This movie has an interesting history. Never really released (couple showings 1979) due to fears of the controversial content, after fights broke out during other 'gang' movies (The Warriors, 1979) released earlier in 1979. It had a successful run on HBO in 1981 that led to a bigger theatrical release later that year in a couple of theaters in New York. It received a huge cult following in the 90's when Kurt Cobain stated this was his favorite movie and the inspiration for 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' and frequent late night showings on cable. It was finally released on VHS in 1993.
Based on a true story of kids in Foster City, California in the 70's. Stuck in a planned community that had no malls, stores, or movie theaters to keep the kids entertained. The construction sites of new homes were easy picking to steal tools and equipment to buy drugs and alcohol. These empty homes also provided a place to hang out and party. One of the things that doesn't get talked about is how the rise in video gaming and cable/VHS gave kids something to do. Witchcraft and other problems were greatly reduced after the rise in video gaming and easier access to movies.
YouTube Trailer Over the Edge 1979
This film was shot in Aurora and Greeley Colorado. Multiple sources call out the sun setting the wrong way in one scene. But if you're shooting a film based in California but you're in Colorado you want it to look like the sun rises over the mountains. Just like California, Colorado has vastly different landscapes. It's a wonder more major films aren't shot here. 2015 was a banner year with both 'Furious 7' and The Hateful Eight' getting some of the mountains scenery into the screen. Of course, a few documentaries get shot here. But outside of a couple westerns and some cult films like 'Vanishing Point' 1971 and 'Strangeland' 1998 not many films get shot in Colorado. Just some tracking footage of the mountains.
It's also aided by a great soundtrack. Relying heavily on Cheap Trick. Unlike many low-budget movies that have, if they're lucky, one good song. Over the Edge has one killer track after another. The Producers signed the rights to Cheap Trick's music before they hit big. Songs like Baba O'Riley by the Who would have broke the budget. Which would have been the perfect song for the end scene, 'It's only teenage wasteland......'
Actually, Over the Edge was released on VHS in 1981, however, the release is hard to find. I have that release, luckily.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment. Back in the coke fueled 80's they couldn't keep track of anything. Each region had different release dates for movies. They also released BETA and VHS overseas before the US market. I my hometown of Chicago not only did they have professional looking VHS tapes on the black market but certain channels (like 50 & 66 and a few others) would play unlicensed and uncensored movies (saw Star Wars in Spanish before it was on network tv)!
Delete