Freebird: The Movie

Skynyrd at the rawest and best. This film is a must for any Skynyrd fan. The interviews and home movies show that these guys weren't just rock 'n' roll gods.

I just watched "Freebird...The Movie" I recommend this movie to anyone who grew up in the late 70's. If you did and Lynyrd Skynyrd didn't touch your life in some way or another...check your pulse. I LOVED it, the live footage, the backstage footage, the personal footage all blended together to create a beautiful memorial to a band that hadn't even begun to scratch the surface of their musical power. I know I can speak for all L.S. fans "We Miss You"

The original Freebird was an excellent collection of live performances but did not explain much in the way of the band's history. The new double-movie DVD redresses this by adding the 1987 Tribute Tour movie to Freebird: this second movie describes the early history of the band and its members and also details the present (1987 at least) situation with the surviving and newly-added members. In all, the double movie DVD serves as a reminder of just how great this band was, and to a lesser extent, still is.

"You say you will be alright tomorrow, but tomorrow may not be here for you".

I remember the days of 1976 (although I was only 13 at the time) and the BBC used to have a people's choice on New Year's Eve, the footage of Lynyrd Skynyrd performing "Freebird" at Knebworth won every year it was one of the choices. Unfortunately, this movie does not include this triumphant, jubilant performance and it is instead replaced by, in comparison, a pedestrian version from an altogether different source. Colour me disappointed.

While the music of Skynyrd is well represented, and for this alone I rate this at 7, the failure to include one of their greatest moments on stage ~ especially when the footage was available (clips of it are shown during the end credits while another song entirely provides the backing) ~ is an atrocious error in judgement.

Enjoy what is there, but remember it could have been so much better.

Very good rockumentary showing some interviews but mostly footage of various concerts, most in color but some in b&w. All the bands' big hits were performed and I liked the way the camera made use of the close-up lens which allowed the viewer to catch all the action as though sitting in a front row seat. See this if you get a chance, it is hot.