David Gilmour - Live at the Circus Maximus Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.5

David Gilmour - Live at the Circus Maximus Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Justin Dekker October 25, 2025

Captured on tour in support of his latest album, "Luck and Strange", which was released in the fall of 2024, 'David Gilmour - Live at the Circus Maximus" documents an impressive performance at the ancient site in Rome, and arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Legacy Recordings. The two-disc set features the concert video on the first disc, while the second disc houses a Blu-ray audio presentation of tracks from the tour with a similar program as the concert film, but with the additional track "A Single Spark". All bonus material is also found on the second disc. The set list features a number of classic Pink Floyd tunes such as "Breathe (In the Air), "Sorrow", and "Comfortably Numb", alongside a number of tracks from his newest album. The film features an outstanding video presentation and an excellent Dolby Atmos audio track. A booklet and sticker sheet are also included, but a Digital Code is not.

In our modern concert environment, where many of the largest stadium draws augment their performances with pyrotechnics, effects, costume changes, and any of a number of elements designed to dazzle and delight, it can sometimes be difficult to remember that the primary reason people should be buying a ticket is based on the strength of the music. While I'm not going to name names, I'm as guilty as anyone in enjoying those types of shows from time to time. So, it's refreshing in its way to see David Gilmour, a performer not unaccustomed to some level of rock 'n' roll spectacle himself, strip the performance here back to the basics, providing just enough of a light show to atmospherically compliment the emotional core of the music, and just enough fundamental jumbotron coverage and material to benefit those seated a greater distance from the stage.

The set list is solid; a deft and powerful mix of time-honored Pink Floyd standards and impressive new material. Despite the strength of the material, I suspect many out there are like me and can easily think of a half-dozen or more songs they'd have loved to have seen performed here. But to dwell on such thoughts too long is to do a disservice to the tracks that are here. While topically the subject matter of the lyrics may differ, musically, these tracks belong together and build a cohesive and unified whole. Highlights here are numerous, and, obviously, long-time fans will enjoy the inclusion of Pink Floyd tracks like "Breathe (In the Air)", "Wish You Were Here", "Time", and "Comfortably Numb". But somewhat unexpectedly, A Momentary Lapse of Reason's "Sorrow" and the new track, "The Piper's Call" provide a riveting and energetic mid-set climax. Gilmour's daughter Romany joins him on vocals for the latter, and the interplay between the two on stage is touching. It's clear the pair are enjoying the moment, and Gilmour turns in some excellent solo work on these two songs as well. As one would expect, the set concludes with "Comfortably Numb", with bassist Guy Pratt performing the initial lead vocal chores before passing the torch to Gilmour as the chorus nears.

Never one for speed, Gilmour is one of the most expressive guitar players making music today. Thankfully, the camera pays particular attention to his style of playing so viewers can better appreciate his skill at coaxing emotion out of his solos with artful use of vibrato and his finesse at bending strings. He's joined on stage by nine other (multi)instrumentalists and vocalists at various stages of their careers, each of whom is an impressive musician in their own right. There are multiple opportunities for their talents to be highlighted as well. As with the staging of the concert, the group assembled here does not engage in much by way of flashy showmanship, but that isn't the intent. Nothing on stage is allowed to distract or detract. It's all about the music, and the performances captured here do not disappoint.

One thing that never fails to amaze me is the volume of people with their phones in the air, capturing video at concerts. It's something that holds true here, as well, and when the camera flies back from the front of the stage over the first several rows of the audience in attendance, it's easy to spot a sizeable number of people watching the concert through those tiny screens. This is especially the case during the classic "Comfortably Numb", which for many is the pinnacle of Pink Floyd's catalog. While I can appreciate the want or need to capture photographic or video memories of live shows, I personally find concerts much more entertaining, powerful, and enjoyable by simply being present and in the moment, hearing and feeling the music being performed while my phone is safely tucked away in my pocket.

Live at Circus Maximus Blu-ray Concert Set List (Total time: 2 Hours and 22 Minutes)

• 5 A.M.

• Black Cat

• Luck and Strange

• Breathe (In the Air)

• Time

• Fat Old Sun

• Marooned

• Wish You Were Here

• Vita Brevis

• Between Two Points (with Romany Gilmour)

• High Hopes

• Sorrow

• The Piper's Call

• A Great Day for Freedom

• In Any Tongue

• The Great Gig in the Sky

• A Boat Lies Waiting

• Coming Back to Life

• Dark and Velvet Night

• Sings

• Scattered

• Comfortably Numb

David Gilmour - Live at the Circus Maximus Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The concert film's AVC-encoded 1080p transfer looks quite lovely with its slightly desaturated color palette. The camera work here makes for a very enjoyable viewing experience, providing a deft mix of shots that slowly pan the stage from a variety of angles. This is usually accomplished with midrange and close-up shots, but occasionally the longer shots from further back in the audience are employed to provide a sense of scale. Static close- ups and midrange shots are also used for key moments. Cuts are never quick, though as the focus moves from Gilmore to other players and singers, the camera sometimes does not linger overlong. In short, the style of the camerawork matches the vibe of the evening perfectly. Purposeful. Methodical. Powerful. Skin tones are generally healthy and realistic-looking, though occasionally aggressive white concert lighting can wash out Gilmour and others. Wood grain is clearly visible in the harps played by Romany Gilmour and Hattie Webb. Precise details in guitar pickups and knobs are plain to see, as are the handling smudges on the finish of Gilmour's glossy black guitars. Clothing particulars are also open for inspection, such as the detailed pattern on Greg Philligaine's shirt, and the flowing garments worn by Louise Marshall and the Hattie and Charley Webb, which are accented with discernible lacey, embroidered, or sequined elements. Frequently the focus of the camera, viewers can detect every wrinkle or bit of stubble on Gilmour's face, and every short wisp of hair on the top of his balding head. Lighting choices and effects provide the greatest opportunities for colors to pop in this presentation, as most of the stage elements, and the attire of those on it, are black. "Sorrow", for example, is paired with light cues that wash the stage in rich alternating splashes of reds, purples, and greens. Specific lighting choices keep certain areas of the stage in darkness and craft a neat border or frame around the players. The image possesses very solid depth. It's a wonderful transfer.

David Gilmour - Live at the Circus Maximus Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The concert film and the Blu-ray audio version both give viewers the option to select the track that best suits their particular set-up and preference. Options include an LPCM Stereo track, a Dolby Atmos track, and a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. I watched the concert through with each of the three options, in turn. Guitars and vocals sounded very good on the Stereo track. Keys where impressive as well. The bass guitar work and drums lack some of the depth I would hope for, but it's still an enjoyable listen. Next up was the Dolby Atmos track. Sound separation and clarity are excellent from beginning to end. Gilmour's guitars are expressive, percussion is precise, and bass is well-balanced and adds depth but is never overpowering. The sound stage feels substantially more open here, with more room for instruments to breathe - a thought I went back and confirmed after spending time with the 5.1 track. The 5.1 track is quite good, adding more power to the bottom end than the 2.0 track could muster. Drums impress. Vocals are crisp and clean, and Gilmour's guitarwork dazzles. After viewing the concert through with each of the audio tracks, the Dolby Atmos track is definitely my preferred option. Immersion is pleasing but not distracting. In addition to the aforementioned one-two punch of "Sorrow" and "The Piper's Call" another standout sonic highlight (among many) comes just a few songs earlier in the setlist. Ben Worsley's delicate 12-string opening notes of "Wish You Were Here" are bright and life-like, as is Gilmour's six-string work when he joins in. His vocals possess a slight echo on this track in the massive space, and the thousands who can be heard singing along with him make for a beautiful and powerful effect, with the crowd remaining audible even as the volume and intensity of the song builds. It's a wonderful track.

David Gilmour - Live at the Circus Maximus Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The Luck and Strange Concerts (Audio): Audio options again include LPCM Stereo 96/24, Dolby Atmos, and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. My preference in audio track here remains unchanged, with the Dolby Atmos track being my pick. The track list mirrors that of the concert film, with the addition of "A Single Spark" being added in after "Marooned". Tracks are sourced from shows at Brighton Center (UK), Circus Maximus (Italy), Royal Albert Hall (UK), Intuit Dome (USA), and Madison Square Garden (USA).

• the Luck and Strange Rehearsals (28.34) - Songs include: "Between Two Points (with Romany Gilmour), Breathe (In the Air)/Time, Dark and Velvet Nights, and Luck and Strange. Audio here is LPcM 2.0 Stereo, recorded live in studio. The performances here are sound, and there's an intimate feel to watching the full band in the rehearsal space.

• Documentaries (42.42) - Please note that all have an LPCM 2.0 Stereo audio track. Selecting the first one will cause them all to play in sequence.
  • Rain in Rome: Gilmour provides a brief history lesson on the Circus Maximus as rain pours down on the city and the venue before the show.
  • Backstage at the Royal Albert Hall: The band prepares for the show at the venue, and performs a soundcheck. Gilmour recalls being there in 1968 after the stage was refinished and what they had to do to hold the drum kit in place - something, he says, that resulted in Pink Floyd being banned from the venue for life. Romany talks briefly about performing with her father on her first ever tour.
  • Backstage in America: Pratt, Gilmour, and others talk about the American tour and the new album. Worsely shares information about his audition, and other candid moments are intermixed as well.
  • The Making of "Luck and Strange": Gilmour talks about the creation of the album and provides context and information about songs as studio footage unspools and tracks from the album play. Producer Charlie Andrew shares his thoughts and approach, and David and Polly talk about crafting the lyrics. Other aspects of the album's creation are covered as well in the informative segment.

• Music Videos - Please note that all have an LPCM 2.0 Stereo audio track. Selecting the first one will cause them all to play in sequence.
  • A Singe Spark Live
  • Between Two Points (Official Music Video)
  • Between Two Points - Gentry Remix- Editor's Cut (Official Music Video)
  • Wesley on Patrol
  • The Piper's Call (Official Music Video)
  • The Piper's Call Live Around the World (Official Music Video)
  • Luck and Strange (Official Music Video)
  • Dark and Velvet Nights (Official Music Video)
  • Dark and Velvet Nights (Animated Music Video)

• Booklet - A 20-page booklet of photos and liner notes is housed in its own pocket in the middle panel of the packaging.

• Sticker Sheet A sticker sheet with two black cat stickers similar to what are seen on Gilmour's guitars in the concert footage and music videos is also included, so fans can add one to their own rigs (or anything else) if they wish.

David Gilmour - Live at the Circus Maximus Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

David Gilmour - Live at the Circus Maximus is a concert film done right. Providing just enough shots of the audience to help viewers understand the scale of the venue, and the impact on the attendees, it largely keeps it's focus on the musicians. Camera movements are slow, and changes from one camera to another are purposeful, allowing the viewer to get grounded before switching again. Gilmour, for obvious reasons, receives the bulk of the screen time, but each of the other musicians on stage receives their share of the focus over the nearly 150-minute concert. Sonically, the film's Dolby Atmos track is a delight, with the performance of each song on the setlist being powerful and emotionally affecting. For fans of David Gilmour and/or Pink Floyd, David Gilmour - Live at the Circus Maximus receives my highest recommendation.