Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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One of the most daring films of John Waters’ early career, DESPERATE LIVING (1977) is now available on 4K+Blu-ray from Criterion: criterion.com/films/31321-desperate-living

Presented here is a new special feature from Criterion’s release, where the writer-director tours the Baltimore location that served as the site of Mortville, the twisted penal colony inhabited by fugitives, outcasts, and deviants–including hysterical housewife Peggy Gravel (Mink Stole) and her fed-up housekeeper (Jean Hill)–and presided over by the despotic Queen Carlotta (Edith Massey).

Criterion’s director-approved 4K-restoration release is also accompanied by:
• An audio commentary featuring Waters and actor Liz Renay;
• An optional dubbed Italian track;
• A new conversation between Waters and film programmer Cristina Cacioppo;
• New interviews with actors Susan Lowe, Mary Vivian Pearce, and Mink Stole;
• An interview with production designer Vincent Peranio;
• And more!

Take a look inside more of the latest releases from the Criterion Collection: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLd0WKGexn9FCJguIVmJ2XW2S2GkL79gDu