Penned and produced by John Hughes (oh, he of SIXTEEN CANDLES and THE BREAKFAST CLUB fame), this film is commonly thought of in its Hughesian terms, when it was in fact directed by first timer Howard Deutch (who went on to SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL, another Hughes story, and, years later, THE REPLACEMENTS). Incidentally, now that I think about it, SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL is basically PRETTY IN PINK, only from the guy’s perspective. Eric Stoltz even has red hair.

In case you’re having difficulties recalling exactly which Molly Ringwald-starrer this is, PRETTY IN PINK is the one where Ringwald is Andie, a girl from the wrong side of the tracks (literally) who falls for soulful-eyed, wavy-haired “richie” Blane (Andrew McCarthy), all the while breaking the heart of her very devoted “zoid” best friend Duckie (Jon Cryer).

Because Andie has her own sense of style, she’s bullied by the beautiful rich blond girls at school. Andie’s “something special” doesn’t go unnoticed by guys, though, as not only does she have adorably dweebie Duckie hanging on her every word and the potential for a star-crossed romance with Blane, but even Blane’s friend Steff (played with sleazy glee by James Spader) has developed an interest.

When Andie and Blane go out on a date, they discover the almost insurmountable difficulties of their class divisions. (His friends don’t like her; her friends don’t like him.) Throwing caution to the wind, Blane asks her to prom. And then about five minutes later, after a talking to by Steff, he’s avoiding Andie’s phone calls and telling her that he accidentally asked someone else and totally forgot about it.

After a rousing dress-sewing montage, Andie defiantly heads to prom alone. She’s about to chicken out when, lo and behold, who should come to her rescue but the ever-faithful Duckie? They head into prom together, and if you’re like me you’re suckered every time into thinking it could be the beginning of a beautiful (if slightly eccentric) relationship. But Andie callously ditches Duckie for Blane, who has come to the prom alone, apologizes for being a jerk, and tells her that he loves her.

Don’t be sad for Duckie, though. He picks up a Duckette of his own at the prom (Kristy Swanson, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER).

The widescreen picture is a brilliant showcase for DP Tak Fujimoto’s work. The Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track is also very good.

* Commentary by Director Howard Deutch. It being his first film, he recalls a lot of stories, even 20 years later.
* The First Time: The Making of Pretty in Pink. Approximately 13 minutes of “then and now” interviews with Molly Ringwald, Jon Cryer, Howard Deutch, Andrew McCarthy, Producer Lauren Shuler and Writer/Producer John Hughes discussing how it all came together.
* Zoids and Richies. Approximately 19 minutes of “then and now” interviews with Writer/Producer John Hughes, Jon Cryer, Annie Potts, Producer Lauren Shuler, Howard Deutch, Molly Ringwald, and Andrew McCarthy discussing how the cast came together, and who almost didn’t make it.
* Prom Queen: All About Molly. Approximately 13 minutes of “then and now” interviews with Writer/Producer John Hughes, Andrew McCarthy, Molly Ringwald, Producer Lauren Shuler, Annie Potts and Howard Deutch about working with Molly and Molly’s crush on Andrew.
* Volcanic Ensembles. Approximately 10 minutes of “then and now” interviews with Jon Cryer, Annie Potts, Howard Deutch, Molly Ringwald, and Costume Designer Marilyn Vance on putting together those unique looks.
* Prom Stories. Approximately 3 minutes of “then and now” interviews with Andrew McCarthy, Lauren Shuler, Howard Deutch, Annie Potts and Molly Ringwald discussing going to the prom, or not.
* Favorite Scenes. A collection of 8 scenes with commentary from various actors and Director Howard Deutch. Includes “Duckie’s Dance” scene, which was choreographed by Kenny Ortega (who also choreographed DIRTY DANCING, NEWSIES and HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL).
* The Lost Dance: The Original Ending. Interviews with Andrew McCarthy, Jon Cryer, Molly Ringwald, Howard Deutch, Lauren Shuler and Annie Potts discussing why the original ending – where Andie ends up dancing with Duckie at the prom – did and didn’t work and was eventually scrapped to make way for the ending we see today. Disappointingly, even though it was shot (and screened for audiences), you don’t get to see the actual original ending all put together.
* Wrap Up: The Epilogue. “Then and now” interviews with John Hughes, Molly Ringwald, Lauren Shuler, Andrew McCarthy, Annie Potts and Howard Deutch discussing the magic of John Hughes, the endurance of the story, and the rumors of a sequel.
* Photo Gallery.