The film captures the energy and vibrancy of this period, and features archive live footage of the bands The Clash, the Sex Pistols, Wayne County and the Electric Chairs, Generation X, Slaughter and the Dogs, The Slits, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Eater, Subway Sect, X-Ray Spex, Alternative TV and Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers.
Of his movie Letts wrote;
Every generation needs it's own soundtrack. In 1977 punk rock was it. It inspired some people to pick up guitars, I was inspired to pick up a movie camera... It was all so new, I realised it wasn't about being just a fan, it was about getting involved... A good idea attempted is better than a bad idea perfected.
The Punk Rock Movie was released on video in 1992 by Studio K7.