The Stepfather Collector's Edition Blu-ray
was released in 4K Ultra HD
last September 2024
Shelley starred in the cult classic movie The Stepfather which was originally released in theaters in 1987. It was directed by Joseph Ruben and had Terry O'Quinn in the title role. Terry played Jerry Blake (the stepfather), a man who has a knack of marrying into the "perfect" family and then killing the family off when he deems that the family is not perfect after all. Shelley played Susan Maine, the woman who marries Jerry and is willing look past the cracks on Jerry's façade. Jill Schoelen played Stephanie, Susan's daughter by her first marriage. Stephanie doesn't like Jerry, finds him creepy and is determined to find out who he really is. The story was penned by Carolyn Lefcourt, Brian Garfield and Donald E. Westlake, who got screenplay credit. It was loosely based on on the story of John List, the New Jersey man who killed his own family in 1971 and then disappeared. The movie was a moderate success during its theatrical run but has since gained a cult following due to its unique plot, its pacing and the superb performances of its main cast (Terry, Jill and Shelley). The movie has since become a cult classic and has been mentioned on many internet sites as a definite must-see.
Shelley with Jill Schoelen and Terry O'Quinn
in promo pics for The Stepfather, 1987
Shelley was cast by the film's director Joseph Ruben who was impressed by her work in Martin Scorsese's The King of Comedy. "Shelley didn't have to test," said Ruben, "Shelley got it really off King of Comedy, because I thought she was just so believable and natural and easy. She doesn't strain on camera. And I was just knocked out by her in that movie." The film was shot on location in Canada and when it was released, Shelley told Channel Surfing: Charlie's Angels that she sneaked in alone when the film was being shown in theaters and got pretty scared with what she saw. Shelley received glowing reviews for her performance in this cult classic. A Collector's Edition Blu-ray of the film was released last September 2024 in 4K Ultra HD format. The two-disc edition includes special features such as:
Audio Commentaries:
- with director Joseph Ruben
- with actor Jill Schoelen and filmmaker Jackson Stewart
- with film critic Meagan Navarro
- with film critic Kier Gomes
Phantom of the Family
- an interview with actor Jill Schoelen
The Stepfather Chronicles
- a retrospective featuring interviews with director Joseph Ruben, producer Jay Benson, actress Jill Schoelen, author Brian Garfield and others on the making of the film and its enduring legacy
Trailers for all 3 The Stepather films
A Stills Gallery
Shelley with Jill Schoelen, Terry O'Quinn,
and Jeff Schulz (who played Stephanie's love interest Paul)
in promo pics for The Stepfather, 1987
