video-magazine-1987-03

lape TeAsis ai = ;; ue s : | Your Dropout | Our | Your | OQutputLoss | Your | Audio | Our | Your Audio Frequency Our | Your | Your | Your | Your | Rating Count‘ |Rating Rating) at2MHz5 Rating | S/N2 |Rating |Rating| Response |Rating |Rating | Cost |Rating| Rating Totals | | || ‘ i i it i Sie epee Ws 9/13/31 | V Eee ae aes ee a eS LAF 52.81G Re eC ae e | 21/27/41 A —24 CO a | weer | Vv eae a es Ree ee eee | |ware TR 28 | ee cK 1G) || ee | | 17687 | G is 51.8. F ik j | 11/19/41 | G | OA | eee B10 A | Ps ee |oallea TA | 28 | ee idk 1 G as ee ee ee ae | 18/24/42 | G | 18 1 ae a 50-10k | G | 11318 1|& 6 ait eee ae ae | | es seater p 28/35/41 | Al 9 eee | 13/22/85 bti e) 2 eeeA 4/519 E 19 —|) Se | 40-10k_ | V | 71215 | V ot ee 50-12k | Vv | Ce eae ie eR | peas | | kOe es | ee 63-10k |A | |eae a eae ae oe _| 1416/23 | G =i | (bea A J a | 11/1736 |W 7 52.7| G | 63-10k A : Eek eee eae | | ae eo eee eG : | We || OSI/Bte oh Malin) 22-8 aR BeaN SG Pa ee APO ite (ele ae ae ee 33/6 | E | -06 | \\eee 6 [Boek OLA eae I ee |Ce ee Gl JM] cro) — 18 SR eam | 50-10k | G | _ |rane] | ee ee ee | 227/41 | A =99 152.7] G 50-8k | A | mae et 1 260) cS 63-10k | A | | eee me Le | 4 WeSesvesee Ly ef ABRMBE L Glo = 2.4: | A mE 50-10k GG aypny een | | Bier FaasTata te Li blank tape. 415p. sec/10p. acid sec. In decibels. ®In Hertz. E, excellent: V, very good; G, good: A, average; F, fair; W, weak; P, poor. March 1987 Video 49

| | Brand Video Our Your Consis- | Our | Your | Chroma Our Your Chroma Our Rating Grade, wiih S/N2 | neues pottating tency Rating | Rating |AM S/N2 | Rating | Rating | PM S/N2 | | SCOTCH : af ce : Ce hae :o | EXG Hi-Fi L-750__ | +05 | Vol _EXG Camera L-750 06) Vo OA Med |) ete ey Ri a | i ee ete a -EXG Pro L-750—; +0... Mag pe Ve a eto ueCOG NS te ae +0.4x E | : 2S.G L-500 eS eeae Tae oawe 0ea7eeep | SHG Hi-Fi L-750 _ -0.9) P. 02 V [a03) A -0.2| W | _ SONY Ge ea 3 eee ee ee : (a2 eae Std. L-500 -0.7/ w | Coe ee pal OW |-0.2] w Si ae bee foal Ah ee Stee Oe Pei Oa Ae ee P01 LA ROOTS A. ESHGLSUG) eK 0 6 ae Tae | ES-HG L-750 Ae ee eee er eee eae Se en ee eee os ESX Hi-Fi L-500 +0.9| E ey aces a ee #031\" A eo ae |ESXH-FIL-750 [sep Vv [108 a Pie Mire) 0 ee ees Gy 401) G | Oth Ba beatieel) oG +0.1| WL, Sea ea00t. erFees A s HS L-750 eae oe Hi-Fi L-750 ‘Approximate recording times at BII speed: L-500, 2 hrs.; L-750, 3 hrs.; L-830, 4 hrs., 20 min. 2S/N: signal-to-noise ratio, in decibels. sBetween batches of Using the Chart vidual rows, and look for the highest num- What the continued from page 47 bers. Terms Mean both dropouts and consistency, but you’re Since different video jobs ideally require Audio Frequency Response is a thinking of using the tape only for timeshift- measure of the range of frequencies ing TV programs, and not for making or different tapes, you may want to color code reproduced by the tape and machine — editing home videos. This would make the within 3 decibels of its output level at 1 dropout count relatively more important, your ratings to reflect those that apply to since you'll want as clear a picture as possi- kilohertz. ble, and the consistency rating relatively tapes intended for camcorders, special Hi- less important, since you will not be mixing Audio S/N is a measure of how much video shot on tapes from different produc- Fi recordings, or simple timeshifting. Bear noise affects the audio signal. It is no- tion batches. In using the chart, therefore, ticeable as hiss. Since all tapes are tes- you may wish to bump the dropout rating in mind that varying your criteria will ted under the same conditions, differ- up to very good and the consistency rating ences in S/N are caused by the tape. down to average. change your results. For example, if low Chroma AM S/N is a measure of the If you apply numbers, use the accompa- price is important you'll be focusing on a variation a tape causes in the color in- nying “Numerical Guide” or apply your tensity of a field of a single color. The own numbering system to our letter different group of tapes than if it were not. variations are caused by noise affecting scale—1 to 7 for the grades is the sim- the amplitude of the color signal respon- plest—and count the totals that way. You'll note we haven't included prices. sible for intensity. Again, you can either use the higher end of our scale to reflect your preferences, or, if In the real world of video stores, manufac- Chroma PM S/N is a measure of the you're using your own numbers, weigh variation in the hue or shade of a field of them to favor the characteristics most im- turers’ suggested prices mean next to a single color. Hue variations are portant to you. Write the figures in the caused by noise affecting the phase re- columns for “Your Rating,” add across indi- nothing and actual selling prices vary enor- lationship that determines the hue of a color picture. The tape, itself, can’t mously. You should check the prices in your area—through advertisements and the like—and add that information your- self. If you're willing to spend a little time filling in the blanks, you'll be able to find the tapes that best suit your needs. There’s a universe of tapes out there suitable for every conceivable kind of consumer use. But only you know the characteristics that will give you the kind of picture you like best. —LB 50 Video March 1987

|Your rece re Our ve | ons Loss eee |audio pai a) “Audio ears Our |Your Your Your Your Rating | Count* |Rating Rating at 2 MHz° Rating | S/N? | Rating |Rating Response® Rating | Rating Cost |Rating | Rating Totals ie 22/23/39 | A Sy eee 51.7] F 50-10k =| G | shes : a aeTaa 1G cap i See Te ee : ieee a eae Pome Vets | A080) 52.6| G Bek | 19/15/23 | G 14 52.7| G 63-10k A . e221 K — 50-10k G: : _ |278851 | A 12 ‘| etwt6 | Vv Pe eB eee BOOK fae. Ss a | 4118/31 | G aoe 52.4| A | ik ve aS / Bl ek ee eer es 152.1) A 63-16k Sh ne eee Te a4 ao A —50-10k =| G | a eee: po ee 63-10k | AS a4 iy O(Roae A. a7 (leo2 A) eek : ‘ BAGO Ma ae [51.7] F | —50-10k =| G Pees ae gas ee Bole Se fk _ |12/27/43| G |. =3.8 a gl eed BGrrOk re le l s7eee Pe “it eer ay ae FE es 51.61] F | 63-10k | A : | | qanget | G | -22 | (SSA | 7 sot | GT PS aaa 7 | ee ee | 63-10k =| A blank tape. 1542 sec/10p sec/5p sec. ‘In decibels. ®In Hertz. E, excellent; V, very good; G, good; A, average; F, fair; W, weak; P, poor. change a phase relationship. Yet, there the other hand, may fill with debris, but the Hi-Fi track, it is a reasonable indica- is variation using the same machine for eventually get larger as the tape dies. all tests. Some of the variation must tor of the tape’s contribution to noise in come either from the tape or the cas- We classify dropouts by the length in sette shell; we will continue to research microseconds of the missing informa- Hi-Fi audio. ® its cause. It may turn out to be related tion. Over 15 microseconds (about a to cassette design. quarter the width of the screen for one The numerical data in the chart are in line), they are large; between 10 and 15 Consistency between batches, microseconds, medium; and between 5 the units in which the characteristic is or dispersion, is the difference between and 10 microseconds, they are small. the best and worst video S/N ratios All VCRs have compensation circuits to normally measured—in decibels for the measured for each type of videotape. It minimize their effect, but when drop- indicates the variations between batch- outs show, you see annoying white or S/N ratios, Hertz for audio frequency es introduced during their manufacture. black streaks of noise. response, and in actual count for drop- Dropout count is the number of Output loss at 2 megahertz is a portions of the video signal missing measure of reproduction of picture de- outs. Since the dispersion figure is a from the tape. The dropouts are caused tail. High frequency signals carry detail by areas with too few magnetic parti- information but signals lose strength variation of numbers measured in deci- cles—like a pothole—or by debris on the tape that momentarily separates during recording due to the recording bels, it’s in decibels too. the tape head from the tape sur- system, itself, and the tape. Measuring face—like a wheel going over a rock. In 2MHz output shows the tape’s contri- The figures for the dropout count, both cases, the head loses traction. bution to loss of detail in the picture. Dropouts caused by debris disappear as audio S/N, and audio frequency re- the “rocks” are pulverized or knocked Video S/N is a measure of the pro- aside, so the dropout count lowers for portion of noise in the video signal. It sponse were read directly off the meas- the first 10 to 20 passes. Potholes, on looks like graininess or snowiness, and is one of the most annoying deficiencies uring instruments. However, video in a video signal. If you’re recording on S/N, chroma AM S/N, and chroma PM S/N are referenced to the mid point of the range of measured values. The cir- cular graphs help you judge the balance between characteristics. The closer a graph’s shape is to a hexagon, the clos- er the tape is to an all around high per- former. You may want to add a column to the chart to take its shape into ac- count. —LB March 1987 Video 51

Standard L-500 Fuji’s basic grade of L-500 is an FUJI The thickness of Fuji Super HG Hi- average tape overall with a little Fi L-500 made it one of the better Video S/N extra strength on the dropout Super HG Hi-Fi L-500 tapes we tested. Two ratings counts, consistency, and audio VASE S/N counterbalanced by slightly Video S/N earned excellent, two very good, below average performance on SIS video and chroma AM S/N. It is and two average. It may seem best suited for general purpose surprising that a tape called Hi-Fi taping. would be only an average per- former on audio, but those ratings are for the linear audio track. Au- dio performance on the Hi-Fi track was excellent. Dropout Count Dropout Count Standard L-750 With L-750 thickness, Fuji’s basic Super HG Hi-Fi L-750 The thickness of Fuji Super HG Hi- Video S/N grade is an above average per- Vide ‘0 S/N Fi L-750 gave it an edge over the former with strengths in consis- L-500 on the dropout count and tency, dropout count, audio S/N, Consistency on both linear audio measure- and audio frequency response. Between ments. But it rated worse on video This makes it a better choice for a and chroma S/N, and consistency. general purpose tape. It is usually If you aren’t editing between mas- much easier to find because L- ters from different production 750s seem to be the most popular batches (when consistency be- and economical length among Be- comes a significant factor) it is a ta tapes. good to very good performer. One unusual sample was enough to throw the consistency reading way off. Dropout Count Dropout Count Super HG L-750 Fuji’s Super HG L-750 is a more Standard L-500 The thickness of Kodak’s basic L- balanced performer than Fuji’s Video S/N standard grade but a slightly lower Video S/N 500 grade makes it an average performer than its basic grade of performer with good audio fre- Consistency the same length. With three crite- ToSEEN Consistency quency response, but weak video Between Between S/N. All its other characteristics ria rating average and three good, SX are average. It is an acceptable it is still an above average tape general purpose tape. that is well suited for general re- cording. Dropout Count Dropout Count 52 Video March 1987

SEAN CONNERY F MURRAY ABRAHAM ABERND EICKINGER/BERND SCHAEFERS PRODUCTION AJEAN-JACOUES ANNAUD FILM UMBERTO ECO THENAMEOFTHEROSE HNCONNERY=17 HUIADNDAATY AD | MIHAEL LONSDALE CHRISTIAN SLATER VALENTINA VARGAS: xx RANCO GRISTALDL ANDALEKANDRE MNUCHKINE sc:THOMAS SCHURLY ANDJAKEEBERTS\"ss DANTE FRQETT Ure woAMES HORsNaEnTRONNOD DELI CULLALC.\" ANDREWBIRKIN,GERARD RACH, ROWARD FLA GODARD: BERNDEICR*I\"NsJEGANEJACRUES ANNA ZN 1MUNCH FS me oOnates Con ete [R)co] : vamcwennaue —* Artwork and Design Lc C( - E490M1 BAVAENSUSE YOF HOME ENTERTAINMENT * ©1987 Embassy Home’Entertainment * THE STARS, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90067 For additional information, circle No. 110 on Reader Service Card.

KODAK The thickness of Kodak’s basic L- Kodak XHG L-830 is very good on 750 tape grade has the same vid- video S/N, consistency, and chro- Standard L-750 eo and chroma AM S/N as the XHG L-830 ma AM S/N. Its linear track audio thicker L-500. It is better on con- frequency response is good, and Video SN Video S/N sistency, the dropout count, and / its dropout count is average. Its Audio audio frequency response, but a Audio Frequency _~ smidgen weaker on audio S/N. It Frequency poor audio S/N is a serious minus Response “ only if you are using the linear is another good general purpose track. Hi-Fi recordings, which are tape. Of the two, the L-750 is not affected by linear track charac- more desirable. teristics, are very good. Dropout Count Kodak’s XHG L-500 is better than Hi-Fi L-750 Kodak Hi-Fi L-750 delivers a very its basic grade on almost all crite- ria measured. Both video and Video SN good picture and earned a very chroma AM S/N are excellent. Al- Consistency though we measured four sam- Audio Consistency good rating on the critical criteria Between ples, all were from the same batch of video S/N, chroma AM S/N, Batches so we could not rate its consisten- cy. Its dropout count and audio and the dropout count. Its remain- S/N were both good, and its fre- ing ratings of average affect linear track audio recording, and consis- quency response was average. It tency between batches, a signifi- is a strong performer overall. cant parameter only when editing masters. Overall, it is a good tape. Dropout Count Dropout Count XHG L-750 The Kodak XHG L-750 was a rat- KONICA Konica High Performance Standard ing point or two weaker on all the S/N ratios, but it was excellent on High Perf. Std. L-500 L-500 is an above average tape consistency between batches. Its with ratings of average on chroma Video S'N rating of good on the dropout Video SN AM S/N and audio S/N. Its drop- count and video S/N, plus its very Audio Consistency good rating on chroma AM S/N, Audio Consistency out count and audio frequency re- Frequency Between make it a good tape, though not Frequency Between Response Batches as outstanding as the XHG L-500. Response Batches sponse are both good, but its vid- e0 S/N rating is just fair. We did not compute a rating for consis- tency between batches because all four samples measured were from the same batch. Dropout Count Dropout Count 54 Video March 1987

> WARNING: & EXCESSIVE LEVELS OF TERROR, SPECIAL EFFECTS AND WEIRD COMEDY. See the radioactive mega-hit with glowing reviews. / “Redeeming lunacy... the directors and writers are clearly all people of welcome, anarchic humor” N Vincent Canby, New York Times. . NY “Better than Toxic ee 2 Avenger... nifty effects.’ . Tony Timpone, -. LL AGS UT SVE Loe: Fangoria Magazine. -@ &-- @ Tl me te. Created by the same lunatics who brought you the smash cult classic, The Toxic Avenger, Class Of Nuke ’em High takes place in the radio- active halls of Tromaville High School, where a dangerous radiation leak turns great minds into great mutants. Expose yourself to outrageously awesome doses of science fiction, horror, action, and bizarre humor. This nuclear age movie has something for everyone...and everything. san Your entertainment chienats level will shoot right MEDIA HOME ENTERTAINMENT off the meter! | |! A Heron Communications, Inc. Company Los Angeles, California On videocassette “2Hi-Fi For additional information, circle No. 5 on Reader Service Card.

KONICA Konica High Performance Standard KONICA Konica Super Pro L-500 was one L-750 shows a good dropout of the outstanding samples in our High Perf. Std. L-750 Super Pro L-500 test. It rated excellent on the count but its other video charac- Video S/N teristics are disappointing. Video Video S/N dropout count, very good on con- > we sistency and audio frequency re- S/N is poor, consistency is weak, Audio Consistency sponse, and good on all three S/N and chroma S/N is fair. Its audio ratios. That makes it not only a characteristics are good on S/N, Between very good performer, but a well and very good on frequency re- Batches balanced one, too. sponse. Dropout Count Konica Super HG L-750 is fair on Maxell EX L-500 is a mixed per- video S/N and poor on consisten- cy because one of the samples former with three ratings of very measured was much poorer than the others. It rated average on the EX L-500 good, two of average and one of dropout count and audio frequen- fair. On the video side, the drop- Frequency a Cc‘onsistency cy response, and good on chroma Video S/N out count and consistency are Response Between AM S/N and audio S/N. Except for Batches the one weak sample, it is an =e‘onsistency very good, video S/N is just fair, above average tape. and chroma AM S/N is average. On linear audio, a very good fre- SAV quency response is coupled with an average S/N. A single overall comment would be misleading. Dropout Count Dropout Count Super Hi-Fi L-750 Konica Super Hi-Fi L-750 is excel- EX L-750 Maxell EX L-750 is an average lent on consistency between performer overall with ratings of Video S/N batches and good on dropout Video S/N average on video S/N, consisten- count and chroma AM S/N. Its cy, audio S/N, and audio frequen- Consistency other ratings are average. So it Audio Consistency cy response. They are balanced by Between may be seen as good on video Frequency Between Batches characteristics and average on lin- Batches a rating of good on chroma A/M ear audio performance. Response S/N and fair on the dropout count. Dropout Count Dropout Count 56 Video March 1987

you'VEe GOTTA HAVE SHE: ~ Sie90042) 07 The critics said, “You've gotta see it.” And movie fans exclaimed; “You're gonna love it.” Now Spike Lee’s surprise hit, SHE’S GOTTA HAVE 17, (a seriously sexy comedy) is available on videocassette. SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT. And so do you! 1SLAND PICTURES PRESENTS i SPIKE LEE JOINT \"SHES GOTT~ HAVE IT\" STARRING TRACY CAMILA JGHNS REDMOND HICKS: JOHN CANADATERRELL - SPIKE LEE - RAYE DOWELL - MUZIC BILLLEE PHOTOGRAPHY ERNEST DICKERSON + PRODUCTIGN SUPERVISOR MONTY ROSS i PRODUCTIGN DESIGN WYNN THOMAS + ASSOCIATE PRGPUCER PAMM JACKSON A ANA A 2A ld A Orne TATA SAL ALN AVAILABLE oN ISLAND RECGR¢DTASPES PICTURES a SOUNDTRACK KEY VIDEO. \"oes il mada ae alma Allrights reserved. TR] restaicreo | © 1986 Island Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

MAXELL Maxell HGX L-500 is an above av- MAXELL Maxell Hi-Fi HGX Gold L-500 is erage tape that earned ratings of average or better on all character- very good for video S/N and chro- HGX L-500 ma AM S/N, plus a good on audio Hi-Fi HGX Gold L-500 istics except its dropout count, which is weak. Video S/N and Video S/N S/N. Its three remaining ratings Video S/N Chroma AM S/N are very good, Were average for consistency be- Audio N Consistency Audio Consistency and audio S/N is good. Audio fre- tween batches, the dropout count, Frequency ZN Hes XN Between Between =quency response and consistency and audio frequency response. It aly Wa between batches are both average. is a solid step-up tape. Ge It is not as strong as some of the HGX grades. Dropout Count Dropout Count HGX L-750 Maxell HGX L-750 is better than Hi-Fi HGX Gold L-750 Maxell Hi-Fi HGX Gold L-750 is a its L-500 version in all areas ex- distinct step up from the HGX se- Video S/N Video S/N Consistency ries with two ratings of very good cept audio frequency response Between and four of good. It is very good Audio which was weak. It earned ratings Frequency on the dropout count and audio Response of very good for the dropout count S/N. All its other ratings are good, and chroma AM S/N and good on video S/N and consistency. Audio so its overall rating is good to S/N was average. Overall video is good to very good. The linear au- very good. dio is fair. Dropout Count Dropout Count HGX L-830 Maxell HGX L-830 is the weakest RX Pro L-500 Maxell RX Pro L-500 is a small of the HGX series but it still man- Video S/N aged to earn four ratings of good Video S/N step up from the HGX Gold L-750. It, too, has four ratings of good, for consistency, chroma AM S/N, Audio Consistency but its other two ratings are excel- the dropout count, and audio fre- Between lent instead of very good. The ex- quency response. Audio S/N was Frequency cellent ratings are for video S/N average and video S/N was fair. Response and chroma AM S/N. It rated good on consistency, the dropout As thin L-830 tapes go, it is a count, audio S/N, and audio fre- strong performer. quency response. We call it very good overall. Dropout Count Dropout Count 58 Video March 1987

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ncn |=RCA JOINS | MEMORE Memorex Standard L-750 is weak POLAROI D tPoolacrhoairdacteHriigzhe GarsadeaboLv-e75a0veri-s easy on video S/N and fair on chroma Standard L-750 AM S/N; very good on consistency . age—except for consistency, Audio Video S/N between batches, the dropout Trashaney ie count, and audio frequency re- High Grade L-750 which is poor. The dropout count | esponse Sponse; and good on audio S/N. Video S/N and chroma AM S/N are good, the Qn video characteristics, it is aver- Consistency age or sli. ghtly below. It 5is good to Audio Sie Consistency Video and audio S/N ratios are av- Between very good on linear audio per- Between —_erage, and the audio frequency re- — formance. =e Batches sponse i. s very good. As longas_ = you confine editing to the same | tape or between masters on the same batch, it should be fine. Dropout Count Dropout Count MEMOREX Memorex HG L-750 is distinctly RCA confuses us by calling this better than Memorex’s basic grade basic L-500 grade Stereo Hi-Fi. High Grade L-750 on video characteristics, with rat- Stereo Hi-Fi L-500 Stereo is purely a machine charac- ings of average on video S/N and Video S/N teristic; however, we can accept Video S/N consistency, pius ratings of good Audio calling a tape Hi-Fi if it has special on chroma AM S/N and the drop- smoothness, abrasivity or noise Audio , Consistency out count. On audio, it is excellent Frequency Consistency Between on audio S/N and average on fre- characteristics. This basic tape is Frequency quency response. Overall video Response “ performance is average to good. an above average performer that is excellent on consistency, very Audio performance is good. good on the dropout count, and good on the audio frequency re- sponse. Dropout Count Standard L-750 Polaroid Standard L-750 is hard to Standard L-750 RCA Standard L-750 is an average Video S/N characterize because it has one performer on video S/N, consis- Audio rating every step of the scale. The Video SIN tency, audio S/N, and linear audio Frequency Consistency Consistency dropout count is excellent, consis- Audio —t—~— frequency response. Both the Between tency is very good, audio S/N is Frequency ie dropout count and chroma AM Response 900d, audio frequency response is 9/N are good. Overall, it is an average, chroma AM SIN is fair, above average performer. video S/N is poor, and chroma PM is weak. Calling its overall performance average could be misleading. Dropout Count Dropout Count 60 Video March 1987

lecnelakelaliantelicconcolaieryamiarels eicnelal= adventure of science and sorcery, myth le)coyin=1a-manlele|loneleloliacimaleelcer—i(-ig folate Manio(ol(omy-Wilan(=l(-1mcel iam elareicolei) felceyint=\\aN= yl aicreralaorvee)n c= ialanilitelan{-xo]-Mmmmoxe) (lMinte] ANI |Kelers4|—xelslekel—il(e]a)melelolia Tahiat=wiblielconelakeRicolale(-¥e)\\ela(-1 mere]|(-16) folate Keleleoliak Yo] aia [MoM V4\\04Dso lake[oiaine[leleel<)-1e| Pick up your videocassette today. P\\eli(e]e)(-a iano lm iiolcera) A RALPH BAKSHI FILM A AVAN IDS Way “pess» RALPH BAKSHI Produced by Bakshi Productions, Inc. COLOR BY DE LUXE PLAYHOUSE Artwork: Copyright © 1977 : \"; © 1987 The CBS/FOX Company. Twentieth Century-Fox Film corporation. i rn: Playhouse Video is a trademark : of The CBS/FOX Company. 3 ights Reserved. Printed in U.S.A.

0) Scotch 63g R CcA RCA SHG L-750 is definitely a step SCOTCH Scotch EG +L-750 is average or SHG L-750 up tape with Inavis aes . EG+ L-750 above on all ratings except consis- | Video S/N average—on the dropout coun Video S/N tency, which was poor. Video and on audio frequency response. Audio S/N, Chroma AM S/N, and audio | bia <a Consistency S/N are all average. The dropout Audio S/N is good, video S/N and a7 \" eae | count and audio frequency re- chroma AM S/N are very good, ~ sponse are both rated good. Since and consistency between batches consistency between batches af- is excellent. In short, its strengths fects only predictability and editing are in picture quality. If you are between masters on different using Hi-Fi audio instead of linear, batches, it’s quite serviceable for it is a very strong performer. non-critical applications. Scotch EG L-500 is a moderately make pono Scotch EXG L-750 is a step up on well balanced tape only slightly Batches. all video characteristics except the below average. It has two ratings dropout-count, which is fair. Vid- of fair, three of average, and one eo S/N and consistency are both of good for the dropout count, very good and chroma AM S/N is always a plus. It earned average good. Audio frequency response is ratings on video S/N, consistency average but audio S/N is fair, so it between batches, and audio fre- is below average for linear audio quency response. It was fair on recording. Except for the dropout chroma AM S/N and audio S/N. count, video performance is good. Dropout Count Dropout Count EG L-750 The L-750 length of Scotch EG EXG Aer Scotch EXG Hi-Fi L-750 is a bit Video S/N was a better performer than its L- Hi-Fi L-750 better than EXG on the dropout 500 counterpart, but with a weak Audio count, chroma AM S/N, and audio rating on audio S/N. Audio fre- Frequency Video S/N frequency response. Its video S/N, quency response and video S/N consistency, and chroma AM S/N consistency fated average—the same—but Consistency Between are all very good. The audio fre- Between —_consistency and the dropout count quency response is good, and the improved to very good, and chro- dropout count is average. Audio ma AM S/N increased to average. S/N is fair. Since you can ignore Its overall rating is above average. the linear audio characteristics when recording on the Hi-Fi tracks, it can be considered a good performer with more than ideal dropouts. Dropout Count Dropout Count 62 Video March 1987

‘A CHARMING, FUNNY COMEDY.” —Ira Hellman, PEOPLE MAGAZINE “SOUL MAN’ IS VERY, VERY GOOD.” —Joel Siegel, ABC-TV ‘A CHEERFUL FRAF-HOUSE VERSION OF ‘TOOTSIE. ”’ —Janet Maslin, THE NEW YORK TIMES ‘A BRASH OUTRAGEOUS COMEDY.” ma— Michael Medved, SNEAK PREVIEWS om NEW WORLD PICTURES in Association With BALCOR FILM INVESTORS Presents A STEVE TISCH Production A STEVE MINER Film SOUL MAN starring C. THOMAS HOWELL RAE DAWN CHONG UB ARYE GROSS JAMES B. SIKKING LESLIE NIELSEN and JAMES EARL JONES as Professor Banks Wie Edited by DAVID FINFER =Music Score by TOM SCOTT Written by CAROL BLACK Co-Producers of CAROL BLACK and NEAL MARLENS Produced by STEVE TISCH Directed by STEVE MINER NNovonviene? For additional information, circle No. 22 on Reader Service Card © 1987 New World Video

SCOTCH Scotch EXG Camera L-750 im- SKC SKC SG L-750 is better balanced than the SG L-500, but it is poor EXG Camera L-750 proves on the dropout count and SG L-750 on the critical video S/N measure- audio S/N of the lower grades to Video S/N Video S/N ment. It earned ratings of good on LN earn a rating of good. The im- the dropout count, consistency, Audio Consistency provement in audio S/N is espe- Audio Consistency and audio S/N. It is average on Frequency Between cially important because no porta- Frequency Between ble Beta VCRs or camcorders have Response Batches chroma S/N and audio frequency Hi-Fi capability. Chroma AM S/N response. It is no slouch except in and consistency are also good. that one area, which means some- Video S/N is very good. Its weak- what noisier pictures than with est rating is average on audio fre- quency response. other tapes. Dropout Count Dropout Count EXG Pro L-750 Scotch EXG Pro L-750 is a very SKC SKC SHG Hi-Fi L-750 is another good to excellent tape with some reasonably balanced tape except Video S/N weakness in chroma AM S/N and SHG Hi- Fi L-750 for video S/N which remains poor. Its video S/N is definitely better ea audio S/N, which both rate aver- Video S/N than the previous two SKC tapes age. Video S/N and the dropout but not high enough to raise it a Audio Consistency count are both very good. Consis- rating point. The dropout count, tency between batches and audio chroma AM S/N, and audio S/N FRreesqpuoennscey Bteattwceheesn frequency response are excellent. are average. The audio frequency We recommend this tape for im- response is good and consistency is very good. portant recordings, even with a camera. Dropout Count Dropout Count SKC SKC SG L-500 is a tape with great Standard L-500 Sony Standard L-500 is a better strengths and great weaknesses. than average performer with weak SG L-500 Dropout count is excellent; Frequency Video S/N video S/N. It is average on chro- consistency between batches very Consistency ma AM S/N. Audio S/N and audio Video S/N good. Audio S/N is rated good. = frequency response are both Dropout Count At the other end, the audio fre- good, and dropout count and con- 64 Video March 1987 quency response is fair, chroma apoe) TX AM S/N is weak, and video S/N is sistency are both very good. It is poor. Calling this tape average a good tape for recording from would be misleading, especially relatively noise-free sources. with serious weaknesses in video performance. Dropout Count

rAERIE TAL T RE AT Re TODAY’S BEST LOVED STARS, IN EVERYONE'S FAVORITE FAERIE TALES, AT A PRICE YOU'LL ADORE. Now, Playhouse Video THE TALE OF THE THUMBELINA RAPUNZEL makes these 26 FROG PRINCE CARRIE FISHER JEFF BRIDGES wondrous Faerie Tale ROBIN WILLIAMS WILLIAM KATT SHELLEY DUVALL Theatre productions TERI GARR BURGESS MEREDITH GENA ROWLANDS even more enchanting with the magical price LITTLE RED THE NIGHTINGALE THE LITTLE MERMAID of $19.98* each. RIDING HOOD MICK JAGGER BUD CORT PAM DAWBER MALCOLM McDOWELL BARBARA HERSHEY HELEN MIRREN PUSS IN BOOTS MARY STEENBURGEN EDWARD JAMES OLMOS TREAT WILLIAMS GREGORY HINES KAREN BLACK BEN VEREEN THE THREE LITTLE PIGS SNOW WHITE AND BRIAN DENNEHY BILLY CRYSTAL THE SEVEN DWARFS THE SNOW QUEEN JEFF GOLDBLUM ELIZABETH McGOVERN THE EMPEROR'S MELISSA GILBERT VALERIE PERRINE VANESSA REDGRAVE NEW CLOTHES LANCE KERWIN REX SMITH ALAN ARKIN ART CARNEY LEE REMICK JACK AND THE DICK SHAWN BEANSTALK PINOCCHIO CINDERELLA DENNIS CHRISTOPHER JAMES COBURN GOLDILOCKS AND THE JENNIFER BEALS ELLIOTT GOULD CARL REINER THREE BEARS MATTHEW BRODERICK JEAN STAPLETON PAUL REUBENS TATUM O'NEAL JEAN STAPLETON HOYT AXTON SLEEPING BEAUTY PRINCESS AND THE PEA ALEX KARRAS THE PRINCESS WHO BEVERLY D'‘ANGELO LIZA MINNELLI CAROLE KING HAD NEVER LAUGHED BERNADETTE PETERS TOM CONTI JOHN LITHGOW ELLEN BARKIN CHRISTOPHER REEVE BEATRICE STRAIGHT HOWIE MANDEL RUMPELSTILTSKIN BEAUTY AND THE BEAST THE DANCING THE PIED PIPER NED BEATTY KLAUS KINSKI PRINCESSES OF HAMELIN SHELLEY DUVALL SUSAN SARANDON LESLEY ANN WARREN ERIC IDLE HERVE VILLECHAIZE TONY VAN BRIDGE THE BOY WHO LEFT PETER WELLER HANSEL AND GRETEL HOME TO FIND OUT ROY DOTRICE ALADDIN AND HIS RICKY SCHRODER ABOUT THE SHIVERS WONDERFUL LAMP JOAN COLLINS DANA HILL RIP VAN WINKLE VALERIE BERTINELLI PAUL DOOLEY CHRISTOPHER LEE TALIA SHIRE JAMES EARL JONES BRIDGETTE ANDERSEN PETER MacNICOL HARRY DEAN STANTON ROBERT CARRADINE LEONARD NIMOY Available in late March “Suggested Retail Copyright © 1987 The CBS/FOX Company. All Rights Reserved, Printed in USA. Playhouse Video is a trademark of The CBS/FOX Company. PLAYHOUSE NOW ONLY (Qf ), xX

Standard L-750 Sony’s Standard L-750 is similar to SONY Sony ES-HG L-750 delivers in- creased performance on the drop- Video S/N its Standard L-500, but with the ES-HG L-750 out count, consistency, and audio ratings stirred around. Video S/N S/N at the expense of audio fre- Dropout Count is still weak. Audio S/N and chro- Video S/N quency response and chroma AM ma AM S/N are both average. Standard L-830 Consistency and the dropout count S/N. The dropout count is excel- are both good, and the audio fre- lent, consistency is good, and Video S/N quency response is very good. both the chroma AM S/N and au- Again, an above average tape with dio S/N are good. Audio frequency weak video S/N. response and video S/N are both — average. It is another above aver- age tape with slightly varied char- acteristics. Sony Standard L-830 received rat- Dropout Count Sony ES-HG L-830 is a relatively — ings of average for consistency, chroma AM S/N, audio S/N, and ES-HG L-830 well balanced tape with mostly av- audio frequency response. It is erage ratings. The dropout count, poor on video S/N, but it rated Video S/N consistency, chroma AM S/N, and | good on the dropout count. L-830 walAudio audio S/N all received grades of | tapes are usually not star perform- average. Video S/N and audio fre- | ers. slightly above average tape best suited for general taping when you” need extra capacity. Dropout Count Sony ES-HG L-500 is a relatively ESX Hi-Fi L-500 Sony ESX-Hi-Fi L-500 shows step- up performance in the critical are- well balanced tape with ratings of Video S/N as of video S/N and dropout average on video and audio S/N. count. Video S/N is excellent and Consistency dropout count is very good. Con- Consistency between batches and sistency between batches and au- audio frequency response are both dio frequency response are both | good, while chroma AM S/N is av- good, and the dropout count and erage and audio S/N is fair. Its strengths outweigh its weakness- — chroma AM S/N are very good. es, and it is strong enough on its | Overall it is a good tape, and a bit stronger on its video performance. video ratings to be called good to } very good if you’re not overly concerned with linear audio. Dropout Count Dropout Count 66 Video March 1987

PEOPLE WHO DON'T USE THIS - SHOULD HAVE THEIR HEADS noves any ering 100% ea sa ; shed, tear, or leave behind any hazardous debris.And the matter of using your head. — q ©1986 MEMTEK PRODUCTS For additional information. circle No. 24 on Reader Service Card. a

f Sony’s Standard L-750 is similar to Sony ES-HG L-750 delivers in- i its Standard L-500, but with the aed, tht Nhl on i tht i ratings stirred around. Video S/N ES-HG L-750 out count, consistency, and audio i Standard L-750 Video S/N Video S/N is stl weak. Audio S/N and chro- S/N at the expense of audio fre- ma AM S/N are both average. quency response and chroma AM = acronesinsteency aCroensbiostthencgyooda,ndantdhe thderopauoduito cforuen-t S/N. The dropout count is excel- Batches quency response is very good. = |lent, consistency is good, and | eo Again, an above average tape with both the chroma AM S/N and au- weak vii deo S/N. dio S/N are good. Audio ieee | Dy response and viideo deo S/N arre both average. It is another above aver- age tape with slightly varied char- | acteristics. | | Dropout Count a i] | SONY eS Sony Standard L-830 received rat- aSy ORENP YTAO: Sony ES-HG L-830 is a relatively | well balanced tape with mostly av- | Standard L-€ hingseofmaAvaeMraGgeINfoar cionsdiGsitIeNnncayn,d aot erage ratings. The dropout count, _ | Video qif FrAeuqdiueny TO GET YOUR $1 REFUND: NAME ST. ZIP. i tesponse BUY: One Memorex\" VHS, Beta or STREET ADDRESS i 8mm Safeguard System Video CITY. i Head Cleaner between i February 20 and May 31, 1987. i MAIL: This completed form along with: ADDITIONAL TERMS OF OFFER: | * The UPC code pr inoses asThis completed form must accompany | from the package S—ar] druecqueeds.t and may not be mechanically repro- | i ¢ Dated cash register receipt ¢ Limit one $1 refund per qualifying product ; i with purchase price circled. per family, household or address. SEND TO: Memorex Video Head Cleaner ¢ Offer good only on Memorex VHS, Beta, Corle8anmemrs.Safeguard System Video Head g Refund ES-HG L-50¢ PO. Box 2968 ¢ Void where prohibited by law, taxed or Young America, MN 55399 restricted. Videc | HAVE ENCLOSED UPC SYMBOLS(S) Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. Offer FROM: (Please Check) good only in U.S.A. it VHS Video Head Cleaner (Limit 1) Beta Video Head Cleaner (Limit ¢ TbOFhefeifbsrererurcaeegrfioyuvonedd2d0ocbnatyonpnJMuouartnycehba3es11,eu5ss19e,8dm7a.1idneR9ceo8qfnurj7eousmn,tcstiomnust i 1) 8mm Video Head Cleaner (Limit i 1) H with any other refund offer on Memorex brand products. il Total Refund$____($1 peritem checked) i iW If you have any questions about this offer, please write to: Memtek Products, PO. Box 2400, Young America, MN 55399 Dropou lf i 66 Video March 1987 u

PEOPLE WHO DON'T USE THIS - SHOULD HAVE THEIR HEADS The tape heads inside your VCR are exclusive “particle-lock” design traps and removes any inga 20 debris that might be there already. It’s inevitable. Let them get too dirty and you pound machine across town and paying big b cks to fix it. If that isn't enough, it’s extra wide. Covering 100% Sheer lunacy when you consider the alternative.The of the video tape path. And of course it's compatible with all new Memorex Safeguard System® Video Head Cleaner. all kinds of VHS recorders, including portables ee. 7 It's quick. Easy. And more importantly, it gives your VCRa —_and camcorders. ONE p spectacular safe cleaning. So get the Memorex That’s because it’s a “wet” head cleaner. With a unique Safeguard System before [§ IT LIVE OR IS rT woven-laminate tape. So unlike some head cleaners, it won't _ it’s too late. It's just a ME MOREX shed, tear, or leave behind any hazardous debris. And the matter of using your head. ©1986 MEMTEK PRODUCTS For additional information. circle No. 24 on Reader Service Card.

OTDICHAE | SUPER AVILYN ESX Hi-Fi L-750 Sony ESX Hi-Fi L-500 shows step E-HG L-750 TDK E-HG L-750 is a stronger vid- rating point on video S/N to be- eo performer than HS at the ex- Video S/N come a stronger, better balanced Video S/N pense of the linear audio charac- tape. Video S/N, consistency, and Le teristics. The dropout count is ex- the dropout count are all very Audio Consistency cellent, video S/N and chroma AM good. Chroma AM S/N and audio Frequency Between S/N are very good, and consisten- S/N are rated good, and the linear Response Batches audio frequency response is aver- cy is good. It delivers very good age. It is a strong performer. video. However, the audio fre- quency response is just average and audio S/N is fair. It is great for applications when the audio is on the Hi-Fi track. Sony Pro-X L-500 increases the TDK Hi-Fi L-750 is a bit better bal- video S/N to excellent along with anced than its E-HG, with gains consistency, while giving up a on linear audio at the expense of point on the dropout count. The video. Chroma AM S/N is excel- emphasis in this tape is definitely lent, video S/N is very good, and on picture quality, with ratings of the dropout count and consistency good on chroma AM S/N and the are good. Video is good to very dropout count to back up the two good overall. Audio S/N is aver- excellents. The compromise is on age, and audio frequency re- the linear audio, with an S/N of sponse is good for a good to av- average and a frequency response erage linear audio performance. of good. A very strong performer if you record Hi-Fi sound. TDK HD Pro L-750 goes all out for picture quality and achieves rat- Dropout Count TDK-s HS L-750 is its basic grade. Dropout Count ings of excellent on video S/N and It is an average performer overall, chroma AM S/N. The dropout HS L-750 with a rating of very good on con- HD Pro L-750 count and consistency are both very good. Picture quality is excel- Video S/N sistency. The dropout count and lent. Audio S/N is good and audio audio frequency response are both frequency response is average good, and audio S/N and chroma for above average linear audio. AM S/N are both average. Video This is one of the outstanding S/N is just fair, but its other tapes we tested. strengths redeem it. Dropout Count Dropout Count 68 Video March 1987

JSPAOMTALIICGAHTJEPTL-UASWAYP!AK” Get the Spotlight Plus Pak & You Could Win A Jamaica Vacation for 2: With The Spotlight Plus Pak You Get: e Acoupon book filled with $1 off “a-movie-rental” coupons & more! A $17.00 Value e A year's subscription to National Video's Spotlight On Video® magazine. A $9.75 Value @ A bonus movie rental. Up to a $3.00 Value @ National Video's VIP $995MovieCard™ ONLY SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE. A $2975 VALUE CO RRC ere are .* ~ NATIONAL ° ee 8 WORLD'S LARGEST VIDEO CHAIN! Jamaica Jet-Away ends March 31, 1987. *No purchase is needed to enter sweepstakes. See participating National Video stores for complete details. Void where prohibited by law. © 1986. National Video, Inc. All rights reserved. For additional information, circle No. 20 on Reader Service Card

The arewhat they Ae ch. _So give them Kidsongs” //_ | By» fF, [RS You'll call them yo PN i “a terrific value, Videos from View-Master. © 2 O4\"== 2H=2>. because your kids And improve the quality of “2224, your children’s TV time. When kids tune ‘will watch them—and enjoy them—again and again. into TV, it often seems they tune out everything else. Kidsongs Videos. They're exactly what you Including their own imaginations. Which is why expect from View-Master, a name you've known you're going to appreciate Kidsongs Videos. since you were a child p| om ss , B ¢ They're exciting yourself. eee sk? 14 orginal musical pro- ductions featuring | real kids and grownups, not a ‘ae cartoons or pup- .5 | m= pets. Which mew” Ae makes a big dif- Kidsongs Videos encourage ference in how your children to get involved. children watch us. Our upbeat melodies and classic lyrics encourage kids to sing and dance along with the cast. And each video comes with a songbook. “The finest live action music videos ever produced just for kids” That's what Mariette Hartley, 1984 Mother of the Year, called Kidsongs Videos. ©1987 Warner Bros. Records Inc.; Together Again Video Productions, Inc.; and View-Master Ideal Group, Inc. Kidsongs is a trademark of Warner Bros. Records Inc. For additional information, circle No. 21 on Reader Service Card.

& FELM REVorelIcvos cEcvcevWecsscsi023 7i QUICK TAKES ON FILMS ......77 VIDEO REVIi: EvscteWnea Ster 8 NEW TAPES & DISCS. TABELS FOR LESS «055.60. 400400081 PROGRAMMING SOURCES ....87 NEWS AND VIEWS SCHHSSHSSSSHSHSSHSSHSHSHHHSHHSSHSHHSHSHHHHEHHHTHESEES BY MARK FLEISCHMANN THE LIVING DEAD IN . “I have a conviction about B&W,” script of War of the Worlds for Para: LIVING (?) COLOR . mount—is an easygoing guy. No temper- amental auteur he. “I’m not as militant :. Romero continues. “When Iwas growing about it as some of the other guys. I . guess if I’d made The Maltese Falcon, | . up, everything was in B&W. B&W came would be.” . to mean something was more realistic or He’s referring to the news conference held by ailing 80-year-old director/actor think it’s sort of silly,” says George more important. For several years in the John Huston, who denounced Ted Turn- er’s decision to colorize The Maltese Fal- Romero of the colorized Night of the Pillow Talk era all the light stuff was con and 99 other films, calling it “a con- spiracy to degrade our national charac- Living Dead, which is available for color and serious films like Judgment at ter...as great an impertinence as wash- $29.95 in the new version and $14.95 in Nuremberg were intentionally B&W. ing fleshtones on a da Vinci drawing.” the original black & white. Roach Studios That really has a lock on me.” : Huston’s position has the endorsement : of the Directors Guild of America, the failed to respond to three requests by Aesthetic convictions notwithstand- : Writers Guild of America (West), the : Screen Actors Guild, the National Arts “News & Views” to send Romero a color iing, Romero—currently working on a : Council, the American Society of : Cinematographers, and the American copy of his movie, which he finally saw on - Film Institute. (Incidentally, CBS/Fox is television. “I’m just surprised there’s an ; releasing the colorized Maltese Falcon at audience for it,” he says. > $59.98.) Romero’s objections hinge on “some - Taking the opposite tack is the Motion Picture Association of America—the basic story points.” For instance, the film - : folks who tried to bring you VCR/tape : taxes and are now pushing Macrovision. opens on a man and woman in a grave- The producers argue that colorizing en- : hances a film’s value in the marketplace, yard. They spy a wandering fellow who : : even to the point of warranting a fresh : copyright on material hitherto in the pub- seems slightly deranged but otherwise : lic domain. harmless—until he attacks. This is the Ron Haver, curator of film at the L.A. : County Museum of Art, also supports movie’s first zombie violence but “the * colorization, according to The New York : Times, which quoted him noting the pro- gag doesn’t work,” says Romero, “when cess requires the colorizers to strike “a the guy is green.” pristine B&W print and a new negative if the original was on nitrate film.” Any- Romero “wouldn’t have staged it the : way, he added, “Colorization isn’t about film. It’s video.” Yeah, what the hell. Jf’s same way in color. Had it been intention- - + just video. ally shot in color, I think it would have : been successful [anyway]. But you have to use the color as an element. That’s the problem with computer color—it’s not an - aesthetic element, just an overlay. I ; didn’t like it. The colors were weak.” It wasn’t lack of funds that prompted Romero to go for the B&W look. He - recalls, “We were about six or seven : days into shooting when we found we could raise money on the basis of the dailies we were showing to people. At that point we talked about switching to color, but decided to stay with B&W for aesthetic reasons. It’s better in B&W.” : For this squeamish viewer it wouldn’t be Green zombies don’t agree with viewable in color. eoedcireeeccteocrceGceeorge Romero or vice versa. March 1987 Video 71

Here’s a proposal for Hollywood and : our friends at Macrovision. How about a copy-protection scheme that would pre- vent the duplication of any B&W material in phony color? Apply it to all existing filmstock and videotape masters. Any at- tempt to apply synthetic color would re- sult in annoying blinking, severe picture distortion, and (to borrow from Weird Al Yankovic) the spontaneous combustion of household pets—or better yet, corpo- rate colorizers. SSSR . . veryone knows about discs’ advan- . tages over tape. Even people who : ‘The Birds’ disc also contains the trailer for the original ‘Psycho,’ Starring don’t own a LaserVision player have read :: Anthony Perkins (above). about the format’s higher picture quality and operational pluses. Not everyone, : George Stevens’ Swing Time, another : motion on such players as the Pioneer however, is aware that all LV releases are not created equal. LV discs are gen- : Criterion disc set, contains an excerpt : CLD-909. MCA mastered The Bride of erally better than tape, but some offer : from a Bill “Bojangles” Robinson movie ! Frankenstein with side one in CLV and more trimmings than others. : to illustrate one of Fred Astaire’s prime : side two in CAV, so the special effects : are available for the final third. The same : influences as a dancer. Like many deluxe : sets, both include generous volumes of : is true of The Mummy, which has enough : stills shot on the set by studio photogs. : space at the end of the CAV side for a still : Swing Time’s analog stereo soundtrack : collection and the original trailer. : also offers commentary by film historian : MCA’s disc of Alfred Hitchcock’s Sab- > John Mueller in one channel and the origi- : oteur is all extended play, but a chapter : nal mono soundtrack in the other. : stop reveals the film’s trailer. Better still Among the studio labels, MCA has : for trailer enthusiasts is the three-sided : taken the lead in deluxe disc releases. :> CLV set of The Birds. Three of the six : Four sides of MCA’s three-disc boxed : trailers presented are of special historic : set of Napoleon are in CLV, but the fifth : interest: the ones for Psycho and The : is in CAV. One chapter stop yields an- : Birds star the director in his amusing : other still file; the second replays key : raconteur mode, while Rope’s consists : scenes from the Abel Gance epic to be : of a full scene totally omitted from the : frozen or run in several grades of slow : film. SCANLINES I Am Joe’s VCR: Remember the Reader's Digest “I Am Joe” series that told you more about how your body works than you could ever possibly want to know? Videotape versions of the documentaries are now available from Pyramid Film & ‘The Bride’ has her special Video (Box 1048, Santa Monica, Calif. 90406-1048). Newest installment is JAm effects on side 2. Joe’s Ear. Previous editions cover Joe’s eye, heart, kidney, liver, lung, skin, spine, Playing time is the key. Features as and stomach. At $395 each, the tapes are for institutions rather than consumers, primary as noiseless still frame work only : but you can always go for National Geographic's more modest Incredible Human in the constant angular velocity (CAV) or : Machine, a $29.95 Vestron title. standard-play mode—not in the constant : Auteurists awake: MGM/UA’s April Golden Jubilee titles will include the linear velocity (CLV) or extended-play : following for the reasonably collectible price of $24.95: George Cukor’s Camille mode. CAV discs hold a maximum of 30 with Greta Garbo and A Woman’s Face with Joan Crawford, Vincente Minnelli’s minutes per side; CLVs run up to 60 : The Clock with Judy Garland, and King Vidor’s The Citadel. In May, Fred Astaire minutes. A CLV with digital sound added sings Cole Porter in Broadway Melody of 1940. to the almost equally high-quality analog : Nixon nostalgists finally get their day in the sun with Media Home Entertain- track shrinks that 60 minutes to 54.5. ment’s release of Nasty Habits, Michael Lindsay-Hogg’s Watergate-in-a-convent Most deluxe laser releases use the spoof from 1977. It had been scheduled for earlier release but got hung up for CAV mode not only to exploit its roster * awhile. of special effects, but as a means of in- : Beatles nostalgists should have gotten a little Help! from their friends at MPI cluding tantalizing codas. Criterion’s Cit- by the time you read this. Problems in synching the digitally remastered sound- izen Kane serves up still-frame pages of : track with the pix had delayed the 1965 Richard Lester film. MPI is also releasing the shooting script to distinguish Orson : an Allen Francovich documentary, Inside the CIA: On C ompany Business, chroni- Welles’ visual flourishes from the original : cling the 1947-80 doings of those fine defenders of democracy. Herman Mankiewicz screenplay. 72 Video March 1987

FILMS PRODUCED FOR THEATERS CRHECEHHHHH KEES HSCHEHHH KEKE EHE EE HEHEEHHEEHEEHEEEEE nancies—and she does, eventually, choose independence. But there is so little joy in her decision it seems a resig- nation. To see this trait in so accom- plished a woman made me crave a roll of Tums instead of the popcorn bowl. —Toby Goldstein Streep and Nicholson are the happy loving couple in ‘Heartburn.’ CLUB PARADISE 1986. Robin Williams, Peter O’Toole, HEARTBURN . Streep, who rings false when she has to Jimmy Cliff, Twiggy, Rick Moranis; dir./ . co-wr. Harold Ramis. 96m. (PG-13) Hi 1986. Meryl Streep, Jack Nicholson, play weak. Waddling about with her hair St cc $79.95. LV CX St cc $34.98. War- ner. Image: good. Catherine O’Hara; dir. Mike Nichols. unkempt—Rachel is pregnant for most of Does this sound like a familiar plot? 109m. (R) Hi $79.95. Paramount. Im- the movie—Streep expresses herself in Stressed-out urbanite escapes to ob- age: good. a teeny, tiny voice that veers between scure Caribbean island for new way of life Heartburn is calculated to appeal to happiness and misery. Joyous with her and finds a less-than-ideal vacation spot rife with its own problems. Pan-cultural one of our basest instincts—the illicit children, she is flat and unemotional the adventures ensue; the story finishes with a local revolutionary insurrection. pleasure of snooping in someone else’s rest of the time, whether making love or Rather than suffering deja vu, you may diary. Only here veteran journalist Nora being robbed at gunpoint. wonder exactly what differentiates Club Paradise from Last Resort, the merci- Ephron shares sordid episodes of her Nicholson’s Mark Foreman is a rat, lessly aggravating Charles Grodin vehi- own life. Perhaps she wrote about her and that’s all. He talks sweetly out of one eeocelceccrceccceently reviewed here. Happily, a densely populated world of no-goodnik ex-husband for revenge. I side of his mouth while cheating and act- talent and wit. Club Paradise benefits can accept a good mudslinging session. ing like nothing’s wrong. Faced with a from an excellent (but underused) huge cast, conservative direction, and writing Unfortunately, the mud (actually, a poorly established image, Nicholson that, while in no danger of pulling a Pulit- cream pie) doesn’t only reach its target: takes the easy way out—he plays Jack zer, hits an adequately amusing middle- it clings as well to the thinly disguised Nicholson. You anticipate every leer, ev- brow niche. Williams does a remarkably restrained—sedated, even—turn as heroine. ery glower, every pained glance. Jack Moniker, a Chicago firefighter in Some years ago, Ephron married re- eeyeeee Oene must look to Heartburn’s smaller search of a quieter way of life who instead nowned Watergate reporter Carl Bern- eee moments for satisfaction. Comedienne winds up embroiled in Saint Nicholas’ own sort of pandemonium. stein. During her second pregnancy, Catherine O’Hara dominates the screen Joining him on this sunny romp are Ephron dumped him upon discovering he as a gossip-mongering Southern belle such diverse thespians as Peter O’Toole, reggae singer Jimmy Cliff, Twiggy, was having an affair. Her life became a who doesn’t even realize she’s twisting Adolph Caesar, Brian Doyle-Murray, novel called Heartburn, with the couple’s the knife. And a brilliant parody of Mas- and Joanna Cassidy, plus a gaggle of names changed to Rachel Samstat and terptece Theater puts Rachel’s life into the SCTV veterans—Rick Moranis, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Robin Duke, and Mark Foreman. The film dutifully relates soap opera context that was Ephron’s Joe Flaherty. All of these fine people per- her woes in a series of vignettes, but starting point. eecceeseccsccccs expurgates the roiling emotions that One wonders why Ephron was content : form competently, but O’Toole is excep- must have dominated Ephron’s life. In- to create an “I am nothing without a : tional as Sir Anthony, a droll, world-wea- ry British governor general. Twiggy is stead, we get what Helen Gurley Brown man” movie. After all, Rachel’s editor calls a “mouseburger,” acted by Meryl holds her job open—through two preg- March 1987 Video 73

comfortably delightful; Moranis and of Fire/Olympics thing going. And the A box office failure will often find its Levy do predictable schtick as geeks diving angle can ante up a love interest ineptly trying to score pot and women. and a villain for the son to Rambo on! Too second wind on video—especially one much! I told you this would be a snap! that took such a precipitous risk as star- Like many vacations, what happens ring three-foot high, cigar smoking happens, and the film skips lightly So here’s our picture: Rodney goes to duck, known and loved to a cult of comic through its simple story of perfidious pol- school to visit his son, who isn’t doing so book fans, but obscure to the rest of us. iticians and conniving capitalists. The hot, and gives the dean—we'll call him However, those who make the mistake general lack of racism, nudity, vulgarity, Dean Martin, ha ha—a big donation to let of bringing Howard home will discover and bloodshed makes this one of the him study with his son. The son falls for : that it wasn’t the risk that brought the mildest PG-13 s in a long while. There the girlfriend of his rival on the diving + project to ruin, but befuddled execution. are no big laughs (the best bit is Jack’s team, and Rod falls for the bombshell After deciding to portray Howard with a encouragement to the two would-be English professor who, natch, goes out group of kid actors stuffed into a state-of- lotharios: “They said that you weren't fit with the business professor. Then Rod the-art Halloween costume, not much to sleep with pigs, but I stood up for and his kid make the diving jock and the imaginative power was left for such items you—I said you were”), but the dialogue business prof look like idiots and they eccaeseeplot, character development, and the moves along briskly enough to seem fun- eeccebceoeetcchccscgceecstcethe girl and make great dives in all-important directorial tone that could nier than it actually is. the finale. Everybody cheers! It’s bril- support such an odd protagonist. Despite liant! It’s great! It’s so high concept the the irreverent concept, awesome ex- During Club Paradise’s short theatri- title says it all: Rodney Dangerfield in pense, moviemaking’s best resources, cal life, critics marveled at the number of Back to School. What a sales angle! and a Thomas Dolby score, Huyck was top-notch funny people needed (?) to unable to contrive the slick hipness that concoct this mild entertainment. And What? You’re worried about the one expects from a Lucas epic. there is something odd about toney folks script, the jokes, the rest of the movie? like O’Toole and Caesar doing what is Baby, kiddo, sweetie! Don’t give it an- Poor Thompson is left with shards of a little more than movie-of-the-week other thought! We can hire people for role as Beverly, the Cleveland punk froth. But if that’s what it takes nowa- that. Those suckers in the theater will singer who dresses like an outcast from days for Hollywood to whip up pleasant eat up whatever we dish out. We’re crea- Prince’s band. Her music isn’t the only tive, dollface, we got something better place where she hits the wrong notes: family fare, so be it. —lIra Robbins than a movie—we got a package! her affection for the extraterrestrial duck (oh yes, at heart this is one more tired old BACK TO SCHOOL —M. George Stevenson space opera) not only accelerates too quickly, but at one point meanly teases 1986. Rodney Dangerfield, Keith Gor- HOWARD THE DUCK with a come-on to a sexual climax that don, Sally Kellerman; dir. Alan Metter. emCereseomeigshetseosfefsenedseJsoehnseWsaeteesress.esTehseesoethseer ac- 97m. (PG-13) $79.95. HBO/Cannon. eePdoeemr1ee98e6s.erLeeearsTsheosmepsseosne,eeeJesfeferseyesJeonses, Tim tors tough it out in generally thankless Image: excel. Robbins; dir/co-wr. Willard Huyck. roles, with only Robbins impressive as a 111m. (PG) Hi St ss $79.95. MCA. Im- goofy lab assistant. So kiddo, you want to learn how to age: good. make a major studio comedy summer “T’m obviously in some terrible night- As the film continues, the characters blockbuster? Leave it to Professor Or- mare,” says Lea Thompson early on in increasingly yeild center stage to the ion. Here’s the assignment: we got Rod- Howard the Duck, and, boy, has she hit ney Dangerfield and we need to create the nail on the head. Howard is one of special-effects technicians, but in small- (this is a creative business, you know) those movies that cried out for some- er, unforgiving video, their magic looks what we call a “vehicle” for him. He’ll do one—anyone—in the creative loop to hollow, even desperate in its attempt to his schtick ifwe do ours, whichis to find a note that it just isn’t working. Producer ececeereegcaeiensewsheaste interest might be left. It’s story line he can do it in. So we need a George Lucas should have realized that funny—in the old days, when adapting situation. Kids...kids...it’s summer re- the fowl product was less duck than tur- high-tone novels to film, one heard about member, kids are your ticket buyers, key. film being a “lower art form” than books. what can kids relate to? Other than the Rodney schtick, I mean. School! That’s ‘Howard the Duck’ flies off into the turkey archives. it! Rodney goes back to school! There’s our title, Back to School. High school? No, that’s too unbelievable. College! There we go. Rodney is a rich guy, like in Caddyshack, but uneducated—that’s plausible, right?—and he goes back to college to help his son along. Great! He’s got to go to class, so we can have weird teachers, one a dishy blonde Rod can fall for, and another who can’t stand him, for tension. Rod’s a rich business- man, so let the bad guy be the business professor. Love interest, villain, schtick, what’re we missing here? Some- thing...something...sports! A sport Rod and his son can both do! What can Rod do? (Believably, that is.) Diving! They’re both divers but the son has trouble mak- ing the team because he lacks confi- dence. This’ll be good for ending the pic- ture. It’s upbeat and we'll have a Chariots 74 Video March 1987

More recently, film has achieved “equal but different” status as an art form. How- ard the Duck establishes once and for all that film is a lower art form than comic books. —Steven Levy RUNNING SCARED 1986. Billy Crystal, Gregory Hines; dir. Peter Hyams. 107m. (R) Hi St cc $79.95. MGMIUA. Image: good. It was probably inevitable after the success of Beverly Hills Cop that studio execs would scramble to find ways to plug other ex-Saturday Night Live stars into creaky action adventures. This par- ticular vehicle is structured around Billy Crystal, an inspired stand-up comedian and gifted mimic, and Gregory Hines, best known as Baryshnikov’s dancin’ pal in White Nights. They are both appealing comic actors and do a good best-buddy eeeceeseccce act, but their talent is forced to serve a ‘Absolute Beginners’: vague, hyperactive, abundantly stylish. thoroughly pointless shoot-em-up, di- rected perfunctorily by Peter Hyams geek, Iowa farmboy Daryl Cage, who ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS takes a summer vacation to Los Angeles 1986. Eddie O’Connell, Patsy Kensit, (2010). Crystal and Hines portray two Chicago to see his big brother Tommy, a football James Fox, David Bowie; dir. Julien vice cops out to nail a hood with ambi- player. On the plane he encounters Dizz Temple. 108m. (PG-13) Hi St $79.95. tions of being the town’s “first Spanish (Wright, who deserves the 1986 Annie HBO/Cannon. Image: good. godfather.” After they get into a couple Potts act-alike award), an L.A. flirt who Julien Temple is not the first British of shootouts and mess up a stake-out, makes four or five passes at Daryl while filmmaker to wax nostalgic about post- their lieutenant sends them on vacation he gawks and stammers like a drugged war England. From Plenty to Quad- to Key West, where they decide to retire Gary Cooper. In the airport, Daryl picks rophenia to Dance with a Stranger, mov- from the force and open a bar. But first up the wrong luggage, thus acquiring a ies have worked to recapture and com- it’s back to Chicago to finish off the drug gym bag full of heroin. The bad guys ece. eresemseenrtesconeeesoeceisal or political developments dealer. murder Tommy and his wife, leading the with realistic period detail. But none to Running Scared’s title suggests an in- police to conclude that Daryl is the killer. date have approached the ambitious teresting angle that seems to have been He finds Dizz, and the two of them spend sociological scope of this mad muddle, a excised from the final product. These the rest of the movie running around like surrealistic singing’n’dancing extrava- daredevils police the Second City by tak- maniacs. The police make it impossible ganza that attempts to sew together such ing stupid risks and generally violating for Daryl to surrender by shooting at him diverse issues as the emergence of teen- people’s constitutional rights. (If the idea the bad guys also want to kill him. There agers as an economic and cultural force, of Crystal doing Bronson seems weird, are lots of chase sequences, lots of rock the increasingly violent escalation of well, that’s part of the problem.) When songs, and lots of shootouts, complete British racism, callous urban redevelop- they quit the department, you’d think with exploding cars and airplanes. At the ment, youth culture’s commercial co- they'd slack off for a month until they can end, Daryl and Dizz walk off arm in arm. optation, the polarization of teen styles, go to Florida; instead, they remain just as Sound familiar? Quite a few recent and exploited pubescent pop icons. foolhardy. The trip, rather than being the films and a whole bunch of Miami Vice Set in 1958 London, Absolute Begin- plot’s turning point, is merely an excuse episodes have used a similar plot. ners focuses on teenaged photographer to show women in bikinis. There’s no emotional depth—when the Colin (O’Connell) and Suzette (Kensit), Without any character development, Ceeereeecreerdeistsessroslsl,ecDeaereyl is still a mystery be- the adorable fashion designer he fancies. there isn’t much for Crystal and Hines to cause he hasn’t shown any personality. PeeceeTrheeccemeovrieesesseestseesofef in a hundred direc- do except wisecrack, mug, and fondle This may actually be intentional: the hero tions, leaving them all in mid-thought as it their weapons. As a comedy, Running doesn’t reveal much so he can maintain careens around, stopping now and then Scared isn’t very funny; as an action-ad- cool. When Dizz complains Daryl is a for garish production numbers and bra- venture, it’s uninvolving and quite pre- hick, he catches up on all the nuances of vura cameos by assorted musicians. The dictable. The most encouraging thing is acting tough and looking sleazy in an af- callow and confused protagonist offers that Crystal never once says, “You look ternoon. Dizz reveals more of herself by odd bits of silly cafe philosophy as he mahvelous.” —Louis Kesten being truthful and admitting that her decides to sell out—up to a point. name isn’t really Dizz. Largely nonsensical and as logical as OUT OF BOUNDS Anthony Michael Hall may yet have a an acid trip, the film reflects both Tem- 1986. Anthony Michael Hall, Jenny future as a dramatic actor. Unfortunate- ple’s rock video background and the mi- Wright; dir. Richard Tuggle. 92m. (R) St Hi ss $79.95. RCA/Columbia. Image: ly, Out ofBounds doesn’t require him to lieu in which (and for which) it was creat- good. do any real acting. Given a sensitive, ed. Reflecting what British teens are cur- Up to now, Anthony Michael Hall has played sensitive, funny, obnoxious character-oriented story, Hall might rently consuming in music and television, it’s vague, hyperactive, and abundantly geeks. In Out Of Bounds he’s just a Ceceeeere erereeseeeeseceves prove to be a major talent, but Out of Bounds was the wrong path to take. colorful and stylish. The quasi-jazz tunes —Adam Philips eC|e e that fill the soundtrack were very trendy March 1987 Video 75 So

last year, and the clothes (a mix of ’50s set of responsibilities. Not only must : splatter film, abandoning the brilliant sus- and 70s) match recent fashion fads. The : pense that Hitchcock created. Fortu- they carry the mandatory fear elements, : nately, with the resolution of the Nor- cinematic posing and preening through- they should also pay fair tribute to their out the film targets today’s self-con- predecessors. One would think that An- man/mother mystery, there seems to be scious kids, searching the past for a cul- thony Perkins has too much going for him ‘no opening for a fourth chapter. Good- ture to call their own. to sacrifice his integrity for a sequel un- worthy of his original performance, espe- bye, Norman. —Clifford Meth The rough mix of West Side Story with cially when that sequel is his first shot at Fame and How to Succeed in Business eeccesece Without Really Tryingis, to say the least, directing. Psycho IIT has none of the im- 1932. B&W. Harry Earles, Wallace disconcerting; other extraneous and con- pact of the original Hitchcock classic. Ford, Leila Hyams, Olga Baclanova; pr./ tradictory ingredients only aggravate the Neither does it carry the intrigue and dir. Tod Browning. 66m. Hi St $59.95. inconsistent tone. There’s no story eeweeesceehcaereem orf Psycho IT, the “original” sequel MGMIUA. Image: good. worth following, and the characters are made in 1982. What it does have is lots of One of the most unusual and touching- drawn too roughly to be involving. (The shmaltz. ly humanist films of all time, Freaks bears increasingly chaotic finish has a drive and Norman is still running the Bates Mo- repeated viewings, if only to assure the excitement otherwise missing, but tel, although business is terrible. It’s : disbelieving spectator that its assort- seems almost like a different film.) What erse been 22 years since he was found guilty : ment of onscreen specimens is indeed you get are a few notable onscreen musi- of hacking up Marion Crane and the oth- : real. The film focuses ona circus, depict- cal pieces, some striking images and per- ers. He’s done his time in a psychiatric : ing the consequences of messing with formances (especially Bruce Payne as a hospital, and townsfolk reckon he’s : “the code of the freaks.” The messer is a fascist thug), and a general sense of 108 cured. They also say his mother is long : conniving blonde “big person,” Cleopatra minutes spent painlessly (if breathlessly) dead, although some claim to have heard : (Baclanova), who attempts to separate to no particular end. Absolute Beginners him talking to her in the old mansion at : “small person” Hans (Earles) from his wants to reinvent movie musicals and night. Now, a local waitress has disap- : fortune by first marrying, then poison- teen-rock cinema, but instead wallows in peared without a trace. Something, we ing him. But a freak and his money are stylish conceit without adding anything of know, is rotten at the Bates place. not easily parted, particularly with a substance. —Ira Robbins There are plenty of allusions to the : weapon-toting posse of such memorable first two films—both verbal and visual. characters as Prince Randian (“The Liv- 1986. Anthony Perkins, Diana Scarwid, Perkins often seems to be winking at the ing Torso”), Johnny Eck (“The Half- Jeff Fahey; dir. Perkins. 93m. (R) Hiss cc camera for the benefit of aficionados, and Boy”), and the pinheads; Zip and Pip. $79.95. MCA. Image: good. references in the screenplay abound. The young woman (played by Scarwid) The code—all for one, one for all—is The watermark test of an adequate who stays at the motel this time has, as spelled out in a prologue designed to buff- horror film is whether or not it frightens Norman duly notes, the same initials as er the film’s subject matter. Even this a former occupant. Perkins’ dry humor is barely prevented the film’s decline into you. Extraordinary scare flicks go be- quite funny in spots, and he obviously had obscurity. It played here under such yond the call of duty, treating audiences fun filming many of the scenes, some of catchy titles as Nature’s Mistakes and to original ideas in direction, effects, and eeeewhich are hysterical. Forbidden Love, but was banned in En- theme. Frankenstein did this. So did gland for 30 years. Though Browning got House of Wax and The Exorcist. Undenia- Psycho III’s problem is its ambiva- bly, the Horror Film Hall of Fame would lence—whether to camp it up or be a the go-ahead due to the success of his be incomplete without Psycho. serious horror film; to parody Psycho or Dracula, the former circus clown was stand on its own. The mentality is strictly obviously ahead of his time. Horror film sequels have an additional The film’s highlights include an unfor- gettable dinner during which Hans’ brethren attempt to integrate Cleopatra into the fold by chanting “Gobble gabble, we accept you, one of us.” Earlier, Browning depicts a pastoral pinhead pic- nic that’s almost disrupted by a horrified watchman. And how do the Siamese twins Violet and Daisy arrange their mar- ital responsibilities? Browning plays his humanist hand both ways, first by shock- ing his audience, then by playing on its liberal guilt. He’d used this tactic before: in 1927’s The Unknown, Lon Chaney played a circus knife thrower who has his arms amputated to win the girl he loves (Joan Crawford). Though the acting is amateurish and Browning’s direction nothing to write home about, Freaks is a bona fide cult classic. Containing unadulterated com- passion amid uncompromising weird- ness, the film’s message is summed up by Hans, who complains that big people Anthony Perkins gives Norman another try in ‘Psycho III.’ “don’t realize I’m a man—with the same feelings they have.” |—Richard Gehr 76 Video March 1987

QUICK TAKES ON FILMS THE MANHATTAN : logue—seems to be the main raison d’ etre for this hamhanded attempt to mix PROJECT Christopher Collet (left) in rock video, soft-core porn, and light- 1986. John Lithgow, Christopher Collet, ‘The Manhattan Project.’ weight splatter effects. Jill Etkenberry; dir. Marshall Brickman. 117m. (PG) $79.95. HBO/Cannon. Im- ling who cruised around for an evening in —Louis Kesten age: excel. American Graffiti? Well, if you can toler- ate a summer’s worth of an almost identi- ZULU DAWN Irked by his mom’s affair with a good- cal combination of antagonists—minus natured weapons scientist, teen whiz the humor and to the incessant strains of 1979. Peter O’Toole, Burt Lancaster, Paul Stevens (Collet) swipes a jug of su- “Theme from a Summer Place’”—you John Mulls; dir. Douglas Hickox. 117m. per plutonium and builds an atomic bomb may be the audience My American Cous- (PG) $79.95. T.W.E. Image: excel. so he can win a science fair and embar- in is seeking. Adolescence in the late rass Mathewson (Lithgow). Events, of ’50s was tough, but this film makes it out Zulu Dawn, a prequel to 1964’s supe- course, escalate dangerously. Comedian to be a horrific bore as well. Canadians rior Zulu, chronicles Britain’s 1879 inva- Marshall Brickman tries hard to ignite voted My American Cousin the Best Pic- sion of what is now South Africa. The this fissionable premise into another War ture of the Year, but I’ll bet they thought climactic onslaught, in which the Zulus Games, but he’s lacking megatonnage. Percy Faith was the king of rock’n’roll, overrun half the British force, is a rip- Bursts of bright dialogue and an inge- too. —John Walker snorting, cast-of-thousands spectacle nious demonstration of how to build a any action fan should enjoy. The rest, nuclear device using everyday household VAMP less happily, is plodding and contradicto- objects aren’t enough to fully overcome 1986. Chris Makepeace, Grace Jones, ry: although the screenplay portrays the the film’s pokey pacing and leaden mes- Sandy Baron; wr./dir. Richard Wenk. British as arrogant bounders who get sage. The Manhattan Project is enter- 93m. (R) Hi St $79.95. New World. Im- what they deserve, the impact is thor- taining but not compelling. age: excel. oughly undone by a heroic visual style that turns the invaders into valorous —Stan Pinkwas First, try and accept the premise that martyrs and the Zulus into a faceless, all women are airheads, whores, or pred- spear-chucking horde. Give us a break! REFORM SCHOOL GIRLS ators out to drain the blood from any Two other points worth nothing about unsuspecting male they can wrap their the video version: the small screen chops 1986. Wendy O. Williams, Pat Ast, Lin- eceeeetshcicgchcscearound. That’s essential if you’re off most of the subtitled Zulu dialogue but going to enjoy Vamp, a horror yarn with restores 19 minutes of footage cut from da Carol, Sybil Danning; wr./dir. Tom nary a single sympathetic female charac- the theatrical version. —Stan Pinkwas ter (but dozens of offensive ones). This DeSimone. 94m. (R) Hi $79.95. New adolescent nightmare instead asks us to MR. LOVE identify with two boorish freshmen, in World. Image: good. search of strippers for a frat party, who 1985. Barry Jackson, Maurice Denham, land in a go-go bar which is a haven for Margaret Tyzack; dir. Roy Battersby. What makes genre/exploitation pic- hardbodied vampires. Grace Jones, in 92m. (PG-13) Hi cc $69.95. Warner. Im- the role she was born to play—an insatia- age: good. tures so likable is the lack of any signifi- ble but frightening sex object who, thankfully, doesn’t have too much dia- Mr. Love exemplifies that current cin- cant difference between garbage and ema hybrid, the down-and-offbeat film. If you can imagine The Man Who Loved greatness. This lurid bimbos-behind- Women left out to wrinkle in the English fog, you may have a glimmer as to what bars stinker has a slightly parodic edge Mr. Love is about. Jackson is almost ex- cessively low-key as Donald Lovelace, a and rabid acting by destructo rock singer spacey late-blooming lothario who quiet- ly nurtures a variety of lonely females. Williams (who looks—and is—twice the What keeps Mr. Love from being an actu- eemoaelely enjoyable experience is the gratui- age of her character), but otherwise tously depressing lives his mistresses lead. That Mr. Love(lace) has touched shrugs itself into the predictable them all with his belabored stoicism seems to beg credit for quantity rather sociopathy of attractive women getting than quality. By the time they’ve finished eeeyinterring the title character, Mr. Love naked and beating each others’ brains leaves less an aftertaste of black comedy than of white tragedy. Which makes the out. As sadistic matron Edna, Ast mugs overall effect simply grey. like a violently kvetchy Divine, but —John Walker serves only to incite riots among the lin- gerie-clad inmates. (Danning fans should note that your voluptuous icon contrib- utes nothing whatsoever to the film’s “R” rating. ) —Ira Robbins MY AMERICAN COUSIN 1986. Margaret Langrick, John Wild- man, Richard Donat; wr./dir. Sandy Wil- son. 94m (PG) $79.95. Media. Image: good. Uh oh, it’s Canadian Graffiti! Re- member Paul LeMat and Mackenzie Phi- lips as the greaser and whiney ugly duck-

VIDEOS MADE FOR HOME VIEWING SSCSHSSHSSSSSSSHSHSSSHSSSHSSSSHSSSSHSHSSSSSSCHCSSSSCSSESSEOO FAWLTY TOWERS is nearly flawless. . since the cassettes don’t include sample 1975, 1979. John Cleese, Prunella tests. Each tape is basically a. lecture, CBS/Fox has released the entire se- with samples and tips on how to deal with Scales, Connie Booth, Andrew Sachs; ries on four cassettes of three episodes ° each type of question. For example, in dir. John Howard Davies, Douglas Ar- the Antonyms section, coach Vlk sug- each. Check in! —Tom Soter gests students eliminate answers that gent, Bob Spiers. 4 cas. 90m. ea. $29.98 BEAT THE SAT: mean the same thing, thus reducing the ea. CBS/Fox. Image: good. number of possible solutions from five to VERBAL, MATH three—and making guessing a better Everyone has stayed in a bad hotel at eee1c9c8c6e.ceSuzee Vik; pr. Academic and Ca- gamble. In the math section she advises estimating answers if you're short on one point or another, but it’s unlikely reer Enhancement. 40m. ea. $19.95 ea. time, and encourages skipping over Spinnaker. (Also available for $39.95 as questions in both parts if the next one anyone has ever had the ill luck to check “Ace the SAT,” one 80m. tape from In- looks easier. Sage advice: hard questions termedia, 1600 DexterN., Seattle, Wash. eceeecdeosn’ctescsceocrees any more points than easy into a seaside resort hotel as horribly run 98109.) Image: good. ones. as Fawlty Towers. The Spanish waiter According to Educational Testing Ser- I do have a few arguments with Beat speaks no English; guests die; and there vices, the company that administers the SAT. The booklet that comes with is sugar in the salt shaker. And if you try most standardized academic exams in the Math tape advises memorizing meas- America, success on the SAT is the to complain you could get involved in an “product of two things: the student’s na- eeeececececs tive ability and the opportunities for men- exchange like this: tal exercise that he finds in his school, his urement conversion tables, which are Guest: “These prawns are off.” home, and his community. Thus the only not tested. Vik also advises against Hotel Manager: “But you’ve eaten half eoereeeeo‘spereeepaereaeteisoen’etefosresteheeeSeAeeTesthat might have guessing on certain sections of the test, an effect on the score is, in a sense, a of them.” lifetime of intellectual challenge.” although it is always statistically advanta- “Well, I didn’t notice at the start.” “You didn’t notice at the start?” ETS wants you to believe you can’t be geous to guess. “Well, it was the sauce. I wasn’t sure.” coached for the SAT, but studies have Vlk doesn’t cover all the bases. But is “So you ate half to make sure. Do you proven that a few weeks of practice and the information given here worth the want another first course?” cramming can raise one’s score far more bucks? The video presentation doesn’t “Well, cancel it.” than “a lifetime of intellectual challenge” enhance this material much; it would “Cancel it! Deduct it from the bill is can. That means the SAT isn’t as egali- have been just as useful in a 10-or-20- oeesctearsieasnccasccEsTS says; those who can afford page pamphlet. (Books with more com- what you mean.” prep courses have a huge advantage. “As it’s inedible.” prehensive advice do exist, the current “Only half of it’s inedible, apparently.” Although cheaper than a course, Beat “Well, deduct half now and if my wife the SAT is far more expensive than buy- critical favorite being the Princeton Re- ing a book, which you'll need anyway, : view’s Cracking the SAT, whose cynical brings up the other half during the night : attitude is refreshing.) we'll claim the balance in the morning.” —Louis Kesten That’s the kind of place Fawlty Tow- ereeeeceree seseoeseccccce ers is, primarily because that’s the kind of man hotel manager Basil Fawlty eeereeeseeeeessce (Cleese) is—a toadying, bullying, hilari- ous hotelier who can turn a fire drill into an exercise in insanity and can never, ever get anything right. To Basil, hotel guests are an encumbrance, people who “expect to be waited on hand and foot while I’m trying to run a hotel...poking around for things to complain about.” Basil is hindered and helped by Manuel the nitwit waiter (Sachs), whose broken English is only matched by his broken intelligence, waitress/maid/aspiring ar- tist Polly (Booth), and his wife, Sybil (Scales), a sharp-tongued engine of effi- ciency. The 12-episode BBC series is pure genius, a show that alternates between side-splitting farce (Basil and Manuel try- ing to find a runaway rat while a hotel inspector prowls about) and cutting dia- logue. To call Fawlty Towers the funniest series ever made may be an overstate- ment, but not much of one. It is certainly the funniest show ever made about a hotel—a wild, terrific comedy feast that 78 Video March 1987

DR. DUCK’S SUPER SECRET eee fact that at three hours the opera is con- tinually involving musically and dramati- ALL-PURPOSE SAUCE sees 1986. Michael Nesmith, Whoopi Gold- cally: this is an ideal realization of its berg, Martin Mull, Jay Leno. 82m. Hi St eee $39.95. Pacific Arts. Image: good. intentions. Kudos to the anonymous So- eeoeccccccs viet television director—let’s import him PARAMOUNT or her to give lessons to PBS. About the ‘Boris Godunov’: opera at its grandest. only thing I could ask is that someone tell COMEDY THEATER: Yevgeni Nesterenko in the title role. the producers that no one wants to see WELL DEVELOPED BORIS GODUNOV applause and intermission mingling. In 1986. Howie Mandel, Judy Carter, Bruce 1978. Yevgeni Nesterenko, Viadislav Mahler; dir. Joe Hostettler. 71m. Hi St Piavko. 181m. St Hi $69.95. Kultur. some things, even the USSR hasn’t elim- $29.95. LV St $29.95. Paramount. Im- Image: excel. inated quite enough of the evils of capital- age: good. For lovers of the Italian blood-and-pas- Michael Nesmith’s Dr. Duck is like an sion school of opera, there is no substi- ism. —M. George Stevenson tute for the real thing, yet I challenge the American Monty Python effort: rsCeerceemeeoessteeearedseenstesTeossecsaspehisleesesoer Verdimane RIPPING YARNS mini-movies stuck together, some veer- not to find a great deal to recommend in 1977, 1979. Michael Palin, Terry Jones, ing hither and yon between hilarity and Boris Godunov. The masterwork of Rus- Ian Ogilvy; dir. Terry Hughes, Jim yawns. Several comics guest star, using sian composer Moussorgsky, Boris is Franklin, Alan Bell. 90 min. $29.98. video visuals to liven up their acts. opera at its grandest: sweeping specta- CBS/Fox. Image: good. cle, intensely emotional action, and, in Whoopi Goldberg doesn’t do her ditsy the role of Boris, vocal nuance and stami- Ripping Yarns is the sort of comedy surfer chick schtick onstage—she’s on na.ereccosceceeses the beach surrounded by real surfer where prep school students are nailed to chicks. Garry Shandling doesn’t just talk This is the story of a rather tangled walls, tied in sacks, and forced to partici- about a bad date—he brings viewers period in 16th century Russian history: pate in 24-mile, one-legged hops; where along to relive the scene. Quickies and one Czar has died, his only heir, Dmitri, music videos further vary the action. was murdered some time before at the a prisoner-of-war hopes to escape by But, if the Pythons can do tedious non- secret instigation of Boris. The leader- sseeccesrsreeesbsusieledsinegseaeneeasirplane out of 1400 toilet pa- interviews, so can Mike Nesmith, here less populace (also secretly instigated by playing a boring film director chatting Boris) call for the election of Godunov as per rolls; and where a failing soccer team with Dick Cavett. Czar. Like Julius Caesar, Boris refuses is sold for scrap to a metal dealer. It’s the the crown. At first. By the end of Act I, type of show where an Orson Welles-like Paramount’s Comedy Theater has less however, he accepts it, sadly, and his creativity and maybe one-tenth the troubles begin. A young monk, Gregory, host can’t remember his lines and a Pro- laughs as four desperate comics yock it suspects Boris. Lusting for revenge, fessional School Bully “is allowed certain up live onstage. Edit together any quar- Gregory sets himself up as the miracu- privileges, such as having unmarried Fili- tet of first-time “funnymen” from The lous revivification of the murdered Dmit- pino women in his room, smoking opium, Tonight Show and you get the idea. ri and launches a rebellion from Poland. Howie Mandel’s a cliche of the any- Big bummer for Boris, da? and having a sauna instead of morning thing-for-a-laugh emcee/host. To a ring- prayer.” sider: “What’s your name? Les?” To the Performed in the most common ver- eere Ripping Yarns, a program that only ringsider’s companion: “Then you must eweseerscieocnccoef the score by the Bolshoi Opera in Britons could make but which everyone be More!” can enjoy, was written by two men at- Moscow, this lavishly-costumed, tuned to the absurd in both life and litera- Mandel introduces the comics, each intelligently-directed production plays to one worse than the next. Bob Saget, an all the opera’s strengths. As Boris, Nes- ture: Michael Palin and Terry Jones, late L.A. Lite Yuppie, “geeked out” at the terenko commands the gamut of tortured of Monty Python’s Flying Circus. The world, gripes about how bad Sylvester emotions without ever becoming gro- nine-episode BBC series was created in Stallone’s acting is. Philip Wellford hands tesque—no mean feat. No meaner is the out toilet paper “to give you some idea of 1977 as an affectionate parody of the ad- the crap I’m gonna do tonight.” Then he venture stories the pair grew up with— demonstrates funny ways of juggling. tales of sports heroes, British spies, and Bruce Mahler fills his mouth with water Indian princes. The result is weird and and squirts a stream through his teeth. wacky comedy, with Palin excellent in Then he puts fingers into his eyes and three very different roles: inept school- mouth and makes faces. Later he waves boy Tomkinson, crafty P.O.W. Phipps, a raw chicken. and fanatical soccer enthusiast Gordon. Judy Carter is irritating in almost ev- Tomkinson is the best part, mostly be- ery way acomedienne can be. She makes cause of the inventive script, a tale of femme cracks (“Gimme a break, do you know how hard this is to do when you're supreme ineptitude loaded with wonder- retaining water?”). She enjoys leery hi- reCseeeeceefsuel sjeokeeese.ee(sIensseheoepsscelsasese,eeteheeebeosy builds a jinks. Sprinkling water on her blouse she says she’s “Jacqueline Bisset in The 1500-ton model of a ship and is repri- Deep.” Finally, it’s failed Joan Rivers manded because “it’s not a model if it’s lines: “Oh, I’m sucha slut! I have to wear full-scale; take it down at once!”) As control top pantyhose all the time!” Then Phipps, he is stymied by his fellow pris- she shouts a straight line: “People are oners, who tell him “there is a proper gonna pay for this tape?” way of doing things” and that he must —Ron Smith present his escape plans to six different escape committees for approval. Very British. Very amusing. There are a pair of additional vol- umes—More Ripping Yarns and Even More Ripping Yarns—that contain the seeeeeeeoeteheeresssixeseepisssoedsees, including “Across the Andes by Frog,” which is quite a trip. —Tom Soter March 1987 Video 79

ON TAPE AND DISC SCSCOCEPECEESCECESCECECEECEEEGEECEESSCESCE The Patriot. 1986. Jeff Conaway, 75m., 35m., 35m., $24.95, Classic Tales Retold. 1977. anim. © Michael J. Pollard. Agent prevents $12.95, $12.95. Hi-Tops. Includes Jack and the Beanstalk, — Hansel and Gretel, Aladdin and terrorist group from diverting nu- The Adventures of the American His Lamp, more. 90m. $29.95. Rabbit. 1986. anim. Feature film; Hi-Tops. clear warheads en route to govern- origin of super-hero hare. 81m. ment base. 88m. (R) $79.95. Ves- (G) Hi $59.95. Paramount. The Edison Twins: The Secret of tron. Windigo Lake. 1986. anim. Sibling Beany & Cecil Vol. 12. 1986 comp. sleuths explore werewolf attacks. | Belizaire the Cajun. 1985. Armand Reform School Girls. 1986. Sybil anim. Dir. Bob Clampett. Six car- 75m. Hi $29.95. Magic. Assante, Robert Duvall. Land feud ; Danning, Wendy O. Williams. In- toons from the TV series. 40m. Hi mate at girls’ juvenile facility finds $24.95. Magic. Flight of the Navigator. 1986. Joey in Louisiana Bayou, ca. 1850. Cramer; dir. Randal Kleiser. Boy abuse rampant. 94m. (R) B Hi V Big Foot and the Muscle Machines. pilots alien craft. 89m. (PG) Hi ss 101m. Hi St cc $79.98. Key. 1986. anim. Toy tie-in: mammoth $79.95. Disney. $79.95. New World. trucks. 53m. $29.95. Hi-Tops. Big Trouble in Little China. 1986. Kurt Russell, James Hong, Suzee Riding with Death. 1976. Ben Mur- Pai; dir. John Carpenter. Search phy, Katherine Crawford. Invisible for woman leads trucker to spirit federal agent guards secret fuel. realm below San Francisco’s Chi- 97m. Hi $39.95. MCA. natown. 99m. (PG-13) Hi ss cc The Scalawag Bunch: The Classic $79.98. CBS/Fox. Tale of Robin Hood. 1976. Mark Caravan to Vacarres. 1974. David Damon. Swashbuckler about En- DATE IMAGE QUALITY Birney, Charlotte Rampling. glish outlaw. 103m. (G) $39.95. American hired to escort Hungari- Monterey. Varies according to type of For theatrical releases, this | program. Films: original theat- an scientist back to U.S. 98m. The Sea Gypsies. 1978. Robert rical release. Made-for-broad- rating refers to the transfer quali- (PG) $69.95. Media Logan, Mikki Jamison-Olsen. cast: first telecast. Made-for- video: first release in any for- ty and overall visual appearance. mat. Compilations: production Cocaine Wars. 1986. John Schneid- World cruise halted by shipwreck. of collected work. For non-theatrical programs, it | er, Kathryn Witt. U.S. agent in- 102m. (G) Hi $59.95. Warner. FORMAT refers to overall visual quality. All programs are available in filtrates stronghold of South Amer- Terrorist. 1985. Vera Johns, Allan excel.: exceptionally attrac- Beta and VHS unless noted. All ican drug baron. 82m. (R) $79.95. Granville. Mother rescues son programs on disc are also avail- tive and/or faithful to able on tape unless noted. The Media. from terrorists at ranch. 81m. following abbreviations apply: the original | $29.95. Monterey. B: Beta videocassette good: adequate but What Comes Around. 1986. Jerry V: VHS videocassette Jubal. 1956. Glenn Ford, Ernest 8: 8mm videocassette unremarkable Borgnine, Rod Steiger, Valerie LV: LaserVision videodisc, fair: passable, but below in either in CLV or French, Charles Bronson. Cow- Reed, Bo Hopkins, Barry Corbin. CAV playing format. average hand spurns boss’ wife who won't Debilitated country-western sing- CED: CED videodisc poor: seriously flawed take no for an answer. 101m. er gets help from estranged broth- AUDIO FEATURES ETCETERA $69.95. RCA/Columbia. er. 92m. Hi cc $79.95. Charter. All available audio information Official MPAA ratings (G, PG, KGB: The Secret War. 1986. Mi- Zulu Dawn. 1979. Burt Lancaster, is provided. Dolby noise reduc- PG-13, R, X) are provided when | chael Billington, Sally Kellerman. tion, which is used on virtually all available. All programs are in | Russians out to eliminate defector. Peter O’Toole. Prequel to Zulu: VHS tapes, is not noted. The color unless noted. List prices | 90m. (R) $79.95. Continental. British colonials in Africa plan to following abbreviations apply: are not given for CED discs. Melody in Love. 1978. Melody lead England into offensive against St: stereo anim.: animated O’Bryan. Young woman enters ro- natives. 98m. Hi ss $79.95. TWE. Hi: Hi-Fi B&W: black & white mantic triangle with beautiful cous- ss: Dolby surround stereo cas.: videocassette in. 94m. Hi cc $59.98. Key. ce: closed-captioned comp.: compilation CX: CX encoded czd.: colorized Mighty Joe Young. 1949. B&W. The Adventures of Teddy Ruxpin. Terry Moore, Ben Johnson, Rob- 1986. anim. 3 cas.: Treasure of dir.: directed by ert Armstrong. Tamed ape es- capes degrading nightclub act. Ef- Grundo (You've Got to Take Good m.: minutes Care of You), Guest of the Grunges N.a.: not available fects by Ray Harryhausen. 94m. (Do You Remember the Day You $19.95. VidAmerica. Met Your Best Friend?), Escape nar.: narrated by from the Treacherous Mountains pr.: produced by Out of Bounds. 1986. Anthony Mi- (Families Are Something Special). RE: reissue chael Hall, Jenny Wright. Baggage sub.: subtitled mixup leaves youth holding $1 mil- lion worth of heroin. 93m. (R) Hiss wr.: written by cc $79.95. RCA/Columbia. Editors’ choices in the Directory are highlighted with red titles. Video March 1987

Gobots: Battle of the Rock Lords. tracks down would-be art thief. LABELS FOR LESS 1986. anim. Voices of Margot Kid- 110m. $69.95. Karl. der, Roddy McDowell, Telly Sava- las. Feature film about popular ro- The Popples Vol. 6. 1986. anim. Special promotions and other pricing news bot toys. 74m. Hi $59.95. Para- Six stories. 65m. Hi $29.95. Mag- mount. 1c. @ Playhouse Video rounds up 17 titles for “The Great Heathcliff and the Catillac Cats: Family Tree and Other Tails. 1986. Rub-a-Dub-Dub. 1983. anim. Western Collection” at $19.98 each: Red River, The Kentuck- anim. Six stories. 65m. $29.95. Mother Goose narrates stories Magic. about Little Bo Peep, Little Boy ian, Dodge City, Bandolero, Jesse James and its sequel, The Return of Frank James, Big Jake, Rio Conchos, My Darling He-Man and the Masters of the Uni- verse: Skeletor’s Revenge. 1986. Blue, other fairy-tale characters. Clementine, Buffalo Bill and the Indians, Invitation to a Gun- anim. Villain plans to wipe He-Man out for good. 65m. $29.95. Magic. 60m. $29.95. Hi-Tops. Jighter, Breakheart Pass, Warlock, The Undefeated, Butch and Homer Price Stories. 1986 comp. eepreScheasdcocwe World. 1983. anim. Boy Sundance: The Early Days, When the Legends Die, and Support Adaptations of two chapters from Robert McCloskey’s Homer Price: transforms into super-being with Your Local Sheriff. The Doughnuts, The Case of the Cosmic Comic. Approx. 35m. telepathic powers. 77m. $29.95. @ More “Musicals Great Musicals” from MGM/UA at $29.95. CC. Hi-Tops. $29.95 apiece: reissues of The Pirate, On the Town, Kismet, and Showboat, plus new titles Broadway Melody of 1938 and Inspector Gadget, the Daffy Detec- Show Off! A Kid’s Guide to Being Thank Your Lucky Stars (listed in this month’s Directory.) tive. 1986. anim. Feature-length Cool. 1986. Malcolm Jamal War- outing pits inventor/sleuth against ner, Fred Newman demonstrate Dr. Claw. 110m. $69.95. Karl. tricks, jokes, dance moves, recipe @ Embassy has reduced 20 catalogue titles to $24.95 for its Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors: The Liberty Stone. 1986. anim. In- for “slime,” more. 60m. $59.95. “Survival Kit” promotion. The complete roster: Farewell My terstellar search for Jayce’s father. 110m. $29.95. Magic. Vestron. Lovely, Nightkill, Saturday the 14th, The Tamarind Seed, Cir- MASK, the Power of Heroes. 1986. Starbirds. 1982. anim. Young cle of Iron, Eye for an Eye, Another Country, The Chicken anim. Super-hero team rescues starfighter launches robot aircraft Chronicles, The Highest Honor, Deadly Force, Mussolini and I, leader of peace alliance. 110m. cc $69.95. Karl. against aliens. 75m. $29.95. Hi- Soldier Blue, The Ruling Class, Laura, Trinity Is Still My Mike Mulligan and His Steam Tops. Name, Marvin & Tige, Breaker Breaker, King of the Moun- Shovel and Other Stories. 1986 comp. anim. Adaptations of title Tomboy and the Champ. 1961. edeee teain, The Hit, and The Wild Angels. Sale ends April 30. tale, Burt Dow: Deep-Water Man, Moon Man. 30m. $29.95. CC. Candy Moore, Ben Johnson. Tex- ®@ Fox Hills Video, a new subsidiary of Media Home as girl raises prize cow. 92m. Entertainment, now controls Nostalgia Merchant's cata- Pole Position: Racing to Adven- $49.95. United. logue and is reissuing eight deleted titles at $19.95 each: The ture. 1986. anim. Enemy agents Bachelor and the Bobbysoxer, Swing Time, Bachelor Mother, tamper with defense computers. The Ugly Duckling and Other Clas- 110m. $69.95. Karl. sic Fairytales. 1986 comp. anim. Annie Oakley, Sylvia Scarlett, The Big Sky, Stranger on the Includes title story, The Stonecut- Third Floor, and Out ofthe Past. Also arriving in stores are four Pole Position: Road Fever. 1986. ter, The Swineherd. Approx. 30m. new releases at $19.95: Laurel & Hardy Comedy Classics Vol. anim. The Pole Position team $29.95. CC. 9 plus three volumes of The Abbott and Costello Show. Voltus 5. 1983. anim. Earth pro- @ Five new comedy releases from Paramount, dubbed the tected from aliens by five children “United States of Hysteria,” at $29.95 apiece: The Best of with special powers. 75m. $29.95. Hi-Tops. Spike Jones Vol. 1, Rich Hall’s Vanishing America, Howie The Wombles: Meet the Wombles. Mandel’s North American Watusi Tour, Jay Leno: The Ameni- 1986. anim. Family of furry, under- can Dream, and Garry Shandling Alone in Las Vegas. + ground creatures who live beneath e Through April, HBO/Cannon is offering a $5.00 mail-in England’s Wimbledon Common. rebate to purchasers of both First Blood and Rambo: First 60m. $19.95. Magic. Blood Part II. —Steve Daly show OffA Kid's Gulde to Being Cool lege without really trying. Guests Richard Belzer, Dr. Joyce Broth- The Abbott and Costello Show ers, Cathy Lee Crosby, Zsa Zsa Vols. 1-3. Ca. 1950s. B&W. Epi- Gabor, Philip Michael Thomas. sodes of TV program, 2 per cas. 46m. Hi St $29.98. CBS/Fox. 50m. ea. $19.95 ea. Fox. The Check Is in the Mail. 1985. The Ambushers. 1967. Dean Mar- Brian Dennehy, Anne Archer, tin, James Gregory. Spy spoof with Dick Shawn. Pharmacist in debt Martin as agent Matt Helm. 102m. rids his home of all but necessities. Hi $69.95. RCA/Columbia. 83m. (PG) $79.95. Media. Back to School. 1986. Rodney eeceeee Dangerfield, Sally Kellerman, Robert Downey Jr., Ned Beatty; Ciub Paradise. 1986. Robin Wil- dir. Alan Metter. Self-made mil- liams, Peter O’Toole, Twiggy, lionaire enters college to keep son Rick Moranis, Eugene Levy; dir. from dropping out. 91m. (PG-13) Harold Ramis. Retired fireman, Hi ss $79.95. HBO/Cannon. native musician attempt to run Caribbean tourist resort. 96m. Charlie Barnett’s Terms of Enroll- (PG-13) Hi ss cc $79.95. Warner. ment. 1986. Comedian Barnett shows you how to succeed in col- Dirty Dishes. 1982. Carol Laure, Pierre Santini; dir. Joyce Bunuel. Housewife yearns for meaningful life. 99m. (R) Hi dubbed or sub. $29.95. Embassy. A Fine Mess. 1986. Ted Danson, Richard Mulligan, Stuart Margolin, March 1987 Video 81

Howie Mandel, Paul Sorvino; wr./ The Jet Benny Show. 1986. Steve ! Will, | win for Now dir. Blake Edwards. (PG) 100m. Norman, Devin Dees. Indepen- ss cc Hi $79.95. RCA/Columbia. dent feature spoofing Star Wars a emeCeeeeeeoeee eeseseeeeeesesesesene la The Jack Benny Show. 77m. Hi Garry Shandling Alone in Vegas. Rich Hall’s Vanishing America. leased from mental institution. 1984. Stand-up performance first The Klutz. 1973. Claude Michaud. 1986. Young comic on cross-coun- 97m. $59.95. U.S.A. aired on Showtime. 52m. Hi Nerd ends up on wanted list. 87m. $29.95. Paramount. eerBeeHciccVes$59.95. New World. try journey. 50m. Hi $29.95. Para- Cane Fear. 1961. B&W. Gregory mount. Peck, Robert Mitchum, Polly Ber- Ginger and Fred. 1986. Giulietta Las Vegas Hillbillys. 1966. Jayne Masina, Marcello Mastroianni; dir. Mansfield, Mamie Van Doren, eoe3reMseenecacned a Cradle. 1985. Roland gen, Martin Balsam. Ex-con re- Federico Fellini. Retired dancing Richard Kiel, Sonny James. Pair of Giraud, Michel Boujenah, Andre turns to murder smalltown laywer duo reunited for appearance on TV country singers make it big in Las Dussollier. Bachelors care for in- who sent him to prison. 106m. Hi variety show. 128m. Hi sub. Vegas. 85m. $49.95. United. fant left on their doorstep. 100m. $59.95. MCA. $79.95. MGM/UA. Laurel & Hardy Comedy Classics (PG-13) dubbed or sub. $79.95. The Cardinal. 1963. Dorothy Gish, The Girl in the Picture. 1986. John Vol. 9. 1986 comp. B&W. Four Gordon-Sinclair, Irina Brook, Da- shorts: Beau Hunks (31), Chick- Vestron. ePerreeessRosbserretreeMsoerssee, Romy Schneider, vid McKay. Young shutterbug ens Come Home (31), Going Bye pines for ex-girlfriend. 89m. (PG- Bye (’34), Berth Marks (’29). Water. 1986. Michael Caine, Vale- John Huston, Burgess Meredith; 13) cc $79.95. Vestron. 108m. $29.95. Fox. dir. Otto Preminger. Socially ac- rie Perrine, Brenda Vaccaro, Hot Shots. 1986. Made-for-video Likely Stories Vol. 4. 1983. How- George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Er- tive Irish priest rises to powerful program featuring comics Dana wseerceaersdeeHeeeessseman, Tony Danza. Carvey, Kevin Nealon, Sinbad, Joe ic Clapton. Caribbean oil drillers eeepeoeseitcieoen. 175m. $59.95. Roach. Alasky, J.J. Wall, Charles Fleisher. Spoofs include “documentary” strike mineral water instead. 89m. Taped at L.A.’s Improvisation about sleazy movie producer, ris- (PG-13) Hi ss $79.95. Paramount. Columbo: Prescription Murder. Club. 55m. $59.95. Vestron. que versions of literary classics. 1967. Peter Falk, Gene Barry, 52m. (mature) $19.95. U.S.A. Howie Mandel’s North American Wise Guys. 1986. Danny DeVito, William Windom. Debut of the TV Watusi Tour. 1986. Comic mono- Little Shop of Horrors. 1960, czd. Joe Piscopo, Harvey Keitel, Patti logue taped in Chicago. 52m. (ma- 1986. Jonathan Haze, Jackie Jos- LuPone; dir. Brian De Palma. detective: psychiatrist who mur- ture) Hi $29.95. Paramount. eph, Dick Miller, Jack Nicholson. Dimwitted crooks decide to knock eeedreerseedeeweife evidently has perfect Timid keeper murders to feed ! Will, |Will for Now. 1976. Diane man-eating plant. 72m. $69.95 alibi. 99m. Hi $39.95. MCA. Keaton, Elliott Gould, Paul Sorvi- (B&W version also $69.95). Ves- no, Victoria Principal. Separated tron. off boss. 92m. (R) Hi cc $79.98. D.0.A. 1949, czd. 1986. Edmond couple try to revive marriage. CBS/Fox. O’Brien, Neville Brand, Pamela 109m. (R) $69.95. Media. ereeeeMearnensye’ss Orphans. 1978. Jim Bak- er, Malachy McCourt. Soccer Woman Times Seven. 1967. Shir- Britton. Poisoned man tracks In Stitches: Stand Up Comics on team hopes to bail out broke coach the Horizon. 1986. Host Bob by betting on themselves. 92m. ley Maclaine, Vittorio Gassman, down his killer. 83m. $29.95. Somerby; with Mr. Eddy Strange, $69.95. Vestron. Peter Sellers, Michael Caine, Ani- Roach. Sue Kolinsky, Mike Sullivan-Irwin. 50m. $29.95. Active. Mon Oncle d’Amerique. 1980. ta Ekberg, Robert Morley; dir. Dead as a Doorman. 1985. Bradley Gerard Depardieu, Nicole Garcia, Vittorio De Sica. Vignettes on Whitford, Sharon Schlarth, Bruce Jay Leno: The American Dream. eeeeeReoegreere-Psieecrcreee; dir. Alain Resnais. male/female relations with Mac- eeeveeerTsaeyeleorre. Building watchman finds 1986. Made-for-cable program. Intersecting lives of three young laine taking multiple roles. 99m. Hi he’s being watched by gunman. 49m. Hi $29.95. Paramount. professionals. 123m. (PG) Hi sub. $59.95. Embassy. 83m. $69.95. Vestron. $29.95. Embassy. NEW 8mm The Dollmaker. 1984. Jane Fonda, RELEASES Arthur. 1981. Dudley Moore, Levon Helm, Geraldine Page. Liza Minnelli. Comedy. 97m. Pale Rider. 1985. Clint East- Made-for-TV drama: 1940s Ken- (PG) $29.95. Warner. wood, Michael Moriarty, Carrie Snodgress. Action. 116m. (R) ss tucky woman struggles to save The Great Santini. 1979. Robert $29.95. Warner. family from economic hardships. — Duvall, Blythe Danner. Drama. 140m. Hi cc $79.98. Playhouse. 116m. (PG) $29.95. Warner. Police Academy. 1984. Steve Guttenberg, Kim Cattrall. Come- Absolute Beginners. 1986. David Ellis Island. 1984. Greg Martyn, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. dy. 97m. (R) $29.95. Warner. Bowie, Patsy Kensit, Ray Davies, Ann Jillian, Faye Dunaway, Rich- 1985. Mel Gibson, Tina Turner. Sade. Teen romance set in ’50s ard Burton, Ben Vereen, Melba Action. 107m. (PG-13) ss Risky Business. 1983. Tom London. 107m. (PG-13) Hi ss Moore. TV mini-series focusing on $29.95. Warner. Cruise, Rebecca De Mornay. $79.95. HBO/Cannon. turn-of-century immigrants. Comedy. 99m. (R) ss $29.95. 327m. (2 cas.) $79.95. U.S.A. National Lampoon’s European Warner. Vacation. 1985. Chevy Chase, Advise and Consent. 1962. B&W. The Empty Canvas. 1964. B&W. Beverly D’Angelo. Comedy. Watership Down. 1978. anim. Henry Fonda, Charles Laughton, Horst Buchholz, Bette Davis, 94m. (PG-13) $29.95. Warner. Voices of John Hurt, Ralph Rich- Walter Pidgeon, Peter Lawford, Catherine Spaak. Young artist ardson. Drama. 92m. (PG) ss Gene Tierney; dir. Otto Premin- breaks with possessive mother, The NeverEnding Story. 1984. $29.95. Warner. ger. Controversial presidential ap- has affair with model. 118m. Hi Noah Hathaway, Barrett Oliver. pointment leads to blackmail and $59.95. Embassy. Children. 94m. (PG) ss $29.95. Zelig. 1983. B&W. Woody Allen, scandal. 139m. $29.95. Roach. Warner. Mia Farrow. 79m. (PG) $29.95. weeeerrEexeterseemieteieeese. 1986. Farrah Faw- Warner. Bill: On His Own. 1983. Mickey cett, James Russo, Diana Scarwid. Rooney, Dennis Quaid. Rooney Woman’s encounter with brutal reprises Emmy-winning role as rapist. 89m. (R) Hi cc $79.95. Par- middle-aged retarded man re- ~eeeaemcoeuenete.

| Fires on the Plain. 1959. B&W. York’s High School of Fashion. to track down. 97m. $19.95. Fox. Rollercoaster. 1977. George Seg- _ Dir. Kon Ichikawa. Grim study of 114m. $39.95. U.S.A. _ Japanese soldiers in Philippines at Ran. 1985. Tatsuya Nakadai; dir. al, Richard Widmark, Timothy close of WWII. 105m. Hi sub. My American Cousin. 1986. Mar- Akira Kurosawa. Aging monarch’s Bottoms, Henry Fonda. Extor- garet Langrick, John Wildman, $29.95. Embassy. Richard Donat. Canadian girl infat- attempt to divide kingdom among tionist blows up amusement park uated with handsome teenage rela- three sons leads to bitter rivalry. attractions. 119m. (PG) Hi $59.95. The Goddess. 1958. B&W. Kim tive. 94m. (PG) $79.95. Media. 160m. (R) Hi ss cc $79.98. CBS/ MCA. Stanley, Patty Duke, Lloyd Bridges; wr. Paddy Chayefsky. Out of the Past. 1947. B&W. Rob- Fox. Saint Joan. 1957. B&W. Jean Young woman determined to be- ert Mitchum, Kirk Douglas, Rhon- come star. 105m. Hi $69.95. da Fleming; dir. Jacques Tour- Rosie: The Rosemary Clooney Sto- Seberg, Richard Widmark, John RCA/Columbia. neur. Detective falls in love with ry. 1982. Sondra Locke, Tony Or- Gielgud; wr. Graham Greene; dir. Half a Lifetime. 1986. Keith Carra- eeereeccssces Otto Preminger. Adaptation of lando, Kevin McCarthy. TV mov- Shaw play about Joan of Arc. runaway girlfriend he’s been hired ie: singer’s mental collapse and recovery. 95m. $39.95. U.S.A. eeeeeeere1c1o0em.seo$r29e.s9e5. Roach. dine, Gary Busey, Nick Mancuso. Four poker buddies contemplate unfulfilled aspirations. 58m. Hi eeecece NEW VIDEODISC RELEASES $79.95. HBO/Cannon. Half Moon Street. 1986. Sigourney Weaver, Michael Caine, Patrick‘ Cavanagh; dir. Bob Swaim. Poor Bells Are Ringing. 1960. Judy Howard the Duck. 1986. Lea Night Patrol. 1985. Murray Lang- woman academic works for Lon- Holliday, Dean Martin. Musical. Thompson, Jeffrey Jones. Ad- ston, Linda Blair. Comedy. 87m. don escort service. 90m. (R) Hi cc 127m. Dig. St CX $39.95. MGM/ venture comedy. 111m. (PG) ss (R) $34.95. Image. $79.95. Embassy. UA. ‘CX cc $34.98. MCA. Poltergeist Il: The Other Side. Hotel. 1967. Rod Taylor, Karl Mal- eeeccccce 1986. Craig T. Nelson, JoBeth den, Merle Oberon, Carmen Williams. Horror. 91m. (PG-13) McRae. Soaper based on Arthur eeecseee Dig. ss CX $34.95. MGM/UA. Hailey novel. 125m. Hi $59.95. Warner. Pretty in Pink. 1986. Molly Ring- wald, Andrew McCarthy. Teen Hotline. 1982. Lynda Carter, romance. 96m. (PG-13) Dig. ss Steve Forrest. Phone volunteer CX $29.95. Paramount. threatened by disturbed caller. 96m. $39.95. U.S.A. Running Out of Luck. 1986. Mick Jagger, Jerry Hall. Music. 88m. The Informer. 1935. B&W. Victor (R) ss CX $34.98. CBS/Fox. McLaglen, Margot Grahame, Wal- lace Ford; dir. John Ford. Irishman Salvador. 1986. James Woods, betrays closest friend, an IRA Jim Belushi. Drama. 123m. (R) cc leader, to obtain funds for emigra- $39.95. Vestron. tion. 91m. $19.95. VidAmerica. Star Trek. 1967-68. William Shat- Lumiere. 1976. Jeanne Moreau, ner, Leonard Nimoy. Series epi- sodes, two per disc: Wolf in the Lucia Bose, Keith Carradine; pr. Fold/The Trouble with Tribbles, The Gamesters of Triskelion/A Roger Corman; wr./dir. Moreau. Club Paradise Piece of the Action, The Immunity Syndrome/A Private Little War, ~ on and off stage. Return to Tomorrow/Patterns of Force, By Any Other Name/The “s-andiea See tape entrsyieuTanta- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Naam. 1984. Harrison Ford, “tam 102m. ea. $29.95 | Every Month “-tine Snecial | What’s New, Evlisp,month, VIDEO ie. 1866,Sol What’s Good, V' prihlunotte.r, 73m.0- What’s B est NebPeltaays The 10 Newes: hess =2 es Facts you GowanCHaonwdidVaidteeos 5O, nCass,ete ; ant. : i. nformat . UY right, ’ th e Politics” C‘tXe ivni$2n9.9t5C.aognecerPtia.l to enY“OCYlUYOonuryoiunvenseye.d ment more, Surround isketeers. 1948. GSeoaunrd MtIinotmcehrHvaaieneklwssI,Fwoi:xith dHealvi:everVeIdDEe,lO l esa ana Turner. Ac- Whats what's what! 19.95. MGM/UA. hot 1986. Ben Kings- Mi fackson. Comedy. $34.95. Vestron. Blue. 1986. Sissy vin Kline. Drama. monthly full ye. : Name rio) ec $29.95; issues) ; theee dia. $11.40 (alPmroiscte = Price of $23.40 5o0f%)$12o.fr0 a stmas. 1954. Bing ae mny Kaye. Musical. St CX $39.95. Para- Plea 8@ allow y O MyRPacymeant js enclosed State For fore 9 orders, Padtg0 6$025d.a0y0s for AdierriMVaeilry for odfelfiiver, SU: FOr Canada, adg March 1987 Video 85

Howie Mandel, Paul Sorvino; wr./ The Jet Benny Show. 1986. Steve ..: dir. Blake Edwards. (PG) 100m. Norman, Devin Dees. Indepen- ss cc Hi $79.95. RCA/Columbia. . dent feature spoofing Star Warsa . Garry Shandling Alone in Vegas. la The Jack Benny Show. 77m. Hi 1984. Stand-up performance first :. aired on Showtime. 52m. Hi $29.95. Paramount. . . Ginger and Fred. 1986. Giulietta Masina, Marcello Mastroianni; dir. The Klutz. 1973. Claude Michaud. . 1 Will, | win for Now leased from mental institution. Federico Fellini. Retired dancing Nerd ends up on wanted list. 87m. . 97m. $59.95. U.S.A. duo reunited for appearance on TV B Hi V $59.95. New World. . Rich Hall’s Vanishing America. variety show. 128m. Hi sub. . 1986. Young comic on cross-coun- $79.95. MGM/UA. Las Vegas Hillbillys. 1966. Jayne . try journey. 50m. Hi $29.95. Para- Mansfield, Mamie Van Doren, . mount. The Girl in the Picture. 1986. John Richard Kiel, Sonny James. Pair of . Gordon-Sinclair, Irina Brook, Da- country singers make it big in Las . 3 Men and a Cradle. 1985. Roland vid McKay. Young shutterbug eCeereersVeesgaess.es8e5rme.ee$e4e9.e9s5. United. . pines for ex-girlfriend. 89m. (PG- . 13) cc $79.95. Vestron. Laurel & Hardy Comedy Classics . Vol. 9. 1986 comp. B&W. Four Hot Shots. 1986. Made-for-video shorts: Beau Hunks (’31), Chick- :. program featuring comics Dana ens Come Home (31), Going Bye :. Carvey, Kevin Nealon, Sinbad, Joe Bye (34), Berth Marks (29). Alasky, J.J. Wall, Charles Fleisher. 108m. $29.95. Fox. . Taped at L.A.’s Improvisation . Club. 55m. $59.95. Vestron. esecceLreieskeeleyesSetories Vol. 4. 1983. How- ard Hesseman, Tony Danza. ..- Howie Mandel’s North American Spoofs include “documentary” Watusi Tour. 1986. Comic mono- . logue taped in Chicago. 52m. (ma- » ture) Hi $29.95. Paramount. +. ! Will, | Will for Now. 1976. Diane Keaton, Elliott Gould, Paul Sorvi- . no, Victoria Principal. Separated . couple try to revive marriage. . 109m. (R) $69.95. Media. . In Stitches: Stand Up Comics on Cane Fear. 1961. B&W. Gregory — the Horizon. 1986. Host Bob — Somerby; with Mr. Eddy Strange, Peck, Robert Mitchum, Polly Ber- Sue Kolinsky, Mike Sullivan-Irwin. about sleazy movie producer, ris- Giraud, Michel Boujenah, Andre 50m. $29.95. Active. que versions of literary classics. gen, Martin Balsam. Ex-con re- Dussollier. Bachelors care for in- Jay Leno: The American Dream. 52m. (mature) $19.95. U.S.A. fant left on their doorstep. 100m. turns to murder smalltown laywer 1986. Made-for-cable program. 49m. Hi $29.95. Paramount. who sent him to prison. 106m. Hi $59.95. MCA. eoeLeiteteleeoSehsoepccoef Horrors. 1960, czd. (PG-13) dubbed or sub. $79.95. The Cardinal. 1963. Dorothy Gish, — 1986. Jonathan Haze, Jackie Jos- Robert Morse, Romy Schneider, eph, Dick Miller, Jack Nicholson. Vestron. Timid keeper murders to feed John Huston, Burgess Meredith; man-eating plant. 72m. $69.95 eeeeeyeeWater. 1986. Michael Caine, Vale- (B&W version also $69.95). Ves- rie Perrine, Brenda Vaccaro, dir. Otto Preminger. Socially ac- tron. George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Er- tive Irish priest rises to powerful ic Clapton. Caribbean oil drillers position. 175m. $59.95. Roach. strike mineral water instead. 89m. Columbo: Prescription Murder. Manny’s Orphans. 1978. Jim Bak- (PG-13) Hi ss $79.95. Paramount. 1967. Peter Falk, Gene Barry, er, Malachy McCourt. Soccer Wise Guys. 1986. Danny DeVito, William Windom. Debut of the TV detective: psychiatrist who mur- team hopes to bail out broke coach reeeereeeJroeeeePiscopo, Harvey Keitel, Patti dered wife evidently has perfect alibi. 99m. Hi $39.95. MCA. by betting on themselves. 92m. LuPone; dir. Brian De Palma. $69.95. Vestron. eeeeDimwitted crooks decide to knock Mon Oncle d’Amerique. 1980. off boss. 92m. (R) Hi cc $79.98. D.0.A. 1949, czd. 1986. Edmond Gerard Depardieu, Nicole Garcia, CBS/Fox. O’Brien, Neville Brand, Pamela Roger-Pierre; dir. Alain Resnais. Woman Times Seven. 1967. Shir- — Intersecting lives of three young ley Maclaine, Vittorio Gassman, Britton. Poisoned man tracks professionals. 123m. (PG) Hi sub. Peter Sellers, Michael Caine, Ani- down his killer. 83m. $29.95. Roach. $29.95. Embassy. ta Ekberg, Robert Morley: dir Vittorio De ’ — E Arthur. 1981. D NECESSARY Liza Minnelli. C \\F MAILED (PG) $29.95. War IN THE The Great Santini. UNITED STAT ES Duvall, Blythe Da 116m. (PG) $29.94 BUSIN ESS REP Mad Max Beyond T. FIRST CLASS 3494 1985. Mel Gibson, ' POSTAGE WU LBE Action. 107m. ( PAID BY ADDRESSEE $29.95. Warner. uideo National Lampoon’: Vacation. 1985. Che PB.oOul1deBro,x 52255 do 80321 iyae Beverly D’Angelo. Colora 94m. (PG-13) $29.95. The NeverEnding Sta Noah Hathaway, Barre Children. 94m. (PG) s valalarell sMaluadalalludlastil Waslall assests

Fires on the Plain. 1959. B&W. York’s High School of Fashion. : to track down. 97m. $19.95. Fox. Rollercoaster. 1977. George Seg- Dir. Kon Ichikawa. Grim study of Japanese soldiers in Philippines at 114m. $39.95. U.S.A. Ran. 1985. Tatsuya Nakadai; dir. al, Richard Widmark, Timothy close of WWII. 105m. Hi sub. Akira Kurosawa. Aging monarch’s Bottoms, Henry Fonda. Extor- $29.95. Embassy. My American Cousin. 1986. Mar- attempt to divide kingdom among garet Langrick, John Wildman, three sons leads to bitter rivalry. eoeeteiocnciest blows up amusement park The Goddess. 1958. B&W. Kim Richard Donat. Canadian girl infat- 160m. (R) Hi ss cc $79.98. CBS/ attractions. 119m. (PG) Hi $59.95. Stanley, Patty Duke, Lloyd uated with handsome teenage rela- MCA. Bridges; wr. Paddy Chayefsky. Young woman determined to be- tive. 94m. (PG) $79.95. Media. Fox. Saint Joan. 1957. B&W. Jean come star. 105m. Hi $69.95. RCA/Columbia. Out of the Past. 1947. B&W. Rob- Rosie: The Rosemary Clooney Sto- eeceSeecbeecreg, Richard Widmark, John Half a Lifetime. 1986. Keith Carra- ert Mitchum, Kirk Douglas, Rhon- ry. 1982. Sondra Locke, Tony Or- Gielgud; wr. Graham Greene; dir. dine, Gary Busey, Nick Mancuso. Four poker buddies contemplate da Fleming; dir. Jacques Tour- lando, Kevin McCarthy. TV moy- Otto Preminger. Adaptation of unfulfilled aspirations. 58m. Hi $79.95. HBO/Cannon. : neur. Detective falls in love with ie: singer’s mental collapse and : Shaw play about Joan of Arc. Half Moon Street. 1986. Sigourney : runaway girlfriend he’s been hired recovery. 95m. $39.95. U.S.A. 110m. $29.95. Roach. Weaver, Michael Caine, Patrick’ Cavanagh; dir. Bob Swaim. Poor NEW VIDEODISC RELEASES woman academic works for Lon- don escort service. 90m. (R) Hicc - $79.95. Embassy. Bells Are Ringing. 1960. Judy Howard the Duck. 1986. Lea Night Patrol. 1985. Murray Lang- Hotel. 1967. Rod Taylor, Karl Mal- ston, Linda Blair. Comedy. 87m. den, Merle Oberon, Carmen * Holliday, Dean Martin. Musical. Thompson, Jeffrey Jones. Ad- (R) $34.95. Image. McRae. Soaper based on Arthur 127m. Dig. St CX $39.95. MGM/ venture comedy. 111m. (PG) ss Hailey novel. 125m. Hi $59.95. Poltergeist fl: The Other Side. Warner. UAa.e ‘CX cc $34.98. MCA. 1986. Craig T. Nelson, JoBeth Williams. Horror. 91m. (PG-13) Hotline. 1982. Lynda Carter, eecceereeseeesese Dig. ss CX $34.95. MGM/UA. Steve Forrest. Phone volunteer threatened by disturbed caller. x Pretty in Pink. 1986. Molly Ring- 96m. $39.95. U.S.A. wald, Andrew McCarthy. Teen Club Paradise romance. 96m. (PG-13) Dig. ss The Informer. 1935. B&W. Victor CX $29.95. Paramount. McLaglen, Margot Grahame, Wal- Club Paradise. See tape entry un- Indiana Jones and the Temple of lace Ford; dir. John Ford. Irishman der Comedy. ss CX $34.98. Doom. 1984. Harrison Ford, Running Out of Luck. 1986. Mick betrays closest friend, an IRA Warner. Kate Capshaw. Action. Special Jagger, Jerry Hall. Music. 88m. leader, to obtain funds for emigra- CAV edition (2 discs). 118m. (R) ss CX $34.98. CBS/Fox. tion. 91m. $19.95. VidAmerica. Color Me Barbra. 1966. Barbra | (PG) ss CX cc $49.95. Para- Streisand. TV special. 60m. CX Salvador. 1986. James Woods, Lumiere. 1976. Jeanne Moreau, $29.98. CBS/Fox. mount. Jim Belushi. Drama. 123m. (R) cc Lucia Bose, Keith Carradine; pr. $39.95. Vestron. Roger Corman; wr./dir. Moreau. Dont Look Back. 1967. B&W. JoJo Dancer, Your Life Is Calling. Four actresses, on and off stage. Bob Dylan, Joan Baez. Music 1986. Richard Pryor, Debbie Al- Star Trek. 1967-68. William Shat- 101m. (R) Hi $29.95. Embassy. documentary. 95m. $29.95. Par- len. Drama. 97m. (R) ss CX ner, Leonard Nimoy. Series epi- $29.95. RCA/Columbia. sodes, two per disc: Wolf in the Maedchen in Uniform. 1931. amount. Fold/The Trouble with Tribbles, B&W. Dorothea Wieck, Hertha The Jolson Story. 1946. Larry The Gamesters of Triskelion/A Thiele; dir. Leontine Sagan. Prin- 8 Million Ways to Die. 1986. Jeff Parks, Evelyn Keyes. Drama. Piece of the Action, The Immunity cipal punishes girl involved in lesbi- Bridges, Rosanna Arquette. Ac- 128m. St CX $34.95. RCA/Co- Syndrome/A Private Little War, an affair at Nazi boarding school. tion. 115m. (R) CX $34.98. CBS/ lumbia. Return to Tomorrow/Patterns of 89m. Hi sub. $29.95. Embassy. Fox. Force, By Any Other Name/The Jules and Jim. 1961. Dir. Fran- Omega Glory. 102m. ea. $29.95 Malou. 1983. Grischa Huber, In- The 400 Blows. 1959. B&W. Dir. cois Truffaut. Drama. 104m. CX ea. Paramount. grid Caven. Woman determined to Francois Truffaut. Drama. 97m. $34.98. CBS/Fox. understand deceased mother’s CX $34.98. CBS/Fox. Star Trek: The Cage. 1965. Col- life. 95m. (R) Hi sub. $29.95. Em- Kiss Me Kate. 1953. Howard or/B&W. Jeffrey Hunter, Leo- bassy. Frankenstein Meets the Wolf- Keel, Ann Miller. Musical. 109m. nard Nimoy. TV pilot. 73m. eeecscmeacnc.ec1e942. B&W. Abbott & Cos- Dig. St CX $39.95. MGM/UA. $29.95. Paramount. The Maltese Falcon. 1941, czd. 1986. Humphrey Bogart, Mary tello. Comedy. Side 2 CAV; in- Messiah. 1984. Music, with choir Tammy Wynette in Concert. Astor, Sidney Greenstreet, Peter cludes orig. theatrical trailer, of Westminster Abbey. 145m. 1986. 60m. St CX $29.95. Pio- Lorre; wr./dir. John Huston. De- stills. 73m. CX $29.98. MCA. Dig. St CX $49.95. Pioneer. tective involved in ruthless scram- neer. ble to recover precious statuette. Funny Lady. 1974. Barbra My Name Is Barbra. 1965. B&W. 101m. Hi $59.98. CBS/Fox. Streisand, James Caan. Musical. Barbra Streisand. TV special. The Three Musketeers. 1948. 137m. St CX $34.95. RCA/Co- 60m. CX $29.98. CBS/Fox. Gene Kelly, Lana Turner. Ac- The Manhattan Project. 1986. John lumbia. tion. 125m. $39.95. MGM/UA. Lithgow, Cynthia Nixon, Jill Eiken- berry; dir. Marshall Brickman. Turtle Diary. 1986. Ben Kings- High-school student constructs ley, Glenda Jackson. Comedy. nuclear reactor. 120m. Hi $79.95. 94m. (PG) ss $34.95. Vestron. HBO/Cannon. Violets Are Blue. 1986. Sissy Maya. 1982. Berta Dominguez, Spacek, Kevin Kline. Drama. Joseph D. Rosevich. Popular 86m. (PG-13) cc $29.95. teacher stirs jealousy at New RCA/Columbia. White Christmas. 1954. Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye. Musical. 120m. Dig. St CX $39.95. Para- mount. March 1987 Video 85

. thia Gregory, Natalia Makarova. “Doctor Doctor,” “Armed and 105m. Hi St $39.95. Home Vision. Ready,” “Rock My Nights Away.” Barry Manilow: The Concert at 52m. Hi St $29.95. MusicVideo. eeccece Blenheim Palace. 1986. Open-air : Paul Revere and the Raiders: The gig taped in England. Features .: Last Mad Man of Rock and Roll. “Mandy,” “It’s a Miracle,” “I Write ; 1986. Concert taped in Reno. In- the Songs,” more. 90m. Hi St .: cludes “Kicks,” “Louie Louie,” $29.95. MusicVision. : “We're an American Band,” more. :. 57m. Hi St $29.95. MCA. 1952-57 (’86 comp.). B&W. Comic * Soundies Vol. 1. 1987 comp. arrangements of classical and pop- B&W. Musical shorts produced ular music from TV series. 51m. Hi : during 1940s, featuring Ozzie Nel- $29.95. Paramount. : son, the Harlem Cuties, Larry The Best of Spike Jones Vol. 7 Broadway Melody of 1938. 1937. : Clinton and His Orchestra, others. B&W. Eleanor Powell, Robert : 57m. $24.95. Active. Taylor, Judy Garland, George : Thank Your Lucky Stars. 1943. Murphy, Robert Benchley. All- : B&W. Extravanga with Bette Silent Victory: The Kitty 0’Neil Sto- star revue features Garland sing- : Davis singing ‘““They’re Either ry. 1979. Stockard Channing, Ed- ward Albert, James Farentino, I’m the Girl He Wants to Kill. 1974. ing “Dear Mr. Gable.” 110m. Hi : Too Young or Too Old,” Errol Brian Dennehy. Docu-drama Julie Sommars, Anthony Steel. based on life of deaf stunt woman. Murder witness fears she’s next. $29.95. MGM/UA. : Flynn’s rendition of “That’s What 96m. $69.95. VidAmerica. 71m. $29.95. Thriller. Cruisin’ Through the ’50s. 1986 : You Jolly Well Get,” much more. Utu. 1983. Anzac Wallace, Kelly In the Steps of a Dead Man. 1974. comp. B&W. Newsreel footage Johnson, Tim Elliot. Native revolt Skye Aubrey, John Nolan. Dead set to orig. hit recordings. 30m. : With Eddie Cantor, Dinah Shore, against British rulers in 19th centu- eecweessscoclcdieesr’s double does best to ingra- eoe$c1s1.s9c5e.eeSimitar. ry New Zealand. 104m. (R) Hiss tiate himself to mourning family. : Humphrey Bogart, Ann Sheridan, cc $79.98. CBS/Fox. 71m. $29.95. Thriller. Godley & Creme History Mix. 1986 comp. dir. Kevin Godley, Lol : John Garfield, Olivia de Havilland. The Very Edge. 1963. B&W. The Oracle. 1985. Caroline Capers Creme. Videos featuring Eric Jeremy Brett, Anne Heywood, Powers, Roger Neil, Victoria Clapton, Graham Parker, Boy ° 129m. Hi $29.95. MGM/UA. Richard Todd. Sexual assault on Dryden. Spirit of murder victim oGeyorge, Howard Jones, Police, ° pregnant woman leads to es- * possesses young girl. 94m. (R) others. 18m. $16.95. MusicVideo. trangement from husband. 90m. $59.95. U.S.A. : Traffic: Live at Santa Monica. $59.95. VidAmerica. Psycho lil. 1986. Anthony Perkins, : 1972. Eight selections including The Winds of Jarrah. 1983. Ter- Diana Scarwid, Roberta Maxwell; ence Donovan, Susan Lyons. 78m. dir. Perkins. Disturbed motel pro- : “Freedom Rider,” “The Low $59.95. Continental. prietor Norman Bates back on the job. 93m. (R) Hi ss cc $79.95. : Spark of High-Heeled Boys.” 64m. MCA. : Hi St $29.95. MusicVision. Incident at Channel Q. 1986. Bon 1986 Jovi, Deep Purple, Iron Maiden, : comp. 12 videos, including “One Kiss, Motley Crue in conceptual : Small Day,” “Dancing with Tears video about rock VJ at odds with : in My Eyes,” etc. 54m. Hi St townspeople. 85m. Hi St $29.95. + $29.95. MusicVideo. MusicVision. 1973. Karen Black, Krokus: Screaming in the Night. Christopher Plummer, Donald Pilon. Police inspector investi- 1986 comp. Videos: “Eat the gates puzzling cult murder. 111m. Rich,” “School’s Out,” more. 31m. (R) Hi $79.95. Prism. Hi St $19.95. MusicVision. eecSccereecameer. 1974. Pamela Franklin, Cardiac Arrest. 1974. Garry Good- Donal McCann. Rape victim sees The Making of Dancing on the Ceil- The Best of the WWF Vol. 9. 1986 row, Max Gail. Serial killer re- attacker everywhere. 71m. ing. 1986. Making of Lionel Richie moves victims’ hearts, sells them $29.95. Thriller. music video. Appearances by Rod- comp. Wrestling highlights: Randy to transplant patients. 95m. (PG) ney Dangerfield, director Stanley $69.95. Media. Seven Deaths in the Cat’s Eye. Donen. 35m. Hi St $14.95. Karl. Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat, Cor- 1973. Jane Birkin, Anton Diffring. Death in Deep Water. 1974. Brad- Strange beast murdering residents The Michael Schenker Group: Rock poral Kirshner vs. Nikolai Volkoff, ford Dillman, Suzan Farmer. Plot of Scottish town. 90m. Hi $79.95. Will Never Die. 1986. Heavy metal 22-man melee, more. 90m. to murder rich husband leaves Prism. band in concert. Selections include wrong man dead. 71m. $29.95. $59.95. Coliseum. Thriller. The Vulture. 1967. Broderick Crawford, Akim Tamiroff. Scien- Thank Your Lucky Stars Die, Monster, Die! 1965. Boris tist attempting to transfer himself Karloff, Nick Adams. Adaptation of into dead ancestor’s body fails to H.P. Lovecraft story: meteorite notice bird carcass in same coffin. has strange effects on scientist. 92m. $39.95. Monterey. 80m. Hi $79.95. HBO/Cannon. Eaten Alive. 1976. Carolyn Jones, oeaeey e Mel Ferrer, Stuart Whitman; dir. Tobe Hooper. Hotel owner turns crocodile loose on guests. 97m. (R) Hi $59.95. Prism. The Forest. 1983. Dean Russell, American Ballet Theatre in San Michael Brody, Elaine Warner. Francisco. 1985. Five works, in- Knife-wielding cannibalistic spirit cluding pas de deux from Romeo feeds on campers. 90m. Hi $59.95. Ceee and Juliet. Dancers include Cyn- Prism. 86 Video March 1987

by Barry Goldwater, Professor God Knows. 55m. Hi St $39.95. Barbara Novac. 55m. $39.95. Home Vision. Home Vision. Men of Bronze. 1977. Color/B&W. David Mamet. 1985. Interview : Tribute to “Rattlesnake Regi- with Pulitzer Prize-winning play- ment,” first group of black soldiers wright, excerpts from London pro- to fight in WWI. Includes inter- ductions of American Buffalo, views with vets, archive footage. Glengarry Glen Ross. $39.95. 60m. Hi $39.95. Pacific. Home Vision. eecTchceccPerisncess and the People. 1986. El Greco. 1982. Career of the BBC interview with the Princess Spanish painter, influence of Coun- of Wales. Approx. 60m. $29.95. creee eeereteesre-Reesfeosremastsieocneson his work. 27m. Home Vision. $29.95. Home Vision. Raphael. Nar. David Thompson. Feiffer’s Follies. 1982. Visit with Three-part profile of the painter’s satirist Jules Feiffer as he creates career: The Apprentice Years, installment of syndicated cartoon eeeeyPrinece of Painters, Legend and Return of the Great Whales strip. Hi St $39.95. Home Vision. Legacy. 60m. ea. Hi St $39.95 ea. aeNTET The Hague School. 1983. Docu- Home Vision. Billy Kidd: Ski Racing. 1986. Host WWF’s Inside the Steel Cage. 1986 mentary on 19th-century Dutch Remembering Life Vols. 1, 2. Billy Kidd. Instruction for all ability painters who chose nature as sub- 1986. Nar. Walter Cronkite. Early levels; pointers on balance, analy- sis of competition footage. 27m. Hi comp. Wrestling action with ring ject. 45m. $39.95. Home Vision. years of Life magazine; interviews $29.95. Prism. with photographers. 30m. ea. enclosed by 15-foot fence. Match- eeCye Inethe Kingdom of the Dolphins. $11.95 ea. Simitar. | The British Bulldogs. 1986 comp. es feature Big John Studd, Randy 1984. Journalist Hardy Jones, biol- Look at wrestlers Daveyboy Savage, Hulk Hogan, others. 90m. Return of the Great Whales. 1982. ogist Julia Whitty host program Documentary exploring reappear- Smith, Dynamite Kid in training, $59.95. Coliseum. filmed during 7 summers of study } plus match highlights. 90m. in Caribbean. 50m. $39.95. Home ance of whales near San Francisco. $59.95. Coliseum. Vision. 50m. $39.95. Home Vision. f 1986 World Series Highlights. Cowboy Art. 1983. Artists’ depic- The Incas Remembered. 1984. Ac- Scotland Yard. 1971. David Niven 1986. Commentators Vin Scully, tion of the Wild West; commentary complishments of advanced tribe hosts documentary on most diffi- Joe Garagiola host excerpts from that once ruled South America. In- cult cases of British investigative NBC-TV coverage. 60m. Hi St troduction by Edwin Newman. agency. 60m. $24.95. Monterey. $19.95. RCA/Columbia. 60m. $24.95. Monterey. ee Joseph Heller. 1984. Profile of the author featuring excerpts from Swimwear I/lustrated. 1986. Fashion shoot for Swimwear mag- azine. 45m. $29.95. Vestron. PROGRAMMING SOURCES A&H Video Sales, 430 East 54 St.,. ° HBO/Cannon Home Video, 1370 : MGMI/UA Home Video, 1350 Sixth Hal Roach Studio Films Classics, : Ave., New York, N.Y. 10019; 212- 1600 North Fairfax Ave., Holly- New York, N.Y. 10019; 212-489- Sixth Ave., New York, N.Y. wood, Calif. 90046; 213-850-0525. 408-0600. 8130. 10019; 212-977-8990. Simitar Entertainment, 7720 West Monterey Home Video: see IVE. 78 St., Bloomington, Minn. 55435; Active Home Video, 211 South Hi-Tops Video: see Media. 612-559-6660. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills, Calif. Vestron MusicVideo: see Vestron. 90212; 213-850-1757. Home Vision, 5547 North Ravens- Thriller Video: see IVE. wood Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60640- MusicVision: see RCA/Columbia. CBS/Fox Video, 1211 Sixth Ave., 1199; 312-878-2600. Trans World Entertainment, 6464 New York, N.Y. 10036; 212-819- New World Video, 1440 South Sep- Sunset Blvd., Penthouse Suite, 3200. Image Entertainment, 6311 Ro- ulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, Calif. Los Angeles, Calif. 90028; 213- maine St., Hollywood, Calif. 90025; 213-444-8100. 461-0467. CC Studios, 389 Newtown Turn- 90038; 800-421-4585. pike, Weston, Conn. 06883; 203- Pacific Arts Video, 50 North La United Home Video, 4111 South 226-4666. IVE, 21800 Burbank Blvd. Wood- Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, Darlington St., Tulsa, Okla. land Hills, Calif. 91365-4062; 818- Calif. 90211; 213-657-2233. 74135; 918-622-6460, 800-331- Charter Entertainment: see Em- 888-3040, 800-423-7455. 4077. bassy. Paramount Home Video, 5555 Karl-Lorimar Home Video, 17942 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, Calif. U.S.A., 21800 Burbank Blvd. Coliseum Video: see A&H. Cowan Ave., Irvine, Calif. 92714; 90038-3197; 213-468-5000. Woodland Hills, Calif. 91365-4062; 714-474-0355. 818-888-3040, 800-423-7455. Continental Video, 2320 Cotner, Pioneer Artists, 200 West Grand Los Angeles, Calif. 90064; 800- Key Video: see CBS/Fox. Ave., Montvale, N.J. 07645; 201- Vestron Video, 60 Long Ridge Rd., 821-3427. 573-1122. Stamford, Conn. 06907; 203-968- Magic Window Video: see RCA/Co- 0000. Walt Disney Home Video, 500 lumbia. Playhouse Video: see CBS/Fox. South Buena Vista St., Burbank, VidAmerica, 235 East 55 St., New Calif. 91521; 818-840-1111. MCA Home Video, 70 Universal Prism Entertainment, 1875 Centu- York, N.Y. 10022; 212-355-1600. City Plaza, Universal City, Calif. ry Pk. East, Los Angeles, Calif. Embassy Home Entertainment, 91608; 818-508-4315. 90067; 213-277-3270. Warner Home Video, 4000 Warner 1901 Ave. of the Stars, Los Ange- VecBslvcdc.s,eeBurbank, Calif. 91522; 818- les, Calif. 90067; 213-553-3600. Media Home Entertainment, 5730 RCA/Columbia Pictures Home Vid- : 954-6000. Buckingham Pkwy., Culver City, eo, 3500 West Olive Ave., Bur- Fox Hills Video: see Media. eere Calif. 90230; 800-421-4509. bank, Calif. 91505; 818-953-7900. March 1987 Video 87

eee eee eee 14>RGER =£ DA TT | nee ae “Sane March 1987 NEC DX-2000U VHS VCR with Digital Effects inOtlyampucs tVX-801 Mcovhieai8 8nmem dCamcaorcdaerdeme Pioneer LD-838D LaserDisc Player with Digital Audio Marantz VR560HQ Hi-Fi HQ VHS VCR NEC VES. VCK With Digital Effects NEC announced The NEC DX-2000U offers digital picture enhancement with MTS stereo and SAP two VCRs with dig- capability. ital picture process- ing at the same with gold legends. It stands 4-1/4 inches VU/off/tracking. There are also controls time, but the DX- high by 17 inches wide by 14-3/4 inches for segment record, record, timer record, 1000U (‘‘Video- deep, and weighs 17.7 pounds. On a nar- and a slide switch for SP/LP/EP record tests,” Jan. ’87), row band on the center of the front panel speed selection. Playback speed selection which reached are skinny buttons for power, eject, VCR/ is automatic. stores first, was neither Hi-Fi nor stereo. TV, digital memory, channel -, channel +, The second, the DX-2000U, is now availa- slow, and pause/still. Below are larger but- A second group of buttons regulates the ble and offers not only Hi-Fi stereo sound tons for play and stop, with more skinny timer, the time/counter display and the but MTS broadcast stereo, SAP capability, buttons below those for rewind, fast for- and a host of other enhancements. ward, and search. counter memory and reset. An onscreen The DX-2000U is a four video head ma- display provides operating mode and pro- chine. The wider pair of heads are dedicat- Above the center band are the cassette gramming information on your TV screen ed to record and play at the SP speed. In hatch, a comprehensive LCD display, and and is most useful for programming the addition to a reduction in noise at that LED indicators for digital quality, Hi-Fi, timer from the remote control. speed, it delivers less distorted images in stereo, and SAP/bilingual. The LED bar the search mode and makes it easier to find graph for Hi-Fi level/tracking is also near- The rear panel houses the AC cord, an segments you want to view. by. AC accessory socket, UHF input and out- Like the earlier model, digital circuitry is put terminals, the VHF input and output, used to provide still frame, slow, and “dig- The tuner preset controls are in a com- the channel 3/4 RF output selector, and ital memory” pictures. The digital memory partment in the lower front panel. Next to RCA-type pin jacks for video and stereo lets you freeze the action of a tape or TV them are a slide switch for normal/preset audio input and output. show while the show itself continues. The operation, buttons for scan and memo- digital circuitry also reduces noise, with ry/shift, a stereo phone jack, a volume con- The remote control, model RB-D10, is the effect most noticeable on noisy tapes. identical to the one for the DX-1000U An additional pair of heads on the video trol, and rotary controls for tracking and VCR. In addition to controlling the two head drum is used to record and play the sharpness. Set ona blue background are an VCRs, it provides basic controls for some Hi-Fi stereo information. The tuner is able on/off switch for the digital noise reduction recent NEC monitor/receivers and projec- to decode both MTS stereo and SAP sig- and a level control. tion systems. A switch near the front de- nals when they’re present in a broadcast. termines whether it will control the VCR or Indicators for Hi-Fi, stereo, SAP/bilingual, Near the center of the compartment are ala and the audio level are on the front panel. the new audio controls with the switches In a compartment are slide switches for for TV/simul/line input, L/Stereo/R Hi-Fi There are buttons for power, eject, TV/simulcast/line input, L/stereo/R Hi-Fi output, Hi-Fi/normal output, tuner ster- channel +, channel -, a 10-digit keypad, output, Hi-Fi/normal output, ster- eo/SAP-bilingual, and level meter function onscreen display, channel recall, the timer eo/SAP-bilingual linear track record, and mode, a sleep timer, shift -, shift +, TV/ the VU/off/tracking level meter. These in- dicators and switches, and the twin audio input and output jacks on the rear, are the only differences between the 1000 and 2000 models. Description. The DX-2000U is black 88 Video March 1987

You’re only a phone call away from the best service 1-800-582-2929and prices your money can buy. crmeeens «< if i“x sef<trj/i :. —— ‘ Camcorders VCRs Televisions “| Monitors Cameras Accessories ' Video Products Distributors DIRECT MAIL _ In California Call 916-978-7107 | 2947 ARDEN WAY e SACRAMENTO, CA 95825 : PENTAX SONY Panasonic @HiTacHt “\" FRG mnows SAMSUNG MAGNAVOX JVCE cuxMVYS OLYMPUS S&TDK Canon TOSHIBA cenenagdecectaic For additional information, circle No. 26 on Reader Service Card.

Videotests accustomed to the skinny buttons. NEC with a spare tape. We rate ease of opera- also fixed one problem: you can now leave tion as very good/excellent. VCR (TV/video), counter/timer (ant/aux), cables in the input jacks without disabling counter reset, mute, record, timer record, the tuner, thanks to the input selector Performance. Digital noise reduction stop, rewind/search, play, fast for- switch. The audio controls are easy to use, is an even bigger plus than the digital still, ward/search, slow, volume down and up, but the more sophisticated will miss op- the frame-grabbing digital memory, or the digital memory/frame advancea,nd pause/ tional manual Hi-Fi level controls. The re- near perfect slow motion, but don’t expect still. The parenthetical functions are for mainder is plain sailing even though the too much. On noisy tapes, the outcome is monitor/receivers and projection systems. manual is sometimes cryptic in its explana- nearly miraculous; however, on nearly tions. If you need to, you can experiment perfect tapes, the improvement is barely Operation. Even though there are noticeable. The DX-2000U is also an HQ more controls, it was easier to use than the DX1000, partly because we had become Test Report: play, fast forward (search), slow, digital RESULTS & RATINGS NEC DX-2000U VHS HQ Hi-Fi VCR memory/still advance, and pause/still, and a switch to control some NEC TVs Horizontal resolution: 240+ lines, with Digital Effects and MTS Separate eject: yes measured DATA Counter digits: 4 Date of test: December 1986 Counter memory: yes S/N, video luminance: rated—43 dB Suggested price: $819 Program start locator/index/cue: no Weight: 17.7 pounds Audio dub: no digital, NR off; measured—42.9 dB/43.0 Dimensions: 4-1/4 x 17 x 14-3/4 inches Video dub: no (h/w/d) dB/42.0 dB, SP/LP/EP, unweighted, NR Power requirements: 120 VAC, 60 Hz Auto rewind: yes Power consumption: 40 W Linear audio: mono off; 57 dB/46.7 dB/46.6 dB, SP/LP/EP, Tape format: VHS HQ Hi-Fi Tape speeds: SP, LP, EP Hi-Fi audio: stereo weighted, NR on Play speed select: automatic Tuning method: voltage synthesis, 110 Still frame: yes, digitally stored channel capable, 40 presets S/N, chroma AM: 41.5 dB/41.6 dB/39.2 Frame advance: yes, digitally stored Channel selectors: up/down scan on Slow motion: 1/3x, digitally stored VCR; scan plus direct access on remote ab, SP/LP/EP ' Speed play: no Preset method: scan to channel, set Cue & review: standard search—4/7/9 at channel number, memorize S/N, chroma PM: 39.9 dB/40.5 dB/38.2 SP/LP/EP; jet search—8/14/21 at SP/LP/ Broadcast tuning range: 2 to 6, 7 to EP 13, 14 to 83 dB, SP/LP/EP Visible FF and Rew: no Fast forward/rewind time: 3 min., 10 Cable tuning range: 2 to 13, A-5 to A Audio frequency response: rat- sec. for T-120 1, Ato W Remote (camera) pause: no ed—20-20,000 Hz, Hi-Fi; 100-10,000 Hz, Remote: IR wireless with buttons for AFT: automatic power, eject, channel up and down, digits linear; measured—20-20,000 Hz, +/-0.4 0 to 9, on screen, timer mode, shift + MTS stereo: yes and -, TV/VCR, counter/timer, reset, re- dB, all speeds, Hi-Fi; 63-12,000 Hz, cord timer record, stop, rewind (search), SAP: yes Channel lock: yes +4.1/-3 dB, SP; 63-10,000 Hz, +5.2/- Timer: 4-event/21-day Auto channel-change: yes 3dB, LP; 63-5000 Hz, +5.3/-3 dB, EP, Accessories: remote control and batter- linear ies, 75-ohm cable with integral matching transformer, 300-ohm twin lead cable, and Dynamic range: rated—90 dB; meas- 300- to 75-ohm transformer ured—76 dB S/N, audio: rated—more than 40 dB; measured—46 dB Audio distortion: measured—0.4%, Hi- Fi; 2.3%, linear Overall picture quality: very good/ex- cellent Audio quality: very good/excellent, Hi- Fi; very good, linear Ease of operation: very good/excellent Overall performance: very good/excel- lent PHOTRON WILL BEAT ANY LEGITIMATE PRICE! 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MV 60s CALL WIDE ANGLE LENS Canon rssov 419.95 VMT595 MODUKoLnAaRk IVIDMEOSSYSTEM TELE LENS «PC» 579.95 VMT670 HF SPECIAL EFFECTS KIT 459.95 VMT400 PANASONIC PV 220 HQ TOSHIBA SK 60K 509.95 HRD570 CALL FOR PRICES! © “VIDEO oVwENTURES PANASONIC PV 300 HQ 289.95 HRD170 PANASONIC AG 155 HQ. RENTAL TAPE STABILIZER PANASONIC AG 160 OLYMPUS VX 403 NEW SONY CCD-110 aera’ ENA . SUNPAK’ SEG. CREATOR PERSONAL COPIERS ZENITH 7400 SONY CCD V8 AFU SEG. COLORIZER HITACHI VM 5000 SONY CCV3-AF NEC VIDEO LIGHTS AUDIO VIDEO PROCESSOR PC-A4 579.95 PC-20 579.95 RCA CMR300 PRO-WONDER 1 CANON VME-4 SPECIAL EFFECTS CREATOR PENTAX PVC 55A CALL! 961 SUNPAK 3001 WORLDS CALL! COLOR PROCESSOR PC-24 679.95 PC-25 689.95 MINOLTA CR 1200 AF HQ CANON VME-2 FIRST AUTOMATIC SPECIAL GE VC 9610 CALOL!SHI' EDX 2000 SSHHOOWWMMAAKKEERR SAMWPILTICFHIEERR QUASAR VM 20 HQ KYOCERA FINEMOVIE CALL! DX7 TAMRAC BAGS MAGNAVOX 8293 95 | CALL! NEC V30 PRO Low PRICE HITACHI KIWI BAGS NEW CANON FAX PHONE 1189.95: ULTRA LOW PRICE CALL! 1249.95 OLYMPUS VX 804 CALL VT 1570 CALL WE ARE THE NATION'S FOREMOST VIDEO TRIPODS 1189.95 MINOLTA CR 8000 S VT-1400H.Q 344.85 DEALER IN KIWI BAGS CALL! CALL! PENTAX PVC 800A \\VT-4400A H.Q364.85 VT-1310A H.Q339.85 LOWE PRO SLIK 442V 59.95 SLIK212V NEC EM ABU V1-1720H.Q 549.85 BOGEN 3124 FLUID HEAD 89.95 |NEW POLAROID SPECTRA 439.95 |MINOLTA MAXXUM VT-4450A H.Q429.85 \\VT-1800A H.Q CALL! FACTION PAK 89.95] BOGEN 3140 FLUID HEAD w=ae, Photron Marketing, Inc. FOR SAME DAY SHIPPING. SEND CERTIFIED CHECK OR et ORDER. SHIPPING BUSINESS HOURS: SERVICES MON, TUES, THURS. 9:00AM-7PM HANDLING & INS_ADD'TL NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR TYPOGRAPHIC ERRORS OR PRICE WED. 9:00AM-6PM SUN. 10:00AM-5:00PM = 256 West 38th Street Rasen aan sree Gh OFFERS MUST BE REQUESTED AT TIME OF ORDER FRI. 9:00AM-2.00PM New York, N.Y. 10018 CLOSE 1 HA. EARLIER OME PRICES INCLUDE REBATES RETAIL & INFORMATION AMSA WARRANTY SLIGHTLY ADDN'L ON SOME MODELS For additional information, circle No. 27 on Reader Service Card. 90 Video March 1987

For Visa or MasterCard Order on Division of D.B.M. International | Dial Toll Free (Orders Only) $19.95 For Information/Local | 800-223-6119 ZY is) (212)695-0697 SECONTROL , FECORDERS ©ACCESSORIES. Lane CD PLAYERS CENTRAL 2000W Video Light 429.95 PPVV 11336610.....222399..9955 PPVV 115664.4..2.......547344..9955 xLVv4o0 Jvc PMD6PIONEER404 95 -i XLV500 259 . 94. 299 PD6010 189.95 PV 1364 264.95 a ery veyta = PV 1461.. 369.95 * AAAPVGGG 9621496450000.0..0..0...A 569999..9955 D7S-ODNXY .229.95 SSSLLLPPP153T000E000CH. NICS211979998...999559 PPPPVVVV 1111545656266.2.03...........234499019999....99995555 1392299..9955 DD5-5.1..0. 22..9...C9A5LL $ RQ 95 . SSSooonnnyyy AMBICO MAGNAVOX 8293 SyoourgetesyouyrouTrV, PANASONIC INDURSTCR VV--00117000//AACC-DG.......5496..9955 VV--O8B0O5B/IK1i0tA.MP......9599..9955 AIWA WALKMANS SONY * CCD IMAGE DEVICE VCR, or CATV V-0180/AC ....29.95 V-0810/Decat. .76.95 ¢ BATTERY CHARGER VMT 385 ....279.95 VMT590 ° BATTERY i VMT 390 32995 VMT 595 V-0185/AC 39.95 V-0815/Kit 109.95 Aiwa HSJ-600 ..129.95 WM-F 100... 109.95 e CARRY STRAP $ 95 VMT 630 569.95 VMT 395 V-0190/AC-DC...69.95 V-0817/Kit 139.95 HSJ-600A 149.95 WM 100 94.95 ° RF CABLES 11 9 VMT 670 709.95 VMT 400 V-0200/DC 44.95 V-0819/Kit 155.95 HSJ-500 119.95 WM-F75 “94.95 under control. V-0820, V-0821, V-0822 CALL HSJ-350 .CALL WM-F 200... 144.95 ¢ RF CONVERTER 5 ieeot).| —\\ C‘oCnetnrtorall ....299.J95VCHRD 570 VVo-l0t35m3eter ......1465.9.9955 SV-u0p6e8r0 Dupe.r........2344..9955 WM-D6C. ..CALL TOSHIBA CALL ¢ A/V CABLES \\)) rere ....479.95 HRD 756 HRD 180 TVve--l00e36/31C02ine a39i.99e55 eV-V-0t614e 4 ter snore VIDEO TAPE T120/L-750 * AIC ADAPTER $1250.00 HRD 370 39.95 SonyL500.....3.39 Fuji T120 3.95 QUASAR VM20 PRDIGTO 2s.See-es) ASOD VTTra-ip0pe5od30MVa-i0n5t1.e6.n,...a..n.1c.78e99,..9S95y5st. TrVi-p0o5d25V-0518. .. .771191..4,999555 LS5o0n0y UL7H5G0 .....43..4999 H11R2X0 4S5H1G.......8.§.3295 OLYMPUS VX403 ....iinn StStooeclk SONY L750 UHG 4.79 Maxell 7-120 EX... 4.10 SL-HF400.....CALL SL-HF-17 v0602 59:95 V-0604 .......42.95 PRO L500 .....7.25 71112200GHoGlXd..........45..9855 SL-HF450 ...409.95 SL-HF900 v-0670 74.95 V-0686 99.95 8mm-90.......6.79 SL-HF550 CALL SL-HF750 47599..9955 \\V-0690 99.95 8mm-120 .. 7.79 RX PRO 7-120. .7.20 SL-HF700 379.95 SL-HF1000 CALL vV--00669817 V-0692 69.95 TTDDKK--TT112200 HiP-rFoi.....76..5299 T1-D1K20 7-E1H2G0 45..3550 ' FISHER Zoom Microphone é pogo T160 Tape ....CALL Konica CALL CA CMR-300 FVH 906 CALL FFVVHH998400......CCAALLLL R — on FV 920 @ Full remote CALL WTCFeililroseeshleeLeyesenussp(/1MW.ii5cXdr)eopvh4io.4e.n8w.e99..595 . Macro . (“21X)1.3.19612914.59550 EgGg PSlusCOTCCoHR—5R2T0O1N2Ee0RXeG/-TCtaR-mEe7r50 w7e.rT6eI8ge GALL FVH 990 CALL Tele Lens EEixptarbaiitthyin4 4°) ® wire PENTAX HSpeemciisaplheerfifcectsLenkist : ate 3552..9955 EXGecp 6.35 EXG-Pi ro 6.65 f PV-T30A.....239.95 PV-C800A ..1079.95 Ultra Wide/Tele lens kit... . 124.95 * = PPVV--TT3155A0A....473899..9955 PV-C5SA ...1039.95 WTeildee LAenngsle/Tele.2L9e.n0s0 KitWide Lens 2495..0000 R<ee at‘- RMuolRtitiplying =mes 2 Sa AUD1I15O MTXA-6P0.E.... Pentax case... 79.95 UDSII-60 11..4455 MX-90 XULDISII-I6-090 TDK SA-60 CANON 25'ext. cord ...34.00 50'ext. cord ...59.00 1.64 5 XLE8z 0 TDK--SSAA--90 VRR-404/0VyT50.. P72e9.o95 WVR-eHF 710.... aCrAaLL Cool'Lux. ux . Stock PENTAX PV-a C55A $4 |39 00 ° HOMOS VME-II CALL SP10 229.95 BESCOR XLIS-90 .. 2‘0 TDCAD-90 iJ SOTNV: CAMCORDERS ‘- ....5399.9955 TWAP--5i05LeLnenss. ..6699..9955 Phone-mate...CALL Conair CALL ¢ RF ADAPTER ||| y gas viwe $325 ...CALL HM-3 Lens... .59.95 AT&T Phone ..CALL Uniden CALL *e CAA/RVRYCABHLAENSDLE sntflna eeseoe ae KKeVv11337700..t.2o7297a.i995e ©PPaarnasaonsoAoGn18i6 c AG155 .2.TCIALEL | PANASONIC TELEPHONE& CRoEbCOlTeORNeadVy6S2t3ereo Decoder $ 109.95 KV1380 ...314.95 OOOGhlyEym9ma-puu9as6l0yVV8Xx484000312 ....CALL PBREBSf--s60.1.2.......C7CA9A.LL9LL5 VELTFW--1A3-5Li8ght. . 445999...999555 ANSWERING MACHINES * SHOULDER STRAP Dolby Suround Sound Decoder $489,95 KV2075 44317563) Kv20R4t PRB-10. CALL VL-100 44.95 Naiced <4po Ka: rat aehe M* IAN/OCLTAADACPRT-E1R200S. . .in Stock .9....2...1658870 VVAA--88220005 3594..9955 KKKVVV222677788013RRR GGEE99--99661008 “CALL TTrRipPo-d225901 5894..9955 TVrTiRpo-dF2VTR-90 ..10.49.9.9955 VA-8400 62.95 KKXX-1-2T62223..4|5|. 5C4A.L9L5 PENTAX PV-C55A 1139.95 579905 KVXA--T83416005.,... 1.7239..9955 KV20XBR Hitachi-VM 2100 5008 8 VTR-75 Tripod 99.95 KKXX--TT33883115 KX-T2620 CALL ,6973..9955 —THoisthaicbhai-VSMK60500.0.......9112299..95 VIDEO ENHANCERS KX-T2420. 105.95 KX-T1421 73.95 Zenith VM6200 CALL KKXX--T111442226...._967.6.9955 | CGTT2206201A0.....614956..9955 ZNeinkiotnh VVNM-780000.0........8.9C9A.L95L]] He oicRART:||MMFFJJ 1144422.5.. STOCKIN MMFFJJ 11445502... STOCKIN CAMCORDER SO NY CPAANMAESORNAISC ||DDACIeeVCWtEtUa-ai-2lSi1ew0l2ir0et0crIhI.VII 189.95 IVE-100 144.95 oS CCDV8 paASMAPFE—TY 4 FHUOSUER 20a8oS etaevaes)co yi2g9a.e8?s |...<.22105C7944A...L909L505 ASP_r/tSoVeEcrG.e-Por2Ao0Mc0SPe.y.sn.s........223117249999....00990055 CANON COPIERS $879°5 $69.93 5 BEseerrga PPCC--1200...... 458649..9995 PPCC--1245 656499..9995 « BATTERY CHARGER CALL WV 3250 RCA....729.95 WV 3260... 1089.95 SHAYNBSRUIID V8X 99 Sanyo, Ricoh * BATTERY sae CAMCORDER * CaARRaY SdTRAP 1 CCLMOA-0-2300..0....... 112C9A.L9L5 CCLPCR--012010....979c.a9.5 ||SShurorwotuinmde Sound TRIPODS ‘ Ve IADCEO/DCLITE ¢ Includes JVC VIDEO BAGS easy Duty Oa M**> ICSRNFOAONNLCYTOAANBHLCAVERMSNED810Y0C0$AS9M3A9.F$9559i9n.S9t5ock ec hae ‘60watt pe oe Remain Soo GROM. 09095 KIWIL-TOEWNEB-AP-RCOOAST- SONY SLIK CCDV-3.....999.95 AMBICO, BESCOR CALL 112200VVFF... 4644..9955 33113118 -CALL $69.95 BMC-660 ....849.95 CCD-MO9U ... 759.95 Recorder Bags From 34.00 232122VVFF..........472449955 33112375... PENTAX 8 MM. $1179.95 CCD-V8 869.95 Camera Bags From 34.00 RCCMD--E31z V00V...118094.9.9955 CCD-V110....CALL vee EV-I A80 4199..995 TArlilpMooddeBlasg. inS1t2o.c9k5 SAME “WE THANK OUR SATISFIED CUSTOMERS’ Pic ce nueied DAY ; NOT ONLY DO | VALUE YOUR HONESTY, BUT | TELE CINE RECEIVED THE CAMERA IN 3 DAYS. I'M STILL WAITING SHIPPING Geoke 4 CCAALLLL ae REFUND FROM ANOTHER MAIL ORDER NEW Transvideo R8 IN STOCK MOST SINCERELY A.C. -MARION, MASS New York Camera stonday-Friday 9 Am.-7 Pm. NEW Transvideo S8_ IN STOCK SERVICING RETTCC-IILITI-ETLEELSE-CSRCEREENEN. CACALLLL CONSUMERS 131 West 35th Street = Sv 04-sPm. ST180ETC-8mm INSTOCK WORLDWIDE ST 180ETC-SUPER8 IN STOCK New York Cit 10001 (opposite Macy's) Ne TYPE 100 VIEWER IN STOCK SE HABLA ESPANOL y OSENNDPECRSOENALRCHTECCHKEISCK FSOHRIPIMPOINNEGEY &DOHRADNEDRLIFNOGR INOMNMERDIEAFTUENDSAHBILPEMENTNOST PRLEESAPSOENSAIBLLELF3OO0RWDATYVSPOFGORRAPBHAINCKALCLEEARRRAONRCSE BBuuhhl! BMoibpillexeMrultiplexer CCAALLLL SOME PRICES MAY REFLERCEBTATE CASE QUANTITONYLY PRIGOCOD TEILLS3rd OFMONTH ALL PRI&CAVEAILSABIL! | Adj. Proj TY SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE CONSUMER AFFAIRS#8000831 Pictures for Ills. Purposes Only. Pu ch Ero Stands IN Gare For additional information, circle No. 28 on Reader Service Card

RCA VCRWHY YOU SHOULD BUY Videotests \\| machine with an extended white clip level 0.4 percent. PIRES T and detail enhancement, so those circuits Linear track performance was a bit less also provide a snappier picture with clean COMPLETE LINE of RCA recorders & rather than ragged edges. spectacular, main:y because there was a camcorders as well as lights, tripods, battery pronounced hump at the top of the frequen- packs, and other video accessories. It delivers 240 + lines of horizontal reso- cy range before it fell off, rather than be- FAST SHIPPING 24 hrs (in most cases) lution with a 43 decibel unweighted video cause of the range itself, which was excel- NO SALES TAX ADDED (except in Va.) lent. At SP, it was 63 to 12,000 Hz, +4.1/- MAIL-OUT SPECIALS for previous signal-to-noise ratio, with the noise reduc- 3 dB. The responses at LP and EP speeds customers only! are detailed in the “Test Report.” Audio VIDEO SPECIALISTS - We help before tion off. Weighted and with sag compensa- S/N, linear, was 46 dB, and total harmonic and AFTER the sale tion the video S/N is 57, 46.7, and 46.6 dB distortion was 2.3 percent. We rate linear at SP, LP, and EP speeds, respectively. track performance as very good. RCA RECORDERS The noise reduction varies with the control VMT385 VMT390 VMT395 VMT400 setting and the quality of the recorded ma- Conclusion. Overall, the DX-2000U is VMT590 VMT595 VMT630HF VMT670HF a very good to excellent VCR with the terial, but did not exceed the measure- digital circuitry used to improve the play- ments attained with clean signals and the back quality of noisy tapes in addition to noise reduction off. The chroma AM S/N producing excellent still, slow, and digital was 41.5 dB, and chroma PM S/N was 39.9 memory effects. It is a praiseworthy use of dB at SP. Overall video performance was digital power. It has fewer features than the most exotic VCRs but, for general re- very good/excellent. cording and playback, is near the top. Com- Hi-Fi performance was very good/excel- bined with an $819 suggested price, it is an extremely good value. We recommend it lent with a 20 to 20,000 Hertz frequency highly for those who don’t need every bell response flat with +/-0.4 dB. That’s and whistle. among the best we’ve measured. The dy- namic range was rated at 90 dB, but meas- ured at 76 dB—still a creditable perform- ance. The total harmonic distortion was Olympus 8mm Camcorder RCA CAMCORDERS The Olympus Moy- wide by 10-1/8 deep. CMR300 and... ie 8, at 3.3 pounds The camcorder must be held in the right RCA SMALL with battery, is one WONDER CAM- of the lightest hand because of its fixed grip on the right CORDER CPR100 camcorders cur- side. The run/pause button is directly be- NOW AVAILABLE! rently available. It low your right thumb and the wide angle offers all the most and tele power zoom buttons are under To place your order with a company who popular camcorder your index and middle fingers. A security offers CUSTOMER TECHNICAL ASSIS- features, including a 6x zoom lens, back- strap wraps around your hand for extra TANCE before and AFTER the sale, AC- light compensation, auto focus, auto fade, support and safety. The hand grip also has CESSORY SUPPORT for their products and and auto iris. It is an easy-to-use, light- a mini-jack for an external mic and an ear- who specializes in. . . weight camcorder that can fit into a brief- phone mini-jack for monitoring as you re- case, a purse, or even some coat pockets. cord or play a tape. relax»EXCLUSIVELY Description. The VX-801-KU is black and bluish-gray with a few touches of color The lens has the usual rings for manual in the legends and controls. Its overall di- focus and zoom, with a separate button for mensions are 5-3/8 inches high by 4-7/8 the macro focusing range on the zoom ring. A hook on the lens cap cord lets you stow it away while shooting so it doesn’t dangle. CALL js: 1-800-368-5020 In Virginia 1-804-595-2572 ' MEMBER Hours (E.S.T.) : Bank Ref: Mon-Fri Bank |: Of 9 AM-9 PM Virginia 9 AM Sa-t 6 PM a2) Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce coo S&aeS VIDEO DIRECT DISTRIBUTORS Olympus’ ultra-light VX-801-KU camcorder offers a host of features. 116 Production Drive Tabb, VA 23602 iacN2FRSCooinod9aen.rfrdracodivld.rtieemicraoetniaoln, 92 Video March 1987

RELIABLE VIDEO AND ELECTRONICS 8681 - 18th AVENUE BROOKLYN NEW YORK 11214 FOR ORDERS ONLY: 1-800-525-9922 INFORMATION OR SERVICE 1-718-837-9326 OVERNIGHT DELIVERY NEED IT IN AN EXTRA RUSH! ASK FOR RED CARPET SERVICE! AND NO EXTRA CHARGE FOR CREDIT CARDS onp DAY-AIR ARE OR C.0.D.’s!! yapes ey THE BOX (10) ALWAYS AVAILABLE MEADE MAXELL SCOTCH FUJI Li Waai SONY T120EG 4.59 7120 4.29 TELESCOPES, AND T1H2Z0DPlEuXsG_HIF . 65.469 7e120 eS.H.G. a5.49 SPOTTING SCOPES. 1120 HGX ; L500 3.69 L750 4.29 BINOCULARS TOO! 7LTR11Xe2600PROGHOGLXWD/CHiFfeiitagtialis ‘ L830 5.69 T1T11I26Z00OCEXAGMEPRRAOW/WC/C88.6.1.39899 469 6.89 WITH A FULL LINE BbL7Oe5e0PROGabOiWL/DCHiFi ; LL7S5O0DUEHSGXHHiFFi = = 5C.A2L9L T160 S.H.G. CALL OF ACCESSORIES!! L750 HGX PRO f BBAASSFF116600H.G. 56..9999 BPQaROPLAR5O0L050aO0 L830UHGHiFi 6.49 T715600EGPlus 73..4999 REBMRIIANNUGNTO!N ; AND : 8MM 60 Min. 6—-.77.799 T50EXG 4.49 MEMOREX PROw/c4.99 48..2799 JVC 120 4.39 NORELCO SHAVERS 8MM90Min. eae TDK Le MAGT120HQ 4.29 781M2M0120Min. VHS-C GOLD : TI20UHGHiFi 5.49 1120 EHG 619 JVC VHSC 5.29 8MM 2HR ; PROX250 6.99 1120 HiFi 68..2299 CTRAIRPROYDSCASES 2499..9955 & &UUPP CeO oatTsS PROX500 7.99 L750HD PROW/C REWINDERS 19.95 &UP Sr cena ren L500 ESX HF CALL T120HDPROWIC 8.09 WITH MANUFACTURERS U.S.A. WARRANTY! GUARANTEED BEST DELIVERED PRICE!! CAMCORDER **SONY** HITACHI ZENITH 279 vase ANON 627 PROTON929 |vx8oO1 LYMPUGSUARAN- ITY SL70 VR 1100 279 |VR 1810 HFP 200 VVRR 11332700 IN2S9T5OCK ||VVRR 1820 309 tla FOR |625 789 | vx 402 TEED PAN Be. 999 |HFP 100 1825 329 619A 5C7AL9L: |St 100 VVRME420/VT50 VpEesRtY _|AUDIO TVoXe4a0n3e fT0o0s PPAANNPAVG30IS0WSW//DCERNTT GWEOGW! VR 1400 309 |VR 1870 385 |vc 50A prices |CARSTEREOS CALL |oo EARAGIRT new! | SL300 VR 1430 379 |VR2330 CALL IN BE0 |VC40A SONY bd VK063/01706 NECV20 1249 |SllLe.2H5E0T? VR 1450 439 |VR2220 CALL THE PRINTED TYPEWRITERS U.S.A. rea VK 308 NNEECCVE3M0A8U 142248999) VR 1720 549 |VR3220 529 REEESeanies VR 1800 689 | VR3300 629 CANON VME2 1149 SL.400 VVTR 9185A7-0HQ- 859159 | VVRR43120000 645999 $L250 279 PANASONIC SgSSOOONNNyYYY11BHMACCNCDD6VY68C0AFAUM 989 SSLL.455000 VM 2100 1039 |VR4100Y 719 915 NEC 269 | SLHFT7 549 |PV 1360 259 on PV 1361 259 SL550 VM 5000 1149 |VR5100 579 925 369 ype TOSHIBA | VvMmki62o0o0 1C9A9LL ||9OD6XX52i0o00000E00GDGTTLL ==IN653S1839T59-O1 CK |SSSLLL796505000 PpVy 11336646 2C7A9LL $L.900 2o1n2s0 2a5e9 vM7100 C765A199LL BMC 1000K ! 1249 ‘|PV 1560 329 INSTOCK |PV 1563 459 OetLyYeMePcUuaS iVnxcaa03 BsMeCte660 44433300 320999 VMT 285 RCA 299 E SL 1000 309 949 PV 1564 467199 MAG 8292 BMC550 5330 319 |VMT385 431795 v30 CALL |BMC 600K MMAAGG 88229973 11112799 |CPACKDV8BHAAFNUDYCAM 879 | ODXX73 633699 ||VVMMTT339905 839 =|pv 1642 819 BMC 550K CALL |py 1742 949 BMC 1000K a PVv200 Proce ae CALL1049 1099 VMT400DGTL 575569 EKVySRO7c0E0RAzoTa To77c9k P|PVY320200 ceearoAIWAC80 ir |KV27801019 EVS 700 «= 669] PENTAX = |ywrem689 SK60 HITVM2100 1039 =|KY2781 64g |PCSSA wow! |vMT670 719 CCDVBAFPAL = 11109999 ||AAGG 155 FNEeW!e HIT VM5000 1149 C800A INSTOCK |CKC 021 0 559 CALL | PAKB PAL 160 C99A9LL jg |CCCCDD V1310 11026999 ||wAGv31295500 ZJTVOECSNHIGITRBHCAV7SMUK662000 =:9i190199199 | KKKvvV227728873284 8727919 MINOLTA _ |CcMmRr302000 11013999 879 |CR 1200 INSTOCK |ACCESSORIES 5 KV 1380 339 |wvF2 689 ZENITHVM7100 NEW! cR 3000 WOW! |aupio CCAALLLL Arai 809 |PK 452 469 RSCOALCDMRO3N0L0Y WITH119K9IT |KKVV22758X6BR 7C4A9LL ||CMRV608000 IINNSSTTOOCCKK |TELEVISION CALL Fy * |ppKVe3al6XlBR a118864999 | MRUIUDDCIIORdOWCAOEVQUEUIIPP.OVENS INCLUDES; BATTERY | xyosyyp 4399 |Mv40 INsTOcCK| MAGNAVOX 90 ACCESS 401 2599 | TELEPHONES MV20 IN STOCK | 9510 265 BATT. CRHFA/RTGV ERA/DAPTCR —_| KV36XBR 1489 RRXX8V ACCESS 301 2399 | 1426 109 399 9520 259 pova77J 419 |ACCESS 300 woven 1649 | 4422 89 ADPTR NIKON 9530 289 MODULATOR, STRAP | KV1311CR AVU270 3a9 (|VN-800 1329 |9535 319 AAACCCCCCEEESSSSSS322000102PRO IN11S17T8499OCK | 3004 69 ACDADMICTOIRONDAELR 549 |ECLHMIONONaM8MMM 11226999 |geen 303s |3160 149 KXM270 APCOCLEARSISZOERRIFEISLTER 18.90 | KKPPRR44161000 11469999 PCW350J KYROCERAPRO 1249 | 2345 65 FISHER oes i PCW310 KV 2780 749 8120 49 T“RIHPODOS YSKAYFI\"LTER4g.1945.&90up |KPRA1SO 1589 |990360 HHaO GALL jJaeee ee CAL *FoGnEn*tauer’s K|VW 22778812 791099 8130 55 COKIN FILTERS INSTOCK |WATCHCAM CORR IaeOWRITEROATETS BEST PRICE KV 2783 PIONEER 349} g40 HO LOW = Video, T.V.'s, Camcorders |KV2784 945 AUTHORIZED CARCORDS 14.958UP |KV25DXR 849 |950Ho 1045 THRHRS. S-4HRS.AND. |FOAOA ae nae fee 959 | Walkie Talk gchlte: aisMORE!., 2HRS., 3-4 HRS. aor CARRY CASES 39.9&5UP |‘ EXTENDED WARRANTIES WIDE ANGLE AND TELEPHOTO TELEVISIONS LENSES OF QUALITY CAR STEREOS FD2A 89 | g98o0goHO PRICES 1178 |Poarltkaibele TRaalkdiieos, C.B.'s TELEPHONES PROJECTION T.V.’S ACCESS 499 isc Players| ITA600 185 439 pole Te ; SPP 100 155 101 899 SANYO 489 RomateContoleten ITA500 165 1900 569 2900 Instock |8278 SPP 300 219 WARRANTECH EXTENDED WARRANTIES AVAILABLE 1800 REPAIR STORES AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE To Order: Simply send a check or money order to Reliable Video 8681-18th Ave., Brooklyn, New York 11214. Please add appropriate shipping, handling, and insurance. Not responsible for typographical errors. Prices can vary. Shipping charges not refundable. Cash and carry for walk in customers. “AFTER REBATE **DISPLAY MODEL WITH MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY. €.0.0.'s MASTERCARD AND VISA WELCOME NO SALES TAX ON OUT OF NEW YORK STATE SALES. NO EXTRA CHARGE FOR CREDIT CARDS OR C.0.D.'s For additional information, circle No. 30 on Reader Service Card

Videotests On the top surface are an accessory sert. These buttons are automatically disa- shoe, a display window, buttons for coun- bled when the VTR/Camera selector is Below the lens is a window for the auto switched to Camera. At the back are the white balance sensor. ter memory, counter reset, and cassette battery and the flip-up hooded magnifier for eject, and a lever to focus the viewfinder the electronic viewfinder. The tripod sock- The body of the recorder is a compact magnifier. The LCD display shows four et is located on the bottom panel. box with a few controls on its front: white counter digits and symbols for counter balance, auto fade, backlight compensa- memory engaged, tape motion, record, The VX-801 comes with an accessory tion, auto/manual focus, and one-touch play, low battery, and insert edit. that combines an AC adapter, a battery autofocus in the manual mode. At the left charger, an audio/video adapter, a RF side of the body are the cassette hatch, Concealed below a sliding panel are but- adapter and modulator, and a TV/VCR slide switches for power and VTR/Camera tons for the transport functions: fast for- switch. Yet Olympus fit all these functions select, buttons for battery eject and stand- ward (cue), play, rewind (review), record, into a 1-pound (by our measure) black ped- by power, and a multi-pin adapter terminal frame advance, stop, pause/still, and in- for power, input, and output connections. THE DIRECT LINE TO SUPER DEALS 1-800-524-1596 24-HOUR PROCESSING. ..24-HOUR SHIPPING SUPER FAST DELIVERY RED LABEL 1-day delivery, extra charge WE SELL VCR's, Video Cameras, TVs, Monitors, BLUE LABEL 2-day delivery, extra charge Answering Machines, Telephones and Accessories, Car Audio, Industrial Equipt., PalSecam-NTSC, 110/220. 24-hour processing/shipping on Red Label and Blue Label Super Low Prices ae on Panasonic. a SUPER VIDEO INC., 245 Paterson Plank Road, Carlstadt, New Jersey 07072 For additional information, circle No. 31 on Reader Service Card CALL1T-O8LL0F0R-EE221-O1RD9E2RS6 ONLY (Between Liberty St. & Maiden Lane IN THE HEART OF THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT) FREE SUNDAY PARKING 160 Broadway New York, N.Y. 10038 (212) 349-2555. For Alaska, Hawan, NY Orders. Open Weekdays 9-7, Sundays 10-4 For information call (212) 349-2555 Camcorders (HQ) PANASONIC (HQ) RCA (HQ) AVC (HQ) SONY CANON SPECIALS — Pan PV200 .. 929.95 PV1330R ... 249.95 VMT 285.... 259.95 HRD 180.... 289.95 SLHFR70... 319.95 Toshiba DX-7 PV210 ...989.95 PV1360R... VMT 295.... 312.95 HRO 190.... 319.95 SLHFR90... 339.95 VMT 385... . 289.95 HRO 142.... 269.95 SLHF 300 ... 289.95 6 PV220 . 1059.95 PV1362 .... VMT 390.... 329.95 HRD 565.... 539.95 SLHF 400 ... 379.95 : PV300 . 1159.95 PV1340 RCA CLR200 .889.95 PV1560 .... VMT 395.... 419.95 HRD 566.... 579.95 SLHF550 ... 439.95 d \"199.95 CMR200 . 989.95 PV1563 & VLT 385 .... 279.95 HRD 756.... 784.95 SLHF 450 ... 449.95 209.95 CMR300. 1095.95 PV1564 .... VLT 600HF .. 339.95 HRS 100.... 459.95 SLHF 750... 739.95 VR HF-720 |. 649.95 _Kodavision-MVS sys | JVC GRC-2U .989.95 pv 1642... VLT 625HF .. 449.95 HRS 200.... 649.95 SLHF 900... 599.95 complete ... 999.95 GRC-7U .1139.95 PV1545 .... VLT650HF .. 649.95 GXN-7 ..... 389.95 SLHF1000A 1,099.95 Canon PC1.4604.95 Canon VME-1 PV1740 .... 659. VKP 900 .... 589.95 GXN-8 . 429.95 25XBR ..... 799.95 OLYMPUS PC20 . 569.95 899. PV1742 .... 69. VKP 950 .... 689.95 GXN-80 .... 689.95 20XBR : PC25 . 679.95 . { MinoltaHQ .989.95 PV5800 VLP 800 .... 289.95 GXN-90 .... 719.95 CCDV8-AF 1019.95 : .99 Olympus HO. 999.95 PVg500 .... VLP 900 .... call GRC-7 .... 1139.95 Handycam-8 . 919.95 55 F. VLPBp95a0vcHe.... 5;89.95 >. imeooo. } gag.iod5 oBMaCt SSOK .. 849.95: ‘ AT | PSoennytaCxCHDQV.8... CALL PPVV89660U00 ........ MC-66 1 i eae si apr HRD470... 499.95 mae. Se i,FnogcuSsysUtnedmerw—ateLrow,HoLuosw- HF . i vMT ETOH : eases HITACHI ibe, oe 419. Med es nies NTE eso a j Master Card & Visa Accepted } 669. acs Sea ae AG 55 tole hah 5 All items subject to availability and price changes US warranty may be additional. Mail | ricer ae Q61HO 639.95 tens MtBh tenia and phone orders COO Master Charge. VISA, S&H extra Everything Factory Fresh 10 \"58995 Hecate * 959.95 Day Money Back Guarantee Not responsible for typographical errors i DX2000!cn. .. 674.95 CKC021.... 589.95 ymM5000 ... 1,049.95 S&H non-refundable q For additional information, circle No. 32 on Reader Service Card. j 94 Video March 1987

WHY PAY MORE? *469 399 COMPLETE VHS HiFi JVC MTS+HQ MIDI VIDEO RECORDER Ls STEREO * MTS Quartz Random Access Tuner SaYSTEM INCLUDES SYSTEM * 24 Function Wireless Remote * 2-Speed Search & One Touch Record * 40 Watt/Ch. Amp and Digital Tuner * EXTENDED WARRANTIES AVAILABLE * Programmable Linear Turntable * 2-Way Speakers * Programmable Double-Deck * 10 Band Equalizer EiSt SPE een CU VIDEO RECORDER & DOLBY VIDEO RECORDER * Wireless Remote Capable * Cable-Ready Tuner * Full Stereo Sound * 14-Day Programmable Tuner * CALL FOR OTHER SPECIALS * 14-Day Programmable Tuner * Wireless Remote Control * EXTENDED WARRANTIES AVAILABLE WDS seLts WDS The “Competition” MOST MAJOR BRANDS OF: Confidence Checklist Factory Sealed Receivers, Tape Decks, Amplifiers, Full U.S. Warranty Never No None Yes Tuners, Disc Players, Turntables, 7-Day Repair Service Reasonable Yes Cartridges, Reel-Reels, Car Stereo, Credit Card Surcharges Inflated Equalizers, Portables, VCR’s, Camcorders, Hidden Charges Pa No a Shipping Rates ? Monitors, Projection TV’s, AND MORE. Factory Trained Sales Staff #800 356-9514Extended Warranties Hours M-T 8-8 OR CALL 608-271-6889 FRI 9-8 SAT 9-5 ALL SALES FINAL x THOUSANDS OF SPECIALS TO CHOOSE WDS WIS CONSIN FROM — JUST CALL AND ASK DISCOUNT STEREO 2417 W. BADGER RD. * OVER $30 MILLION INVENTORY MADISON, WI 53713 x MOST ORDERS SHIPPED WITHIN 48 HRS. Some items closeouts, some limited quantities. x WE SERVICE WHAT WE SELL TOLL FREE SERVICE # 800-448-3378 _ ;

THE COPY KING Videotests ee ae treMF} ADVANCED vino Paocesscnoc © Test Report: Olympus Movie 8 — VX-801-KU 8mm Camcorder “MMFFJJ 1452 - “$299. 95 DATA Still frame: yes Date of test: December 1986 Frame advance: yes The Most Advanced Suggested retail price: $1850 Slow motion: no Weight: 2.9 pounds, camcorder less bat- Video Processor Speed play: no EXCLUSIVE FEATURES! tery and cassette; 0.4 lbs., battery; 1 lb., VF-BA81-U battery charger/AC adapter Cue & review: 7x, forward and reverse (only from MFJ) Visible FF and Rew: no Dimensions: 5-3/8 x 4-7/8 x 10-1/8 inch- Fast forward/rewind time: 3 min for Complete control of es (h/w/d), camcorder; 1-3/8 x 9-1/4 x 3- P6-90 CONTRAST 9/16 inches (h/w/d), charger/adapter Remote pause: no Power requirements: 7.2 VDC, cam- Expand or compress whites to corder; 120 VAC, 50/60 Hz, charg- Remote: none save faded or contrasty films; Increase or decrease er/adapter Separate eject: yes blackness of films over or Power consumption: 7 W approx., Counter digits: 4 under exposed. Invert camcorder; 22 W approx., charger/adapter Counter memory: yes Video converts 110, 120, Image sensor: solid state, 1/2-inch CCD Program start locator/index/cue: no 35mm, large format, Lens: f/1.2, 6x (9-54mm) power zoom Audio dub: no X-ray & movie film negs to with macro focusing Video dub: insert, also replaces audio positives for recording or Auto rewind: yes viewing. Invert Chrominance/Invert Filter diameter: 49mm Linear audio: none Luminance Switches for special effects. Minimum focusing distance: 4 feet, Hi-Fi audio: mono AFM Accessories: supplied—VF-BA81-U Complete plus macro range A/V/RE/AC adapter/battery charger, Minimum illumination: rated, 7 lux; VF-BP81-U 1-hour battery (1-hour control of measured 7.4 lux for 50 IRE recharge), shoulder strap, A/V output connector, A/V cable, earphone, VHF RF pus omit eligi Autofocus: yes, switchable to manual cable, and 300-75 ohm transformer; op- with one-shot AF capability tional—car battery cord, extension cable, Use the Enhancer and a White balance: auto, switchable to in- ND filters, carrying case door (3200 k) or outdoor (5500 k) white “blob” becomes a face Iris: auto with press and hold backlight RESULTS & RATINGS compensation button Horizontal resolution: 240 lines with individual eyelashes! Sensitivity: single range 7 to 100,000 lux Viewfinder: fixed electronic with flip-up approx., measured The Spilt Screen feature focusing magnifier; on-screen bar to indi- S/N, video luminance: 37.7 dB, un- cate iris opening, and LEDs to indicate re- gives side-by-side unen- cord/battery warning and auto white bal- weighted; 37.9 dB, weighted; 56.3 dB, ance off with sag compensation hanced/enhanced Viewfinder controls: focus lever for S/N, chroma AM: 40.1 dB magnifier S/N, chroma PM: 40.4 dB comparison to let you get the maximum Auto fade: semi auto Audio frequency response: 25-16, 000 VCR controls: all, unitized sharpness you want. p Microphone: unidirectional electret con- Hz, -3 dB; 20-20,000 Hz, +0.05/-6.97 dB Complete denser Dynamic range: 77.1 dB Cable length: none Audio distortion: 0.3 percent contro»l& COLOR Plug: none Overall picture quality: very good/ex- Jacks: mic, earphone minijacks, multi-pin @\\ With the MFJ 1452 and adapter cellent your VCR for dubbing, cor- Tape format: 8mm Audio quality: good Tape speeds: SP only rect weak colors or color Ease of operation: very good Overall performance: very good/excel- shifts. Brighten faded films. lent #7 Brightness Control improves @ too dark or too light scenes; allows fading in or out — Famous (no commercials!) GUARANTEE All MF J Video Products come with a double guarantee we think is unmatched. Order from MFJ and try any Cc product for 30 days. If it doesn't satisfy your needs, estal just 1-3/8 inches high by 9-1/4 wide by input and output. 3-5/8 inches deep. On its front are a power Operation. The VX-801 offers point return it for a full refund, switch and indicator, the TV/video switch, anda VTR/charge switch with an indicator. less shipping. No hassles. If The TV/video switch is coupled to the you keep what you order you power switch so that the TV position is and shoot simplicity. Cassette eject opens automatically selected when power is are assured of continued service switched off. This is useful if you feed a TV the cassette hatch, but to remove the cas- through the RF input, but annoying if you with MFu's One Year Uncondi- feed a monitor through the audio and video outputs. Then you have an extra switch to tional Guarantee. set every time you want to play a tape. The sette you must press a release near the top of the adapter has a covered battery Call toll-free and charge the \\)«; charging socket and rubber pads on which back edge of the cassette. Backlight com- the camcorder sits. products you need to your x pensation and fade require that the buttons On the bottom is the channel 3/4 RF VISA or MasterCard, or send a be held down while those features are on. output selector. At the right is the cable to check or money order, plus $6.00 shipping, connect the camcorder plus an auxiliary terminal. At the back are the power cord, and our shipping department will promptly RCA-type pin jacks for audio/video input This presents no problem unless you want and output, plus F connectors for VHF have your order on its way to you. to fade into or out of a backlit scene, but the buttons are close to each other so even that is not too difficult. Otherwise the Mov- ie 8 is so easy to use it’s almost effortless. Performance. The VX-801 delivers nearly 240 lines of horizontal resolution 1-800-647-1800 with a video signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of Free Call. Free Catalog. 37.7 decibels, unweighted, and 56.3 dB, MFJ Enterprises, Inc. weighted with sag compensation. Its chro- 921 Louisville Rd./ Starkville, MS 39759 6SCRicNaFoaieodnenr.rdfacdviodl.itreecimreoantailon, ma AM S/N is 40.1 dB, and its chroma PM 96 Video March 1987 S/N is 40.4 dB. Its overall picture quality is very good/excellent. Q