Heathers

"What's your damage?", "upchuck factor", "megabitch"? In 1988, Heathers introduced a whole slew of new teenage slang terms, while also providing one of the most refreshing and unique movie experiences of the year. A powerful elite clique at Westerburg High, the "Heathers" are three girls who share the first name of Heather, and a fourth named Veronica (Winona Ryder), who is fed up with the almighty Heathers, but doesn't know what to do about it…until she meets J. D. (Christian Slater), a relatively psychotic rebel. J. D.'s idea is simplicity itself: kill 'em, and make it look like a suicide. So begins a bold and truly adventurous black comedy that scores double bonus points for hitting any number of targets, while still managing to get its anti-elitist message across. Setting (at the time) a new standard for raw language in a teen flick, sporting shocking humor, and serving up vicious satire, it's a wonder that director Michael Lehmann's film ever got made. Although it died a quick death at the boxoffice, it was resurrected on video as an instant cult classic. This "new" edition features newly re-mastered sound, audio commentary with Lehmann, screenwriter Daniel Waters and producer Denise Di Novi, and a fun 30 minute retrospective doc, Swatch Dogs and Diet Coke Heads. Highly recommended. (R. Pitman)[DVD Review—July 8, 2008—Anchor Bay, 2 discs, 103 min., R, $19.98—Making its third appearance on DVD, 1989's Heathers (20th High School Reunion Edition) features a solid transfer and Dolby Digital 5.1 sound. DVD extras on this double-disc set include the same extras noted in the review above, as well as the new 22-minute “Return to Westerburg High” retrospective featurette. Bottom line: if you own the 2001 release of this cult comedy classic, this upgrade is not necessary; if you don't, however, this is highly recommended.][Blu-ray Review—Nov. 25, 2008—Anchor Bay, 103 min., R, $29.98—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1989's Heathers (20th High School Reunion Edition) features a solid transfer and Dolby TrueHD 5.1 sound. Blu-ray extras are almost identical to the latest standard DVD release, including audio commentary by director Michael Lehmann, producer Denise Di Novi, and screenwriter Daniel Waters, the half-hour featurette “Swatch Dogs & Diet Coke Heads,” and the new 22-minute “Return to Westerburg High” retrospective featurette. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is a Fast Film Facts interactive viewing option. Bottom line: this cult classic is a must-have for any budding Blu-ray collection.]