The Peanut Butter Solution Blu-ray Review

Severin films is at it again. Only this time with a kids film. Yes, one of the fastest growing horror and exploitation labels is launching a line of family friendly films called Severin Kids. And let me tell you they have hit the ground running with their first release, The Peanut Butter Solution. It’s a weird blend of ghosts, kids, balding, and peanut butter. It was a staple of cable television back in my day and I was delighted to get it in the mail the other day. I could not wait to sit down and show my son the awesomeness that this film brings to the table.

The Peanut Butter Solution is about a young boy named Michael Baskin. He’s a normal kid, who one day when hanging out with his friends finds out that an old house in his neighborhood has burned down. They all decide to check it out but when Michael goes inside he runs into a couple of ghosts and runs out, and blacks out from fear. When he wakes up the next morning he discovers that he has gone bald from this little ghost encounter. He tries a wig out of desperation but another kid at school rips that off quick. He runs home upset and goes straight to his room and to bed.

That night he is visited by the ghosts who tell him he is suffering from “The Fright” they are essentially good ghosts and feel bad for what they did so they present him with a recipe that will cure his baldness. The main ingredient being peanut butter. The catch is you cant use too much peanut butter or it will result in disastrous consequences. Making the recipe, but ignoring the peanut butter rule Michael paints his head and wakes up with a full head of hair. Now there is only one slight problem to this magical concoction. As Michael used so much Peanut Butter the hair wont stop growing. Its actually growing out of control to the point he’s getting in trouble. He cuts it, it comes right back. To make things even worse and evil teacher from Michaels school finds out about this potion and kidnaps Michael, along with a bunch of other kids to use the formula to make paint brushes that can paint anything to sell and get rich off of.

This is a fun film. If you have yet to see it its worth watching immediately. It’s a great fun film that kids and adults of all ages can enjoy. It features and enjoyable cast that all have great chemistry together. The film moves at a fast pace and never slows down. You get the uncut release on this print (93min) which is a must. The film has a fun soundtrack as well and features the first English sons by Celine Dion.

Severin picked a great one to launch the Kids line with as this is not only a great kids movie but it incorporates the ghost element as well. Friendly ghosts though remember. The transfer is pristine. Its incredibly crisp and clear and looks better than I remember it. They even loaded this up with special features

Extended U.S. Theatrical Release Version
New Commentary with Producer Rock Demers and Actor Matthew MacKay, Moderated by Filmmaker Ara Ball
Human Beings Are The Same All Over: An Interview with Producer Rock Demers
Conrad’s Peanut Butter Solution: An Interview with Siluck Saysanasy
Tales for All: Paul Corupe on Rock Demers and the Canadian Kids Film
Alternate U.S. Theatrical Release Version
Canadian Trailer
Original U.S. Trailer

This is a great film that really is a must see. A staple of cable television in the 80’s it sadly became almost a lost classic, but remained a cult favorite. I cant thank Severin enough for releasing this, and cant wait to see what they have planned next. Pick this one up right away.

Overall 4 out of 5 Stars!