“Like, OH… MY… GOD! Gag me with a spoon!” The 1980s was one of those decades that just didn’t really have anything to offer humanity. Most of the other decades had something memorable, but the 80’s were pretty much just embarrassing. I mean, who can take parachute pants seriously? 1980 was also the decade of the teen romantic comedy. Earlier this week I reviewed “The Sure Thing”, which to me is the best TRC (teen romantic comedy) EVER. Thanks to MGM Home Entertainment, we are now able to get our hands on that little gem along with one of the other top TRCs of the time, “Valley Girl.” Both are now available on DVD, and thankfully as Special Editions replete with extras. Not only can we revisit this most embarrassing of times, but we are granted words of wisdom from the people who reflected them in film.

“Valley Girl” stars 1980 ‘it’ girl Deborah Foreman as Julie, a totally hip chick from the Valley who is like totally up on ‘Val-speak.” Oddly enough, the film also stars Nicolas Cage (in one of his earliest starring roles) as Randy, the totally un-hip punk from Hollywood. (Well, they call him a punk, but he’s really more of the New Romantic type.) After Julie dumps her preppy boyfriend, she falls for Randy. The question is, will she risk being shunned by her friends by admitting her attraction? Like, I’m so SURE.

“Valley Girl” was one of those pleasant surprises, as it was one of those TRCs that was actually smartly written, acted and directed. It was an age-old story set in the world of preppies and punks. And while it took definite stabs at the stereotypes and lifestyles of kids in the 80s, it still took the time to tell a good story, and teach a little about what’s really important in life. The substance of person as opposed to style of their clothes. All of this wrapped up in a terrifically funny comedy.

The DVD release, as I hoped, does include a bunch of gnarly extras. The commentary by director Martha Coolidge (“Clueless”) is surprisingly entertaining. She’s got a great personality that comes across, and a gift of gab that never grows old. Her commentary is full of humorous memories and stories. There is also a cool video commentary that pops up every now and then, allowing various cast members to throw in their two cents on the film. And speaking of pop-ups, there’s an 80s Trivia Track that throws little bits of information about the time period or the film on the screen.

There are three featurettes that deal with different aspects of the history of the film, with cast and crew interviews and the like. The best featurette, though has Cage and Coolidge engrossed in conversation about the movie and other subjects. It’s very laid back and highly enjoyable to watch.

For fans of the music of the time, there are videos for Modern English’s “I Melt with You”, and The Plimsouls “A Million Miles Away.” One odd feature includes some storyboard to scene comparisons. Usually these are shown for bigger budget special effects films.

If there was anything missing on this disc, it was its star, Deborah Foreman. I mean, she’s in the movie, but is nowhere to be found in any of the extras. No interviews or anything. I’m really curious as to why she opted out. (At least I assume she opted out, cause they had to have asked her, don’t you think?)

Directed by: Martha Coolidge
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Deborah Foreman, Elizabeth Daily, Cameron Dye, Michele Meyrink
Extras: 2 Featurettes Including New Interviews with the Cast and Crew, “In Conversation: Nicolas Cage and Martha Coolidge” Featurette, Audio Commentary with Director Martha Coolidge, Original Music Videos from Modern English and the Plimsouls, Video Commentary Track, Storyboard to Film Comparisons, 80s Trivia Track, Original Theatrical Trailer
Specifications: Widescreen (1.85:1) Enhanced for 16x9 Televisions, 5.1 Surround and Mono
Studio: MGM
Release Date: 8/5/2003
Region 1
MPAA Rating: R
Website

We'll give Valley Girl an A.