Life is such a drama

DURING the 1980s, writer-director-producer John Hughes had an uncanny ability to tap into teen angst in such movies as “Sixteen Candles,” “The Breakfast Club,” “Pretty in Pink” and “Some Kind of Wonderful.” As two new sparkling editions of the latter two (Paramount, $15 apiece) illustrate, his view of teenagers’ problems and growing pains are timeless.

“Pretty in Pink,” which was produced and written by Hughes, marked the directorial debut of Howard Deutch.

Filmed in 1985 and released in 1986, this delightful cockeyed comedy revolves around a poor but brainy girl named Andie (Hughes’ muse, Molly Ringwald) from the wrong side of tracks, her geeky friend Duckie (Jon Cryer), who has a crush on her, and her rich, handsome classmate Blane (Andrew McCarthy), with whom she falls in love. Harry Dean Stanton also stars as Andie’s supportive, loving father, and Annie Potts is Andie’s eccentric friend who works in a record store. Other now-familiar faces who pop up are James Spader, Dweezil Zappa and Andrew Dice Clay.

Pleasant extras include a nostalgic retrospective documentary featuring interviews then and now with the stars and Deutch -- Hughes is seen only in vintage clips.

Though Hughes wrote “Pretty in Pink” for Ringwald, the actress admits Paramount wanted someone with a bigger name such as Jennifer Beals, who had done “Flashdance” for the studio. But Hughes prevailed. There’s also a look at the original ending, which found Andie and Duckie becoming a couple at the prom. It was scraped after test audiences wanted her to end up with Blane. Rounding out the disc are featurettes on the music, costume design, the performers’ favorite scenes and sturdy commentary from Deutch.

Released the following year -- also directed by Deutch -- “Some Kind of Wonderful” is sort of the flip side of “Pretty in Pink” in which Eric Stoltz plays a high school student from the wrong side of the tracks. Mary Stuart Masterson steals the film as his tomboy friend who secretly loves him; Lea Thompson is his crush-object; and Craig Sheffer is Thompson’s wealthy bully of a boyfriend.

In the retrospective documentary Stoltz and Deutsch candidly admit their working relationship was difficult. Rounding out the disc is affectionate commentary from Deutch and Thompson.

Also new

“Friends With Money” (Sony, $29): Writer-director Nicole Holofcencer’s (“Lovely and Amazing”) deft comedy-drama about four diverse female friends and how money affects each of them. Jennifer Aniston, Catherine Keener, Frances McDormand and Joan Cusack star. Extras include a better-than-average making-of documentary, featurettes on the Sundance and Los Angeles premieres and crisp commentary from Holofcencer and producer Anthony Bregman on juggling production around the schedules of the film’s busy stars.

“The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (Theatrical and Extended Limited Edition)” (New Line, $87 for the set; $29 each): These two-disc sets of Peter Jackson’s Oscar-winning versions of the J.R.R. Tolkien fantasy’s feature both the theatrical and extended editions as well addictively entertaining feature-length documentaries shot by Costa Botes during the mammoth production in New Zealand.

“Akeelah and the Bee” (Lionsgate, $29): Family film about an 11-year-old spelling whiz (Keke Palmer) from South Los Angeles who defies the odds and winds up competing in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Extras feature standard behind-the-scenes featurettes, a gag reel and a music video.

“The Sentinel” (Fox, $30): Michael Douglas stars in this passable political thriller about a mole in the Secret Service. Extras include a behind-the-scenes featurette, a historical overview of the Secret Service and laid-back commentary from director Clark Johnson and co-producer and writer George Nolfi.

“Brother Bear 2” ( Disney, $30): This direct-to-DVD sequel is far more enjoyable than the original “Brother Bear.” Former Indian human Kenai (voiced by Patrick Dempsey) continues his life as a bear -- taking care of his adopted bear cub brother Koda. But Kenai begins to regret his decision to remain a bear when his beautiful childhood friend Nita (voiced by Mandy Moore) shows up seeking his help. The goofy moose pals Rut and Tuke, voiced by Dave Thomas and Rick Moranis, again provide comic relief. Melissa Etheridge supplied two of the touching songs. Extras include a featurette, “The Music of ‘Brother Bear 2,’ ” and an interactive game for the kiddies.

“The Castle of Cagliostro (Lupin the III)” (Anchor Bay, $25): Animated 1991 adventure from Oscar-winner Hayao Miyazaki is more adult than recent films such as “Spirited Away” and not nearly as beautifully animated.

“Seduced and Abandoned” (Criterion, $30): Pungent 1964 social satire from Italian director Pietro Germi (“Divorce, Italian Style) about the 15-year-old daughter of a wealthy man who is seduced by the oily fiance of her older sister. Stefania Sandrelli stars. The DVD includes a look at the Italian film comedy genre.

“Fourteen Hours” (Fox, $15): Despite solid performances from Paul Douglas and Richard Basehart and atmospheric black-and-white cinematography by Joe MacDonald, this 1951 film noir about a troubled young man (Basehart) who takes to the ledge of a hotel with intentions of committing suicide is pretty pokey. “Fourteen Hours” is best known as the film that marked Grace Kelly’s debut in a small supporting role. Film historian Foster Hirsch, a strong supporter of the movie, supplies commentary.

“The Moonstone” (Acorn, $40) This “Masterpiece Theatre” serial from 1972 -- based on the Wilkie Collins’ classic novel about a cursed diamond -- is a kick. A pre-”Poldark” Robin Ellis stars, and if you blink you’ll miss a very young Stephen Rea in Episode 1.