The “based on true events” film trend of the mid to late 1970’s provided for some truly unhinged cinematic moments, none more crazy than 1977’s Blue Sunshine. With an all inclusive (seriously!) new 4K Ultra set from Synapse Films, it’s a perfect time to revisit this, often overlooked, quirky little gem.
Synopsis
“Did you ever hear the words ‘Blue Sunshine’? Try to remember…your life may depend on it!”
Have a look at the remastered trailer!
Writer/director Jeff Lieberman (Squirm; Just Before Dawn), inspired by stories of LSD users having breakdowns years later from his doctor brother, unleashed Blue Sunshine at the perfect time to capitalize on America’s post-Vietnam/drug culture paranoia.
At a groovy party at a secluded home, Frannie (Richard Crystal; The Devil and Max Devlin) croons a jazz standard and playfully flirts with a fellow guest. When the guest’s boyfriend takes issue, he pulls Frannie’s hair off(!) sending him into a murderous rampage. Good guy Jerry Zipkin (Zalman King; Galaxy of Terror) gives chase until the maniac runs afoul of a passing truck. Falsely accused of the heinous murders, Jerry, with the help of girlfriend Alicia (Deborah Winters; The Outing) and his doctor pal David (Robert Walden; Lou Grant) are soon on a desperate quest to find the source of the killings and to clear Jerry’s good name.
Soon it’s revealed that a former college LSD merchant turned politician Ed Flemming (Mark Goddard; Lost In Space) was selling some peculiar acid to his fellow co-eds a decade ago, and well…those flashbacks man!
With a crisp, no-nonsense approach to pacing, and a cast composed primarily of television actors, it’s no surprise that Blue Sunshine can’t quite shake it’s “extended episode of Night Gallery” trappings. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Light on actual gore, it does contain some truly skin crawling moments—who can forget a chrome domed Wendy (Ann Cooper; Blue Thunder) trying to murder the kids in her apartment (even if those brats had it coming)?
And Zalman King really shines as the unfortunate hero. The effects, particularly the use of many poorly applied bald caps, are passable for the time, and don’t take away from some convincing violent scenes. Great production work, including near perfect sound design, helps to elevate Blue Sunshine from most of it’s sleazy 70’s counterparts, and makes for a fun ride to its clinical, documentary style conclusion. Sure, there’s some laughable moments: a crime scene tape outline that spans several stairs comes to mind, and there’s a few memorable lines: “There’s a bald maniac in there, he’s going batshit!” is among the best in the genre.
The Synapse release of Blue Sunshine gives new meaning to “all inclusive.” The film proper, with an intro by Lieberman suggesting an MK Ultra connection, it looks fantastic in 4K! Probably the best looking transfer, given the source material, that you’re ever going to see of this film. A separate Blu-ray of the film, as well as a 13 track OST CD are included. You want extras? Holy crap, hang onto your hat! Audio commentaries (two of ‘em) from Lieberman, several interviews and Q&A’s with the director, two full length “drug scare” films from the 60’s, Lieberman’s debut film The Ringer in two different cuts (with commentaries), trailers and, of course, production stills.
Not enough, you say? The sturdy chipboard box/slipcase also contains a fold out film poster and a liner notes book, featuring a chapter on the making of Blue Sunshine from Lieberman’s book. What? They couldn’t fit a replica bald cap and hit of acid in there too?
While most of the cast returned to television or film producing work, Lieberman has soldiered on, making a few more off beat flicks along the way, my favorite being 2004’s Satan’s Little Helper. This, exhaustive, release of Blue Sunshine is absolutely worth a look, and represents a deep dive into the “drug scare” phenomenon that began way back when with films like Reefer Madness. With side effects like: headaches, baldness, crazy eyes, and murderous rage, what’s the worst that could happen? Grab some Blue Sunshine and turn on, tune in and drop out!
Synapse Films’ 4K Ultra set of Blue Sunshine is available now from fine retailers.
