This Blu-ray is being released by Olive Films on May 24th, 2016.
Over the years, we’ve seen some stunning transfers of classic titles on Blu-ray. Citizen Kane (1941), Casablanca (1942) and The Third Man (1949) have all featured incredibly sharp high definition upgrades. As embarrassed as I might be to admit this, I had a similar experience watching the Olive Films Blu-ray release of… well… Zapped! Not that the movie is a masterpiece that stands alongside the above titles (even for its fans, it’s more in the so-bad-it’s-good category). Rather, the picture quality of this release is shockingly impressive.
Late in the film, there’s a scene set in a record store where my eyes couldn’t help but scan the racks of LPs – every single one on the shelf was so crystal clear that it was like browsing the shop myself. I couldn’t help but be surprised and stunned by the upgraded picture quality. Every scene, background, exposed buttock and bare breast has been lovingly brought to high definition.
This low-budget effort is essentially a comedic take on Carrie (1976). Barney (Scott Baio) is a nerdy teenager who spends most of his spare time in his high school science lab working on an orchid project. When a chemical spill accidentally gives the young lead telekinetic powers, the scientist’s slimy, profiteering photographer/best friend Peyton (Willie Aames) sees great potential. And by great potential, Peyton uses Barney as a way to help him land the school’s most popular girl (Heather Thomas).
These days, when a character is given great powers, you’d expect him to become a superhero – one who fights injustice while struggling with his own personal demons. By comparison, what follows here are a series of misadventures in which the heroes get revenge on an enemy at an amusement park by causing them to throw up. On another occasion, the gifted student drops the pants of some bullies and pops the top of a girlfriend’s shirt. He also helps his baseball coach (played by the incomparable Scatman Crothers!) win a game against a rival school. Let’s just say, the stakes are as low as the movie’s aspirations. But in some respects this approach may actually be more realistic in regards to the motivations of teenagers.
As mentioned, there are plenty of nods to Carrie (and a couple of strange, out-of-place references to the 1976 film Taxi Driver, come to think of it). The most unmistakable comes when Barney’s religious mom panics after witnessing her boy’s powers and calls in some priests for an exorcism. The big prom climax doesn’t feature any bloodshed, but rather clothing being ripped off most members of the student body.
Obviously, this is not great cinema. The jokes are obvious and there isn’t a hint of sharp wit from any of the teenage characters. In fact, the funniest moments are unintentional. When the protagonist finally finds his dream woman, the bizarre love scene that follows is simply hysterical. Barney uses his powers to float a mattress into a lab for what looks like an incredibly uncomfortable romantic encounter, scored to a cornball tune called, “Got to Believe in Magic.” Yes, Zapped! actually has a “love theme.”
And while most of Peyton’s leering behavior and attitudes towards women is reprehensible, I have to admit that I was surprised by how innocent and sweet-natured (if admittedly slow-witted) much of the story is. It even promotes safe sex. Personally, I was expecting something a lot more, well, lascivious. But in the end, Barney’s just a nice guy who wants to be left alone with his girlfriend; over the course of the story he also learns how to say no to those wanting to take advantage of his skills.
Modern audiences will be completely baffled by Zapped! But if you grew up during the early 80s and have a soft spot for this particular slice of cheese, you won’t be able to do any better than with this Blu-ray release. The image quality is absolutely fantastic and credit must be given for the incredible-looking disc. Those who fondly remember the movie and want to pick it up will be more than pleased with what they receive.