Liquid Sky (1982) - Blu-ray Review

Details: By Loron Hays; 13 December 2017

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4 beers Otherwise known as the world as metaphor.

When you talk about originality in cinema, you best not forget to mention filmmaker Slava Tsukerman. Tsukerman, a soviet born artist who moved to New York City in 1973, created something unique with the release of 1982’s cult classic, Liquid Sky, an avant-garde peek into the electro-fused subculture of the New Wave movement. And, man, is it ever a raw and stylish look at the fringes of New York City. It is also a highly charged tale that is told more through a visual lens than through a narrative one.

Truth be told, Liquid Sky, once seen, is never forgotten. Packed with some outer realm shit, this is one long dance party where the actual dancing is second to the LOUD costumes and the drugs. That’s not to say that there aren’t killer moves on the dance floor – there are some unforgettable sequences – it’s just to let you know that the style is the substance and the substance is the style in this tale of androgyny and aliens.

And, yes, it feels as if ripped straight out of a David Bowie LP from 1973. Aladdin Sane. Diamond Dogs anybody? How else do you explain the acid-wash lens of the alien who spies all the chaos that goes on in the apartment with his unique vision? Bowie approves of this one. No doubt that The Thin White Duke approves of Vinegar Syndrome's handling of this movie.

Hard to believe this flick, with a soundtrack as ON FIRE as the electronically composed one it sports – is 35 years old. The film is both funky and fresh with killer visuals that excite the optics and keep you glued to the screen. It also makes you want to dance, dance, dance as actress Anne Carlisle plays two roles, an Andy Warhol-looking model named Margaret and Jimmy, who is hell-bent on scoring some heroin for the night’s festivities.

They have no idea that a UFO has landed on the penthouse. With quick cuts, since the two parts are played by the same actor, they argue about were the drugs are and then, because Margaret’s girlfriend is performing at the club and she might possibly have some drugs they can score, they head back to catch her bizarre performance of the pre-programmed "Me and My Rhythm Box" while a bunch of faded freaks in headbands and a parachute pants gather round.

Sid and Nancy, eat your heart out. This is the true punk film. Through and through, this film simply won't stop stretching itself to reveal something disturbing about the scene. Co-starring Paula E. Sheppard, Bob Brady, Susan Doukas, Liquid Sky is all about embracing the demands of the colors and the cool in the city scene freak out happening far, far below.

Vinegar Syndrome, as part of their Black Friday celebration, issued this film – complete with a stunning 4k scrub that will simply take your breath away – on 1080p. Trust me, there’s not one dead moment in this orgy of cellophane and skyscrapers as lovers are killed by the alien life form mid orgasm.

As I stated earlier, the film begins with an unforgettable balancing act between a bedroom, people dancing at a nightclub, and a UFO landing atop said apartment. And it, concerning itself with the effects of heroin on already erotically lit party scene of New Wave punk, depicts it through subculture hairstyles, far-out Bowie-esque costumes, and a commitment to fresh sounds (and moves!) that is to be commended.

Forget the story. Hell, outside of a search for cocaine, heroin, and quaaludes, there’s not much happening. Just sit back and soak in the visuals as Liquid Sky goes straight into your veins. You ain’t ever going to be the same again after seeing purpose-driven pageantry of this independent picture.

Wanna snort some blow? Liquid Sky, and its punk counterculture, delivers the goods.

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MPAA Rating: R.
Runtime: 112 mins
Director: Slava Tsukerman
Writer: Slava Tsukerman, Anne Carlisle
Cast: Anne Carlisle, Paula E. Sheppard, Susan Doukas
Genre: Sci-fi
Tagline: Strange Aliens having bizarre orgasms!
Memorable Movie Quote: "Whether or not I like someone doesn't depend on what kind of genitals they have."
Theatrical Distributor: Cinevista
Official Site:
Release Date: April 15, 1983
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date: November 24, 2017
Synopsis: Margaret (Anne Carlisle) is a fashion model with dreams of stardom, whose alter ego and rival, Jimmy (also Carlisle), abuses and takes advantage of her to satisfy his rampant drug addiction. Unknown to them, tiny, invisible aliens have landed on the roof above the squalor in which they live and begin killing anyone Margaret has sex with to feed on their pleasure giving neurotransmitters. All the while, a German scientist attempts to capture and study them.

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Liquid Sky (1982) - Blu-ray Review

Blu-ray Details:

Special limited edition ‘dayglo ink‘ package

Home Video Distributor: Vinegar Syndrome
Available on Blu-ray - November 24, 2017
Screen Formats: 1.85:1
Subtitles: English SDH
Audio: English: DTS-HD Master Audio Mono
Discs: Blu-ray Disc; Two-disc set; DVD Copy
Region Encoding: Locked to Region A

Presented on 1080p by Vinegar Syndrome, this glossy film looks all kinds of neon and purposefully saturated for my tastes. Better than I have ever seen it look. The 4K processing is impressive and brings out colors and textures never previously noticed. Skin tones are solid and the hues achieved by both the neon and the colorful make-up is to be commended. Standout colors are white, pink, yellow, and blue. With an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and a solid DTS-HD mono track, this release simply does not disappoint. The image is smooth, has grain, and is well taken care of.

Supplements:

Commentary:

New to this release is the BRAND NEW commentary with Slava Tsukerman, the film’s director. There is so much to learn about the making of this movie that listening to him speak is an awesome bonus.

Special Features:

Unfortunately, the special limited edition ‘dayglo ink‘ package (designed by Derek Gabryszak) is already sold out. It’s a unique packaging and the disc includes video interviews with Salva Tsukerman and Anne Carlisle. Also included are an introduction to the film, a 50-minute documentary about the making of the movie, a Q&A session, the isolated soundtrack, alternate opening sequences, some rehearsal footage, theatrical trailers, and a still gallery. Also included are a booklet with essay by Samm Deighan, artwork designed by Derek Gabryszak, and reversible cover artwork.