video-magazine-1991-12

_ HIGHven TR TET RESOLUTION VIDEO. UNCOMPROMISED PERFORMANCE! JVC engineered the new HR-S4700 and HR-S6700 with one primary design criteria — a standard of excellence to please even the most discerning videophile. Each delivers uncompromised performance — from the high resolution picture that Super VHS is renown for, to the rock-solid reliability that JVC built its reputation on. S-VHS picture quality has been even further refined in these models by the incorporation of advanced processing circuitry such as a Logical Comb Filter and a Color Response Improvement circuit. Hi-Fi VHS stereo sound enhances the video experience by delivering more than 90dB of dynamic range. The HR-S6700 even includes a built-in audio processor with 5 different settings to augment any home theatre environment. Flying erase head and front panel A/V inputs make these VCRs fully capable components for a home editing system. JVC’s intelligent on-screen menu, access functions and comprehensive remote controls make the outstanding performance of each model easy to enjoy. We invite you to visit your authorized JVC dealer for a complete demonstration of the HR-S4700 and HR- $6700 high resolution VCRs — OUR NEW Remote for ‘ Remote for STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE! HR-S4700 HR-S6700

ALL TOGETHE Our own ‘Canned’ Film Festival—1991’s best movie boxes he children were Star Trek fects scenes and beauty shots of the nestled all snug in VHS: Five cassettes, $74.75 or $100. La- Enterprise. The second, The Wrath of their beds, while vi- Khan, is a great action film, highlighted sions of dinosaurs serdiscs: 12 sides, $149.95. Paramount. by Ricardo Montalban’s seething perfor- danced in their This is not a good gift to give if you mance as a crazed genetic superman. heads. And Ma in her kerchief and I in need help cleaning up after Christmas— The third movie serves largely to tie my cap, had just upon unwrapping this set of all five Star the second to the fourth, although turned on the TV, Trek movies, any Trekker is sure to head Christopher Lloyd adds subtle comedy avoiding a nap. straight for the VCR, not to be seen for as a vicious Klingon commander who hours. With outstanding soundtracks talks like Jim, the mechanic from Taxi. This ’90s ver- and clean transfers, the movies receive In the hilarious fourth movie, Kirk, sion of ’Twas the the collector’s-edition treatment they Spock and crew romp through San Night Before deserve. Recipients need not be Star Francisco in search of humpback Christmas proves Trek fanatics. For the most part, the whales. The disastrous fifth film feels that this holiday movies-hold their own as science-fiction like a made-for-TV movie, but the part action-adventures, with lots of great where a godlike alien speaks is one of season, nothing special effects and carefully mixed sur- the best surround scenes ever. ~ would tickle round tracks. someone’s fancy more than a box—a The set is available in a $75 pan-and- boxed set, that is, packaging tapes or The first movie was created to push scan VHS version, a $100 letterboxed the buttons of Trekkers who had been VHS version with pins and a certificate discs from a favorite star, theme or series denied new product for more than a dec- from Gene Roddenberry, and a $150 la- into one easy-to-wrap set. Some even ade— it’s filled with tedious special ef- serdisc version. Astonishingly, there is tuck in extras like behind-the-scenes footage, pins, lithographs, autographs Box Me Up, Scotty: LMEOSRSILL and more. The $100 version of the Star Trek boxed set This year movie studios are boxing is packed in an attrac- their greatest hits from Christmases tive case with lapel past —as well as springs, summers and pins and a certificate autumns past —like never before. from producer Gene They’re intended as gifts and packaged Roddenberry. to entertain (“Superman: The Complete Movie Collection”), amuse (“Saturday Night Every Night”), inform (“Dino- saur!”), engross (“The Godfather Col- lector’s Edition”), enchant (“Musicals of Note”), amaze (“Back to the Future Trilogy”) and satisfy viewers of all ages and tastes. We’ve culled the really won- derful sets from the merely marketable (after all, is Steven Seagal ready to box?) in both tapes and discs, and present our picks as a guide to the season’s liveliest viewing. Contributors: April P. Bernard, Brent But- terworth, Kenneth Korman, Stan Pinkwas. 52 VIDEO DECEMBER 1991

still a Trekker or two who needs to get a and no tedious customs checks. Ernst life —the special-edition $200 VHS set with a certificate signed by William Lubitsch directed the witty Ninotchka, Shatner himself is already sold out. with Garbo as a Russian “envoy extraor- —BB dinary” sent to Paris to govern a trio of The Godfather emissaries whose exposure to Western- Collector’s Edition style room service has gone to their VHS: Seven cassettes, $150. Laserdiscs: 12 heads. But the attention of Melvyn sides, $129.95. Paramount. Douglas switches her focus from strictly Possibly the most exciting of this year’s new boxed sets, this limited-avail- business to monkey business in this sly ability, leather-embossed package finally unites all three American epics. No, the comedy. recently released Godfather Part III doesn’t rank with director Francis Ford Another directing great, George Cu- Coppola’s two earlier masterpieces, but how many films do? Part III is a service- kor, took the helm of Camille, a virtual able and entertaining finale for the se- ties, brought to life largely through an one-woman show with Garbo as the impassioned performance by Al Pacino. Even the unfortunate appearance by wilting French flower, Marguerite Coppola’s daughter Sofia isn’t as de- structive as critics would have us be- Gautier, and the dashing Robert Taylor lieve. as her lover, Armand. As the unhappy The real treat of the collector's edi- tion, however, is The Godfather Family: Russian ballerina Madame Grusinskaya, A Look Inside. Available only as part of the set, this 73-minute documentary Garbo joined an ensemble of acting tal- avoids the shameless self-promotion of most “making of ” programs. Instead we ent staying in Berlin’s Grand Hotel. The get detailed accounts of the studio’s iron hand on the first film—the young Cop- register also includes John Barrymore, pola had to work under the constant threat of being fired— plus previously Joan Crawford, Wallace Beery and Lion- unseen outtakes and screen tests from the early movies. At $130, the laserdisc el Barrymore. set is a tremendous bargain—and we can’t imagine a laser fanatic who Another Garbo boxed set, compris- wouldn’t be thrilled to find it under the tree. ing Anna Christie, Anna Karenina, Flesh and the Devil and Camille, is available ex- clusively on laserdisc from MGM/UA at $99.98. —APB Back to the Future MP6213 MPE24 MP ENG wens VHS only: Four cassettes, $59.95. MCA/ Universal. In the first episode, Michael J. Fox, as Marty McFly, gives Chuck Berry the secret of rock ’n’ roll. In the sequel, my personal favorite, time travel becomes so confusing that Christopher Lloyd actu- continued on page 116 Greta Garbo «= VHS only: Three cas- settes, $49.92. MGM/ UA. If you can’t afford to give a bona fide trip to Europe, give one on vid- eo with the MGM/UA Greta Garbo collection. The boxed set — made up of black-and-white classics Ninotchka, Ca- mille and Grand Hotel— boasts cosmopolitan set- tings, exotic characters

BY RICHARD WARREN CAMCORDERS LITE Sexy new minis shave off the ounces, pile on the features is the season of components directly to printed circuit to include dozens of features without in- light. But it’s also boards saves still more space by elim- creasing their size and weight. One cam- the Age of Lite, inating the wire leads of resistors, capac- corder LSI chip might possess half the from lite beer to itors and the like. Pity only the service computer processing power of a basic lite cream cheese. technician who must deal with a compo- personal computer, making possible arti- Now, camcorder nent density that surpasses the popula- makers have seen ficial intelligence functions. the light, and we tion density of Tokyo. Even CCD imagers are shrinking. don’t mean low Ordinary integrated circuits com- lux sensitivity. Engineers have developed ways to cram Lite camcorders bine hundreds of separate components a comparable number of pixels onto 1/3- have arrived— on a single chip. New large-scale and inch CCDs as originally populated half- new 8mm and very large-scale integrated circuits, inch CCDs. This not only saves space, VHS-C models but shortens focal lengths, resulting in that weigh less known as LSIs and VSLIs, combine up more compact lenses. than 24 ounces, to millions of components on a single upgraded Hi8 and chip. This allows palm-sized camcorders Sony launched the ultra-compact S-VHS-C units weighing less than two camcorder trend three years ago with its pounds. What once was an armful is now barely a handful. And all—includ- TR (for travel) series of 8mm cam- ing models by Sony, Canon, Hitachi, Panasonic, JVC, Minolta and Fuji—are corders. Since the original CCD-TRS, a here in time for the holidays. relatively spartan unit weighing 1.8 pounds, Sony has built a complete line Advanced technologies in optics, of TR models. The most recent entries are the first ultra-miniature Hi8 model, charge-coupled imaging devices and in- the CCD-TR8I1, and now the smallest, tegrated circuits are taking off the pounds without compromising perform- lightest yet, the CCD-TRS51. ance. Flexible four-layer circuit boards condense the space required by the hun- dreds of components that comprise a camcorder. The application of surface mount technology to attach miniature Mighty Minis: This year’s super-small, feature-packed cam- corders include Sony's 8mm TR51 (left), Can- on's Hi8 USC1 (right) and Canon’s 8mm UC1. Both Canon units have remotes that de- tach from the body. 54 VIDEO DECEMBER 1991

The $1,500 hi-fi stereo Pocket Pals: previous lenses. The TR51 also includes TR81 weighs 1.8 pounds, yet in- fa Hitachi's 8mm the world clock and the remote control cludes nearly every feature found on VM-E25A (left), and Sony’s larger models. Sony squeezes of the TR8I. 410,000 pixels onto its 1/3-inch CCD. JVC's S-VHS-C This allows the Hi8 video system to re- Other companies market similar cord 400 lines of horizontal resolution. GR-SX90U. The camcorder’s ultra-small size still in- models. Ricoh’s R-88H, for example, of- corporates an external LCD information At 1.3 pounds, screen, and manual controls like a Sony’s TR51 8mm cam- fers essentially the same features as the thumb-wheel iris. As a bonus, there’s a corder might blow away in a world clock that resets the time to wher- strong wind. A 10-bit digital camera sig- TR81, as does Yashica’s $1,600 Samurai ever you are in the world, or to daylight- nal processing chip reduces the number saving time, at the push of a button. of parts in the camera section of this KX-HI1U camcorcer. Yashica also offers Sony also provides a wireless remote $1,200 hi-fi stereo model. The newly de- control. veloped full-range inner focus lens sys- the ultra-miniature KX-77U in standard tem automatically focuses from macro Fuji offers an interesting variation of through infinity, yet it’s smaller than 8mm. > the TR81. A unique multi-action hand grip supports the Fujix H80 for ease of Coming This year manufacturers have proven there’s more than use and stability. The dual-position hand Next Year one way to shrink a camcorder. Next year, Mitsubishi will show there’s more than one way to switch lenses. It grip incorporates a second recording trigger. The grip also makes a conve- will offer the second consumer camcorder with inter- nient tripod or a carrying handle. changeable lenses. However, it will be the first S-VHS-C model to boast the feature, and itwill be considerably lighter than Canon’s Hi8 L1 system. The secret is a two-part lens system. The part inside the camcorder's body responds to the focus system, which automatically adjusts for all situations. This makes it possible to capture wide-angle or telephoto images by sim- ply swapping outer lens elements instead of changing the entire lens. Three lenses, with different zoom ranges, will be offered initially. Available now in Japan and displayed recently in Europe, the camcorder is expected to be in- troduced here early next year. —Stan Pinkwas Key Grip: Fuji’s Hi8 H80 has a unique pistol grip with a second recording trigger. New in ’92: Mitsubishi's camcorder keeps part of the lens inside the body. DECEMBER 1991 VIDEO 55

Do Not sia S_PpEaCrIAtLeIrSyT:} JVC competes with Sony ounce for Disturb! ounce, inch for inch in the VHS-C for- #1 FOR ALL YOUR BATTERY NEEDS mat. This season, it’s fielding four ultra- Buy direct ond save with guaranteed lowest prices on all camcorder replacement batteries. miniature models, all under two pounds. INRe5w00INCFoRrdAlSeOsUsND Y #1 Sony 8mm 1500 mai $29.97 The most exciting is the new $1,600 GR- + let i#1 FNCaocr ePanas&oniVcC HGonRdAGXrip 9$347.97 SX90U S-VHS hi-fi stereo model. A isc trapapignec 4g \\ anon 8mm 4.97 novel feature, “cinema mode,” records #1 All others in stock CAL home videos in the 16:9 aspect ratio that listen privately will be used for HDTV. This widescreen One year warranty-made in USA mode makes your videos look more like to TV, as loud movies. The viewfinder pivots out of the (800) ASK-BIRY way when not in use, making the cam- mince 2 Tore 61 o corder even more compact. bing others. The $1,300 PV-41 Palmcorder from AC-powered trans- In N.Y. or outside of the U.S. Panasonic softens the jitters. Digital mitter connects call (212)385-4047 electronic image stabilization compen- easily to any brand of sates for abrupt, repetitive motion while TV, VCR, or TV video game. IRSOO Nia vee harger. shooting. Users can use this VHS-C sub- Lightweight, battery-powered headset provides maximum listening comfort. Built battery eliminators compact camcorder to shoot videos while in volume control lets you adjust volume walking or riding in a car. Those with from headset without getting up. Addi- C2SRNciao‘i0eaonednrr.rfdacvdoildi.rteecmireaotniaoln, unsteady hands also will benefit from tional headsets may be purchased CiaNcR2S‘oaoinOd4enr.rrfdacodiledrt.demeiiarogtrniiaotlnav,l iEISc. eHowever, Panasonic invites separately. UL Listed. Limited one year wil beJust call us with the’make and model number of your cy ent users to decide how to best make the PV-41’s digital circuitry work for them. of battery, and our friendly ond professional soles staff Instead of image stabilization, the digital happy to help you. It’s e easy. warranty. #1 — We ako cory cellular telephone batteries circuits can multiply the 8x zoom lens to #1 — All 35mm camera batteries - even hard to find ones a 30x level. The lithium battery that ARKON RESOURCES, INC. #1 Cordless telephone batteries - all makes - $12.97 runs the clock/calendar automatically #l_s Add ie$3.95 for shipping recharges from the main battery, so that 11627 Clark St. ¢ Suite 101 #1 Call 9:30 - 5:30 ET. Same-day shipping no extra $ it rarely, if ever, needs replacement. Arcadia « CA ¢ 91006 « USA #1 — M/C, Visa, American Express gladly accepted Tel: (818) 358-1133 © Fax: 818-3036157 #1 Or send check or money order. Sorry, no C.0.D.’s Hitachi invokes digital circuitry to give its new $1,300 8mm WM-E25A #1 BATERY SPEGMISTS 10 WARREN STREET 3RD FLOOR camcorder an extraordinary 64x zoom WEW YORK,WY 10007 FAX WO. (212)385-4952 ratio. Merely shrinking the hi-fi stereo >& camcorder into a 1.9-pound package * wasn’t enough for Hitachi. The slim Twist and Shoot camcorder folds up, so t that when closed the body aligns into a I.IS’BEEN yMoISuSvINEG f- - narrow, virtually pocketable unit. Un- v2 folding automatically turns the cam- corder on and sets it to automatic. 6 Artificial intelligence enhances the automatic mode, adjusting the iris, the 108 [4 8 od Me » shutter speed, the white balance and backlight compensation. The wireless & ce { remote control comes cleverly stored in a sleeve inside the cassette door. And Sc5s) Bl... Re S daorrdd not only does it have a “wide” mode 5 similar to JVC’s cinema mode, it also has $5e ‘ 4 .oTehe Eyeopener a narrow mode that actually compresses Z .‘ 2 ° Sn Lega -—« You Can Clearly See images. 2 Hat 2 Both The Viewfinder 3 : arene And Your Weighing virtually the same, but § ;3 ae Surroundings featuring a more conventional palm-size 3 shape, are two new models from Min- € THE SOLUTION - When you flip the Eyeopener into olta’s Master-8 series, the 418 and the g position you instantly feel at ease to move (without tripping), you 428. Both have fast shutters, pro- grammed auto exposure modes and 8x 3 Gs |know what is going on around you, and you can see and plan your 5 _. | nextshot. You are much more comfortable and relaxed with both F = | eyes comfortably and naturally open. lenses. But the 428 can electronically in- 2 —JI INNOVATIVE DESIGN - The Eyeopener can be crease the zoom level to 64x, a novel ef- 5 installed on any video camera, from the smallest 8mm camcorder to the largest fect that requires a tripod for jitter-free professional broadcast camera. The Eyeopener is adjustable for perfect results. positioning, can be fully retracted out of the way when not in use, weighs less In a game where weight counts, than 1/4 ounce, and is manufactured using only high quality materials. U.S. Patents 4729648, 4810789 Canon has raised the latest ante, edging MUST TRY .- The only| To order send $9.95 ea. + $2.00 shipping/handling or out Sony by a couple of ounces with its way to really understand how CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-869-8154 M.-F 8-5PST new 8mm UCI, which weighs 1.28 well the Eyeopener works is to try it for yourself. You will] pi 30 day money back satisfaction guarantee pounds (although in fairness this does not include a detachable control panel). love this product - thousands} opsin INCORPORATED shipped within 24 hours of customers already do. 11807 North Creek PWaArkwa98y01S1outh (NEeNm}p!) eaeer- a continued on page 118 Suite #106, Bothell, he Eyeopener is a trademark of Opsin Inc. ©1991 Opsininc. All rights reserved. 56 VIDEO DECEMBER 1991

_ FREE WIDE ANGLE, TELEPHOTO LENS & TRIPOD WITH THE PURCHASE OF pvieahs CAMCORDER ¢SUPPLIES LIMITED ORDER NOW!!! YASHICA ante HITTER aie IN. [8x1 ZOOM estes! ee aiaser PV-750 20x1 TR-51 “CALL PV-760 20:1. Ise) 5 20x1 ZOOM . HI-8 CSTAELRELO Ai MKIil. RETURN OR EXCHANGE WITHIN 7 DAYS AFTER PRIOR AUTHORIZATION. ALL MERCHANDISE ARE sia FRESH WITH U.S.A. WARRANTY. ALL RETURNS MUST BE IN ORIGINAL CONDITION & INCLUDE BLANK WARANTY CARDS. RETURNS SUBJECT TO p RE-“:STOCKING FEF. SHIPPING & HAND! ING.NON-[-D| DUCTIBLE. NOTRI SPONSIBLE FOR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS. QUANTITIES LIMITED. For additional information, circle er Service Card.

NY Ih BY LOU KESTEN YOU CAN TAKE ITWITH YOU Adults find portable fun in a new generation ofhandheld games hate flying. It’s not vious advantage is that it’s cheap —only more. Atari’s Lynx, available for around so much a phobia $80. Its most obvious disadvantage is $100, is a little bigger than Game Boy as a dislike of be- that it looks cheap. and horizontally oriented, helping it bet- ing herded about with bunches of The Game Boy is a little smaller ter accommodate big, beefy, grown-up than a paperback novel, with a 3.5-inch hands. The original Lynx was big and sweaty strangers in black-and-white screen and the same unwieldy, and darn near impossible to a cramped metal buttons you’d find on a control pad for slip into a jacket pocket. The 1991 model tube. I could the home Nintendo Entertainment Sys- is lighter and more compact. smoke an entire tem. It has volume and contrast con- pack of Camels on trols, jacks for stereo headphones and The Lynx has the typical directional DC power, and a connector for linking a ctoss-country up to four Game Boys for competitive controller, two sets of buttons and a flight, but now I’m play. It takes four AA batteries, which unique feature that flips the screen for denied even this last a long time because the screen isn’t comfortable left-handed play. Other- escape. The hands lit. Under certain conditions, the screen wise, its controls and jacks mirror the and gums normal- is tough to see, but there’s an easy fix— Game Boy’s. The deluxe Lynx package, ly kept oceupied Light Boy, a $24.95 snap-on light de- for $150, includes an AC adapter, a by R.J. Reynolds signed for the Game Boy. Game car- ComLynx cable (for connecting up to tridges cost $25 to $40 each, and are demand some sort of gratification during system-specific —they’re not compatible four Lynxes) and a California Games car- these hours aloft. Wrigley’s attends to with any other videogame system. tridge. The Lynx requires six AA bat- the latter. As for the former, God bless Game Boy. All hail TurboExpress. Moving into the glorious realm of teries, and games (which, again, can’t be color handhelds doesn’t cost much ei on anything else) cost $35 to Handheld videogames weren’t just invented for nicotine junkies (like me). 1 eA STOTT 40. Slightly more upscale is Sega’s $150 According to the annual Christmastime AVATARI North Pole Poll, most people—plenty 4 Game Gear. The Game Gear's unclut- of whom are adults—use handhelds , Portable Play: The latest version of during long trips or while commut- § Atari’s Lynx (above) ing, watching TV and, yes, using the | and the Chip’s Chal- bathroom. And a lot of folks play | lenge game (right). with them as a way to goof off at work or at the gym. This year they have a lot more choices to goof around with. Sys- tems from Nintendo, Sega, Atari, NEC and one surprise competitor are all fighting for your attention with innovative technology and splashy software. This year, portable vid- eogames have moved from the fringe to center court. Here’s a look at how the field’s shaping up. Nintendo, which raced Game Boy onto shelves earlier than the competi- tion, owns the lion’s share of the hand- held game market. By year’s end, Nintendo expects to have sold 12 mil- lion Game Boys worldwide. Its most ob- 58 VIDEO DECEMBER 1991

tered horizontal design may be the Shrunken System: sions for the most user-friendly among portable portable. And since NEC’s TurboExpress NEC has already released systems. It has a 3.2-inch screen, a with TurboVision TV more than 60 TurboGrafx directional controller, two other con- tuner (above), and the titles, the Express has a much trol buttons, brightness and volume di- larger game library than either of pinball simulator Devil's its color competitors. Finally, the als, and jacks for stereo headphones, Crush (below). games haven’t been scaled down for the smaller screen— you're playing ex- AC/DC power, and a cable that con- actly the same game you'd get at home. nects two Game Gears. Six AA batteries are needed, and the system-specific soft- GAMES FOR ADULTS ware goes for $30 to $40. A rechargeable Given the kind of bucks we’re toss- battery pack and AC and auto adapters are available. ing around here, you may be under- standably reluctant to buy such a pricey The Game Gear is a few steps up the gadget for your kid to lose on the school evolutionary ladder from the Lynx be- bus. Nintendo, Atari, NEC and Sega cause the slot that accepts the games don’t necessarily care — they want adults doubles as a tuner input. Another $120 to! buy handheld games for themselves. buys a little tuner that turns the Game According to Nintendo, 41 percent of Gear into a full-fledged portable color Game Boy players are 19 or older, a TV set, which can also double as a field much higher percentage than home monitor for camcorders. As Sega puts it, Nintendo users. when you take Joe Montana Football to Adult videogame players like differ- the stadium, “You can watch Joe on TV ent types of games than kids, and the or play him in the stands!” Game Boy library is geared toward these tastes. Puzzle games (the exemplar being Money still burning a hole in your Tetris, which comes with the system) are amply represented, with titles like Qix, Geared Up: TurboGrafx-16 control pad, plus the Sega's Game Gear controls found on the Game Gear and continued on page 120 an input for a $100 TV tuner. Like the (above) with TV tuner, Game Gear's tuner, this one also has an Grown-Up Games: and Castle of Illusion input for other video devices. So when Many puzzles, utility Starring Mickey Mouse you take the TurboExpress to a Guns N’ packages and sports Roses concert, you can watch Perfect games, like F1 Race (left). Strangers on TV or play Bonk’s Revenge. (above), are available for Nintendo's Game The TurboExpress accepts the same Boy (left), shown with software and four-play- game cards used in the TurboGrafx-16, er adapter. so if you've already invested in NEC games, you don’t have to buy new ver- POKER TRI x pocket? Then you'll want nothing less than NEC’s TurboExpress portable. For a mere $250 (gulp) you get all the power of NEC’s TurboGrafx-16 home ma- chine—and a dazzling 3.5-inch LCD color screen, all in a package slightly big- ger than the Game Boy. The TurboExpress is an awesome piece of engineering. Those who find the Game Boy ‘kind of cute” have been dumbstruck by the quality of the Turbo- Express. It has the same controls as a DECEMBER 1991 VIDEO 59

BY FRANK BEACHAM ia a\" anansoee Wide TVs & smart TVs chase HDTV in a bid for TV's future. Scene 1: Inside an unimposing red brick building in Alex- what different perspective. TV networks, the Hollywood film andria, Virginia, scientists embark upon a series of tests de- community and computer makers touting “smart TVs” are all signed.to help the Federal Communications Commission beginning to play important roles in shaping television’s choose one of six competing HDTV systems to be the nation’s emerging new format, or formats. standard. The target date is 1993. Just in the past year, the video community has begun to Fade to: Berlin, site of Funkausstellung, the world’s largest absorb the impact of a series of events: the deepening econom- ic quicksand underlying the traditional broadcast business, the consumer electronics show. More than two dozen manufac- prospect of widescreen monitors, TV sets that work like com- turers display widescreen TV sets— models lacking high-defi- puters, breakthroughs in digital video technology. “We can nition resolution, but using the 16:9 aspect ratio for their now think about television differently than ever before,” says screens. Some brands are already being sold in European Andrew Lippman, associate director of MIT’s Media Lab. “We countries. U.S. citizens should be able to purchase the sets can use it in new and wholly different ways.” sometime in 1992. What does this mean for HDTV? At the least, it may de- Cut to: New York City, where 300 video insiders gather be- lay its arrival as a mass medium. At the most, it may shift neath a richly carved ceiling inside the Manhattan Center, a HDTV to the sidelines as other ways to improve television midtown tower housing several recording studios. A new com- gain momentum. But now HDTV still holds center stage, and pany called Frox is introducing an interactive home video sys- driving much of the debate is the testing under way in Alex- tem based around a TV set that boasts near HDTV picture andria at an industry-financed laboratory called the Advanced quality and a range of RAM-based computing functions. Call- Television Test Center. Here, scientists are impartially com- paring six rival HDTV technologies. Their results will be given ing their approach “the first vision of the inevitable,” Frox ex- to the FCC, which plans to announce its choice for a national ecutives say the system is available now in limited numbers. HDTV system by June 1993. Within months of this announce- ment, manufacturers should begin to offer HDTV sets to the All of a sudden HDTV isn’t television’s only possible fu- ture. As we approach 1992, the debate over HDTV is turning public. into far more than a selection process for a new transmission Bursting onto the scene only about a year ago, the most standard. It is becoming a fundamental discussion about what advanced of the proposed HDTV systems being tested are television is going to become in the 21st century. At the same time, the playing field is widening. The engi- based on new findings in digital technology. If a digital system wins, as most industry experts predict, the days of traditional neers and TV manufacturers who set HDTV into motion are being joined by a variety of groups, each with its own some- 60 VIDEO DECEMBER 1991

analog broadcasting could be numbered. At stake is not only mission. the technological direction of the medium, but who will con- “The fact is we trol it. For example, TV’s old guard, the broadcasters, finds it- do not have endless self being challenged by a new generation of computer amounts of money to imple scientists who view broadcasters’ proposals as already obsolete, ment full HDTV,” says Peter Smith, vice president of engineering at NBC. a dead end for future expansion. Even among broadcasters, the selection of an HDTV Stan Baron, the NBC engineering executive charged with transmission standard is the subject of intense struggle. Some helping the network develop an HDTV policy, told a recent broadcasters say they can’t afford not to adopt an HDTV gathering of broadcasters, “The current offerings of HDTV standard. But faced with a sour U.S. economy, reduced adver- production equipment are just too expensive and are not por- tising revenues and a shrinking audience, many over-the-air | table enough for practical use in news, sports or many local broadcasters say they can’t afford to convert to HDTV trans- | broadcast programming environments.” > WROEBSTERBERG DECEMBER 1991 VIDEO 61

‘HI-DEF DIVIDE “The days are long gone when we broadcast stations that calls for a slower CDs You Can See: Kodak's forthcoming Photo CD can sell just technology,” observes Peter transition to full high-definition trans- system stores photos on CDs for viewing on TVs. Dare, Sony’s senior vice president for mission. Under the NBC plan, new technology in America. “We now have HDTV channels established by the FCC The central 720 pixels of the wide- to sell return on investment. If we can’t would broadcast less than true HDTV screen image would be extracted, then programs much of the time. Stations transmitted over the standard NTSC sell that, it’s all lost.” would produce programs for simulcast channel. HDTV viewers would get a If these words sound ominous for the using a new 525-line format with a wide- widescreen picture, but not the screen 16:9 aspect ratio. The programs increased image resolution offered by quick implementation of HDTV by would be “up-converted” to the new true HDTV. The outer ends of the pic- American broadcasters, they are. In ture received over a standard NTSC te- fact, NBC has submitted a proposal to HDTV channel. ceiver would be cropped off using what the other networks and to independent NBC calls “edge-of-picture digital ramp- ing or filtering.” A New The first wave of television’s coming revolution is almost Wave Of certain to be widescreen 16:9 TV sets. They've been NBC says this offers ‘‘a step- Wide TVs available in Europe for a year, but at about $5,000, pingstone” for networks and indepen- they're not exactly sweeping the continent. They have dent TV stations who cannot afford to build true HDTV systems in the current generated plenty of interest, though. At the recent economic climate. And NBC contends most viewers won’t notice the difference Funkausstellung show in Berlin, more than two dozen in picture quality anyway. The network cites studies which say that at a normal brands of prototype or production widescreen sets viewing distance viewers do not perceive were shown. any difference between a standard What's in store for America? RCA is planning to in- NTSC picture and 1,125-line HDTV on troduce its first U.S. widescreen sets before the FCC's a widescreen, 31-inch diagonal TV. Only HDTV decision in 1993. Philips is the only other manu- on larger screens does it make a differ- facturer with definite plans to sell widescreens here, but ence, says the network. it hasn’t decided on a delivery date. After dropping hints Though engineering executives at they would introduce 16:9 sets here early next year, the other networks stop short of endors- Hitachi and JVC have taken more cautious positions— ing NBC's proposal, there is widespread support among the networks for an in- neither admits to specific plans. termediate standard that will allow broadcasters to deliver something less All the other companies we contacted had little to than high-definition video over HDTV channels. say on the subject. As in Europe, most are waiting to gauge public enthusiasm for widescreen TV when one or “We are hoping to reach industry two bold companies finally introduce the sets. However, consensus on how all of us can move to- two have expressed doubts about the wisdom of wide- gether,” says Howard Miller, senior engi- screen. Mitsubishi says the success of widescreen TV is neering vice president at PBS. “It’s a way doubtful until a widescreen software format is stand- ardized, and plenty of software is available. Sony would of finding a more cost-effective ap- prefer to skip widescreen TV and go straight to HDTV proach for most of the stations so they can do something rather than nothing.” production when a standard is chosen in the U.S., ex- “CBS sees 525-line widescreen as a plaining that it doesn’t want to stick consumers with sets steppingstone,” says Joseph Flaherty, se- nior vice president of technology at the that may soon be obsolete. —Brent Butterworth network and a longtime proponent of HDTV. “Something beyond 525 narrow Not Here Yet: Hitachi's rear-projection widescreen TV. screen and not quite high-definition is a viable commercial choice a station man- ager should be able to make.” But some broadcasters fear that an 62 VIDEO DECEMBER 1991

interim 525-line widescreen standard, 800-558-0003 like the one proposed by NBC, could postpone true HDTV broadcasting well MON FiHOURS:CST CoSimncep19u82 te bila ity into the next century. “If they do this, it be will become the broadcast standard for Consumer flectronics BE 3 the next 25 years. Goodbye, HDTV,” rN said a prominent broadcast engineer 7 who asked not to be named. P.O. Box 17882 Milwaukee, WI 53217 “Yes, we see a danger that the for- Vow MV. mat could become stuck there. If an in- terim format gets going now it could last Canon . SONY. for 20 years or more,” says Jim Kutzner, a PBS engineer currently chairing an in- TOSHIBA JPHVILCIPS PIONEER’ dustry panel studying HDTV studio is- Panasonic sues. “Broadcast HDTV in America is Panasonic dead,” says another executive involved Industrial in HDTV marketing. “We are now mov- ing into a 16 by 9 world.” MINOLIA RICO SMART TV rN em. w40) SIMO Ms: ga fale sieliless On another side of the HDTV de- PuSrpcehcaisael! | Pri/ce? FDaeclLeirn!e bate are those who think the broadcast- ers are an obstacle to a bold, new multi- = “1 functional American TV system that can do far more than deliver passive en- HR-S6700U GR-AX5 WJ-AVE5 KX-T4000 tertainment. HR-S4700U Francis Ford Coppola, the visionary TIME BASE CORRECTORS EDITING DECKS director who helped pioneer the concept of “electronic cinema,” charges that ses yf ec Panasonic AG76/5AG07750 broadcast interests are holding back - Personal HDTV and that an even better HDTV Custom designed for JVC BR-S811U/ BR-S611U/ BR-S605U system is now needed to compete with EOL eCONsTROL,LERS film. He says the main obstacle to Call fYoorurYoNueredSsp!ecific Videonics HDTV is “powerful people who are oresVIDEO DiGneiERS Configuration! |PRPOanFaEsoSnSicIOiNnAduLstiCaAt MERAS greedy and want to stop progress.” he Gold ' FEATURING... LENSES: 8X-WVLZ 14/8AF Speaking at this year’s meeting of isionetics (Targa Compatible) Computers the National Association of Broadcast- 412X-WVLZ 14/12 ers in Las Vegas, Coppola said most peo- DIGITAL A/V MIXERS ple arguing against HDTV are not 15X-WVLZ 14/15 arguing to make it better: They are argu- Newtek Video Toaster ing to make it worse. “The broadcasting JVC: interests are putting pressure on con- Panasonic WJ-AVE5 TK-870U (RGB/Composite) gressmen to give us less than something we have to have,” he said. CHseiAnsRVAidCesTER GENERATORS TTKK--918007U0U (C(oRmGpBo/sCiotmep)osite_ /Y-C) Coppola’s view, in less colorful Precision Communica2 tions TK-1080U (Composite/Y-C) terms, has support from within both the film and the computer industries. “High-definition TVs are computers, whether you are typing on them or just watching TV,” says Michael Liebhold, manager of media architecture research in the Advanced Technology Group at Apple Computer. “We ought to include as criteria for an American TV system attention to images for a variety of appli- cations, not just broadcast TV.” Liebhold is a proponent of an emerg- ing new technology known as variable rate or “scalable” video. In its simplest terms, scalable video is digitally encoded in such a way that it can be displayed on devices with varying screen resolution. A bit rate is chosen that suits the desired quality level of a given program. The transmission signal actually carries pro- gram information that tells the receiver what the optimum playback resolution should be. With such a scheme trans- DECEMBER 1991 VIDEO 63

mission can be optimized for the band- pability of the playback device. The inadequate because of their weaknesses width of the delivery system. Data photos can be displayed on standard TV in respect to film,” says Gary Demos, a compression is one function of this proc- sets, computer screens or HDTV dis-, ess. filmmaker and computer artist whose plays. Full resolution of Photo CD im- credits include Tron, The Last Starfighter Whether the picture is displayed on ages can be extracted to make high- quality photographic prints. and 2010. a handheld LCD device, a medium-res- “The way 24-frame-per-second film olution CRT, a high- resolution wall dis- Variable bit rate systems that allow play or a video projector, “the video is in scalable video are critical areas of dis- is transferred to 60-Hertz video is called a master format coded so that low-pow- cussion in the FCC process to pick an er processors or receivers can extract as American HDTV system, says Liebhold. the 3:2 pulldown,” Demos explains. much resolution as they are capable of “They hold one frame of film on three displaying,” explains Liebhold. “Enough “These issues have become very inter- fields of interlace, the next frame on two is known about video coding now to de- esting to people. Many realize we have fields of interlace, and so on. However, sign systems that will work well across the opportunity to design a video system this is very waste—fseundling the same devices. We can design a high-definition frame on two or three fields of video. It system that could handle PAL and we will be satisfied with for a long time.’ would be better to send each film frame NTSC and allow true international pro- Liebhold says several of the digital sys- as a high-resolution video frame out to tems under consideration can be adapt- the viewer and let home receivers han- gram exchange.” Liebhold cites Kodak’s Photo CD ed for scalable video. dle the display rate.” Another interested group is the Hol- Citing the benefits of scalable video, system, scheduled to debut in 1992, as one of the first examples of a scalable lywood production community. Kodak Demos says an active-matrix color LCD video product for consumers. A single estimates that about 80 percent of panel could display 24- frame film in the Photo CD, costing under $20, holds up prime-time TV programming is now home without flicker. “It would look to 100 digitized 35mm still film images shot on 35mm motion picture film. Such perfect,” he argues. However, if the using 18 megapixels of information for film has a resolution far exceeding that each film frame. That’s about 16 times of any of the proposed HDTV systems. viewer chooses to watch a film on a the frame information capability of This is why Kodak advocates a true CRT screen, an internal frame buffer NTSC television and four times that of high-definition transmission system, says could set the flicker rate. 1,125-line HDTV. However, the Photo Kodak executive Brad Hunt, who is also a member of the Center for Advanced Current broadcast standards elimi- CD can play back its photos at levels nate flicker by interlace scanning the that vary according to the resolution ca- Television Studies. image. Flicker is determined by field This view is echoed by filmmakers. rate, rather than frame rate. NTSC has a field rate of 60 fields per second. High- “All the proposed HDTV standards are continued on page 118 VIDEO- O-‘OH what a sale! GEMINI Controllers Handles up to 3 remotes totaling 18 functions on TV, VCR or cable converter. MAC-10 SIMA Video Mini Editor SIMA Video aiceidin BP® Stereo Antenna Reg. $39.95 Sale! 999°5 | s \"179\"Pro look editing, adding, deleting, combining and Amplifier Helps your FM receiver get Advanced controller with LED's and more with push of a button! undistorted sound. 42 programmable learning keys. 6 ft. coaxial cable included. SED-2 MAC-20 Ce ea S329524\" Reg. $59.95 Reg. $149.95 Audio/Video Cent CP the easy way to improve video Enhancer tape quality and sound. Boosts audio or video signals. SReEg.D-$3249.95 Built-in dubbing cables. All-in-One Video Processor for VCR's HEARING PPLLUS + The most versatile on the market: * Cigarette lighter jack © Regulated low ripple ioodnaartgltiad osOffers stabilizer, enhancer, 20ft ext. cordivelcro clip. 9 Q° FRconverantdefadrer. vP2002 sale!$32” HP770 Reg. $39.95 v-1880 Only Reg. $119.95 VMiixdeero 260 Motor prices Hauppauge, New York 11788 50 F$5o0r1-7O50r.d..e.r.s .$1600 $26-50 .....$600 $751-1,000... .$18.00 Add music from home stereo Qs 11800-695-4848=FOR YOUR FREE CATALOG $51-100 .... .$750 $1,001-1,.2$250.000 and monitor track on your TV. $101-200....$9.00 $1,251-1500 . $22.00 $201-300 ..$10.00 $1,501-2,000 ..$2750 LaasReg. $49.95 Special c25a%ndserpeosaiutre ; 0 $2,001 and up. $35.00 64 VIDEO DECEMBER 1991 For additional information, circle No. 23 on Reader Service Card.

“Truevision VideoVGA gives us a rock solid genlock and a great signal?’ a. 5 hSegine SRT+ , ‘i ne vy ae ¥ Corporate video created with Truevision VideoVGA* Output that’s worthy of our name and yours. Truevision VideoVGA output is broadcast quality. Advanced encoding delivers an interlaced NTSC signal that’s fully compliant with RS-170A specs in either composite or S-video formats. Just as important, it’s Truevision quality. VideoVGA was designed and built with the same standards that have made our TARGA® products so successful. Since the Truevision VideoVGA is also a fully functional SuperVGA board, you can create graphics or animations from most software packages. Its on-board scan converter lets you output directly into your switcher, or to any other destina- tion device including decks and videodisc recorders. Using Truevision VideoVGA with a Truevision TARGA or TARGA+ board, you can multiply your videographic capabilities. You can even use it as a stand alone character generator. If you’ve been getting mixed signals about VGA to NTSC products, scope out the Truevision VideoVGA. At $995, you’ll see a great signal and a great price. @ tkUEVision For more information 7340 Shadeland Station, Indianapolis, IN 46256 Prices quoted are suggested U.S, INTERNATIONAL: Canada 416/940-8727 France 33-1-3-952-6253 Italy 39-2-242-4551 domestic list prices. ©1991, Truevision, Inc. U.K. 44-628-77-7800 West Germany 49-89-612-0010 Other international 617 / 229-6900 *TOPAS®/VGA from AT&T GSL was also used. TOPAS is a registered trademark of AT&T GSL. For adaitional information, circle No. 24 on Reader Service Card.

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BY BRENT BUTTERWORTH AND KENNETH KORMAN COMOPIACCT INTERACTIVE PHILIPS Behind the wheel of video’s newest interactive contender In the ever-changing world of consumer The CD-I system, promised Philips, brave new world of onscreen text, electronics, six years is an eternity. Rev- would change the way we entertained graphics, animation and sparkling digital olutionary breakthroughs, format wars ourselves and learned about the world and other tumultuous events have been around us. An easy-to-use, interactive sound. known to explode —and sometimes fiz- machine would read custom-made, five- The $1,000 CD-I player accommo- zle—in far shorter periods of time. But inch optical discs, exposing the masses that’s how long it’s been since Philips, to new realms of thought and imagina- dates most five-inch optical formats, in- the giant European company behind tion through the miracle of multimedia. such now-pervasive technologies as the And this technology would be packaged cluding CD-I, CD + Graphics, CD au- compact disc, audio cassette and laser- dio, Kodak’s upcoming Photo CD and in a small, affordable box — virtually in- certain types of CD-ROM XA discs. Its disc, first announced its distinguishable from a standard CD back panel is similar to that of a laser- intent to develop Com- player—that plugs right into existing disc player, with RF input and output, pact Disc Interactive S-video/video/stereo audio output, and (CD-1) for the A/V systems. a connector for wired remote control home. This scenario may have sounded like devices such as a brightly colored track Touch and Go: fodder for George Lucas’ next outer- Philips’ user-friendly space adventure, but CD-I has finally ar- ball for kids. CD-I player (top) and rived and it’s not showing at the local CD-I produces digital video in four joystick-equipped re- multiplex— it’s on sale at your neighbor- mote control. hood department store. Like Commo- levels, from basic Nintendo-like graphics dore’s incompatible CDTV system intro- up to full 24-bit, 16.7-million-color im- duced early this year, the CD-I player ages. This matches the color reproduc- tion power of the hottest computer gear, consists mainly of a CD-ROM drive and like NewTek’s Video Toaster. It displays a sophisticated computer squeezed into motion video in varying degrees of quali- ty and size, usually in small picture-in- a very unintimidating package. But the picture windows. It’s also capable of four key to both these systems is the user levels of audio quality, from 16-bit, CD- interface. An incredibly simple re- quality sound to a compressed, long-play mote is all you need to enter CD-I’s mode that offers up to 16 hours of audio. Whether these machines will CMLRP&DEELO-SMAR|OYSTEIERL:LO 68 VIDEO DECEMBER 1991

“CAMERAS Compesiti fiagle of View Depth of Field *THEMES Lighting Fill Frame Ultra Leases ™WORKSHOP = Setting Up Fixed Subjec “DISC GUIDE FsPesure ° EXIT Backgrounds Closeup Snapshots and Chip Shots: Time/Life Photography (left) teaches the use of a 35mm camera, and Palm Springs Open (right) is an interactive golf game. change our lives is still very much open remote —and an action button are all to question. After all, no one yet knows you need. Move the cursor around on for sure if people actually want interac- the screen with the thumbstick and tive multimedia in their living rooms. click to act on the choices before you. But our initial CD-I test drive proved It’s as simple as that. A child could oper- deeply impressive. It’s an elegant and so- ate CD-I, and Philips is counting on mil- phisticated technology, and a very viable lions of them doing just that. £2 /Sam the Sham & Phareahs platform for the development of useful Two discs are included with player: and imaginative software. And the first Palm Springs Open and Golden Oldies mS Wooly Bully PLAY wave of CD-I titles ranges from the cap- Jukebox. We quickly found the former to REPEAT $F BGM Se tivating Palm Springs Open golf game to be the best golf game we’ve ever seen. ax rt Giz C| the timeless art of Harvest of the Sun: Only a day or two after the CD-I ar- ( Vincent Van Gogh Revisited, with prices rived, the formerly mild-mannered edi- from $18 to $50. We found it very excit- tors of Video Magazine were challenging Memory Lane: Golden Oldies Jukebox plays hits of the ’50s through a graphic jukebox control interface. ing, and we think you will too. one another to rousing and highly com- petitive matches. It’s a difficult game— ALL SYSTEMS GO players must gauge the wind, select a For all its technological feats, human club and use fast reflexes to avoid slicing engineering is surely CD-I’s greatest tri- or hooking the ball into oblivi—obnut it’s worth the time and effort it takes to get good. Just be prepared for sarcastic comments from the disc’s TV-style com- mentators when your initial single-hole scores reach well into double digits. Golden Oldies Jukebox is far less im- pressive, but still fun as long as you have a Sh. eS a taste for such “classic” tunes as Sheb Graphical Gallery: Harvest of the Sun brings the complete works of Vincent Van Gogh to the screen. Wooley’s “Purple People Eater” and The Hondells’ “Little Honda.” An onscreen jukebox provides access to lyrics or On a Roll: A big blue track ball lets kids move the “trackfax” for each of 20 songs. The lyr- CD-I cursor easily on discs like Sesame Street. ics scroll in time with the music while the trackfax flashes band bios and bits of umph. Turn on the player and TV, drop news from the year of a given tune’s re- a disc in the drawer and you’re on your lease. Lightweight stuff, to be sure, but way. The start-up screen comes into this disc reveals one very important fact view with a small arrow over a triangular about CD-I: The player’s sound quality box labeled “play CD-I.” Click once is impeccable, equal to that of dedicated with any of the remote’s four large ac- high-end CD players. tion buttons (strategically placed to ac- While Golden Oldies Jukebox is only commodate lefties as well as righties) playable on CD-I machines, two other and you've entered the disc. discs — Louis Armstrong’s An American The remote contains a variety of Songbook and Luciano Pavarotti’s O Sole smaller buttons, but they are very sel- Mio —are labeled “CD-I Ready,” Philips’ dom used with CD-I programs. The confusing term for discs that serve prin- “thumbstick—”avery small joystick eas- cipally as standard CDs but contain a Dinos on Disc: Tell Me Why II answers 175 science questions in subject areas like “How Things Began.” ily operated with a single finger on the |few extras when played on a CD-I. And PVCSMSRIPHCID1TORNES0TEOTUSEBE:NIRSHI DECEMBER 1991 VIDEO 69

AUDIO/VIDEO “few” is the operative word here. Each SELECTOR disc has lyrics (Pavarotti’s are in English as well as Italian) and credits you can MODEL AVS-20 o7s\\=)] a watch while listening, plus “bonus” sec- DESCRAMBLERS tions with short bios, discographies and The new Azden AVS-20 allows you to link all other background info presented in the THE MOST ADVANCED still-pictures-with-narration format. your video components (VCRs, TV, Video Disc TECHNOLOGY IN CABLE EQUIPMENT: Brief audio interviews with Armstrong Player, Camcorder) through a single and Pavarotti are nice, but the rest of component. e¢ BASE BAND e JERROLD the material would work just as well in a printed booklet. By pressing one button you can dub from any e PIONEER e TOCOM Time-Life 35mm Photography shows one of these sources, and at the same time e HAMLIN e ZENITH off the potential of the CD-I system bet- you can watch a program from any of the ter than any other disc we explored. The components. Italso has mic mixing so you can e SCIENTIFIC ATLANTA ¢ OAK disc’s three main sections offer lengthy tutorials for budding photographers— add narration to your dubbed tape. For WoOutRLofDtWhiIs DwEorld CpArBicLeEs call Philips claims that five hours of audio Compatible with all formats (ithas separate 1 800-772-3233 and hundreds of hours of instruction are included on this disc. “Cameras” intro- jacks for S-VHS), the AVS-20 has 4 audio/ FREE CATALOG AVAILABLE duces equipment and basic technique, video line inputs, 1a/v line output, and 1 while “Themes” gets you thinking about monitor output. One set of input jacks is located on the front panel for convenience in recording the art of photography. or viewing directly from your camcorder. But the real show-stopper is the Suggested retail price is $139.95. “Workshops” section (also accessible at (Also available without mic mixing as AVS-10 critical junctures in the previous sec- tions), which deftly presents a set of pa- at a suggested retail of $119.95. rameters for your consideration— such ‘BJUAO“|JIPOZOUD//IN4POUADDD/OIDBYDOYJSWDIPODJU AZDEN as a choice of shutter/aperture combina- Gig) “Ay Py Oe Ree up A Ore N ‘“JUEZB[PODZUO/IN/4OPUDADHODDJKDOO7/WYS4POPJ9OU1! C5 N. FEDERAL HWY., SUITE 142 tions or a series of metering options— BOCA RATON, FL 33487 then lets you take a snapshot with a sim- 147 New Hyde Park Rd., Franklin Square, NY 11010 (516) 328-7500 MC/ COD / VISA _NO FLORIDA SALES ulated camera. The picture resulting from your choices appears immediately piCdotnaecttrt)of” on screen, providing unlimited practice without the expense of film and devel- Own your own 1: oping. Applications that provide this Video Eoatasiaphy Service kind of valuable serv— uinavcaileable through any other medium —are the key Teoh (o(-We- MUDalie[0(- Wav(o(-tom olave)colelee-lla) me-t-1all(o1-(e)& to a long life for the CD-I format. e Conventions a's '{-foY]foate |-mr-Tale me)dal-)am-yelerr-]| We also found ourselves trying to e Realtors functions find extra time to spend with Treasures of the Smithsonian. This disc provides in- e Attorneys Pe Oxy ah'{-1a amale)anl-Mam-yel stele) Mam:lale| formation on only a smattering of the in- stitution’s 100 million items, but organ- Cie atcieie-Talex-Melanc-Jalac(e-)s-) Tae Lel-ycat-] male ai-t-mmcomm ale (-Lemm c-)el) izes them for access via the different mu- The No. 1 growth business of the 90’s. As featured in seums, a reference card file or a Entrepreneur, USA Today and Venture, VDS is the largest video timeline, and through preplanned taping and film to tape transfer service in the U.S. guided tours sleected by topic. Opera- tion is smooth and efficient, though Our complete package includes all equipment, live classroom some of the information is frustratingly training, field assistance, sales brochures, direct mail letters, superficial. We want to know much comprehensive marketing program and much more. Can be more than this disc can tell us, presuma- started on a part-time basis. Ideal as family business. Complete lo¥-(o4,¢-[¢[Wn Roc)-o)0Mm@r-1] nce)amm(alco)dnat-1ele)almoy-(e1,¢-(e[- male) mmo)amWale bly due to space limitations. giving name, address, phone number. We were surprised to discover that VADEO DATA SERVICES’ image quality isn’t a problem with any of 30 Grove Street, Dept. V these dis—cshsarp, full-color images are Pittsford, NY 14534 used when needed, and lower-quality 800-836-9461 (24 hours) video is used for text, animations and graphics, where 24-bit color isn’t needed and would take up too much disc space anyway. For example, the fairways and trees in Palm Springs Golf are shown in full color, but the large, animated golfer is shown in about 256 colors. This technique demonstrates CD-I’s most important quality —its flexibility. Because current technology can’t pro- duce high-quality, CD-based digital au- dio and video simultaneously, interac-

tive CD demands compromises. Rather LEARN VCR atte? Wit vie vie wg?” vig” wis? Whip, than designing these compromises into the hardware, Philips left it up to soft- CLEANING/MAINTENANCE/REPAIR && ware designers to decide where to maxi- mize quality. Discs such as Treasures of EARN UP TO $1000 A WEEK,WORKING 4 VIDEO & CAMERA EXPRESS \\ the Smithsonian emphasize image quality, PART TIME FROM YOUR OWN HOME! 94724 SEVENTH AVE. NEW YORK, N.Y. 10019 while discs such as Golden Oldies Jukebox concentrate on audio. Secrets “1-800-448-3738 212-397-1081: Revealed! Many future CD-I discs will include *~~ compressed, full-frame, full-motion digi- NO Special Finemovie 8 : Tools or tal video, which will meet standards re- Equipment cently set by the Motion Picture Experts Needed. Group (MPEG). Next year, Philips plans to offer a graphics card that will decom- ‘}sxee”Z > NLAATRIGOENS'TS >y*S4ovMye4g press these images, producing video with “ VIDEO DEALER 4 quality slightly inferior to that of VHS THE MONEY MAKING OPPORTUNITY tape. A large slot in back of the CD-I player will accommodate this card. We'll OF THE 1990’S have to wait and see whether full-mo- tion video will be an important develop- IF you are able to work with common small hand 10X 1 ZOOM ment—the discs we tried were just fine aaSttl>&aOyaSgsREYASHICA OPTICS without it. Philips has discussed using tools.... #, LUX 1/10,0Q Gas the full-motion capability to put movies IF you possess average mechanical ability, and #SHUTTER on CD-I, but the prospect of a new, low- #TITLER er-quality video format doesn’t excite us. have a VCR on which to practice and learn... & STEREO Other manufacturers may soon be then we can teach YOU VCR maintenance and SOUND E BASE selling CD-I players, thus bringing their repair! CODE own innovations to the technology. At FACT: up to 90% of ALL VCR malfunctions are the recent Japan Electronics Show, Pan- due to simple MECHANICAL or ELECTRO-ME- FINDER asonic showed a home CD-I player, San- CHANICAL breakdowns! yo and Sony demonstrated portable FACT: over 77 million VCRs in use today nation- wide! Average VCR needs cleaning/mainte- models with LCD screens, and Pioneer nance or repair every 12 to 18 months! showed a combi player that plays laser- discs, CDs and CD-Is. VIEJO’S 400 PAGE TRAINING MANUAL (over 500 photos and & SPORTS‘JB“UQ'/JOUPZ/OONIOPUA/D‘ADIHDOYGOIYSWPIOPJDU! VIEW illustrations) AND AWARD WINNING VIDEO TRAINING TAPE Apart from their interactive capa- bilities, CD-I players function as stand- REVEALS THE SECRETS OF VCR MAINTENANCE AND RE- ard CD players. We were pleased to find that the Philips model not only holds PAIR. REAL WORLD INFORMATION THAT IS NOT AVAILABLE lists of the user’s favorite tracks in mem- ory—a feature found only on high-end ELSEWHERE! ALSO INCLUDES ALL THE INFO YOU'LL NEED machin—ebsut allows the creation of an onscreen menu of all customized discs. REGARDING THE BUSINESS SIDE OF RUNNING A SUC- No other CD player can perform this function. You can come home after CESSFUL SERVICE BUSINESS! >We? COMPAHCI-T8 ttFiaaiotgs?s?? work, turn on the machine, and with one touch of a button retrieve a list of FREE INFORMATION &#FIRST up to 75 or so favorite discs for your per- usal. Drop in your selection and the CD- CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-537-0589 I will automatically play only the tracks you like, in whatever order you've se- Or Write to: Viejo Publications @ 5329 Fountain Ave lected. This is a terrific idea. Dept. VM @ Los Angeles. CA 90029 The CD-I player didn’t always per- Micro Script IV g$4i10s,0800X P1IZXOELOME form perfectly —we found enough mo- © 4/10,000 SHUTTER mentary glitches to make us worry. Both twiRELEss REMOTE picture and sound malfunctioned on oc- casion, in one instance suddenly pre- #STEREO senting all visual information as negative images. Bugs of this sort are probably to Finemovie 8 be expected in a new system like this, and will no doubt be eliminated over 4 BEE PP,f) E117 | Glkiotel 1 1) ) bed GSS 10 X 1 ZOOM, time. (Never touch the face of the Bws s} f 4aCae1hoeeito:teaAee) ee‘if ZoTm> disc — the player stops in the middle of a program if a disc is even slightly dirty.) ia! fe | ft. FOCUSING 4J“S‘BOUJ1U//DPOF0ODO4OINPs/UADI{DIODODSBHUSYIWDIPODJU/ In any case, we wouldn’t suggest these STEREO problems keep you from exploring CD-I. Color Video Character Generator SPORTS This technology may well signal the WIRELESS start of a new era of interactive enter- Features: $895.00 FINDER, tainment and education. (+$23.00 ship. & hand.) REMOTE + Built-in GENLOCK YASHICA LENS PGStyB>©&>iepiysgesg * Universally compatible 2 LUX # * 3 Fonts (upper/lower case) 1 YEAR GUARANTEE# * 16 sizes (proportionnal spacing) * 7 colors (+ tint/saturation controls) - 4 display modes: SCROLL, CRAWL, SLIDE, CYCLE + AUTO-CENTERING (horiz./vert.) + FULL SIZE IBM KEYBOARD * 32 SCREENS of memory + RS-232 INPUT * USER FRIENDLY Write for free details |J‘JUO6EOZD/UPOFNIDUOPANDODIODYUO/WSYPOPJDU} Send $15.00 for demo tape (refundable with the purchase of a unit) 6 X 1 ZOOM Scriptovision Inc. HI-Fl STEREO me aS 7419, Lajeunesse St. Montreal, Canada H2R 2J1 4A10,000 PIXEL LENSE NOWoNSN ITLER (514) 271-2265 bonstM®tWP>>&P©ieAihsrssHepesS?ts?YinA>SHipI?CAwhipO>PviTtaI?CwShip? wy whip?

= ae im=i PLae ae a a a a ae ae ae =aed % EZGOUDVAEERLRAINVNIETRGEYH.ETD eee a Ya et ei HI8 U.S.A. WARRANTY Poors 30PC. pgaFn301F.o4.n0.a1.n......u.$$e65r44o88e VvV-5-0e0017.4.ce.s0csceececeee.eec$c9e2ce8eaereee-rCALL PACKAGE — F77......:0cccsseseS060508 TR-9..: ..$678 TR-51....8688 8-1 ZOOM 6X 1 ZOOM 8X 1ZOOM HI-FI STEREO STEREO HI-FI STEREO 410,000 PIXEL WIRELESS | REMOTE te pee REMOTE 1/10,000 SHUTTER sopc. % Hi 8 PLAYBACRS 30Pc. TR-6.....9548 H850......$948 RICOH OPTICS PACKAGE PACKAGE __ Y #1TR-4 3 SYR. GUARANTEE || 3 YR GUARANTEE 8X1 ZOOM gil 30Pc, 30PC. 10 X 1 ZOOM 30Pc. : WIRELESS Zz PACKAGE PACKAGE 3SPEED ZOOM ™ PACKAGE REMOTE 410,000 PIXEL PROGRAM AE 1/10,000 SHUTTER TITLER MULTIPFROGRAM TITLER STEREO AKG GROOOUePaRNeccuneeeneceendananaanne NS SI ioe AMBICO V-0300 SPECIAL EFFECTS....2+.+00+00« AMBICO V-0629 SOUIVD MIXER. ...1..++001 0000000 VE JXS-55 PRODUCTION CENTER.1.000000 JVC CG-VG0U CHARACTER GEVERATOR. saneh 89S. eato GX-S300 SWITCHER. oussuseseseseeeseeneeans a7am,l\\laeeel,, ee llVD Ul jeC.O FD |, ee Owe vv we. CWO COP. .. an... ka «Dp jie For diipitional i@ermation, ‘erCle No 38°6N Reader SeruiGe Grd.

GOU‘VADERERLANINVITEGERHEYTD GOU‘VADERERLANINVITEGERHYETD & ¥.X 1 ZOOM 4oKAC 8 X 1 ZOOM VHC-S TEREO 3 LUX REMOTE VIDEO LIGHT 8X 1 ZOOM EIS 3OPC. Se PV-700 PACKAGE *\\ PV-710.. PPVV--4204..o.c.sscscosessesCAL | prcrse =O9. eennzCALL ae ne 58 UC? $728 . 8X 1 ZOOM ytlh DIGITAL EIS ® 12x1z0OM & STEREO PACKAGE VIDEOLIGHT _ SWITCH HITTER REMOTE DIGITAL FADES FUZZY LOGIC _ 96X1ZOOM 1/10,000 SHUTTER 4 HEAD PLAYBACK 8-418.2 YEAR GUARANTEE PV-530..$698 | CAL HaWaaaSO” NEWEST TECHNOLOGY| 3-425. | RRARWERIaRE weteme” O HoOrLbIeDeAY ONE-OF-A-KIND magazine HOLI D AY G I' | Please enter the following subscriptions at your special holiday rate of $9.97 each. And don't forget to send a q Give a unique gift for the holidays this year! Gift Card in my name to each recipient. Give VIDEO Magazine! You know no two is- sues of VIDEO are alike, but all are packed hp with the useful information that the home Name video enthusiast wants. And this holiday sea- ca ie son we're offering a special rate of just $9.97 =peDee,oneeene a year! So use the attached order form and City sue Zip give VIDEO, a gift that will be eagerly awaited 12 months of the year. Each Regular Name fi 1-Year Subscription.Price Address Subscription Newsstand Value City Gift subscriptions received by December.12 start with the Jan- State FROM uary 1992 issue. After December 12, allow up to 60 days for (please print) N; ~ delivery. For Canada, price is $22.47 (includes G.§.T. Acddiess _£_ #R125938423, and postage.) Gifts not available overseas. Gift cards will be sent to all recipients by VIDEO. Cty. \"7\". magazine State ZED ee 20911 Include my own subscription: 0 New ‘l Payment enclosed © Bill me later ( Renewal

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GOU‘VADEERLRAINNVIETGREYHE.TD GOU‘VADERERLANINIVTEGERHYETD X 1 ZOOM 8X 1 ZOOM VHC-S TEREO 3 LUX 8 X 1 ZOOM REMOTE VIDEO LIGHT VME 10A....... PV-700. VME eons PV-710. PV-720. r S-VHS r8x1zooM & 12x1zoom STEREO : DIGITAL EIS SWITCH HITTER REMOTE VIDEOLIGHT DIGITALFADES FUZZY LOGIC PhOKAOE 96 X 1 ZOOM VIDEO LIGHT ‘ 1/10,000 SHUTTER 4 Dan KKon 4 HEAD PLAYBACK 2 0..$698 ebe-t PV-750..........$798 NEWEST TECHNOLOGY a REE SUNPAK CASE 28...... 2ies PV-760. -CALL BIE COMPACT VHC-C 8X1ZOOM Xx MAXXUM OPTICS 10X1ZOOM . een oe 6X1 SO elie YASHICA OPTICS YASHICA OPTICS PACKAGE 1 LUX 1/10,000 REMOTE CONTROL FREE 2YR SHUTTER TITLER TELE LENS GUARANTEE TEREO SOUND WIRELESS C-618.......C SLIM CAM 28XLU1X ZOOM £9: TIME LAPSE 12X 1 ZOGR* ANIMATION :: 1 LUX . MINOLTA OPTICS“ 3oPC. | RASRORE 2 YR WARRANTY PACKAGE i CC56O0... VVI-SS2E2DI8TI,NG .S+YS2T0ErMeeee0sCALL | cc 520 vrecceeee-CALL R CA CC-512....0n0nes CALL O9PAENM7-10DPAMYS RETURN OR EXCHANGE MAY BE MADE WITHIN 7 DAYS OF RECEIPT AFTER PRIOR AUTHORIZATION. ALL RETURNED MERCHANDISE M UST BE IN ORIGINAL NEW CONDITION AND MUST INCLUDE ALL PACKING AND BLANK WARRANTY CARDS. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO LIM'T QUANTITIES. RTTUANS ARE SUB 'ECT TO A 5° RE‘ TCCKING FEE. SH'PPING AND HANF EL NG NON-REF! NCABLE. THIS AD VALID FOR MONTY OF ISSUE. CUSTOMER SERVICE (2A12)247-5980 MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 9AM TO 5PM EAS-TERN TIME For adaitidnal information, circle No. 31 on Reader $B#vice Card

BY ROBERT ANGUS AND BRENT BUTTERWORTH GERMANY VIDEO BLITZ From widescreen sets to wild new decks, Europe shows off its latest high-tech. After years of being denied the fundamental right to buy Squared & Flared: A TechniSat squarial video gear, Eastern Europeans are quickly becoming some satellite antenna (above) and the Your of the world’s most rabid video buffs. Immediately upon TV 3328 (left), one of three daring new small- the fall of the Iron Curtain last year, they snapped up al- screen sets by Philips. most every VCR in Germany, sometimes driving as far as Video Takes Wing: One of the winners in Belgium or France to score their long-awaited first decks. Grundig’s video design contest—a TV set with Thus, it’s no surprise that Berlin’s Funkausstellung World a vertically oriented VCR in its pedestal. of Consumer Electronics show— the first major European ; electronics show since German reunification—swelled with more than 500,000 visitors, including thousands of East Europeans in search of On the Floor at technology the free world has long taken for granted. Funkausstellung: And they got more than they bargained for. They discovered a Western Europe Grundig’s booth fea- tured hundreds of in the throes of its own revolution —an explosion of new broadcast standards, wide- stacked TV sets screen TV sets, pint-size satellite dishes and bold new VCRs and camcorders. In short, a fundamental change in the way Europe watches TV. (above) and bold exper- imental designs Widescreen 16:9 TV definitely made the biggest impact. Thom- son, which gave birth to the genre last year with a 32-inch model, (below). introduced tubes in 28- and 36-inch sizes. Thomson now sells widescreen sets under several brand names, including Nord- mende, Telefunken and Saba, and sells its tubes to other man- ufactur—emrasny of the prototypes seen at the show used Thomson tubes. Thomson plans an RCA widescreen for the U.S. next fall. Philips is hot on Thomson’s trail—rather than showing a prototype, as most companies did, it showed several rows 0 production-model widescreens. The center of its booth fea- tured futuristic home video environments, including a bath- room with monitors under a translucent floor, and an audio g system and widescreen monitor set in dramatically styled, art ” deco wood chassis. Many other manufacturers, such as Hitachi, JVC, Toshiba and Mit- subishi, as well as several European companies, showed prototype sets. How- ever, all were vague about their marketing plans— with sets running about $5,000, widescreen has yet to take off, and most are waiting to gauge its success. 76 VIDEO DECEMBER 1991

NHS) EIR ERIM TEREI SPIT pT ee ka ADEN REESE ERIE TB Deutschland Double: EUROPE’S FORMAT WAR Wide & Wild: This dual-deck VHS In Germany, viewers will soon have four Hitachi's widescreen VCR is currently avail- Hi8 VM-H10 camcorder able in Germany under video formats to choose from. There’s PAL, the Orion brand name. the existing standard; HD-MAC, a high-defi- (above) and an unbe- nition widescreen satellite TV format; D2- lievably slender Philips* Future Shock: MAC, a lower-performance widescreen satellite for- A Philips widescreen rear-projection monitor. console TV set (above) mat intended as an intermediate step to HDTV; and and a Grundig concept VCR (below). PALPlus, a new format introduced at Funkaus- stelung. Because European governments, manufac- turers and taxpayers have invested a tremendous amount of’ money in the development of HD-MAC and D2- MAC, there’s pressure on satellite broadcasters to convert from PAL to MAC by 1994, with full-scale HD trans- missions to start in 1997. But sets capa- ble of receiving MAC have only just been introduced. Satellite broadcasters are understandably reluc- tant to switch formats be- fore a large number of consumers can receive them. And that’s where PALPlus comes in. PALPlus is a wide- screen version of PAL that can be broadcast from the ground and via cable, and it can be received on standard PAL sets. It de- fines color contour much more sharply, produces much brighter pictures and offers CD-quality digital sound. It also eliminates the picture flicker produced by PAL’s 50- Hertz field rate, a phenomenon which doesn’t seem to bother Europeans, but which gave us headaches for our first few days in Germany. At least some of the PALPlus technology is said to be adaptable to NTSC, suggest- ing that North American viewers might someday see similar improve- ments. Thomson and Philips widescreen receivers, among others, will be able to handle both PALPlus and MAC transmissions. Satellite TV is alive and well in Europe —so well, in fact, that Germans have bought almost as many satellite dishes in the last two years as Americans have since satellite TV began in 1978. Europeans : are embracing satellite TV for two reasons. First, their terrestrial broadcast systems offer less program variety and fewer channels than Americans enjoy. Second, their higher-powered satellites let them re- ceive clear signals on dishes only one to three feet in di- ameter. A typical dish/receiver package costs about $700. Although European viewers have 15 satellites to choose from, most are content with fixed-position dishes that receive signals from only one or two satellites. They seldom use dish drives like the ones U.S. satellite DECEMBER 1991 VIDEO 77

VIDEO BLITZ TV viewers rely on—they could get caine omen aera more programs that way, but most would be in a foreign tongue. Deluxe Deck: Mitsubishi's V7000 high-end NTSC VCR, with noise reduction and color controls. The display of dishes was notable for States. Thus, many new camcorders VHS-C Made Simple: Panasonic's new S-VHS/ two tiny new antennas. Nordmende was were VHS-C or S-VHS-C models un- S-VHS-C VCR requires no adapter or loading tray. one of the first to show an ll-inch dish likely to see U.S. shelves. designed for use with TV-SAT 2, which, appearance, the camcorder handles like when it is launched, will become Eur- One exception is Mitsubishi’s line— a champ—the extra weight in the rear ope’s first high-powered satellite. It costs the company is contemplating bringing helps balance its long 12x zoom lens. less than $300. its unique camcorders here soon. The company showed a new VHS-C sub- Hitachi is the first on the continent Revox’s TV-SAT 2 dish, the IC- compact with a dual-axis electronic im- with a camcorder designed for use with 1000, is even smaller. It looks like an age stabilizer. Unlike the system used in widescreen TV sets. The Hi8 VM-C10 Panasonic camcorders, which compen- looks like a clone of the company’s cur- A New Angle: Panasonic's new S-VHS-C cam- corder, with tape transport angled at 45 degrees. sates only for up-and-down movement, rent Hi8 model, but adds a CCD with the CX4’s also compensates for side-to- 795 lines of horizontal resolution for a oversized backyard floodlig—htthe elec- side shakes. It also boasts hi-fi stereo tronics fit inside its 12-inch-deep hous- sound, a feature we've been hoping continued on page 112 ing. The whole thing can be mounted would trickle down to more VHS-C sub- under an eave, on a short post in the compacts. The company also showed an ground or just about anywhere you can S-VHS-C model with interchangeable put an outdoor floodlight. A larger, 12- lenses (see “Camcorders Lite” this is- inch version is available for the medium- powered Astra satellites. Surprisingly, sue). Revox licenses this design from an Panasonic introduced one of its most American company. It was originally in- tended for SkyPix, the 80-channel, di- unusual-looking camcorders ever, a hi-fi rect-broadcast satellite service planned S-VHS-C model with a tape transport for the U.S. angled at 45 degrees. Despite its bulky Satellite receivers built into TV sets and VCRs, already common in Japan, From “I can’t believe I’m here just because of that one little are making inroads in Europe. Nokia, video,” enthused Steve Ballot, as he relaxed with his Revox, Philips, Telefunken and a host of Winners To wife Velma on a sun deck atop the Zugspitze, a craggy other manufacturers offer conventional | peak that towers over the surrounding Bavarian Alps. In- TV sets with satellite receivers. Tele- funken became the first to offer a wide- Berliners deed, the Ballots were well-rewarded for their 10-minute screen receiver with this feature. Its video wedding invitation, which won the grand $5,000 16:9 TV displays pictures in D2- prize in the second annual Video Magazine/ MAC. cotch | Scotch Videocassette video contest. The Brooklyn, New York, couple won a week-long, COMPACT COUP ‘oto Video\" Audio~Produkte Funkausstellung also saw the intro- all-expenses-paid trip to Germany, which began duction of dozens of new video products, some of which may be destined for the in Berlin with a few hours at Funkausstellung. U.S. Perhaps the biggest difference be- They then toured the historic sights of the 800- tween European and U.S. videophiles is their choice of format — VHS-C has cap- year-old city, concluding with dinner on the tured a much larger share of the cam- Kurfurstendamm, Berlin's bustling main street. corder market in Europe than in the Their trip proceeded to Munich, queen city of Bavaria as well as home of the world’s best beer gardens. There they sampled liter-sized brews and Germany’s hearty version of fast food. A 100-mph ride on the Autobahn took them to Garmisch, a beautiful ski town nestled in the Bavarian Alps, where they rode moun- tain bikes to quaint villages and traveled by cable car Winner’s Circle: into the heart of the mountains. Contest winners Velma and Steven Ballot and Our third contest is soon to begin. We'll have full senior editor Brent But- details in an upcoming issue. So dust off your editing controller, slap a new tape in the camcorder and start terworth at 3M’s —BB Funkausstellung booth. |shooting! 78 VIDEO DECEMBER 1991

FEATURE FILMS Fantasia Art Film: Fantasia ‘ranges from the scary “Bald Mountain” to the softer “Dance of the Hours” (below). 1940. Anim. Hi-fi surround. (G) 120 min. to make Fantasia can only enhance our ] the laserdisc editions in next month’s VHS, Beta $24.99 (standard) and $99.99 (deluxe). LD versions: CLV 3 sides $39.95; appreciation of its stunning visuals, es- “Tapes and Discs.”) The bottom-liners CAV 6 sides (with extras) $99.95. Disney. pecially given the current reliance on at Disney wouldn’t earn Christmas bo- Back in 1940, Fantasia was an auda- computer-generated graphics. Each of nuses if they didn’t find ways to milk this cious and costly experiment ($2.2 mil- lion in a time of $400,000 features), and the film’s creatures has a personality all release, so those willing to spring for the both a critical and a commercial flop. its own: The hilarious hippo ballerina in limited edition also get the CD sound- The film didn’t really fire the public imagination until the acid-drenched “Dance of the Hours” is gracefully com- track, a commemorative lithograph and ’60s, when Walt was aghast to think that ic, while the devilish Chernabog from a collector’s book. hippies were the prime defenders of his “Night on Bald Mountain” has distur- The 1990 TV documentary is a fas- extraordinary achievement. bingly human expressions. Every frame cinating compendium of facts narrated If it has taken Fantasia 50 years to reach its intended audie—nmecaneing offers layers of delight thanks to a studio in typically unctuous Disney style by pretty much everybod—yit only adds to obsessed with details. Even the little L.A. Law’s Michael Tucker. Here you the joy of its rediscovery on video. This release is a triumph not only for Disney's mushroom who can’t keep up with his can discover the film’s intent to boost original vision, but for the public, which has long demanded to own this master- mates in “The Nutcracker Suite” was Mickey in the face of Donald Duck’s 4 given a name (Hop Lo) growing popularity, or glean technical piece. ._ by his creators. And that’s what Fantasia is. Despite tidbits about the “Fantasound” process. x That factoid But after thoroughly enjoying it once, all the manipulative marketing ploys— including a 50-day limited availability KJ) comes courtesy you'll never need to see it again. and a threat to alter the original film for Ge of The Making of future Fantasia releas—ethsis is the fea- And you will, no doubt, buy this vid- ture-length cartoon (the very word seems inappropriate) against which all * a Masterpiece, a eo. Some may mistake it for kids’ amuse- others are measured. bonus included with ment (both “Bald Mountain” and “Rites the deluxe $100 of Spring” may be too intense for the Surprisingly, nostalgia plays little part in the film’s appeal. Except for the Fantasia packages under-seven set), and classical cur- opening sequence introducing Leopold Stokowski and the Philadelphia Orches- (look for a full report on mudgeons may still bristle at the cutesy tra, as well as the professorial remarks connecting the segments, there is noth- ing dated about \\4U it. The anima- ~™ tors’ lush artistry stands up to anything produced by today’s pen-and-ink brigades, including Disney’s own. The awesome hu- man effort required DECEMBER 1991 VIDEO 79

—— im. cherubs of Beethoven’s “Pastoral,” but Fighting Fire Marvin, trails him up to his New Hamp- there is truly something here for almost With Mire: shire lake house...and just won't leave. everyone. No amount of hype can ne- William Baldwin and What happens next? Bob wrecks Dr. gate the truth— Fantasia is wonderful. other fellow Backdraft Marvin's vacation, crashes his interview firefighters bog down in on Good Morning America, makes friends —Marianne Meyer a bad script. with the doctor’s emotionally over- stuffed kids and behaves, in general, like Backdraft Jason Leigh) could have been played by one big heartwarming, goofy son-of- anyone, or no one. a-gun. 1991. Kurt Russell, William Baldwins Rob- ert De Niro; dir. Ron Howard. Hi-fi sur- It might have been worse. Robert De Directed by muppeteer Frank Oz, round, cc. (R) 135 min. priced for rental. Niro, freed from having to be a Great What About Bob? features nice perfor- LD letterboxed or pan-and-scan, side 3 Actor and carry the movie, is marvelous mances by Julie Hagerty as Dr. Marvin’s CAV $39.98. MCA/Universal. as a no-nonsense arson investigator. Don- ever-calm wife, Charlie Korsmo as the ald Sutherland waltzes off with his two ingecure son and Kathryn Erbe as the in- Backdraft, director Ron Howard’s brief scenes as a creepy, psychotic fire- secure daughter. As the narcissistic Dr. firefighting epic, gives new meaning to bug. When neither of them is on screen Marvin, Dreyfuss is pleasantly neurotic. the word “pyrotechnics.” The fires are and nothing’s burning, you may learn So what about Bill? Murray portrays unlike anything you’ve ever seen, or anew the pleasure of having a remote Bob’s insecurities with a generic bom- even imagined, explosive infernos that control with a fast-forward button. bast that simply sucks the life and the will make you wonder how the firemen humor out of What About Bob? —Sol Louis Siegel can survive, much less prevail. Howard —John Walker isn’t the least bashful about sending his What About Bob? stunt people, and even the leads, into Soapdish the flames, and we can only admire the 1991. Bill Murray, Richard Dreyfuss; dir. players and the technical people for the Frank Ox. Hi-fi surround, cc. (PG) 99 1991. Sally Field, Kevin Kline, Whoopi intensity and enormous scale of the set min. $94.95. Touchstone. Goldberg; dir. Michael Hoffman. Hi-fi ster- eo, cc. (PG-13) 97 min. priced for rental. pieces. Some questions deserve to be made LD letterboxed or pan-and-scan, $34.95. Howard makes mythic heroes of his into movies. “What Ever Happened to Paramount. Baby Jane?” Now there was a question firemen, at least until they start talk- that begged to be answered. “What’s A gleeful spoof of soap operas, Soap- ing —the writing, alas, is abysmal. One New, Pussycat?” Rhetorical, perhaps, dish boasts enough ridiculous twists to but it had swingin’ potential. But when keep your average daytime drama cook- main story line, about brother firemen the queries drizzle down to the level of ing for a year. Celeste Talbert (Sally (Kurt Russell and William Baldwin) in What About Bob?, the answer may well Field), the headliner of The Sun Also perpetual conflict, is made up of details be, “Who cares?” Sets, has won her umpteenth Emmy, but borrowed from old police and war mov- she’s feeling insecu—raend ambitious ies. The other, about a series of arson Bob Wiley (Bill Murray) is a sitcom co-star Montana Moorehead (Cathy murders, proves more interesting only in parody of a psychiatric patient, a frazzled Moriarty) is urging the show’s sleazy pro- its technical details. The whole movie multiphobic who chants self-help man- ducer (Robert Downey Jr.) to push the tras, avoids elevators and totes around aging queen bee off her throne. His lat- revolves around preposterous coinci- his pet fish. Dr. Leo Marvin (Richard est dirty trick: bringing back dreaded Dreyfuss) is a priggish super-shrink, au- leading man Jeffrey Anderson (Kevin dences, and the players, including Scott thor of the pop-psych best seller Baby Kline), driven from the show by Celeste Steps and the type of fellow who rein- 20 years ago. Why did Celeste oust her Glenn, are largely wasted. The female forces his persona by naming his kids ex-lover? What does it mean for her leads (Rebecca De Mornay and Jennifer Sigmund and Anna. niece (Elisabeth Shue), whose presence in the cast threatens auntie’s domi- Before you can name Freud’s stages of development, Bob is dumped on Dr. Sudsy Intrigue: Robert Downey Jr. and Cathy Mor- iarty are the grime in the Soapdish. 80 VIDEO DECEMBER 1991

nance? The shameful truth comes out in Oath-Taking: As a victim of the Hollywood black- EDITOR'S CHOILE a flurry of events, producing some of the list, Robert De Niro is found Guilty by Suspicion. ae funniest nonsense in recent memory. heat, while Patricia Wettig goes to kenneth korman Though highlighted by tart, snappy campy extremes as a teary victim. Only dialog and a brisk pace, Soapdish’s real Smaller audio and video software dis- strength is its players, who chew the George Wendt (a naive writer) and es- tributors often have a rough time scenery with delightful gusto. Field tests competing with the international her sweet image by throwing tantrums pecially Martin Scorsese (a left-wing di- media firms that dominate these and cursing, but she’s lovable under- fields. Much of the creative talent— neath the bluster. Reduced to perform- tector) hint at the gritty urgency of the and the financial resources required ing Death of a Salesman at bad dinner to mount large projects—is in the theater— where the staff addresses him situation. Otherwise, Guilty by Suspicion hands of a few large companies. as “Mr. Loma—nKli”ne’s character re- mains a hilariously pompous ninny, de- foolishly treats its subject as musty an- All of which makes the repeated spite reversals. The sublimely wicked successes of tiny, Denver-based Lu- Moriarty practically sprouts horns, while cient history. —JY mivision especially impressive. Dedi- Downey mumbles and evades like a true cated solely to the production of slimeball. As the head writer who sides V. I. Warshawski with Celeste, Whoopi Goldberg, along laserdiscs, Lumivision has just re- with the bland Shue, sounds a rare note 199]. Kathleen Turner, Charles Durning; of sanity. Mostly, Soapdish is the giddy leased a new batch of titles on a saga of a show where the watchwords dir. Jeff Kanew. Hi-fi surround, cc. (R) 89 range of fascinating topics. These are “peppy and cheap” and the actors discs serve as models of picture and don’t hesitate to improvise a brain trans- min. $92.95. Hollywood Pictures. sound quality that larger companies plant on camera. Who could resist? would be well-advised to follow. Don’t blame Kathleen Turner. She —Jon Young Beautifully packag—eldike all took the role of a sassy, intelligent Chi- the company’s discs—the new Sce- Guilty by Suspicion nic Wonders of America ($49.95) cago private eye with a penchant for combines three hour-long segments 1991. Robert De Niro, Annette Bening, (“Atlantic Vistas,” “American West” George Wendt; wr./dir. Irwin Winkler. Hi- sexy high heels, in a film based on popu- and “Pacific Frontiers”) into one vi- fi surround, cc. (PG-13) 105 min. $92.99. sually arresting portrait. Its fact-filled LD letterboxed $29.98. Warner. lar thrillers by a hot female novelist. narration avoids the poetry that Wearing its moral purity like a badge Could she have known she’d be sabo- turns many na- of honor, Guilty by Suspicion tells a sur- ture videos into prisingly dull tale of the Red Scare hys- taged by some of the worst dialog in new-age junk. teria that swept America in the early 50s. Though writer-director Irwin viewer memory, and by a director whose The Incred- Winkler’s revulsion at the Hollywood ible Animation works include such masterpieces of sub- blacklist is obvious, he maintains a sub- Collection, Vol. dued tone, presumably to avoid sensa- tlety as Revenge of the Nerds? tionalizing a genuine tragedy. At a time 1 and Vol. 2 and when free-speech issues have assumed The material is so predictable —de- Spike & Mike’s renewed importance, this lukewarm dra- Festival of Ani- tective and smartass daughter of dead mation ($34.95 each) serve up aeae eae ma constitutes a missed opportunity to imaginative, often hilarious short speak out. boyfriend become sparring partners to films in a range of styles. Spike & There’s ample occasion for outrage Mike's is derived from an annual the- in the story of top movie director David solve his murde—ornly self-deprecating atrical touring show while The Col- Merrill (Robert De Niro), who finds lection compiles the best animation himself pressed by the authorities to humor might have saved it. Instead, sponsored by the National Film name friends as commies in order to Board of Canada. Each is presented hard-boiled parlance and lame sexist in the CAV format for frame-by- save his own hide. A harmless, basically frame enjoyment. apolitical guy who attended a few CP jibes from the Bad Guys march along in meetings a decade before, he balks at Regarded by some as the best film betrayal—and watches his flourishing deadly earnestness. It’s like a Magnum ever made about World War II, Lew- career go down the drain as a result. is Milestone’s 1945 A Walk in the Proving that “normal” people are not his episode on steroids. Despite her best ef- Sun ($34.95) rounds out Lumivi- forte, De Niro plays Merrill as a bland sion’s new releases with an involving forts, Turner simply can’t climb this character study of the common man innocent, absurdly slow to see the writ- mountain of structural and verbal cli- at war. The screenplay is by Robert ing on the wall. Portraying his ex-wife, Rossen —who would go on to write Annette Bening also generates little ches in those damn high heels. She, at and direct The Hustler —and it intro- duces the theme of personal dignity least, earned money doing this mess. under difficult circumstances, a topic further explored in the later film. Save yours; read one of Sara Paretsky’s Like all these titles, A Walk in the Sun is well worth collecting on disc. ™ novels instead. —MM DECEMBER 1991 VIDEO 81

LAERSDLO bo Obsession 1975. Cliff Robertson, Genevieve Bujold, John Lithgow; dir. Brian De Palma. Digital mono, letterboxed. (PG) 98 min. CLV 2 sides. $44.99. Pioneer Special Editions. Obsession is a romantic homage to Vertigo that does Hitchcock’s movie one better. Cliff Robertson plays a business- man who loses his wife and daughter in a botched kidnapping, and 16 years later finds and falls in love with his wife’s near-double (Genevieve Bujold). The stories aren't identical, but Robertson is far more restrained in Obsession than James Stewart was in Vertigo, which makes his character more sympathetic and this movie's “second chance” that much more moving. For Bernard Herrmann, who com- posed Vertigo’s music, Obsession was also a second chance, and his music does ev- erything but make love to Bujold. Its ae _ lush orchestrations break in waves of ex- ioe y ultation and melancholy, ecstasy and The Wrath of Kong: RKO’s King Kong terrorizes Manhattan all over again on a new Image disc. 8 terror. The music tracks have been iso- The Criterion edition’s presentation of lated on the right-side analog and digital the chase through the swamp, for exam- King Kong/Son of Kong ple, is almost comparable to that of Im- channels, and contain a few unfortu- age’s new edition. And the Criterion na—ttheough short-l—ipvatechdes of Double feature. Both 1933. King Kong: version will never be completely sup- Robert Armstrong, Fay Wray, Bruce Cab- planted, if only because it has Ron distortion. ot; dirs. Merian C. Cooper, Ernest B. Haver’s extraordinary audio commen- The letterboxed image is reasonably Schoedsack. 100 min. Son of Kong: Robert tary, which provides a wealth of histori- Armstrong, Helen Mack, Frank Reicher; cal insights into the movie. sharp, though a little too red. It does, dir. Ernest B. Schoedsack. Digital mono. 70 min. CLV/CAV 4 sides. $49.98. Image/ Son of Kong looks clean and sharp, however, restore the aura of isolation and is in far better shape than the earlier Turner. film. In fact, it’s the best-looking RKO surrounding Robertson's character, and A number of titles long available on title yet released on disc by Image. Un- fortunately, the movie is a poorly written allows one to appreciate De Palma’s laserdisc have been re-released recently and hurried mixture of melodrama, in significantly improved versions, and comedy and loose ends from Skull Island beautiful compositions and graceful this double-disc edition of King Kong tied together in a quickie package. It’s a and Son of Kong is a prime example. The mere shadow of the original Kong. camera movements. —Bruce Eder new transfer of King Kong, made from a near-mint 35mm print that turned up in —Anton Kreitzer ee 1988 (earlier editions came from a dark 35mm source with the “restored” It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Hitchcockian: Obsession kidnap victim Genevieve scen—ewhsich had been cut for the |Bujold “reappears” mysteriously—after her death. film’s late 1930s reiss—umaede from Mad World even darker 16mm materials), yields a brighter and sharper picture than that of 1963. Spencer Tracy, Milton Berle, Sid any previous video edition of the film. Caesar, Ethel Merman; dir. Stanley The difference is apparent from the Kramer. Digital stereo, letterboxed. (G) 188 movie’s opening shot: You can actually min. CLV 5 sides. $49.95. MGM/UA. see the ship's metal hull glistening in the dark where earlier versions of the film It’s big, it’s beautiful and it’s bursting show only a vague dark hulk. with comic stars, but is it funny? Putting aside that impertinent question, MGM/ But not every scene is as dramati- cally improved as that opening shot. UA’s deluxe letterbox version of Mad, Mad World is commendable for restoring $2 VIDEO DECEMBER 1991

20 minutes from the film’s 1963 Cin- The Definitive Western: Claire Trevor and John World War Il, it was intended as a patri- erama run, footage that was trimmed be- Wayne share a Stagecoach journey—and romance. otic allegory. The title refers to the fore the movie’s wide release. Now nickname of a German officer (Kurt collectors have the definitive three- Stagecoach Kreuger) who wants to humiliate a laun- hour, eight-minute marathon of car dress (Simone Simon). Unlike the “re- chases, airplane antics and celebrity 1939. John Wayne, Claire Trevor, Thomas spectable” company with whom she’s pratfalls— peppered with 122 chapter Mitchell, George Bancroft; dir. John Ford. traveling, Simon’s character won’t con- stops! Digital mono, cc. CLV 2 sides. $34.95. sort with the enemy. Warner. And what celebrities they are. Oh- The movie's biggest problem is its so-serious producer-director Kramer (In- Mademoiselle Fifi script, which is way too obvious in its herit the Wind, Judgment at Nuremberg), methods. Robert Wise, in only his sec- venturing to show he had a lighter side, 1944. Simone Simon, Kurt Kreuger, John ond time out as a director, does manage snared virtually all the big-name come- Emery; dir. Robert Wise. Digital mono. some artful moments but has trouble dians of the time to mount the ultimate Side 2 CAV. $29.95. Image/Turner. moving the story al—oMandemogiselle slapstick romp. The cast could fill this Fifi makes a long 69 minutes. The end- page, but besides those mentioned These two movies, one set in Arizo- ing rather awkwardly recalls Casablanca, above, major contributors include Mick- na of the 1870s and the other in 1870 and if not for the sincerity of Simon and ey Rooney, Edie Adams, Phil Silvers, France, are both derived from Guy de John Emery as a flawed but noble ideal- Jonathan Winters, Terry- Thomas and ist, none of this would work at all. The Arnold Stang. Also seen are Jimmy Du- Maupassant's story Boule de Suif. Beyond digital sound is acceptable, and the pic- rante, Eddie ‘‘Rochester’’ Anderson, that, they couldn’t be more different in ture is clean if slightly faded. —BE Don Knotts, Carl Reiner and Jesse approach or execution. White. Savoring your favorites is part of Summertime the fun. Warner’s Stagecoach disc looks sur- prisingly good, given the notoriously 1955. Katharine Hepburn, Rossano Brazzi; The plot is a frantic search for buried poor quality of the prints known to sur- dir. David Lean. Hi-fi mono. 98 min. loot ($350,000 must have seemed like a vive. Its main flaws consist of a large $39.98. Voyager/Criterion. fortune in those days), but that’s only a number of scratches and some shots that pretext for incessant pursuits that end are too dark or somewhat faded. These This visually compelling, bittersweet with 15 terrified men clinging to a fire blemishes hardly matter, thoug—hthe romance transcends its somewhat dated ladder. It’s a loving echo of Lloyd, Chap- power of John Ford’s film about a stage- sensibility. Katharine Hepburn portrays lin and Keaton, and you laugh out of re- coach journey by nine people through spect if not amusement. The disc’s hostile Indian territory remains un- Jane Hudson, an American woman trav- extremely wide aspect ratio (about diminished, its lean, uncluttered struc- 2.5:1) lets you enjoy every crowded ture still a model for the medium 50 eling alone whose dreams of a whirlwind frame. (A VHS version of this edition is years later. Ford’s Monument Valley ex- romance fizzle along the way. Shortly af- also letterboxed but not as extensively, teriors display a haunting power even on ter arriving in Venice, she meets a shop- and players on the edges are lost.) the small screen, and the Oscar-winning keeper (Rossano Brazzi) who arouses in score, largely a fantasia built around the her great longing and fear. Kudos to MGM/UA for treating the tune “Bury Me Not on the Lone Prai- movie so respectfully. Both tape and disc rie,” inevitably leaves that tune running While handled with low-key dignity, through the viewer's head. the couple’s cat-and-mouse game, as Slapstick Showcase: well as Hepburn’s eventual capitulation, Buddy Hackett demon- Mademoiselle Fifi is centered around are Summertime’s least interesting as- strates the it's a Mad, a coach journey during the 1870 German Mad, Mad, Mad World occupation of France. Made during pects. More important is the way direc- version of a poker face. tor David Lean uses Venice to reflect are graced with intermission music, exit Hepburn’s internal landscape; each se- music and a one-hour just-for-video quence becomes a signpost for her fluc- commentary by Kramer, cast and crew tuating disposition. She revels in the on the delights of working together. goreous surroundings, but when the pas- Their mutual praise and show-biz anec- sion overwhelms her she seeks shelter in dotes will almost convince you that darkened alleyways, and wears sun- you've just seen a classic of modern cin- glasses when the colors become too viv- ema. —Andy Wickstrom id —when life becomes too real. That Hepburn and Brazzi form the most pedestrian of couples underscores the necessity of such external drama. In fact, the lack of dialog in the film’s first half-hour diminishes Summertime not at all. It does, however, serve notice that a true appreciation of the film’s complex- ity can only be gained by watching it in- tently—a task Lean renders singularly pleasurable. —Lorraine Cademartori DECEMBER 1991 VIDEO 983

lA Pye | DI sts ee astronomer explains the theory that the universe was formed by a gigantic cos- Open City mic explosion. James Toback, whose films (Fingers, The Pickup Artist) have 1945. B&W. Anna Magnani, Aldo Fabrizi, been more interesting than successful, | Marcel Pagliero; dir. Roberto Rossellini. Hi- counters that it began with “the or- fi mono, subtitled. (NR) 101 min. $59.95. gasmic explosion of God.” He then pre- sents an assortment of people —some Connoisseur. It takes a bit of historical perspective famous, some notorious, some neither— to understand the excitement that Open who have their own ideas. Through can- ny editing, Toback provides an overview City caused when it first opened. In this of life experiences, showing us how famous melodrama about the struggle of Americans today view life, death and the Italian resistance against Nazi occu- existence in general. This is one of the piers, Roberto Rossellini made a virtue better talking-heads movies; the people of necessity by taking moviemaking into are interesting and the talk is sometimes the streets, shooting on location where outrageous. The variety of subjects mir- he could, with what film stock he could rors both Toback’s wide range of inter- ests and his carefully cultivated image as get his hands on, in a Rome that had just been liberated by the Allies. The an outlaw. And Toback seems perfectly near-documentary shooting conditions aware that neither he nor they have the gave the movie a look that Hollywood's Toy Soldiers: Oliver Hardy and Stan Laurel line up real answers —the fun is in watching for laughs in a new 10-tape career retrospective. controlled studio conditions couldn’t people in the unusual process of think- approximate. It also gave rise to a new princes of chaotic comedy, side-splitting non sequiturs and endearing silliness ing about themselves. —SLS school of filmmaking, “neo-realism,” have returned in The Laurel @ Hardy Classic Collection, a 10-tape series which that has influenced nearly every Italian collects most of their best work in hand- Silver Celebration: somely packaged gatefold boxes, each director since —the young Fellini with extensive liner notes and five min- 25 Years of NFL Films utes of introductory home movies, nat- worked on the script —and quite a few rated by Stan’s daughter, Lois. The films 1991. Pr. Steve Sabol. (NR) 60 min. run the gamut from 1929 shorts to 1940 non-Italians. features and include some of the duo’s $19.98. Media Home Entertainment. A few things get in the way of the greatest bits. Included are Stan and “here-and-now” feeling, like the car- Ollie as their own children (Brats) and As a 10-year old, nervously watching wives (Twice Two), as well as the hilari- the clock in the rear of the church, I'd toonish Gestapo brass, the heavy-hand- ous odyssey of a piano going up and become increasingly fidgety. As the serv- down 131 steps (the Academy Award- ice ended, I’d quickly confiscate the ed dialog and the overwrought score. winning Music Box). And there's always house keys and sprint home to catch the The acting more than makes up for that, Ollie’s classic lament, “Here’s another beginning of NFL Films’ This Week in the fine mess you've gotten me into.” NEL. For me, a 25th-anniversary tape especially Anna Magnani as the wid- from these people sounded like a real Messes are Laurel and Hardy’s spe- keeper—in the tape’s introduction NFL owed mother who shields partisans. Her cialty, but their well-meaning, almost Films President Steve Sabol promises sweet ineptitude makes them more en- the “very best this huge film vault has to role isn’t the biggest, but her combina- dearing than contemporaries like the offer.” The tape doesn’t match that Three Stooges. Stan and Ollie are as claim, but there are enough good mo- tion of passion and cold realism sets her close as brothers, as simple as children ments to make it worthwhile. and as funny as can be. Don’t miss them. aside as the soul of the movie, and her In a segment called “Villains” Dea- —Tom Soter con Jones expounds upon the sack: exit is one of the most shocking in film “Sacking a quarterback is just like you SPECIAL INTERES devastate a city, or you cream a multi- history. tude of people. It’s just like you put all The Big Bang the offensive players in one bag, and | The image quality is generally high, just take a baseball bat and beat on the 1990. Darryl Dawkins, Eugene Fodor; dir. bag.” There’s also a snippet from an in- though there are spots where the screen James Toback. (R) 81 min. $79.95. Real terview with Sam Spence, who has com- Videos. posed much of the inspiring music for goes black because the footage doesn’t NEL Films, and a nice piece on Vince At the opening of The Big Bang an Lombardi, but all these moments only quite match the soundtrack anymore. leave you wanting more than the tape delivers. That’s what happens when you And the excellent yellow subtitles aren’t cram 25 years into 60 minutes. always in sync with the faces we see —Brian Clark talking. —SLS The Laurel & Hardy Classic Collection 1991. Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy; dir. vari- ous. Hi-fi mono. Ten cassettes, 60-80 min. each. $9.98 each. Video Treasures. If a roller skate was sitting at the top of a stairway, you can be sure Laurel and Hardy would wreck a house with it. And they’d also destroy the view—ewrith laughter. Stan and Ollie are back. The crown 84 VIDEO DECEMBER 1991

Planet, an exciting hodgepodge of their music videos, plus interviews and back- stage footage. While it doesn’t always equal coherent “entertainment,” there’s : plenty to inspire the faithful and irritate q : skeptics. f Fronted by stern Chuck D. and the comically manic Flavor Flav, PE focuses on incidents of black-white friction. The new “Can't Truss It” video mixes images of laid-off factory workers and an old- South lynch mob; older faves like “Brothers Gonna Work It Out” and “911 eeeee eKooky Krew: The Keystone Kops with “Fatty” Arbuckle (right) in Hollywood Chronicles’ “The Great Clowns.” Is a Joke” set strife to an irresistible, Hollywood Chronicles each episode is interrupted by the series pummeling beat. Modern-day oracles of logo, ostensibly to mark station breaks, 1983. BW /color. 13 vols. Nar. Jackie and the quality. of some film clips could doom, Chuck and Flavor don’t presume Cooper. Mono, cc. Approx. 50 min. each. be better. But host Jackie Cooper, a for- VHS, Beta $19.98 each. MPI. mer child star known for 1931’s The to have answers, which is fair enough, Champ, narrates the Chronicles with a but they can be maddeningly vague — PE Hollywood Chronicles examines Tin- true affection for Hollywo—owidth all seltown not only from top to bottom, its dirt and glitter. acknowledges charges of anti-Semitism but through keyholes, over shoulders and under the covers. These 13 volumes —April P. Bernard without offering any explanation, for ex- (with two episodes per cassette) are the USA Today of documentar—ifeasst- Tour of a Black Planet ample. Still, Tour makes a strong case for paced and occasionally superficial, but ultimately entertaining. 1991. Chuck D., Flavor Flav; dir. Moses rap as the true caretaker of rock ’n’ roll’s Edinborough. Hi-fi stereo. (NR) 65 min. One of the more intriguing entries is $19.98. SMV. original outlaw spirit. —JY “Pen and Ink Movies,” which traces ani- mation from its 1906 roots with “Hu- From TV commercials to misogynist Simply Mad morous Phases of Funny Faces,” a series pornography, rap music has infiltrated of sketches on a blackboard, through every aspect of establishment culture. About the Mouse Winsor McCay’s innovative “Gertie the However, mass acceptance hasn’t di- Dinosaur,” the first to animate an entire minished the genre’s potential for under- 1991. Bobby McFerrin, Billy Joel, Michael picture instead of a character, to Walter mining the status quo—in the right Lantz and Walt Disney. It’s packaged hands, anyway. Over a brief, stormy ca- Bolton; dir. Scot Garen. Hi-fi stereo. (NR) F with “The Evolution of Sound,” a histo- reer, Public Enemy has repeatedly 36 min. $19.99. LD $24.99. 8mm $29.99. ry that briskly covers Vitaphone shorts stretched the boundaries of rap, mixing and Fox Movietone newsreels, The Jazz dense slabs of noise with furious political Buena Vista. B Singer, stereophonic sound, Dolby and diatribes. The proof is on Tour of a Black Anybody here remember a 1988 LP ;( THX (with extensive interviews with Controversy on Cassette: Rap group Public Ene- THX guru Tomlinson Holman). my takes a turbulent Tour of a Black Planet. called Stay Awake? It was an album of “Hollywood's Children” — on the Disney tunes sung by modern musicians same cassette as ‘‘Women With eaSryPS Clout”—showcases Jackie Coogan, Our like Bonnie Raitt and Tom Waits. It was Gang, Freddie Bartholomew, Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland and, of course, quirky, eclectic and fascinat—ievnergy- Shirley Temple. She appears in a must- era see 1933 one-reeler, “Polly-Tix in Wash- thing this new extravaganza is not. A si- ington,” as a pint-sized call girl. When told she’s not a “good woman,” Temple multaneous CD/VHS/LD release, this flashes her diamonds and pouts, “You're crazy. You’ve got to be good to get stuff time-waster offers stale concepts and like this in these hard times.” soulless electronics as a Top-40 roster Other cassettes combine “The Great performs Disney standards. Bobby Detectives” and “The Great Clowns,” “The Depression Years” and “The Silent McFerrin’s gorgeous vocals on “Siamese Witness,” “Scandal!” and “Mysteries and Secrets,” “The Futurists” and “Wiz- Cat Song” might recommend the LP, ards of the EFX” and more. Annoyingly, but the video is a numbing string of glitzy VH-1 clips with that upbeat beer- commercial feel. In one segment, Billy Joel is trapped with Peter Pan in what seems like a bad Levi's ad. Michael Bolt- on bursts blood vessels in an over- wrought version of “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” ad nauseum. Only the Gypsy Kings’ “I Got No Strings” stands out for its bright and bold graphics, and LL CoolJdoes a cool jam on “Big Bad Wolf,” but are the bim- bos in bikinis necessary? Not that any- one could confuse this for a kidvid: And what seven-year-old cares about Harry Connick Jr. doing his Sinatra bit on “The Bare Necessities”? They’re simply mad, alright. —MM | DECEMBER 1991 VIDEO 85

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle Vols. 7-8 1991 comps. Hey, fans. Watch me pull two more volumes out of my ha—t“Whistler's Moose” and “Norman Moosewell.” Hi-fi mono, cc. Approx. 40 min. each. VHS, Beta $12.99 each. Buena Vista. Frank Sinatra: The Reprise Collection Volume Ill 1991 comp. Ol’ Blue Eyes in “A Man and His Music Part Il,” “Sinatra: The Man and His Music With the Count Basie Orches- tra” and “Francis Albert Sinatra Does His Thing.” Hi-fi stereo. 150 min. VHS $69.98. LD $79.98. Warner Reprise. Funky Monks Right on Target: Kevin Costner, as Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio. 1991. Outrageous excerpts from the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Blood Sugar Sex Magik album will knock your socks off. Hi-fi ster- eo. Approx. 60 min. VHS only, $19.98. Warner Reprise. Funny Face from M director. Hi-fi mono. (NR) 89 min. $9.95. Vols. 2-3 $19.95 each. PBS. 1957. Fred Astaire, Audrey Hepburn, Kay VHS, Beta $19.98. MGM/UA. Thompson; dir. Stanley Donen. A Techni- M*A*S*H color treat, topped with Gershwin melodies Jeeves and Wooster 1970. Donald Sutherland, Elliott Gould, (“How Long Has This Been Going On’), 1990. 3 vols. Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry; dir. Sally Kellerman, Tom Skerritt, Robert Du- fairy-tale romance, original trailer and score Robert Young. Hilarious Masterpiece Theatre vall; dir. Robert Altman. Comedy classic: on secondary audio track. Think pink! Dig- escapades of P.G. Wodehouse’s blue-blood freewheeling, irreverent antics with a surgi- ital mono, letterboxed, cc. (NR) 103 min. bumbler Bertie Wooster and his imperturb- cal unit in the Korean War. Ring Lardner LD $44.95. Paramount. able valet, Jeeves. Even the characters’ Jr. won an Oscar for the screenplay. Digital nam—eBasrmy Fotherton-Phipps, Gussy stereo, letterboxed. (PG) 116 min. LD Fury Fink-Nottle and Honoria Glos—sgouarpan- $49.98. FoxVideo. 1936. B&W. Spencer Tracy, Sylvia Sidney; tee a few giggles. Mono. Vol. 1 60 min. dir. Fritz Lang; pr. Joseph L. Mankiewicz. Vols. 2-3 120 min. each. VHS only. Vol. 1 The New Russian Revolution Another indictment of lynch-mob “justice” 1991. CNN personalities and footage of failed Soviet coup. Hi-fi stereo. Approx. 60 Labels It’s beginning to look at lot like Christmas at FoxVideo, min. VHS, Beta $14.98. Turner. where Miracle on 34th Street accompanies other holiday For titles— Dot and Santa Claus, the 1970 Scrooge and three Night Nurse othe—rneswly reduced to $14.95. New to video is Jason 1931. B&W. Barbara Stanwyck, Joan Blon- less dell, Clark Gable; dir. William Wellman. Robards in A House Without a Christmas Tree. Leonard Maltin introduces this “Forbidden Flatliners Over at J2 Communications, holiday cheer comes Hollywood” entry, the titillating story of a private nurse whose workplace is a bit un- in the form of three $14.95 titles— Christmas Comes to professional. Hi-fi mono. (NR) 73 min. Willow Creek, The Fourth King and The Elf Who Saved VHS, Beta $29.98. MGM/UA. Christmas, plus a $9.95 bargain, The Nutcracker. : In the this-ain’t-no-stocking-stuffer department, At- The Range Feud/Two Fisted Law : las has reduced the 10 titles in its V for Victory series to 1931/1932. B&W. John Wayne, Susan Flem- $14.95 each. But Vestron is catering to different tastes: ing (Feud), Wayne, Walter Brennan (Law); dir. Ross Lederman. Short films predate Take your pick of 12 sci-fi thrillers, including Trancers Wayne's fame but not his charisma. Mono. and Space Rage, reduced to $19.98, or 21 music titles, 112 min. VHS only, $19.95. RCA/Columbia. from Billy Idol to Liberace, at $14.95 each. MGM/UA pays tribute to Spencer Tracy and Ka- Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves 1991. Kevin Costner, Mary Elizabeth Mas- tharine Hepburn with nine new-to-video releases, trantonio, Morgan Freeman, Alan Rick- including a documentary on Tracy narrated by Hepburn, man; dir. Kevin Reynolds. ...And one of the kings of summer box office. Hi-fi sur- all at $19.98, plus several repriced classics, such as Dr. round, cc. (PG-13) 144 min. VHS, Beta, Sp.-subtitled BHS $24.98. 8mm $44.98. LD Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. (digital, letterboxed) $39.98. Warner. And finally, RCA/Columbia offers near-death expe- continued on page 102 riences for a mere $19.95 with the thriller Flatliners, starring Julia Roberts and Kiefer Sutherland. —APB Compiled by April P. Bernard 86 VIDEO DECEMBER 1991

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IGITAL VIDEO STABILIZER ELIMINATES ALL VIDEO COPYGUARDS THE PRO\\STAR NO2 BULL — FOR ORDERS ONL y4 Lu = While watching rent- FEATURES 2 1-800-NO-BULL6 (662-8556 al movies, you will notice annoying pe- riodic color darken- e Easy to use anda o—_ From Canada 1-800-344-BULL(28 snap to install ing, color shift, Ww e State-of-the-art unwanted lines phy or jagged Microchip technol- ° e 8% automatic —! canes by the copy e Compatible to all =! protection jammin <x ae of VCRs and « RCA & S-VHS IN / OUTPUTS. signals embedde ¢ Digital Audio & Video level aJ in the video tape, e The best and most > such as Macrovision exciting Video Sta- indicators. CS3RicNaFoaei4onednrr.fdacdvoild.irteecmieraotniaoln, a copy protection. THE bilizer in the e Auto / Manual fade with variable DIGITAL VIDEO STABI- market LIZER: RXIl COMPLETELY fade rate adjustment. ELIMINATES ALL COPY e Light weight (8 PROTECTIONS AND JAM- ounces) and com- act (1x3.5x5\") MING SIGNALS AND ses a standard 9 ¢ Separate controls for color, contrast, BRINGS YOU CRYSTAL Volt battery (last 1- luminance and tint. 2) CLEAR PICTURES. ¢ A defeat switch lets you see the before 2 years & WARNING e Fast U artitiettf Bo THE DIGITAL VIDEO STA- e eho lhe aval and after. able w“”i) l BILIZER IS INTENDED FOR Special Introductory Offer e UNCONDITIONAL ONLY... 3199.0) 7 PRIVATE HOME USE 30 day money back guarantee cat now 1-800-752-3571FCSR5iNacooi4neadenrf.rdacovdildri.teemciraeotniaoln, ONLY. IT IS NOT IN- e 1 year warranty TENDED TO COPY RENT- oO (Dealers Welcome) LL AL MOVIES OR COPYRIGHTED VIDEO TAPES THAT MAY CON- oh | oe STITUTE COPYRIGHT IN- Southern Computer Corporation FRINGEMENT. p2w) To Order: $59.95 ea +$4 forp &h 141 W.Wieuca Rd., Ste.300-B 1S) Visa, M/C, COD Mon-Fri: 96, EST Atlanta, GA 30342-3219 < 1-800-445-9285 ext. 65512 CFS5aRiNcoaoei5dnenrr.dfacdviold.irteecmieraotniaoln, LL FREE 20 Page Catalog ORDER BY IPMAND SCO Electronics Inc. Dept. CVM121 WE WILL SHIP THAT DAY! 581 W. MERRICK RD. VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580 a) LEARN z< 18) a) GTA AVINIINTA SZ Lu How You Can Save Money on eLu REAL DEAL ON ALL (@F(G-O) V4BY) ae) Cable Rental Fees — Zz MAJOR BRANDS poe Proof x <o ‘eeld eodt = WE ARE AUTHORIZED DEALERS FOR ALL fh BRANDS OF CAMCORDERS. VCRs, TVs, AND 1 Unit 5+ AUDIO EQUIPMENT. DUE TO OUR LOW PR BEST Super Tri-Bi Auto/ ie MANYMANUFACTURERS WILL NOT LETUS Var. Gain Adjustment $119.95..$85 US Cable’ll Beat wis ADVERTISE THEIR NAME OR PRODUCT. IF YC Jerrold Super Tri-Bi ... $109.95..$79 “ Anyone’s Price ~ DON'T SEE IT, CALL. WE HAVE IT. THANK YOI Scientific Atlanta ... « $109....000 $79 HUGE EXPANDING MARKET! 2 K.B. NO BULL... : $109...... $79 Work from your home — part-time or full-time! ~ FOR ALL OTHER No prior experience needed — Average mec hanical = INFORMATION INCLUDIN this Magazine!Panasonic TZPC14S.... $99.95... 579 ability only requirement for your success! Over 15 million camcorders in use — Over 5 million expected Lu DSitgairtgaalteViCdoenoverSttaebri.lizer. $59.96... $29 to be sold in 1991 alone! Wireless Video Sender..$59,95... 49.95 =2 PLEASE CALL 30 Day Money Back Guarantee FREE 20 page Catalog It is a fact that the vast majority of Camcorder o2O Visa, M/C, COD or send money order to: malfunctions (just like VCRs!) are due to simple me- Ww U.S. Cable TV Inc. Dept. KVM121 chanical failure... We can show you how to easily fix — —/ those breakdowns and earn an average of $85.00/Hr. 4100 N. Powerline Rd., Bldg. F-4 while working at home! K.B. VIDEO& q ELECTRONIC«S: Pompano Beach, FL 33073 Get In Now — Soon camcorders will be like VCRs, 1-800-772-6244 ext. 55412 SRC5iNcFaoeai3onednrr.facvdoidli.rteecmireiao.tnei.a,olno,ne in almost every home. For a camcorder cleaning job you can earn $65.00 for For Our Record less than 30 minutes work. I, the undersigned, do hereby declare under penalty of perjury Foracamcorder repair job you can earn over $100.00. =< that all ean, |alert now and in the future, will only be = 24 Hour Fax Order Line 1-908-566-823 used on Cable systems with proper authorization from FREE INFORMATION PACKAGE Call or write: For Orders only 1-800-662-8559 local officials or cable company officials in accordance with all Toll-Free 1-800-537-0589 oe“” Technical Info. call 908-566-7100 applicable federal and state laws. FEDERAL AND VARIOUS Viejo Publications, Inc. SUN 10-8 MON-FRI 9-11 Lu Plaza 34. 100G Hwy. 34. Matawan, NJ. 07747 STATE LAWS PROVIDE FOR SUBSTANTIAL CRIMINAL 5329 Fountain Ave., Dept. VMC AND CIVIL PENALTIES FOR UNAUTHORIZED USE. Los Angeles, CA 90029 aC5RNciFaeoai6onedr.rfgacdoild.rteemiraotniaoln, ~_No Florida Sales! LL.

2 ~ = 1-800-NO BULL 91Lu = FOR ORDERS ONLY ALL ITEMS INCLUDE ALL CALL US WHEN YOU'RE MFRS. FACTORY PACKED ACCS. & TIRED OF THE BULL i MANUFACTURERS USA WARRANTIES FOR A BREATH OF FRESH AIR & “ABSOLUTELY NO GRAY MARKET\" ANO BULL SHOW AT KB VIDEO = 1-800-NO-BULL6 (662-8556) ABSOLUTELY NO GAMES From Canada 1-800-344-BULL(2855) 908-566-7100aloO -Lu FOR ALL OTHER INFORMATION INCLUDING TV'S PAL MULTI SYSTEMS & EUROPEAN EQUIPMENT-PLEASE CALL DO NOT CALL US...UNLESS,».a<g | i ¢ YOU ARE TIRED OF THE BULL.... q fee) C.0.0. ¢ YOU DON'T WANT TO BE BAITED & SWITCHED, 0.0.0. ¢ YOU DON'T LIKE TO BE JERKED AROUND fe) z x ¢ & YOU'RE READY FOR A \"NO BULL\" SHOW! 2) CAMCORDERS AUDIO CAMCORDERS VCR'S FAX & PHONESWw Pha=4a LL PV19..... >a <Oo= }< «XU Gnavin WE ARE AUTHORIZED DEALERS FOR ALL MAJOR BRANDS OF L-1.. cm GALL HR-D’ VSXD1S .... c RTS Con iC CAMCORDERS. VCRs, TVs, AND KXT1470.... aiDGTL.. voce CMAELWL $ HR-D76 UDIO EQUIPMENT. DUE TO OUR VSX9900S.. KXT1740 .. \"“763899 H850,HI. HEeDx20 U, 400 ALL VSX5900S . W ZHA0PQHSIH.O.T................CCAALLLL LOW PRICES MANY VSX4900S. P MANUFACTURERS WILL NOT LE CTW8SOR.. “ KXT2740 .... US ADVERTISE THEIR NAME OR CALL Wi KXT3155 .... \"899 _E-V4e0to.06e08p.i..ToR ~NEW E HR-0940 U... PRODUCT. IF YOU DON'T SEE IT, CTW6SOR. CALL F KXT311.0.. CALL R HR-D980 U... CALL. WE HAVE IT. THANK YOU CTWSSOR.. A CTWM77R CALL © KXT2634.... \"L £61, £65 CALL ™ pR-s4700U CALL \"L KxT3910 p UC-1 MINI...........CALL HR-S6700U uC- S1 Manemae CALL Vy HR-SC1000 LL. K.B. NO BULL. a) JVC SPECIAL FIK E FFAAXX KKXXFE -- 211200....... z WELL FAX KXF - 320... CALL W/ JxS100. “Beat © |WE WILL MEEOTR|oc <=) JXS300 I AVILF M3O5DiEALS... I STOCK | BEAT ALL REAL | We are authorized ‘YOUR | PRICES THAT ARE| |dealers for all major | Lud R1._.c..a.CtAtLL &, JJxXsS9V0505 _Lu CALL T CGV60U .BEST FACTORY brands of phone and| & a)fax machines. If you | CALL PRICE COMPLETE CALL |SINCLUDING U.S. don't see the name | CALL at MITSUBISH2I899 GO VIDEO DUAL 3) AliA AMlliP~ | you're looking for, | $899 i 139 Karaoke 55 please ask for it. | § AUDIO LINEUP | We have it. |BULL!!! DONTT BE | ALL MAJOB BRANDS CALL SO A p re e| FOOLED BY THOSE| E U-65$ 9 P TOSHIBA LOW PRICES IN | YAMAHA Thank You 8a U-82 SUPER. E 642. PRINT ii><:e rev ry7) i Panasonica VMS 8200A up to $700 in | Pv4i01. 229 THAT YOU CAN 2-_ VVMMEE 2232A4 6504--11 ...... PV4160 NEVER VME 25A 64-1 Rebates PV41 328 V = Y xv 100.......JN STOCK PY: SVF990.. ie L |) PIONEER... VMH 148A Hi Band CALL yO XV 110210R..E.M.......IINN SSTTOOCCKK ceLL 4 RADAR DETECTOR.CALL =Lu Ce ETCAALL p APlRlOVH8S60,Mod8e6l5s..........CCAALLLL B SCROEMENSS....IN SSTTOOCCKK P4= E Lowest Prices oor1 ALL MAJOR BRANGS CALL $ xGO0M5PU VLIINN.K.........C.ACALLLL ASLLLICMACMAACVMOAIRLDAEBRL.S.E..C“A7LgL CALE Abe CCAALLLL 0 PIONEE ae CALL CALL JVC... CALL FA cat CALL 1304 Ans. Mach ...CALL C ea C vVuHe642i155_ HITACHI. CALL XLM 505 TN.........CALL B 11359273 AAnnss,, MMaacchh...C..ACALLLL j MiTSUB gg XUM 70T5N ....CALL E All TRIMLINES......CALL ALL TV'S... CALL g 230 MEMORY......CALL |! CCALL R VH640S8pr... CALL N TOSHIBA T ALL COMPONENTS... CALL S WJAVE 5... Saeet RCA/GE 0) ALL RACK sysT... 330 CLOCK ALL CASS.DECKS .... T RADIO PHONE.. CALL EDITING lt ALL Others FULL LINE. 4200 CORDLESS ..CALL VR-20R 10:1... CALLT TV/VCR SPECIAL fit} cDIoRuEaCtTizeEr.D + ‘ 1p £300 CORDLESS ..CALL VV--121288...by nea NMEEWW. CC8BSSCC.9986)DGiTLc8:1.672299 0 PBtErAT aYgOUrRyBEmST | PVM1328 on... 429 8 2ocx 4600 CORDLESS ..CALL APLVLM2M02O8D.E. LS... E 5200 CORDLESS ..CALL 8-808HIBAND. WE'LL D 9 TURBO... BALB.oocccoeccecneee ol 5320 CORDLESS...CALL 8-428 64- AzdenVE-100 IN STOCK 5500 CORDLESS ..CALL L 5600 CORDLESS C-618...... AL aWseMcorCOR..‘.576160-0., C $ ALL NEW MODELS...CALL Azden VPC-10.1N STOCK ANS. MACHINE... ALLTVs... ALLSZ. CALL ==) R861....... VR680 VCR Azden AVS-201N STOCK R105 10:1 H F. R108 Hi 10:1 ... Azden WMS-ProlN STOCK Vidimate 200.......... oOLu R88H Hi Band....... R67 6-1 HLF.- K All RCA & GE T.V.s Vidimate 300 BIG BUTTON SIMA EDIT 2 CALLER 1D... KX90 H.ta ST. CALL & PROJECTION SIMA EDIT 3 764 CALLER ID KDM/70 10-1 HF ..CALL LOWEST PRICES CANON VE100 . PHONE oscssocscse FILTER KIT..............69 KDH170 Hi 10-1 HF ..CALL ANYWHERE NADY NADY NADY FROM 2\" TO 100\" KX HI Mini Hi Band CALL oal a K.B. VIDEO &ELECTRONICSzx 24 Hau Fa Order Line 1-908-566- 8234 For Orders only 1-800-662-8559 CoD 2) Technical Info. call 908-566-7100 lNO HIeANVL‘S13GSL‘SYIVI1NVN3'WOVUArV'SAeLS'WW'NWONddoVMIISNNOOA Lu SUN 10-8 MON-FRI 9-11 Y FaoO= > Lie Plaza 34. 100G Hwy. 34. Matawan. N.J. 07747 Lu AYOLIV4A GNV GSSLNVYYVM ‘V'S'N SI LNAWdINOSA 11V “HS3Y4 AYOLOVA 9 For aaaitional information, circle No. 35 on Reader Service Card.

yyo &i A&an A Lady Metirne Mien Skne LSsn k4e~P~ r Le LB,> E&in L4E keLD 8i a rav Fe iina> bAylNn a in L,a, LaER fai amy Stta fyBe 4 Mi, &hen Siln B&OY, 8 fy > 3038-B NOSTRAND AVENUE, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK 11229 % 5 YEAR EXTENDED 4 Cree NORTH AMERICAN4 WARRANTY AVAILABLE &> “cielEXCHANGE POLICY FOR INFORMATION &CUSTOMER SERVICE. i)8)838-811—Z7RAYS € CALL FOR A FULL LINE OF VIDEO ALLaE > INiRICOHAD COME g fcckssonts FOR ALL MAKES & MODELS SONY @‘TSRO-N5Y1 —.) HI:TACHI noaee a> i++6:R1emZootoem 6V4MZ-onLOAS aSy y enet: F-401 { 3h : * HiFi Stereo . ; _eutaet ra sigeose 141,4,000Shutter “ae + Remote Control Generator eras pence éspe + Sports View Finder 5 6| * Stereo Sound CALL |)HHIITTAACCHHII VVM-M1-51E.8.E.....s.ss.s0e.secs0eecn $$968489 JF501. rsnnnnnnnnennnnn $779 | ++ 1PaYlemarSWizaeranty C/\\| | YASHICA coggh (I RICOH, CANON oe F pb 210:L1uxZoom gfbee* 10:1 Zoom *& Ee 1H,000 Shutter ‘Spood Renae* LChoarnactor Generator @ 23 Lux | ee (KARTS _CALCLAFLOLR PRICE | + 4,000 Shutter Speed | € Shutter Speed =EtSiesaanalaalike LCOAWLLPRFICOER ‘ itvStonm¢as CAL M8-I4N0O6LTA SCCH-I9N8ON , @ OPTICS * 8:1Zoom * Digital *6:1 Zoom Special Effects *1/10,000 3 Lux * 1/4,000 Shutter Speed “™ °2Lux ae + 4 Year Warranty 4, -Character Generator “Y + Twin Beam SC+96..snsrsne CALL FOR PRICE &q Infrared € <i CSVU-N2P0ASCK 151VRL . < Col € | AUTO wineries rceaete : q°t. i mic 3 we ' BF VE=100 Editorscscvssssmesee @CV-300 AUTO .nnsesnne $131 WRB |)PRO EDIT Acerennnnnen $48), WMS-PRO Wireless Mic.....°119 OV e20S sc sb isiendnsinccten $68 $ READY LIGHT 20. $44 |)PRO BOOM MIC.....esssssue $48 ffPRO EDIT 2...sscssssseeesssen $99) WMS-200 Wireless Mic........°88

ee & é ys , a‘ ym FAX YOUR ORDERS 24 HOURS ADAY¥ (718) 338-9155 VISES 1-8s00-275-2301 ee FOR INFORMATION AND GUSTOMERSERVICE GALL: (718)838-81 y POR §f COMPLETE WITH U.S.A. WARRANTY USA WARRANTYALL ITEMS IN THIS AD —_> ics >ae oS » SONY. sopice racy SONY RICOH: Z| | PANASONIC MADE a Se TR-81 F-501 aie hay‘$wit BY + Reomte si 5 een ea SONY * e ; <’ . alee ial + Infra-red R67 Compact < pe Zoom : TBP ) RRRR888R668E10S || tow priTo|HSSitMteBOreaeLotnEd vB cn8| PV-610 : ; F°55....$579 F-77.....$699 BIHPbV-y7 s20accccssassssrscassssecssnees 4 TTRR--7“44..,.......$$659398 TTR6R“.6..0.-.N0.0e..9w$5Ca7l8l) F-201..$548 F-401...$668) 1 Year Parts & Labor |P)VS-£710 srrnnnnnines CALL SAME AS RICOH & YASHICA YASHICA onece YASHICA Nr = : o ap Hig Caine i » - ali R83 wee on Fs NEW iso ig KXH-1 — = s2 +HIF Stereo « BI ; i 10:1 ZOOM2+Lux yd BM - 1/10,000 Zoom «Stereo 1lux i WER |' Sie mn Op ‘ *ShCuhtatrearcteSrpeeGdenerator + Remote Control , EWKDH-770 : 08H N mae MINOLTA V-16R......CALL | YASHICA KX-77...... phigh aicieynttrh YASHICA KX-90......CALL §) /@initered 05 ilies om MINOLTA V18R.......CALL| 4 2 year Warranty 3 Year peesTenity i it SONY ° RCA cC- 520 | y NEW Characrtor Generator ie4 V-801 vidoe Loteay Sy +10:1 Zoom + 3 Luxe 2 Bes ‘ >» f\"aLsUsGccScercmtats COABD G nosnchnoc tpé CCD-V5000....... PPROO-I880e.sos.c.sn.in.ess.ns.se.ase.es.nn.ebane y V-701 capeinasisnettesaeteetaies CC560 NEW...............+0000+ $999 5 PPVA-N4A1SONIC game |JGVRC-:AX10U ‘ fWae| CEAONSON 8:1 Zoom + MAXXUM OPTICS El. S. Palmcorder + 8:1 Zoom+1Lux ee + 8:1 Zoom«Digital + Twin Beam Infrared + Digital Superimposer : rerarpaser + Hi Fi Stereo |PBVv.-2010NNEEW,W$$583499)RGSS snc S8t|CCAANNOONNE£0S9T............ 2CALaL svur7nt 8C--35081.i6siNECWALCLAL8L-4C0-66.0.6.CCAALLLLE)) PPYVV--4201 NNEWE..W.coccsccccccsa.0s.e a79t9 -707.. Use Visa, MasterCard, Diner's Club, American Express, or sand money order or certified check, For mall order please call before sanding mcnay orders or certified check. Exchange within 7 days only with original packing and unfill t No exchange or returns without proir authorization number, Returns are subject tominimum 5% restocking fea 4 Insurance are non-refundable All merchandise Is brand new, factory Fresh. Allprices are subject lo manulactures plus the cost of shipping, handling, and insurance, which are not reffindable,On relusad isnon- sete flim ce 4 and condition soy.This ad Is valid for this month only, Increase or decrease, Pictures are for illustative purposes only, Notresponsible for typo errors. Prices are for ata only. Terms wo! For additional information, circle No. 37 on Reader Service Card.

ORDER TODAY-GET IT TOMORROW! cali For Details SBeseeseSsFtSQS SSGS RSS _ Th's asuncie! HOSPITALITY! _ WORLD'S BEST! YASHICA OPTICS, | HIB, 2LUX SCClALL. SE6C5ALL ERA! Autofocus, CCDTR51 PRO860 CCDV801 KDH170 $1048 $749 SCALL $CALL ee a = 8x Zoom,3 lux Hi8, 8x Zoom, Hi Fi Stereo, Hi Fi Stereo, Hi-speed Shutter aaa m Yashica ee Pree) YASHIC KX77 $CALL SKK SSSHSRSEP SSC RSSKSHFSSRPSSSSRERSEREEPSRSFERE ESS Shipping/Handling charges are nonrefundable, Restocking fee may be applicable. *Subject to available method of payment and choice of carrier service. For additional information, circle No. 38 on Reader Service Card.

a ANORTH|>)AMERIeCtA©N eeoo ietei 5 YEAR EXTENDED 3038-B NOFSOTRRAONRDDEARVSENUOEN,LYBR-OCOAKLLLYN,TOLNLEWFREYEORK 11229 _ Si. Habla Espanol / Parle Francais 4 i WARRANTY AVAIABLE VISA, MASTERCARD, AMEX, 7 DAY RETURN or DISCOVER, J.B.L., DINERS EXCHANGE POLICY FOR INFORMATION & CUSTOMER SERVICE: (718) 888-9111 CLUMBO,NECY.O.DO.,RDCEARSsH. & L|<4. VIDEO ACCESSORIES VIDEONICS PRO-ED | Taan ausatlecorrect + Built-in charactor generator i+ eCiomnpagct S: ER + 12 Types of fades in wipes Ws a1sgk +E Index ss creens and easy touse \" i aie Ox -5.0: Graphics Generator : CITIZEN M-829 Fast Forward « Rewind COLOR MONITOR CLAENS YOUR TAPES FOR LONGER LIFE - Ponaia ty VHS REWINDER/CLEANER.$15 |)usedfor changes in one hour HEAVY DUTY Sfeccal pai Arif Eliminates memory PRO-TRIPOD loss for long lite ¢ Fluid Head Bubble $89 250ft. Range HEADSET WMS-PRO WIRELESS oie Mellie mp MICROPHONE green a : aration + Listen to Audin SOLIDEX WIRELESS MICROPHONE «2 Microphones -2 Frequencies NADY PRO 3 + 200 ft, BOOM MICROPHONE . Works onal camcorders Processor. Call JVC CG-60 Char. Generator.Call JVC JX550 Color Processor.Call ‘ oy AZDEN. , “PROLINE” WIRELESS VPC-10 me. «MICROPHONE COLOR PROCESSOR NEW Ultrahigh ¢ } Frequency Fi 200 ft. Range geo. ShutterSpeed:SxlZoomAR ae VIDEO EDITING | Panasonic,intl + Hi-Fi Stereo - 1/10,000 VG-100 PRO-EDITOR Panasonic SIMA EDIT-2.598 —EDIT-1.559 |)FeeeGTsSIMA Bye Recsceiocsccccesicace™ 189 SPECIAL WJMX 10 & 12 EDITOR Pro-Editing Systems . 7 SONY 8MM| TDK 8MM| FUJI 8MM FUJI HI-8 |SONY HI-8) SONY VHS |Jvc VHS-C « P-60...3.99 |60....3.49 |60.....3.99| 60....6.99 |60......6.49 Reg.120.299 | 20.....3.45 6 P-90.,.4.99 |90....3.99 |120...5.99 |120..8.99 |120....8.49 |HG........ 3.49) 30.....4.49 P-120.5.99 |120..4.99 PHO ..04446.49 Use Visa, MasterCard, Diner's Club, American Express, or send money order or certified check. No exchange or returns without proir authorization number. Returns are rete to minimum 5% ‘For mail order please call before sending money orders or certified check, Exchange within 7 days only with original packing and unfilled warranty cards Insurance are non-refundable All merchandise is brand new, factory fresh. llprices are subject restocking fee plusthe cost of shipping, handling, and insurance, and condition apply. This ad is valid for this month only. to manufactures increase or decrease. Pictures are for illustative which are not refundable, On reh/sedo nen-delvered orders, shipping,ping, handling and purposes only. Not respensible for typo errors, Prices are for mail aioe only. Terms yo DShla . icky pai—s\" ae” 4 For additional information, circle No. 39 on Reader Service Card.

N i) | 9AM-10PIM GU‘A24aRnAHNaOTUuERrEcDeoW LD EO Lidl ESALER TR6........$648 fyi0.000 SHUTTER $878 V7O1..-- TR-4.......$528 R-9..$678 |ys000V101sean SON TR-51_sogpe-t SHRITE-EMFlROETOE\\)@ ae gens psaianres | REMOTE << YASHICA LENS 2 LUX $688 LARGEST UTHORIZE! DEALER AL» ah Ae OPTICSAUTHOaiRgIZED} “' ey-Fl STEREO % REM TE “BS Jia inh, CALL~. DEALER | YASHICA opTiCs CALL RCC MNOR,1 YR. pe ooo DIGITAL SUPERIMPOSER R-86 Po | VME ai SHi a COMPACT fie 8X 1ZOOM o‘ e +} 8HIX-1FZIOSOTME_REO \\SeaRnena \\ CALL4R1I0C,O0H00OPPITXIECLS © vf; legen\" 2-298 WMEIDA....36WSIHRUETLTEESRS REMOTE ; By 2 :‘ 3 YR WARRANTY | aPnRiOmGaRtAiMon AiUnTtOeREvXaPLOoSmUeRTEeR —s_lagnaeemnap VN-310... .- 8X1ZOOM : 6X 1 ZOOM a 8 X 1 ZOOM Dn Os er e “ .< REMOTE STEREO w MO SS all — Bs wie ess ; e| w P/[P|RRPOOROM882E2WS060A............ ! ADE. :; NHIIK8ONPLAOYPBATCIKC\\S* PELoeatetnhan ; =iAL L CFRAESEE CALL CY800-|33 1 S423 KN NSRE288 |:: @Taatayp mbit ®” yBt/AeTPTEORYWMEQASUXPIRMC+-K42 |ATC-2R00 KONTEaEry~e4SPoMe-1m WA sania CHOICE\" “ re oSTaER 5& ; ATT. QUICK POWERCSR4NcioaFae0ioenodr.farddcvoidl.irteecmieraotniaoln, MAX 15 MIN. CHARGERg CHARGER DC NA pce ser|ICHARGE FROM CIG. LIGHTER BATT. RECONDITIONER/. 1600 BROADWAY NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10019 | U.S.A. WARRANTY ON ALL VIDEO CAMERAS & ACCESSORIES

wOPENWIDEO WHOLESALER p2e4viHvOeUnRy 9AM-10PM c1/e10e,000 SaHeUTTER ¢ GUARANTEED Panas DIGITAL EFFECT PVS-770 i 5688 RAX-5.... S1-2VXHS1 ZOOM vié aa $788|PV-530...$698 GRAN. 7.eb PVIVDEO-7LI6GH0T ......CALL { PV-750...... = V-118 Wy1 ZOOM <Aurnonized = DEALER TITLER ¢ss ALa 4L Be = TIME LAPSE ANIMATION 7 ACH GRS- cae BYWRARRANTY > 1/2000 SHUTTER CALL NOWVISS EDITING SYSTEM Panasonic AG-450 ; ati = PRO SVHS .2 ~ 101XZOOM FLYING ERASE HEAD $698\" VSBA TTERIES oneeee CALL VME-5400A. CALL|CC-41 | BABTUTYEROYNEGET THEN “10 prooucnowcentin....fete . MDBIeCOAVV-S0-32000sruxnameewrcnees .eeavaeesens-s-s-e.P.G9hO8e08y/|C|V-a30G0ee..W.E+..Me.ae.sn.en.nen-s +nn+a-ir9oeT9s S8SWLhe OF RUN EM wane nn TEE 0 Ee . en ae ete 1-30 CIXS-55 paooucrioncewren.......0++ os. = CG-V60U cranacrenGENERATOR. seeeeeeeed Sense nae iit ee | ONI Heed seenneceeennes ponics a +SUwPhEeeRe.e .ee.e IDEONICS BOING BOX.............. as : CNEREC TRR eee eeNMS TIEIO® DA 2 f° a ee taseRRR oe | DO ILIILY DUI veces ees PO TOU A AU RHARNKE RN RAED RR eee ee SNe ees Bhar TERA ON PALE STFRITRIENSE MIT. Te FAXaEvn 800-33 1 “B423N N NYoSnTtAweTen E 1600 BROADWA AY NEW YORK, NEW YORK 100179 JRN OR EXCHANGE MAY BE MADE WITHIN7DAYS OF RECEIPT AFTER PRIOR AUTHORIZATION. ALL RETURNED MERCHANDISE MUST BE IN ORIGINAL NEW CONDITION AND MUST INCLUDE ALL PACKING AND BLANK (ahidselASCARDS, WE RESERVRE THE RIGHT TO LIMIT QUANTITIES, RETURNS ARE SUBJECT TO A 5°e RESTOCKING FEE. SHIPPING AND HANDELING NON-REFUNDABLE. THIS AD VALID FOR MONTH OF ISSUE, CUSTOMER SERVICE (212)245-314, For additional information, circle No. 40 on Reader Service Card.

LASERDISC ENTERPRISES | MAIL ORDER SALES: - Over 4500 titles in stock for sale only - Order 1-2 discs for 10% discount or order 3 or more for 15% discount - We can tell you what is in stock when you call - All in-stock titles shipped same or next business day - 1st catalog FREE. Call 1-800-347-1941 .(There will be a charge for overseas) HOME THEATRE SYSTEM SPECIALISTS ATLANTA LASERDISC SUPERSTORE: - Over 4500 discs available for rent - Over 4500 discs in stock for sale - 10% discount off retail price on most disc sales - Excellent selection of home entertainment equipment Audio/Video Receivers Front Projection TVs Speakers Monster Cable Laserdisc Players Direct View Tubes Powered Sub-Woofers VHS/S-VHS Rear Projection TVs Compact Disc Players Laser Karaoke For information on equipment please call 404-955-8909. LASERDISC SUPERSTORE MAIL ORDER STORE 390 MAIN STREET LOEHMANN'S PLAZA HIRAM, GA 30141 2430 COBB PKWY. 404-439-1580 FAX: 404-439-0969 SMYRNA, GA 30080 HRS: M-TH 9-6, F 9-5 404-955-8909 For additional information, circle No. 41 on Reader Service Card. Panasonic ACCESSORYIFIT’S A VIDEO..........0000000 re@m,,| Canon. qPanasonic Camcorders WE MOST LIKELY HAVE IT !!! CANON Al . DIGITAL FEATURES: RCA CAM- Hi-band 8mm video @ Digi- RCAVCR’S CORDERS VR334. = CC391 tal Signal . VR335 CCA45 ; Processor al- a VRS0S CCS512 lows smooth 8mm VR515 CC525 dissolves & VRS535 PRO815 the creation of; VR550 PRO820 artistic enhancements to your video VR660HF PRO825 taping @ Hi-Fl Stereo e Digital Signal Processor also allows 2X close-ups & VR66SHF PRO860 otherspecial effects e 0.5 Lux digital low VR680HF PRO880HB light capability (gain-up) e 10X Power VR690HF Zoom @ Wireless remote control @ VR696HF High Resolution 410,000 pixel image sen- sor @ Plus many more features ! TPaVn/aVsCoRniicc Panasonic GE CAM- OBt08h,erE40C, ABN61O, N65,CaH8m0c0or&deH8r5s0 Phones CORDERS GEVCR’S COMBOS . Ce Naat CG681 VG2016 We stock Panasonic ATneglieepPheoatong&asWid|e P[AC2T™UmcMorideerS& FVoCrR eee) Nee Plus we stock the RIE Most Brands!! CG695 VG4016 Canon accessories ACCESSORIES COG7O00 =VVVGGA4420G1188 for their products TrOreLeL 1-800-368-5020 FREE! YO1R16KTPORDWOINDS,UTCRTVIIIBROUGNTIONDIRRASIV2E3®693 For a more detailed description of our camcorders, CATALOG VCR's, & Video Accessories, as well as our terms & conditions of sale, refer to our video catalog.. V\\/\\ For additional information, circle No. 42 on Reader Service Card.

THE VIDEO MAGAZINE READER ACTION PROGRAM... it’s Time To Take @ction!! ——~ GnedlerItygsetcse yooufVIalDl EthOe” > NEIWTI’ISI Magazinelll : ~ FR|TE'SE a ras ‘s VIDEO’s Reader Action Program is designed to bring you more timely service and more information from the advertisers whose products have caught your attention. It’s quicker, more efficient and assure you that you’ll receive the literature you requested. Simply note the reader service number at the bottom of or side of the ad which interests you and circle it on the Reader Action Card. The Reader Action Program. 4 VIDEO Magazine is working harder to bring you even more satisfaction from our publication. So Take Action. Take advantage of VIDEO Magazine’s Reader Action Program today! Teseeepee VIDEO VIDEO Reader Service Card Reader Service Card Name (please print) Zip i Name : Zip Address State Address (please print} City City State Telephone Number (with Area Code) Telephone Number (with Area Code) i 1.What is your age? 5. If it were available, would you be interested in 1. What is your age? 5. If it were available, would you be interested in 18-30 «6AL) «(45-59 (Oo 18-30 6AQ (45-59 CO 3145 BOD 60+ DO a device to transfer still photo formats to video? 31-45 BO) 60+ DO a device to tronsfer still photo formats to video? Ys QU) No RO Ys QO No RU 2. What type of still photographic equipment 6 What features would be most appealing to you : 2. What type of still photographic equipment 6.What features would be most appealing to you have you used (please check all that apply) i a stillphoto to video transfer unit? ' have you used (please check all that apply) in a stil photo to video transfer unit? | 110 comera EQ No limit on S Onegative & positive 1] 110 camera E No limit on 5 Clhegative & positive 1 | 3355mmmm mpooinnutalandfocsuhsooStLE «=GF:OC Eaoseoodfuse = T CAPorftraobnislfietry ability 20] 35mm point and shoot F film tronsfer ability : 35mm manual focus SLF = G () Ense ofuse I ++portability 210 | CMolaorgucorzrecotioonm VYLC] noc)small footprint) 35mm auto focus SLR 1HO ther' 35mm auto foous SLR 14 ManuCoalorlcorzrecotioonm V—U Clad(semailnl/ffoaodtperointu)t 3) | + | 3.Whattypeof film(s) have you used for still A‘—S—Mui«adt“se0okRiP:ZInfngoegeodmcecarappabaibli=iltyityWXZYCOCI tecture 3.Whattypeoffilm(s) have you used for still A—S‘—luM=ita«dso0ekPiR,ZInfngoegeodmcecarapapbaibliatlyryWx¥OOZ1TC)) feature | 3|!5mimtaXE) o3t5hmemrm s=isdleide M1C)] 35mtmierKsE} o3t5hemrm side =e] 4.Do you ever dub in voice and/or music on 7. What is the most you would be willing to pay : 4. Do you ever dub in voice and/or music on 7. What is the most you would be willing to pay i ee home videos? for o unit that fit your needs? | your home videos? for a unit that fit your needs? | Mes NCL] No oo $1500 - $2000 4() $400-699 70) : YDeosn'townNvLid]eocomeNroa 0PL0) -$$11500000 -- $$21040909 45 (1J) $le4s0s0t-hon$6$94900 780] Dono’wntvideo comero = PL] $1000 - $1499 5 (less thon $400 8] ; 4 $700 - $999 60 $700 - $999 60 8 Are you curreansutbslcriyber to VIDEO? 9 O Yes 10 CINo =; — 8. Are you curreansutbslcriyber to VIDEO? 9 (Yes 10 CNo | Please circle product numbers to receive desired information Please circle product numbers to receive desired information Se 2 3. 4 GG. 293 8 10 2 93 44 18 Nine See Rey pee Papen camer eer Set Jere | oe Re Pee Jee eek 3R1ereea3t2: «483> 3:34019523095334)637.92° 38 24 25) 226° 2798 29. 30-16 AP AS = 49 =20% 94> 92° 99° 28 198 96 7 282930 45 47 #48 #49 #50 51 52 53 39 4041 44S 31 32 33 4394 «5(035 3516-3375:2 35383954 4505 4546 457 2458 4459 5 60 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 46 47 48 H 661 «662:«(«63:«CGA CS CEsCdGTs—CiSBCiD—Cs 70s 1ss72— 7387485 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 / 7% 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 76 #77 #78 #79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 - 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 ) 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 145 116 117 118 1149 120 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119° 120 5 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 | 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195

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