixed in 7.1 is limited to 20kHz (yellow arrow) with no signal above (white arrow). This limitation is due to Dolby Digital Plus encoding, which is a lossy encoder that limits bandwidth to optimize data size for a bit rate of 768 kbits/s. The green arrow shows the 120Hz filtering of the bass channel (LFE).
The graph below represents the spectrum of the Tidal Dolby Atmos – 2025.
The graph below represents the spectrum of the Tidal Dolby Atmos – 2025.
The spectrum of Tidal s Dolby Atmos version decoded in 7.1 shows that all channels are used. The LFE channel is used with a cutoff frequency of 120 Hz (green arrow). The white arrow indicates the high-frequency limit at 20 kHz due to Dolby Digital Plus encoding. The yellow arrow indicates the high-frequency limit at 24 kHz due to encoding at the 48 kHz sampling frequency used.
Synthesis and listening
As is often the case, the Dolby Atmos streaming version – encoded in Dolby Digital Plus at a compressed bit rate of 768 kbps (lossy) – simply can’t compete with the Blu-ray edition, which offers a lossless Dolby TrueHD format.
Blu-ray offers far finer sound reproduction, with richer textures, more natural dynamics and a level of spatial precision that the streaming version can’t match.
From subtle reverberation trails to the nuanced placement of instruments in the three-dimensional sound field, the bluray’s Dolby Digital TrueHD (lossless) format reveals all the depth and detail of the mix, making it the preferred choice for audiophiles seeking an uncompromisingly immersive experience.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
- Surface noise: ●●●●o (4)
- Spatialization: ●●●●●●oooo (6.5)
- Restitution: ●●●●o (4)
Sample : “A Saucerful of Secrets” 7.1 Dolby Atmos (Downmixed in 7.1) :
The sample is in 7.1 wav format, if you can not play the sample in your navigator, you can save it, right button menu and “Save Audio As…” and play it with an external player.
Ed 3: Vinyl record – 2025
Presentation
Beautiful vinyl edition containing 2 x 180 g LPs and a poster. This edition features 10 tracks, without the “Echoes – Part 1 – Edit” and “Us And Them” titles. The order of the titles is also different:
Pompeii Intro
Echoes – Part 1
Careful With That Axe, Eugene
A Saucerful Of Secrets
Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun
One Of These Days
Mademoiselle Nobs
Echoes – Part 2
Careful With That Axe, Eugene – Alternate Take
A Saucerful Of Secrets – Unedited
(Ref : 19802876231)
Waveform and Spectrum: DR13
The waveform of the vinyl record shows a high dynamic range, confirmed by the DR13.
The spectrogram shows that the signal rises above 20 kHz (yellow arrow) with signal above this frequency (white arrow) containing musical information and distortion due to the vinyl record’s operating principle.
The graph below compares the spectrum of the Vinyl record – 2025 (white curve) with the spectrum of the Bluray Stereo – 2025 (blue curve).The two curves overlap perfectly up to 20 kHz, showing a very nice cut of the vinyl record. The white arrow shows the higher noise of vinyl playback compared to digital.
Synthesis and listening
A beautifully crafted vinyl edition, with a high-quality pressing, despite the natural contrast between the quietest and most intense passages.
Sound reproduction is clean, balanced and faithful to the overall spirit of the stereo Blu-ray version, which retains a slight advantage in terms of micro-detail and resolution.
This pressing captures the dynamic range and atmospheric depth of the 2025 mix, making it a fine listen on the analog format.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
- Surface noise: ●●●●o (4)
- Restitution: ●●●oo (3.5)
Sample : “A Saucerful of Secrets” 24 bits 192 kHz:
Ed 4: Bluray Stereo – 2025
Presentation
The bluray version includes the original version and the extended version. The long version is tested here, with the 24-bit 96 kHz stereo version. 3 remixed sound tracks are available, stereo, 5.1 and Dolby Atmos TrueHD versions. (ref: COLBR76259)
10 tracks are available, excluding “A Saucerful of Secrets – Unedited”, “Echoes – Part 1 – Edit” and “Careful with That Axe, Eugene – Alternate Take”.
The order of the tracks :
Pompeii Intro
Echoes – Part 1
Careful With That Axe, Eugene
A Saucerful Of Secrets
Us And Them
One Of These Days
Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun
Brain Damage
Mademoiselle Nobs
Echoes – Part 2
Waveform and Spectrum: DR12
The waveform of the bluray stereo version shows a very good dynamic range confirmed with DR12.
The spectrogram shows that the signal rises to 25 kHz (yellow arrow) and that there is no musical signal above this frequency (white arrow), despite the 96 kHz sampling frequency used.
The graph below compares the spectrum of the Tidal MAX – 2025 (white curve) with the spectrum of the Bluray Stereo – 2025 (blue curve).The two spectra are almost perfectly superimposed. The yellow arrow indicates a 25 kHz imitation of the Blue curve.
Synthesis and listening
Compared to the 2016 Blu-ray stereo version, the 2025 remix delivers enhanced clarity and detail in both music and sound reproduction, with better separation and spatial depth. The mix offers a fresh perspective on the album, revealing new layers and nuances.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●oo (3.5)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
- Surface noise: ●●●●o (4)
- Restitution: ●●●●o (4)
Sample : “A Saucerful of Secrets” 24 bits 96 kHz:
Ed 5: Bluray 5.1 – 2025
Presentation
The bluray version includes the original version and the extended version. The long version is tested here, with the 5.1 24-bit 96 kHz version. 3 remixed sound tracks are available, stereo, 5.1 and Dolby Atmos TrueHD versions. (ref: COLBR76259) 10 tracks are available, excluding “A Saucerful of Secrets – Unedited”, “Echoes – Part 1 – Edit” and “Careful with That Axe, Eugene – Alternate Take”. This version features the same tracks as the Bluray Stereo version.
Spatialization:
The spatialization of Bluray 5.1 – 2025 version varies from track to track, with values between 0.8 and 3.4.
Spatialization : ●●ooo (2.5)
Below the spatialization for all tracks. Click on the images to zoom in.
Waveform and Spectrum: DR13
The waveform of the bluray 5.1 version shows a high dynamic range confirmed with DR13.
The spectrogram shows that the signal rises to 25 kHz (yellow arrow) and that there is no musical signal above this frequency (white arrow), despite the 96 kHz sampling frequency used. The green arrow shows the 120Hz filtering of the bass channel (LFE).
The graph below represents the spectrum of the Bluray 5.1 – 2025.
The 5.1 remix is comparable to the balance of the Dolby Atmos version, with a sampling frequency of 96 kHz, limiting the bandwidth to 48 kHz, but with a limitation at 25 kHz as indicated by the yellow arrow. The LFE channel is filtered down to 120 Hz (as indicated by the green arrow).
Synthesis and listening
This 5.1 version serves as a spatial extension of the 2025 stereo mix. Although less immersive and detailed than the Dolby Atmos version, it represents a significant improvement over the 5.1 mix included in the 2016 Blu-ray edition.
The new surround mix offers better use of space, with more dynamic and expansive placement of sounds throughout the soundstage.
Although less subtle than Atmos, it provides more depth, separation and ambience, allowing the listener to experience the music in a more enveloping way than the stereo version.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
- Spatialization: ●●ooo (2.5)
- Restitution: ●●●●o (4)
Sample : “A Saucerful of Secrets” 5.1 24 bits 96 kHz:
The sample is in 5.1 wav format, if you can not play the sample in your navigator, you can save it, right button menu and “Save Audio As…” and play it with an external player.
Ed 6: Bluray Dolby Atmos – 2025
Presentation
The bluray version includes the original version and the extended version. The long version is tested here, with the Dolby Atmos TrueHD version. 3 remixed sound tracks are available, stereo, 5.1 and Dolby Atmos TrueHD versions. (ref: COLBR76259) 10 tracks are available, excluding “A Saucerful of Secrets – Unedited”, “Echoes – Part 1 – Edit” and “Careful with That Axe, Eugene – Alternate Take”. This version features the same tracks as the Bluray Stereo version.
Spatialization:
The spatialization of Bluray Dolby Atmos – 2025 version varies from track to track, with values between 1.9 and 8.5.
Spatialization : ●●●●●●oooo (5.8)
Below the spatialization for all tracks. Click on the images to zoom in.
Below the spatialization for all tracks in 9.1.6. Click on the images to zoom in.
Waveform and Spectrum: DR13
The waveform of the bluray Dolby Atmos version shows a high dynamic range confirmed with DR13.
The spectrogram of the Atmos downmixed in 7.1 version of blu-ray shows that the signal goes down to 24 kHz (yellow arrow) and that there is no signal above this frequency (white arrow), due to the 48 kHz sampling frequency used with Dolby Digital TrueHD encoding (lossless). The green arrow shows the 120Hz filtering of the bass channel (LFE).
The graph below represents the spectrum of the Bluray Dolby Atmos – 2025.
The Dolby Atmos remix downmixed to 7.1 is based on a sampling frequency of 48 kHz, limiting the bandwidth to 24 kHz (as indicated by the yellow arrow). The LFE channel is filtered down to 120 Hz (as indicated by the green arrow).
Synthesis and listening
This is undoubtedly the definitive version to discover. Steven Wilson’s new Dolby Atmos mix brings a whole new dimension to the concert, plunging the listener right into the heart of the music. The open sky and ancient ruins are not only visually evocative, they are now sonically present, reinforcing the introspective, psychedelic essence of the performance.
This immersive audio mix is a true achievement, best appreciated on a full 7.1.4 system, where the spatial placement and movement of each element is meticulously designed to align with the emotional flow of each track. The result is one of the best Dolby Atmos mixes to date, revealing never-before-seen textures and offering a new, enveloping perspective on this iconic recording.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●o (4)
- Spatialization: ●●●●●●oooo (5.8)
- Restitution: ●●●●● (5)
Sample : “A Saucerful of Secrets” 7.1 Dolby Atmos (Downmixed in 7.1) :
The sample is in 7.1 wav format, if you can not play the sample in your navigator, you can save it, right button menu and “Save Audio As…” and play it with an external player.
Sample : “A Saucerful of Secrets” Dolby Atmos (Downmixed 2.0) :
Ed 7: Bluray Stereo – 2016
Presentation
The 2016 bluray is from the box set The Early Years 1965-1972 (2016) [Super Deluxe Edition]. It’s the 24-bit 96 kHz PC stereo soundtrack that’s being tested. It features 5 tracks including Echoes in one part. (ref:190295950255)
The order of the tracks :
Careful With That Axe, Eugene
A Saucerful of Secrets
One of These Days
Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun
Echoes
Waveform and Spectrum: DR11
The waveform of the stereo track from the 2016 bluray version shows a good dynamic range confirmed with DR11.
The spectrogram shows that the signal rises to 30 kHz (yellow arrow) with no music signal above this frequency (white arrow) due to the 96 kHz sampling frequency.
The graph below compares the spectrum of the Bluray Stereo – 2016 (white curve) with the spectrum of the Bluray Stereo – 2025 (blue curve).The two spectra show some similarities, but with big differences at the top of the spectrum, with up to 15 dB more at 15kHz for the 2016 version (yellow zone). The lower end of the spectrum is also more present for the 2016 version (green zone). These differences are highly audible, and clearly demonstrate the remixing work between the two versions.
Synthesis and listening
The stereo version on the 2016 Blu-ray remains closer to the original sound character of the recording, offering a tonal balance distinct from the remixed 2025 edition.
It features deeper, more resonant bass, as well as a greater emphasis on high frequencies, giving it a more typical period rendering. However, it lacks slightly in precision and fine detail compared to the 2025 version, which benefits from a more refined and modern approach to mixing.
Ultimately, each version has its own aesthetic, and everyone will be able to choose according to their personal preferences – whether they prefer the vintage authenticity of the 2016 mix or the clarity and spatial nuances of the more recent remaster.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●oo (3.5)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
- Restitution: ●●●oo (3.5)
Sample : “A Saucerful of Secrets” 24 bits 96 kHz:
Ed 8: Bluray 5.1 – 2016
Presentation
The 2016 bluray is from the box set The Early Years 1965-1972 (2016) [Super Deluxe Edition]. It’s the 5.1 24-bit 96 kHz PC soundtrack that’s being tested. It features 5 tracks including Echoes in one part. (ref:190295950255) This version features the same tracks as the Bluray Stereo 2016 version.
Spatialization:
The spatialization of Bluray 5.1 – 2016 version varies from track to track, with values between 3.3 and 4.3.
Spatialization : ●●●●o (3.8)
Below the spatialization for all tracks. Click on the images to zoom in.
Waveform and Spectrum: DR13
The waveform of the 5.1 track from the 2016 bluray version shows a high dynamic range confirmed with DR13.
The spectrogram shows that the signal rises to 30 kHz (yellow arrow) with no music signal above this frequency (white arrow) due to the 96 kHz sampling frequency.The green arrow shows the 120Hz filtering of the bass channel (LFE).
The graph below represents the spectrum of the Bluray 5.1 – 2016.
The 5.1 is based on a sampling frequency of 96 kHz, limiting the bandwidth to 48 kHz, but with a limitation at 30 kHz as indicated by the yellow arrow. The yellow area shows the treble boost that is also present on the 2016 stereo version. The LFE channel is filtered down to 120 Hz (as indicated by the green arrow).
Synthesis and listening
Following on from the stereo version on the 2016 Blu-ray, this 5.1 mix preserves a similar tonal balance, retaining the overall sonic character of the original production. However, the surround listening experience is markedly different from the 2025 5.1 remix.
This version takes a more restrained approach to spatial effects, with far fewer elements actively placed or moving in the surround field. Instead of focusing on precise detail or dynamic sound placement, it aims to create a cohesive, immersive soundstage, where the listener is enveloped more by atmosphere than by discrete sound events.
Rating:
- Dynamic: ●●●●o (4)
- Bandwidth: ●●●●● (5)
- Spatialization: ●●●●o (3.8)
- Restitution: ●●●oo (3.5)
Sample : “A Saucerful of Secrets” 5.1 24 bits 96 kHz:
The sample is in 5.1 wav format, if you can not play the sample in your navigator, you can save it, right button menu and “Save Audio As…” and play it with an external player.
Steven Wilson’s masterful new mix allows listeners to rediscover this iconic album with a fresh, modern sound palette. His approach brings out an impressive level of detail and clarity, revealing subtle textures and nuances that were previously buried or less pronounced.
The Dolby Atmos version on Blu-ray creates an exceptionally immersive experience, placing the listener at the heart of the ancient ruins of Pompeii. This is no mere remix, but a complete reimagining that transforms the concert into a three-dimensional auditory journey. For the best experience, I highly recommend listening on a 7.1.4 system or better, where the spatial depth and movement of the sounds can really come to the fore.
By contrast, the 2016 remastered edition, while faithful to the spirit of the original, offers a more traditional stereo sound. While it retains the warmth and character of the first mix, it lacks the complex precision and enveloping depth of Steven Wilson’s Atmos version. Each edition brings something unique, but for those seeking immersion and rediscovery, the 2025 remix is the definitive version.
Dynamic Range measurements are shown below.
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Measurements
Dynamic Range comparaisons
Dynamic represents the ability to reproduce a wide range of sounds from the softest to the loudest. The target is to compare the dynamics of the music and not of the media (CD, digital files or vinyl).
For our 8 editions reviewed have obtained the following Dynamic Range (DR) :
| Tidal MAX – 2025 | Tidal Dolby Atmos – 2025 | Vinyl record – 2025 | Bluray Stereo – 2025 | Bluray 5.1 – 2025 | Bluray Dolby Atmos – 2025 | Bluray Stereo – 2016 | Bluray 5.1 – 2016 | |
| Global | DR12 | DR13 | DR13 | DR12 | DR13 | DR13 | DR11 | DR13 |
| Min | DR10 | DR12 | DR11 | DR10 | DR11 | DR8 | DR9 | DR12 |
| Max | DR14 | DR14 | DR15 | DR14 | DR14 | DR15 | DR12 | DR14 |
| Pompeii Intro | DR12 | DR14 | DR12 | DR12 | DR12 | DR14 | ||
| Echoes – Part 1# | DR11 | DR13 | DR13 | DR11 | DR13 | DR13 | ||
| Careful with That Axe, Eugene# | DR12 | DR13 | DR12 | DR12 | DR12 | DR14 | DR12 | DR13 |
| A Saucerful of Secrets# | DR10 | DR14 | DR13 | DR10 | DR13 | DR14 | DR11 | DR13 |
| Us And Them* | DR13 | DR14 | DR14 | DR12 | DR15 | |||
| One of These Days# | DR13 | DR14 | DR13 | DR13 | DR13 | DR14 | DR9 | DR12 |
| Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun# | DR14 | DR12 | DR13 | DR13 | DR13 | DR14 | DR10 | DR12 |
| Mademoiselle Nobs | DR12 | DR14 | DR14 | DR14 | DR11 | DR12 | ||
| Brain Damage* | DR10 | DR13 | DR14 | DR14 | DR8 | |||
| Echoes – Part 2# | DR11 | DR14 | DR15 | DR13 | DR14 | DR14 | DR11 | DR14 |
| Careful with That Axe, Eugene – Alternate Take*** | DR11 | DR12 | DR11 | |||||
| A Saucerful of Secrets – Unedited** | DR13 | |||||||
| Echoes – Part 1 – Edit** |
As a reminder, the scale goes from 0 to more 20, but the dynamics are considered good from 12, quite good between 10 and 11, and deteriorate below 10.
Detail of the ratings :
- Dynamic :
- Significant dynamic compression, DR less than 7
- Compression of the present dynamics, DR between 7 and 9.
- Correct piece DR >=10
- No dynamic compression (DR >12), dynamic rendering
- No dynamic compression, high DR and very dynamic sound rendering
- Spectrum :
- Spectrum cut and less than 15 khz
- Spectrum cut at 15 khz
- Spectrum not conforming to the original and cut (not HD) or original but limited bandwidth (but less than 20 kHz)
- Spectrum conforming to the original (but not HD)
- Spectrum conforming to the original with HD resolution (higher than 24kHz)
- Surface noise (only for vinyl):
- Continuous audible noise
- Audible surface noise except on passages with a high level of noise
- Reduced surface noise, barely audible on low level crossings
- Low surface noise, very good quality
- Very low surface noise, no defects, almost inaudible on the quiet passages (exceptional disc)
- Spatialization :
- Between 0 and 5 for 5.1 or 7.1 channels configuration
- Between 0 and 10 for Atmos configuration (7.1.4)
- For more information on spatialization, you can read the article describing this parameter here.
- Restitution :
- Low quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments.
- Average quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments.
- Quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments. Good record.
- High quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments. Very high level disc.
- Maximum quality of the restitution mixing dynamics, clarity, separation of voices and instruments. Exceptional disc.