An apologetic tearjerker, Song Sung Blue would be unbelievable if it weren’t true. The film is based on a 2008 documentary (available here on YouTube), about a Neil Diamond tribute band from Milwaukee, featuring Mike and Claire Sardina (Hugh Jackman & Kate Hudson) as Lightning and Thunder, who were really good. While the new movie takes certain Hollywood liberties, some of the crazier moments—they were once popular enough to open for Pearl Jam—is true. Co-written and directed by Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow, Dolemite is My Name) Sung Song Blue (taken from the title of a Neil Diamond song), is overlong, but benefits from strong performances and some great songs.
The film begins with Mike at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting playing his guitar, as he tells the group about himself and begins singing Neil Diamond’s “Song Sung Blue.”
A Vietnam veteran and Auto mechanic, we learn that Mike met Claire, a hairdresser, at the Wisconsin State Fair in 1987, while she was performing as Patsy Cline and he was doing a Neil Diamond tribute. The two immediately connect, both professionally and personally. Before long they form a duo, becoming Lightning and Thunder. The two perform at local clubs and bars. Miken is divorced and Claire is a single mother with two children (Ella Anderson & Hudson Hensley). Eventually Mike and Claire marry at a music-filled wedding celebration.
Sung Song Blue is the tale of two halves. The first is a middle-aged couple enjoying life. They have become local celebrities—Eddie Vedder calls and asks them to open for Pearl Jam in 1995—but things take a turn for the worst when Claire is struck by a car while standing on her lawn, and Mike struggles with his alcoholism and suffers a mild heart attack.
Of course, your enjoyment of Song Sung Blue will largely depend on your like or dislike of Neil Diamond songs. Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson are perfectly cast, delivering excellent performances of Neil Diamond classics. Of course, there’s a rousing rendition of “Sweet Caroline,” along with “Play Me,” “Cherry, Cherry,” “Soolaimon ,““Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show,” “Crunchy Granola Suite” and “Cracklin’ Rosie,” among others.
While the ending is ridiculously melodramatic, overall, Sung Song Blue is respectful and celebratory experience for Neil Diamond fans, me included.
Presented in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, Universal has delivered an excellent 1080p transfer. Details are stunning throughout, be it the beaded costumes, or realistic facial features. A nice level of grain gives the proceedings a filmic appearance. Colors are bold and vibrant and blacks are pleasantly inky. The transfer is clean, with no debris or other anomalies.
The Blu-ray release features a 7.1 channel Dolby TrueHD soundtrack. The mix offers a multi-channel experience, allowing for full sounding musical performances. Bass is appropriate. Dialogue is clean, clear and concise throughout.
English SDH, Spanish, and French subtitles are included:
- Audio Commentary with Co-Writer/Director Craig Brewer
- Extended Performances
- Crunchy Granola Suite
- Sweet Caroline
- One Plus One Equals Three: Kate Hudson, Hugh Jackman and co-writer/director Craig Brewer offer brief thoughts on the production of the film.
- Lightning in the Bottle: Cast and crew discuss the inception of the film.
- Eye for Style: Costume designer Ernesto Martinez discusses the wardrobe.