Street Survivors: The True Story of the Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane Crash Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Street Survivors: The True Story of the Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane Crash" by Cleopatra Entertainment and MVD Visual showcases multiple technical issues that detract from the viewing experience. Encoded using an MPEG-2 1080i transfer in an unconventional 2.67:1 aspect ratio, the disc suffers from combing artifacts during fast movement and noticeable soft spots in CGI sequences, particularly the plane crash. While the BD-50 format was likely chosen to accommodate the lengthy documentary extras, the interlaced presentation is a surprising and disappointing choice for a film produced as recently as 2020.

Despite these shortcomings, the video quality is adequate in certain circumstances. Detail levels are acceptable when lighting conditions are stable and outside of scenes marred by intentionally jiggly camera work at concerts or parties. However, over-driven lighting results in blown-out highlights and insufficient definition, typical of many Cleopatra Productions. The wonky aspect ratio introduces anamorphic distortion near the edges, further underlining the limitations of this low-budget digital production. Overall, although it manages to deliver tolerable High Definition content, the disc's various technical issues reflect a general lack of polish in its video presentation.

Cleopatra continues its puzzling trend of offering only lossy audio on its Blu-ray releases, including the audio presentation for "Street Survivors: The True Story of the Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane Crash." This release features both Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0 tracks, which can be toggled via the Audio button on your remote, though this isn't disclosed in the Setup Menu. The surround mix does open up the musical elements effectively, offering appreciable separation and a boost in lower-end oomph during key sequences like the plane crash. However, audiophiles will lament the absence of lossless audio, musing over how much better these moments could have sounded.

Despite being limited to lossy 5.1 Dolby Digital audio, the mix manages to provide a satisfactory listening experience, especially with its forceful bass during the crash sequences and clean dialogue rendering throughout. The soundtrack predominantly features rock music contributed by Artimus Pyle and his associates, but be aware that songs penned by Lynyrd Skynyrd are conspicuously absent—the standout "Free Bird" is missing. The supplementary 2.0 Dolby Digital track offers an alternative listening option and optional English subtitles are included for added accessibility.

The Blu-ray extras for "Street Survivors: The True Story of the Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane Crash" elevate the release with comprehensive behind-the-scenes content and engaging supplemental material. The standout feature, "Surviving Street Survivors," is an in-depth making-of documentary that offers a raw and honest depiction of the production. This feature-length documentary includes day-by-day accounts of the shoot, interviews with cast and crew, and insights from Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Artimus Pyle on replicating the band's iconic performances. Other highlights include a high-definition slideshow, the official movie trailer, and additional Cleopatra Entertainment trailers. The meticulous packaging also includes a slipcover and a full soundtrack CD, enriching the overall collector's value of the set.

Extras included in this disc:

• Surviving Street Survivors: A fantastic documentary offering an inside glimpse into making the film.
• Slideshow: A brief compilation of still images from the production.
• Trailer: The official movie trailer.
• Cleopatra Entertainment Trailers: Previews of other projects by Cleopatra Entertainment.

Street Survivors: The True Story of the Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane Crash dives into the harrowing 1977 plane accident that tragically cut short the lives of several band members, most notably Ronnie Van Zant, and explores the aftermath through the eyes of drummer Artimus Pyle. Directed by Jared Cohn, the film is an unauthorized project due to ongoing legal disputes involving Pyle and Van Zant’s widow, Judy Van Zant. Despite these hurdles, it presents an engaging look at a monumental event in rock history, though it can sometimes feel exploitative and self-serving.

The film emphasizes Pyle's recollections, adapted from his memoirs, portraying him as a central and heroic figure. Ian Shultis' portrayal of Pyle captures the drummer's reverence for his bandmates and his poignant journey to find help after the crash. However, the lack of inclusion of actual Lynyrd Skynyrd music, blocked by the band's estate, is a notable drawback that affects the film's overall authenticity. The movie also dwells on the band's indulgent lifestyle, painting a vivid but sometimes cliched image of their sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll ethos.

Technical aspects are competently handled, ensuring a solid period atmosphere and respectful depiction of the band's legacy. Yet, the film’s narrative does border on hagiography for Pyle, with some historical accuracies being questioned and other band members portrayed in less favorable terms. While Street Survivors is not definitive on Lynyrd Skynyrd's tragic tale, it provides an evocative and heartfelt view from one who lived through it, appealing primarily to dedicated fans of the Southern rock legends.

"Street Survivors: The True Story of the Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane Crash" delivers a dramatized recount of the tragic event seen through the eyes of drummer Artimus Pyle. The narrative aims for authenticity, providing an emotional depth that will resonate with dedicated fans of the band. However, the film appears to tread a fine line between a heartfelt tribute and personal aggrandizement, potentially alienating both casual viewers and die-hard enthusiasts expecting a more balanced perspective on the tragedy.

The Blu Ray's technical presentation is serviceable, yet falls short of what audiophiles and videophiles might expect. The picture quality maintains clarity, but lacks the vibrancy and meticulous detail characteristic of higher-end transfers. Similarly, the audio performance—while passable—does not fully capture the emotional gravitas of Lynyrd Skynyrd's music or the intensity of the crash sequences. These shortcomings leave room for improvement, both in terms of video rendering and sound mixing, which could enhance the viewing experience significantly.

In conclusion, "Street Survivors" offers a somewhat self-serving but nonetheless poignant account of a pivotal moment in rock history. For ardent Lynyrd Skynyrd fans, it presents a unique perspective that might warrant a watch. However, the film's technical merits are adequate at best and overshadowed by the potential for a more comprehensive and better-produced documentary. A collaborative effort among all survivors could yield a richer, more encompassing portrayal of Lynyrd Skynyrd's storied legacy, ideally balancing the band's achievements with the somber remembrance of its darkest day.