Blue Sunshine 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Limited - 4,000 copies
Score: 87
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
Blue Sunshine impresses with its suspenseful, bizarre plot and controlled direction, though some performances and effects reveal budget limitations.
Disc Release Date
Native 4K
Dolby Vision
HDR10
DTS HD-MA
Video: 85
Blue Sunshine’s 4K UHD Blu-ray, sourced from an all-new 4K restoration of the original 35mm negative and presented in Dolby Vision, delivers rich primaries, deep blacks, refined grain, and exceptional detail, honoring the film’s gritty ’70s aesthetic with a natural, film-like image.
Audio: 90
Blue Sunshine features both 2.0 DTS-HD MA mono and 5.1 DTS-HD MA surround tracks, each offering crisp, clear dialogue and a dynamic, well-restored audio presentation; the surround mix subtly expands the score while honoring the original’s fidelity.
Extra: 96
Comprehensively curated, the 4K UHD set excels with two Lieberman commentaries, multiple in-depth interviews, rare shorts—like 1972’s ‘The Ringer’ in both uncut and final forms—LSD-era films, trailers, a poster, soundtrack CD, and a booklet excerpt from Lieberman’s memoir.
Movie: 66
Blue Sunshine stands out as Lieberman’s most accomplished film, blending a chillingly plausible LSD-fueled conspiracy with psychological horror, unsettling atmosphere, and sharp social commentary, though its dated production and restrained psychedelics may temper expectations.

Video: 85
The new 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Blue Sunshine" benefits from a meticulous restoration sourced from the original 35mm camera negative, and presents the film in its intended 1.85:1 aspect ratio with Dolby Vision HDR. The transfer showcases an authentically film-like image, with a consistently fine grain structure and impressive clarity throughout. Textural detail is greatly enhanced—skin, hair, and clothing all appear notably sharper and more dimensional than previous editions. Colors are vividly rendered, with rich primary hues such as reds and blues making a strong impact, while period-specific interiors and wood-toned architecture retain credibility and nuance. Exteriors demonstrate increased depth and definition, reinforcing the benefits of the 2160p resolution.
Black levels are robust and contribute effective shadow delineation in darker scenes without crushing detail. Highlights are handled tastefully, and whites stand out as especially crisp, providing strong contrast that suits the film’s stylized, gritty '70s aesthetic. Greens and other environmental tones remain distinct, further adding to the naturalism of the image. Flesh tones adapt appropriately to narrative needs—appearing bloodless and stark for disturbed characters, but staying supple and true for others. The Dolby Vision grading amplifies dynamic range without overreaching, maintaining fidelity to the cinematographer’s original intent. The source materials are in excellent condition with only minimal incidental wear, resulting in a pristine presentation that respects the period texture of this cult title.
Audio: 90
The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Blue Sunshine" offers both a 5.1 DTS-HD MA track and a 2.0 DTS-HD MA mono mix, retaining audio configurations featured on prior releases. The original mono presentation, restored by Camera Obscura in Germany, stands out for its robust fidelity and clarity. Dialogue is consistently clean, crisp, and expressive, devoid of intelligibility issues or distortion. The mono’s sonic heft is notable, delivering a soundstage that belies the film’s low-budget ’70s origins while maintaining an authentic period character. Instrumentation, particularly within the score, is well-defined, lending nuance and dynamism to the soundtrack.
The 5.1 DTS-HD MA surround mix is intentionally restrained and remains faithful to the mono's spirit. Its most significant enhancement is the spatial treatment of Charles Gross’s score, utilizing the added channels to provide an expanded presence and subtle atmospheric lift. The theremin-laced score achieves a striking dynamic range, exhibiting both depth and brightness without harshness or artifacting. Ambient effects and music cues feel spacious and immersive but never disconnected from their original mix intent. English SDH subtitles are available in a clear white font for accessibility.
Extras: 96
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Blue Sunshine" offers an exhaustive and impressively curated suite of extras, underscoring Synapse Films’ commitment to archival completeness. All supplemental content is thoughtfully presented on the UHD disc, combining new and archival materials. The edition includes two engaging audio commentaries featuring writer/director Jeff Lieberman with historians and filmmakers, illuminating the film’s original context and production. Interviews, Q&As, and festival appearances provide further insight into Lieberman’s career trajectory and his creative process, supported by rare short films like "The Ringer" (in both uncut and remastered edits) and vintage anti-drug documentaries from the late 1960s. A 10-page booklet excerpted from Lieberman’s memoir, a fold-out poster, extensive image galleries, and the movie's audio soundtrack round out this exemplary package. From technical restoration to historical documentation, these extras deliver substantial value for genre enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Extras included in this disc:
- Intro by Jeff Lieberman: A brief contextual introduction linking the film to MK Ultra experiments at Stanford.
- Audio Commentary #1: Jeff Lieberman with Howard S. Berger; production insights and film history.
- Audio Commentary #2: Jeff Lieberman with Elijah Drenner; additional filmmaker perspective.
- 2003 Interview: In-depth discussion with Lieberman covering Blue Sunshine’s genesis, reception, and the director's broader oeuvre.
- Lieberman on Lieberman: 2002 interview about Lieberman's formative years, influences, and filmmaking evolution.
- Fantasia Film Festival Q&A: Post-screening audience Q&A with Lieberman.
- Fantasy Film Festival Interview: 1980 public access TV segment with Mick Garris and Lieberman about his early films.
- LSD Short Films: "LSD-25" (1967) and "LSD: Insight or Insanity?" (1968) exploring period anti-drug messaging.
- The Ringer: Original Uncut Version: 1972 short film by Lieberman, with optional commentary.
- The Ringer: Final Release Edit: Remastered version of the same short film.
- Image Gallery: Collection of stills, behind-the-scenes photos, marketing art, and lobby cards.
- Theatrical Trailers #1 & #2: Archival promotional material.
- Booklet Excerpt: Selection from Jeff Lieberman's memoir.
- Fold-out Poster: Collectible movie artwork.
- Original Soundtrack on CD: Full score by composer Charles Gross.
Movie: 66
Jeff Lieberman’s Blue Sunshine (1977) marks a notable evolution from his earlier film Squirm, offering a heady blend of paranoia-fueled thriller and exploitation horror. The film pivots away from nature’s vengeance to a societal one, centering on a chilling premise: a mysterious LSD variant from the 1960s, "Blue Sunshine," triggers delayed, violent psychosis in former users, sending middle-class adults on homicidal rampages years later. Zalman King stars as Jerry Zipkin, an everyman thrown into chaos when he witnesses a friend commit murder and becomes the chief suspect himself. As Jerry investigates, the narrative expands into a detective story laced with conspiracy, linking a series of bizarre killings to both powerful political figures and the haunting remnants of a counterculture gone awry.
The film excels in its conceptual ambition—melding post-hippie anxieties with the structure of a fugitive mystery. Lieberman’s direction resists psychedelic visual excess, choosing instead a measured, straightforward style that grounds the escalating madness, though some viewers may miss more traditional horror shocks. Blue Sunshine’s horror is largely psychological, pivoting from initial exploitative jolts to sustained tension as Jerry and his companion Alicia uncover the extent of the social spread and devastation caused by the titular drug. The cast of antagonists—pillars of society transformed into bald, mindless killers—deepens the film’s unsettling tone and enhances its cult status.
Though Blue Sunshine’s pacing can lag, and its low-budget production values show their era, the narrative's resonance is amplified by its commentary on drug culture and hidden societal ills. The blend of science fiction and horror serves both as a cautionary tale and an incisive look at disillusionment following the 1960s. For those interested in genre hybrids with real-world undercurrents and cult appeal, Blue Sunshine stands as a provocative artifact of 1970s horror cinema.
Total: 87
Blue Sunshine arrives on 4K UHD Blu-ray as a notable cult classic of 1970s suspense, distinguished by its uniquely bizarre narrative and unnerving atmosphere. The film stands out for its compelling plot, which weaves confusion and psychological tension into a steadily mounting sense of dread. Director Jeff Lieberman demonstrates impressive control over the film’s mood and pacing, pushing the boundaries of low-budget filmmaking to deliver a memorably unsettling experience.
While the movie sometimes suffers from uneven performances—particularly Zalman King's lead, whose intensity occasionally undercuts the on-screen suspense—the supporting cast provides strong counterbalance. Certain moments, such as over-the-top “freakouts,” play more cartoonish than disturbing, a limitation tied in part to the production’s modest resources. Nevertheless, these flaws are outweighed by the film's overall effectiveness in crafting suspense, maintaining curiosity, and grounding its eccentricities in a confidently directed vision.
In conclusion, Blue Sunshine earns its reputation as a cult favorite through a successful blend of shock, suspense, and idiosyncratic storytelling. The new 4K UHD presentation respects the film’s original tone and atmosphere, making this release essential for genre enthusiasts and fans of offbeat cinematic treasures alike.
- Read review here
Blu-ray.com review by Brian Orndorf
Video: 100
Primaries are powerful, capturing rich reds and blues, finding costuming sharp, along with makeup additions and political signage....
Audio: 90
"Blue Sunshine" contains the 5.1 DTS-HD MA track as the previous release, and defaults to a 2.0 DTS-HD MA "original mono" mix, which maintains steady engagement throughout the listening event....
Extras: 100
Intro (1:29, HD) features writer/director Jeff Lieberman, who stands near a replica of Rodin's "The Thinker" sculpture and shares a brief story about "Blue Sunshine" and its connection to Stanford University...
Movie: 70
Now on the run, Jerry is searching for an explanation for his pal's raging behavior, coming across clues of hair loss, Stanford diplomas, and steady psychosis, connected to a demonic dose of acid called...
Total: 90
Occasional silliness is there, but "Blue Sunshine" is a decently suspenseful ride with a pleasingly bizarre plot, landing its sense of confusion and exploration with surprising control from the helmer,...
- Read review here
Do Blu review by Christopher Zabel
Video: 80
Marking its 4K debut, the triple-layer UHD captures every nuance and detail found on the negative in beautiful condition....
Audio: 100
It has a lovely and wide dynamic range, together with the ability to plunge deep and soar high without ever sounding harsh....
Extras: 100
Also includes an optional audio commentary by Jeff Lieberman and moderator Howard S. Berger“The Ringer” Final Release Edit (18:32 in HD) – Jeff Lieberman’s 1972 short film remastered in 4K by Synapse Films...
Movie: 70
The film serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of drug abuse, a theme that remains relevant even today....
Total: 88
Jeff Lieberman’s unnerving ’70s thriller is a minor cult classic laced with shocks and suspense...
Director: Jeff Lieberman
Actors: Zalman King, Deborah Winters, Mark Goddard
PlotA series of brutal, inexplicable murders shakes Los Angeles when several seemingly ordinary people suddenly lose all their hair and turn violently psychotic. Jerry Zipkin, a man present at one of these incidents, is wrongfully accused of murder when a friend suffers a terrifying transformation and attacks others at a party. As he flees from police and public suspicion, Jerry begins his own investigation to clear his name and understand the bizarre outbreak. He notices a pattern among the perpetrators: all are suffering from sudden hair loss and uncontrollable rage, with no apparent warning. Desperate to prove his innocence, Jerry traces the origins of the madness and uncovers a possible connection to events from a decade earlier.
Following leads, Jerry discovers that many of those affected once attended the same university and might have been exposed to an experimental batch of LSD known as "Blue Sunshine" during their college years. He enlists the help of Alicia Sweeney, an old friend, to track down former users and find a link between their behavior and the drug, while evading law enforcement hot on his trail. As Jerry delves deeper into the backgrounds of the victims, he pieces together clues about the drug’s long-term effects and the horrifying possibility of more dormant carriers in the population. The investigation pushes him into increasing danger as he races to alert the authorities before more random, deadly outbursts erupt in the city.
Writers: Jeff Lieberman
Release Date: 12 May 1978
Runtime: 94 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English