There are so many cult films out there that it’s impossible to keep track of all of them. Back in the ’80s and ’90s, when I would frequent video stores, there were times when I wouldn’t rent anything and would instead endlessly browse the aisles, so I could remember what that particular store had. As nerdy as it sounds, I could recall which store had a specific film that another did not. My memory isn’t quite as sharp these days, but when I come across certain titles, the VHS box art will flash before my eyes. When Blue Sunshine (1977) arrived at my home to review, I had a flash.
This is a film I’ve never seen but has lingered in the back of my brain somewhere for the better part of thirty years. Synapse Films has compiled an excellent three-disc set that just so happens to contain the new 4K transfer. I recently dove into this massive set only to be blown away.
At a lively party, chaos erupts when a man suddenly descends into madness, murdering three women in a shocking and brutal attack. Jerry Zipkin (Zalman King) is wrongly accused of the crime and finds himself fleeing from the law, desperate to clear his name. However, as he digs deeper into the mystery, a terrifying pattern emerges: more people across town are experiencing violent psychotic episodes, each accompanied by one disturbing symptom: sudden hair loss. Jerry’s search for answers leads him to an unsettling discovery, a possible connection between the killings and a mysterious strain of LSD known as “Blue Sunshine.”
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A decade earlier, a group of individuals had taken the drug, unaware that its long-term effects might turn them into homicidal maniacs. As the pieces come together, Jerry realizes that the conspiracy runs deeper than he ever imagined, with an ambitious politician named Flemming (Mark Goddard) at the center of it all. Could he hold the key to the horrifying truth, and will Jerry uncover it before it’s too late?
The movie is very much a product of the ’70s, so there’s no mistaking when it was made. Jeff Lieberman is certainly an underrated filmmaker. While I still prefer his 2004 horror film, Satan’s Little Helper, Blue Sunshine is an ambitious opus that works better than it should. With a few shocking moments and a solid cast, I can see where the cult appeal comes from.
The 4K restoration was mastered from the original 35mm camera negative, and beautifully done, I might add. It adds an interesting layer to the more psychedelic moments. The finale didn’t really click for me, but overall, I found it to be a wild ride and an interesting piece of cinematic history. It’s an experimental film that takes risks, and while it doesn’t always pay off, it’s still worthy of the “cult classic” moniker.
Oh, and did I mention the film stars Zalman King? Yes, that Zalman King, known for cult erotica, including Red Shoe Diaries and 9½ Weeks.
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The set comes in an exclusive limited-edition chipboard slipcase with newly commissioned artwork by Wes Benscoter. There’s plenty of bonus features to keep you occupied for hours including a new introduction by director Jeff Lieberman, two commentary tracks, a 2003 archival interview with Lieberman, Channel Z “Fantasy Film Festival” interview with Lieberman and Mick Garris, a Q&A from the same festival, anti-drug scare films, two versions of Jeff Lieberman’s first film The Ringer, and much more.
The third disc includes the complete, trippy soundtrack. There’s also a booklet with liner notes from Lieberman, as well as a chapter from his book about the film. There’s even an included fold-out poster. All in all, this edition of Blue Sunshine is the one to own.
I’m really excited by how well this turned out and how informative the bonus features were. The LSD in the film may be tainted, but nothing taints this wonderful set from Synapse Films.
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