"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.]
Heathers
Anchor Bay, 103 min., R, DVD: $19.98 Volume 16, Issue 6
Heathers
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
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