Serial Mom

Manners and murder combine in "Serial Mom," John Waters' 1994 dark comedy about a suburban housewife named Beverly (Kathleen Turner) who feeds off her fascination with serial killers by becoming one herself. We first get a glimpse of Beverly in the domesticated role she takes on day in and day out, catering to her two children (Ricki Lake and Matthew Lillard) and husband (Sam Waterson) until two police officers interrupt the charade to discuss the recent harassment of Beverly's neighbor. "Oh, no, how awful," laments Beverly, before going upstairs to make a vile prank phone call, proving that she is, in fact, the perpetrator.

Why? Well, this particular neighbor stole Beverly's parking spot once. That's it, but to Beverly, it's a crime worthy of death, as are not recycling, being mean to her children and wearing white after Labor Day. These insults to proper etiquette drive Beverly up a wall, leading to a killing spree that hilariously builds and builds to ridiculously crafted dividends. This is a John Waters film, through and through, bursting with his trademark approach to bad taste and topsy-turvy politics. It's actually an excellent entry point for the director's body of work, before diving into the trashier entries in his filmography, like "Multiple Maniacs" or "Pink Flamingos."

The new Collector's Edition Blu-ray of "Serial Mom," from Shout! Factory delivers a killer collection of bonus features within its excellent packaging. The newest of the features is a conversation with Waters, Turner, and co-star Mink Stole. Also included is a plethora of interviews with Waters, Stole, actress Patricia Hearst, actress Ricki Lake, actor Matthew Lillard, casting director Pat Moran, production designer Vincent Peranio and more. There are two feature commentary tracks (one with Waters and Turner, and one with just Waters himself) and a great featurette called "The Kings Of Gore: Herschel Gordon Lewis And David Friedman."

Ultimately, it's a bloody fantastic addition to your film collection.

"Serial Mom"
Collector's Edition Blu-ray
$27.93
https://www.shoutfactory.com/film/film-comedy/serial-mom-collector-s-edition