The LSD Horror Flick You Need to See

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MOVIE REVIEW
Blue Sunshine
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Genre: Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 1977, Synapse Films 4K 2025
Runtime: 1h 35m
Director(s): Jeff Lieberman
Writer(s): Jeff Lieberman
Cast: Zalman King, Deborah Winters, Mark Goddard, Robert Walden, Charles Siebert, Ann Cooper, Ray Young, Alice Ghostley, Stefan Gierasch, Richard Crystal, Bill Adler, Barbara Quinn
Where to Watch: Available April 15, 2025. Order here: www.synapsefilms.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: In the diverse world of 1970s horror, BLUE SUNSHINE stands out with its unique fusion of psychological suspense and societal reflection. Directed by Jeff Lieberman, this film examines the haunting repercussions of past decisions manifesting in unexpected and terrifying ways.

The story follows Jerry Zipkin, played by Zalman King, who becomes embroiled in a series of bewildering murders. A seemingly ordinary gathering turns deadly when an acquaintance suddenly exhibits violent behavior, leading Jerry on a mission to clear his name. His investigation uncovers a startling connection: a group of individuals, now in their late twenties, are experiencing sudden hair loss followed by uncontrollable violent tendencies. The common thread among them is their consumption of an experimental LSD variant called "Blue Sunshine" during their college years. This revelation exposes a deeper conspiracy, implicating figures across various sectors, including politics.

Lieberman crafts a narrative that intertwines horror with a critique of societal issues. The film reflects on the remnants of the 1960s counterculture and the unforeseen consequences of youthful experimentation. It raises questions about accountability and the latent effects of past behaviors on present circumstances.

One of the more fascinating aspects of BLUE SUNSHINE is how it reframes horror through a socially charged lens, refusing to rely solely on cheap scares or standard slasher tropes. Instead, Lieberman leans into paranoia—drawing out tension not from what’s lurking in the shadows, but from the slow unraveling of truth. There's an eerie sense of institutional decau humming in the background of every scene, from the clean white walls of hospitals to the polished campaign rhetoric of political candidates. This isn't just about isolated acts of violence—it's about what happens when the structures we trust are quietly complicit in covering up chaos. That atmosphere of mounting dread does a lot of heavy lifting, even when the screenplay shows signs of strain.

The film also plays with audience expectations by offering a protagonist just as unreliable as the world around him. Jerry's strange behavior, possibly due to Lieberman's misdirection during production, adds an odd and sometimes frustrating energy to the performance. His emotional detachment and erratic decision-making can alienate viewers, but it also mirrors the film’s central theme: a society unraveling from the inside. Whether intentional or not, that ambiguity becomes part of the texture.

King's portrayal of Jerry is marked by a blend of determination and vulnerability, effectively conveying a man thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Deborah Winters, as Alicia Sweeney, and Mark Goddard, as Ed Flemming, deliver performances that enrich the film's dynamics, each adding depth to the unfolding mystery.

While BLUE SUNSHINE presents an intriguing premise, certain aspects merit critique. The film's pacing occasionally lags, with some scenes extending beyond necessity, which may lessen the overall tension. Additionally, the exploration of the drug's effects, though central to the plot, could benefit from a more nuanced examination to fully convey the gravity of its impact.

Reflecting on BLUE SUNSHINE, it stands as a testament to the inventive storytelling characteristic of 1970s genre cinema. Its fusion of horror and social commentary offers a lens through which to view the cultural dynamics of the time. While it may not have achieved mainstream acclaim, its unique approach and thematic ambition secure its place as a noteworthy entry in cult cinema history.

Bonus Materials:
4K restoration of the original 35mm camera negative mastered in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
Lossless English DTS-HD Master Audio original theatrical mono and a 5.1 surround sound mix supervised by director Jeff Lieberman
Two audio commentaries featuring director Jeff Lieberman
New introduction to the film by director Jeff Lieberman
Archival 2003 interview with director Jeff Lieberman
“Lieberman on Lieberman” video interview
Channel Z “Fantasy Film Festival” interview with Mick Garris and Jeff Lieberman
Fantasia Film Festival 4K Premiere Q&A with moderator Michael Gingold and director Jeff Lieberman
Anti-drug “scare films”: LSD-25 (1967) and LSD: Insight or Insanity? (1968), courtesy of the American Genre Film Archive
Jeff Lieberman’s first film, The Ringer (Remastered in 4K by Synapse Films from the original camera negative)
Theatrical trailers
Still gallery
Liner notes booklet by Jeff Lieberman, featuring a chapter on the making of Blue Sunshine from his book Day of the Living Me: Adventures of a Subversive Cult Filmmaker from the Golden Age
Limited edition fold-out poster
Limited edition remastered CD soundtrack (13 tracks)

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[photo courtesy of SYNAPSE FILMS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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