video-magazine-1987-05

uidec; The'‘Dolby Of Special Programming Issue 20 Years On Tape kxclusive Interviews _— : Desa [than ii eer ‘: ‘.. Life of Brian 8 or : %P IUTAS —[4 Beas 1% | STS hiba 26-Inch TV 70989 37869 owtime Special Effects System

MAXELL. THE TAPE THAT LASTS AS LONG AS THE Soe For four generations he’s remained the most independent of Hollywood's independent directors. A hard-nosed, hardheaded genius son of a genius father. At Maxell we help you preserve his movies, with tapes that are manufactured up to 60% higher than the industry calls for. Tapes that continue to deliver the same quality and clarity up to 500 plays. So as long as the world has an appetite for high drama and grand action there will be the movies of the grand old man of American film, John Huston. © 1986 Maxell Corporation of Ameri6c0Oaxf,ord Drive, Moonachie, N.J. 07074. Art by Guy Fery.

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WITH MEMBERSHIP ENEMY MINE 3584082 CRS BODY DOUBLE 1713062 | POWER 5119072 ruk THE SOUND OF MUSIC 0039212 | THE ROAD WARRIOR THE GRADUATE 3103002 | GREMLINS BUTCH CASSIDY AND 6082082 MAD MAX: BEYOND 6089012 THE SUNDANCE KID THUNDERDOME 6020032 48 HOURS 0517302 4473032 SUPERMAN 2022182 BODY HEAT COCOON 0013132 6101052 THE BRIDGE ON THE 3553052 SUMMER RENTAL RIVER KWAI 2016162 THE CLAN OF THE 1606062 REBEL WITHOUT 0511022 CAVE BEAR A CAUSE 0507162 GHOSTBUSTERS 3180062 STAR TREK Ill— Pies THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK a as [TEEN WOLF THE AFRICAN QUEEN 6115092 THE LONGEST DAY 0567132 3583092 CASABLANCA 4611032 ’ |FRIGHT NIGHT LA STRADA 6167062 ‘A PASSAGE TO INDIA 7509042 THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY oa JEWEL OF THE NILE THE GODS MUST BE CRAZY COBRA SHORT CIRCUIT NEVER SAY NEVER 3145002 VALANCE 4104072 3571032 7340042 6201042 3607012 REVOLUTION ebb [THE ALAMO 0577032 1820062 | TWICE IN A LIFETIME [4857062 | kiss OF THE NATIONAL LAMPOON'S NOTORIOUS Leribe RUTHLESS PEOPLE 1741022 ALL THE PRESIDENT’S SPIDER WOMAN 5444032 |3187092 EUROPEAN VACATION 6096022 THE OFFICIAL STORY 0055122 2092052 | MEN |srw PRIZZI'S HONOR CLEOPATRA 0583052 | ANNIE HALL 0502032 | YANKEE DOODLE DANDY | 4802022 | MURPHY'S ROMANCE 1853062 | AFTER HOURS 2026062 THE PARENT TRAP [|GOONIES 0002322 THE HOWLING | TERMS OF ENDEARMENT | 6081092 | BONNIE AND CLYDE [0574062 | ALICE IN WONDERLAND 423082 | TOOTSIE WITNESS [2014182 |“10” A SOLDIER'S STORY 6072002 | DIRTY HARRY 6017082 | THE EMERALD FOREST PURPLE RAIN IRON EAGLE WEST SIDE STORY 0011072 | DANCE WITH A STRANGER 4855082 |THE GOOD, THE BAD LAWRENCE OF ARABIA PRETTY IN PINK STAR WARS 3586042 _|CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE BND TE UGLY MY FAIR LADY WITNESS FOR THE 4224022 | THIRD KIND 1510192 _| 79 LIVE AND DIE THE BIG CHILL PEE WEE'S PROSECUTION SESAME STREET PRESENTS: LINe BIG ADVENTURE AGNES OF GOD THE TEXAS CHAINSAW 0717122 |FOLLOW THAT BIRD 6117072 |WASH ANNIE MASSACRE 3305062 GANDHI 1533042 __| THE TEN CHINATOWN 2025152_| FANNY AND ALEXANDER 3112092 | COMMANDMENTS A CHORUS LINE 3193012 | ALIEN THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD 0855062 _| ROMANCING THE STONE 0894092 DELTA FORCE 3583012 GUNG HO 4225012 ON GOLDEN POND 0523162 THE COTTON CLUB 3100032 SLEEPING BEAUTY SPACECAMP eee ai 5437022 4886012 PATTON IG043092 0579012_| OKLAHOMA! 0054052 | KRAMER VS. KRAMER 7503002 5288022 | BEVERLY HILLS COP 2053102 |GODFATHER 0008022 0527202 | CADDYSHACK 6023002 _| A NIGHTMARE ON 4114052 |BLADE RUNNER 3104092 | ELM STREET 2 3382022 DOWN AND OUT THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL RETURN OF THE JEDI 1733022 | AN OFFICER AND 6043062 aeneee 3547042 6048012 | A GENTLEMAN THE RIGHT STUFF 5076062 2021192 |MARY POPPINS 0505342 | POLICE ACADEMY 6049002 | SILVERADO 1810082 nN oe 1514072 __| RE-ANIMATOR 4847092 | GODFATHER Ii 0564162 | THE SWORD IN 0081002 3507022 | THE STONE 5409062 THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK 1527022 | 20,000 LEAGUES | WHITE NIGHTS 0910092 | THE KILLING FIELDS 6084062 | CABARET [4001272 5378032 6097012 | RAGING BULL | 0500132 UNDER THE SEA 0504012 ST. ELMO'S FIRE 1814042 _| PALE RIDER 6116082 | COMMANDO | 3555032 6098002 _| THE BLACK STALLION 6014012 [|DUMBO 5526042] | 1710092 5361102 | GUESS WHO'S COMING 1803072 | SPIES LIKE US 3570042 THE KARATE KID | 0989052 4812062 | CHARIOTS OF FIRE | AVIEW TOA KILL 1516052 _| PINOCCHIO | TO DINNER 5251052 | FORT APACHE 3288072 | 4881062 | GIANT AT CLOSE RANGE [3181052 ROCKY IV | RASHOMON 1819092 | | NIGHTMARE ON 6080002 | ELM STREET Now you can own any three Advance Selection box in coupon. ) Club works. If you're not satisfied, number to order. Just call 24-hours About every four weeks (up to return everything within 10 days for a day 1-800-CBS-4804 (in Indiana movies here for just $3.30 each with membership in the CBS Video 13 times a year) we'll send you our a full, prompt refund with no further 1-800-742-1200). Club! Movies for less than the CBS Video Club Magazine, review- obligation. Or mail the coupon. price of movie tickets, less than the ing our Director's Selection plus price of most rentals, and they’re many alternate movies. Up to four For faster service, use CBS VIDEO CLUB yours for keeps! times a year you may also receive 1400 North Fruitridge Avenue, Terre Haute, IN 4781] Special Selection offers, usually Pryouor tcreditr carrd ranrd ourrtroll-frreerr Choose from the best, too. at a discount off regular club Return ofthe Jedi, Ruthless People, prices, for a total of up to 17 buying CBS VIDEO CLUB Advance Selection Sleeping Beauty and more. There's opportunities. no membership fee, and you don’t | 1400 North Fruitridge Avenue SAVE UP TO $60 MORE— have to buy a lot of movies. CHOOSE FROM HUNDREDS Dept. AB4, P.O. Box 1111, Terre Haute, IN 47811 OF HIT MOVIES Just buy five more within the Yes, please enroll me in the CBS Video Club HAVE LESS TO BUY LATER! next two years. The movies you As amember, you'll always | under the terms outlined in this advertisement. order will be mailed and billed have a wide range of choices. If | As a member, I need buy just five more movies Order a fourth movie now for only $19.95— at regular Club prices, which you want the Director's Selection, and your membership obligation is currently range from $29.95 to don’t do a thing. It will arrive auto- at regular Club prices within the next two years, $75.95, plus shipping and handling. matically. If you prefer an alternate immediately reduced (you then need buy (Extra-long films and specials may title, or none at all, just return Send me these only 4 more, instead of 5). cost a bit more.) the card provided by the date 3 movies for $3.30 specified. each (that's $9.90) Just fill in the number of your first selection BONUS PLAN-SAVE 50% below, and add $19.95, plus $3.00 shipping/ You'll always have two full handling, to your $9.90 payment. 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MAY 1987 Contents Volume XI, Number 2 4 70 Departments Features Programming Special Programming Issue ...45 News & Views Channel One By Mark Fleischmann........00...0066+. 79 Videotapes Are Everywhere............. 6 Madison Avenue’s Video Ventures Reviews Fast Forward Taking stock of the state—and Blue Velvet, Aliens, future—of prerecorded video. Legal Eagles, Men, Super’ VHS Updates ssasi.e ee 8 By Murray Slovick Sid & Nancy, m0re ...........c0ceeeeeess 81 Feedback The Life of Python Letters from Readers ..........0.....00+ 10 An irreverent look at the lives and Directory videos of comedy’s leading anar- The Gazette chists—Monty Python’s Flying New Releases on Tape & Disc........ 90 Troma Films, Jules Circus. Feiffer, Lesley Ann Warren, By Tom Soter Videotests AFI Video Festival, more The Compleat Fab Four Sharp VCC20UA VHS HQ Camcorder Edited by Ira Robbins...........00000004. 14 Reliving the ’60s with the with Stereo Sound Beatles, as a group and on Top 40 their own. Toshiba CZ2697 26-Inch TV Tape & Disc Sales & Rentals ......... 16 By Ira Robbins with Digital Processing New Products Hollywood's Lost Generation JVC HR-D570U VHS HQ Hi-Fi VCR The writers, directors, and with Digital Effects Phe: LatestsGearten dices 20 stars blacklisted in the ’50s left a legacy of classic films. Showtime Video Ventures Studio- Fine Tuning A look at what’s on tape. in-a-Suitcase Video Questions & Answers........... 30 By Pat McGilligan By Berger-Braithwaite Labs............ 98 TV Den Video Takes Over Main Street Special-interest videos are every- The'DolbyO’f Video Second Look at Macrovision where, even the local bowling alley. Don’t believe it? Check this out. By Roderick Woodcock.........0......+.- 34 By Jim Bessman The Camcorner On Location Extras By Roderick Woodcock........00.......+- 36 Audio Input 40 Room Size Video Sound By IvansBereors.vs oes: ok ein Off the Air The Koreans Are Coming By Bob Brewin..........c0sccccesebeenee 138 Fa-Rou-Dja 74 About the cover: Whether it was the The engineer behind 0s, ’60s or ’70s that changed your life, startling improvements in there’s plenty of video programming on-screen picture quality. Will available to remind you of it. Photograph he be the Dolby of video? by Rick Barrick. By Timothy Onosk0 ........0c0cccccccceee 4 Video May 1987

\"sma ALAN SCARFE + KEN POGUE ~ VLASTA VRANA + JOHN BOYLAN - DONALD PILON “**s JAMIE BROWN vou ROBIN SPRY\" JAMIE BROWN o cision RON STANNETT,:s: ™°“n JAMIE BROWN *\" ROBIN SPRY ranBtOBPRESNER racic WEILLEGER\"Sv ROBIN SPRY ssi SHAPIRO ENTERTAINMENT CORP vc aman TELEFILM CANADA ‘?SOCIETE GENERALE DU CINEMA DU QUEBEC \"® CANADIAN BROADCASTING CORP (© 1985 TELESCENE PRODUCTIONS (KEEPING TRACK) INC Available on videocassette and laser videodisc May 13, 1987 Closed captioned by the CHARTER hi-fi.i-figs oO Natiat ae -ing Institute TERTALN MENT Wie] NTe) sed with permission 1901 AVENUE OFTHE STARS, LOSANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90067 (213) 556-7419 Printed in U.S.A, Artwork and Design ©1987 Charter Entertainment™

N Channel One Editor Judith H. Sawyer Managing Editor Stan Pinkwas Videotapes Are Bustin’ Out All Over Technical Editor Lancelot Braithwaite Step into any public place. Not just “home entertainment” centers and depart- West Coast Editor Roderick Woodcock ment stores, but shopping malls, bowling alleys, hotels, libraries, supermarkets, Senior Editor Ira Robbins and specialty stores of all kinds. Chances are, you'll see some kind of prerecorded Associate Editor Lou Kesten videotapes for rent or sale. This astonishing explosion of outlets for prerecorded Assistant Editors Adam Philips tapes—how-to’s and special interest in particular-—is explored thoroughly in this Dan Wishnoff month’s feature, “Video Takes Over Main Street.” For the thousands of titles already available and the estimated 5,000 to 10,000 new tapes released each year, Contributing Editors the outlets are still growing. Ivan Berger, Bob Brewin, Steve Daly (Directory), Mark Fleischmann, Frank Lovece, In “Madison Avenue’s Video Ventures” we review other key trends to which home video customers will have to adjust in the coming year. These include the Tim Onosko, Murray Slovick likelihood of more ads on tapes (following Top Gun’s Diet Pepsi commercial); pricing ups and downs; and the ironic, market-driven downward spiral that’s Acting Art Director Vera Steiner confining the excellent Beta format to an ever narrower audience. Asst. Art Director Patricia Quon This, VIDEO’s third annual programming issue, is both an acknowledgment of home video’s growth and change and a nostalgic look back, via three important Art Assistant Julie Thurer groups of tapes, at some of the forces in the entertainment world that symbolized Typesetting Janet M. Holland Editorial Assistant Lily Schwartzberg and shaped our popular culture during the last three decades. In “Hollywood’s Lost Generation” we tell the story behind the McCarthy era’s best-known victims: the REESE writers, producers, actors, and directors who were blacklisted in the ’50s—and a COMMUNICATIONS the classic films they created before, after, and while they were blacklisted. INCORPORATED The ’60s were, among other things, the decade of Britain’s most popular export, President and Jay Rosenfield the Beatles. In honor of the 20th anniversary of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Managing Director Band, released in June 1967, we give you “The Compleat Fab Four,” a compre- hensive account of Beatle mania, its cultural significance, and its large video legacy. Publisher Debra Halpert And, in the “Life of Python,” writer Tom Soter recounts the fascinating history of one of the most successful comedy troupes of the ’70s, enhanced by exclusive Production Manager Linda M. Vallely Production Assistant Lisa Paisal interviews with five of the six principals: Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin, Circulation Director Joseph Muccigrosso Graham Chapman, and John Cleese. Each of these articles is invaluable for video collectors; together, they bring a Circulation Manager Rena Adler unique perspective to three very different eras whose memories and influence are Fulfillment Manager Sue Wirtz still with us—all on videotape. Financial Officer Albert Mineo Finally, in the perennial quest for the sharper image, the microchip and Yves Business Manager Janette Evans Gabrielle Macari Faroudja may be coming to the rescue. In “Faroudja’s Hi-Tech Quest for the Assistant to the President Perfect Picture,” we take a close look at this French-born video engineer (whom National Editorial 460 West 34 Street many are calling the “Dolby of video”) and his new image processing system, & Sales N.Y., N.Y. 10001 explaining how it works and its significance vis a vis high definition TV and the push (212) 947-6500 to create yet another television standard. Advertising Director Eric C. Schwartz For videophiles everywhere, this can only add up to better viewing—and more Promotion Manager Luanne Rao of it. Ad Coordinator Noel Boyle 6 Video May 1987 East Coast Sales Beth Cahill Linda DeRogatis Classified Sales Janet Rubin Midwest Sales Milton Gerber, Gerber & Associates, 1309 North Rand Rd., Arlington Heights, Ill. 60004 (312) 253-7500 West Coast Sales Sales Manager: Deborah Kern. Adv. Asst.: Ellyn Rubin, 16661 Ventura Blvd., Encino, Calif. 91436 (818) 905-5303 VIDEO (ISSN 0147-8907) is published monthly by Reese Communications Inc., 460 West 34th Street, New York, N.Y. 10001. Second-class postage paid at New York, N.Y. additional mailing office. ‘ 1987 by Reese Communications Inc. All rights reserved. © under Universal, International, and Pan American Copyright Conventions. Reproduction of edito- rial or pictorial content in any manner ts prohibited. Single copy price $1.95; $2.50 in Canada; £2.00 Sterling in U.K. One-year subscription (12 issues) $12.00; Canada $16.00 U.S.; foreign, air mail 00 U.S. Address subscription orders, change of add: correspondence and inquiries to: VIDEO, P. O. Bo: Boulder, Colorado 80322- 6293. Change of addres 60 days to process: se address label, new address, and zip code. All material listed in this magaziniessubject to manufacturer's change without notice, and publisher assumes no responsibility for such change. Printed in the U.S.A. POSTMASTER: Send Address changes to VIDEO, P. O. Box 56293, Boulder, Colorado 80322-6293.

NotevEovloultuitoinoanrayr.y, %| iN pioneer: Pioneer's Revolutionar Once you experience the glory of Pioneer’ Foresight\" a single “SR” system remote—three-dimensional _ System, you can’t help but pledge your allegiance surround sound—Pioneer’s advanced audio technol- to the finest Gaile system this country has ever ogy—and Pioneer’ 40” Projection Monitor, the best seen. And no wonder. Because only Facet gives and the brightest ever made. your eyes and ears the thrill of LaserVision,\" the So ifyoure looking for the finest sight and sound ny video format that delivers both digital sound show in America today, you have to look for your and a video image 60% sharper than any VHS HQ Pioneer dealer. Because no matter how exciting this ad may be, it doesn’t even come close to the excite- in existence. And that’s just for starters. Because when you ment of Foresight. For your nearest Foresight Dealer, have Foresight, you have it all: easier operation due to call 1-800-421-1404. Ovel (Celaey CATCH THE SPIRIT OF ATRUE PIONEER. ©1986 Pioneer Electronics (USA), Inc., Long Beach, CA LaserVision is a trademark of the LaserVision Association. Actual closed circuit picture shown. For additional information, circle No. 4 on Reader Service Card

Fast Forward Edited by Stan Pinkwas Late-Breaking News Super VHS luting the impact of com- difference, although we, 8mm Video Council is Update mercials and making too, said CBS “may want donating six or seven viewership harder to to reconsider” in last 8mm camcorders, plus The new VHS format measure. Zippers dodge month’s “Feedback.” videotapes and editing that was the subject of commercials by fast- gear, to the film and last month’s cover story, forwarding past them ‘Top Gun’ To Go, video departments of half “Super VHS—A Great while watching programs Hold The Pepsi a dozen universities Leap Forward,” continues time-shifted by VCRs. around the country. If Zappers simply flip chan- B.0.B.’s Video, whose they’re popular, expect to take shape with an- nels when advertise- slogan reads “video for more colleges to enlist nouncements about ments appear. A new the price of a politician,” their departments. camcorders and tapes us- study by J. Walter has found a way to take ing the high resolution Thompson USA puts the fizz out of Para- Women In Video’s advance. JVC, which de- their number at 103 mil- mount’s Top Gun release. Avant Garde veloped Super VHS, be- lion, more than the pop- The San Francisco rental lieves it will have a Com- ulation of Spain and store erased the Diet Pep- Americans’ appetite for pact Super VHS camcor- Great Britain. Specifical- si commercial preceding VCRs is far from sated, ly, the report says that Tom Cruise’s air wars on but some groups are hun- der for under $2,000 by 58 million, or 34 percent, 19 of the 20 cassettes it grier than others. Last the end of the year. One of us are flippers; that 30 purchased for customers year, for example, the stumbling block for now million, or 18 percent, to rent at $1.99 each. “It fastest-growing VCR seg- is a super-sensitive CCD are zippers; and that 15 seems like a dumb thing ment in the country was pickup available from million, or 9 percent, are to put commercials on working women, accord- Matsushita but still ex- zappers. tapes when people go to ing to a new study by pensive by consumer tapes partly to get away National Demographics standards. The decks Getting In from commercials,” said & Lifestyle. The report, themselves are likely to On The Action B.O.B. partner Barbara which drew upon data be introduced soon by Schablik. “We're really about 25 million consum- JVC, Sharp, Matsushita, Still cameras have had afraid that, later, they'll ers, said those most in- Hitachi, and Mitsubishi, them for years. Now, so put commercials in the fatuated with VCRs in- probably at the same will a Compact VHS cam- middle of tapes.” Just clude science-fiction read- time. corder from Hitachi. The don’t look for them at ers, real estate investors, mysterious feature? A B.0.B.’s. and motorcyclists. Bible Meanwhile TDK, JVC, self-timer that gives a readers, gardeners, and SM, Fuji, Hitachi, and camera operator ten Imitation fishermen ranked among Maxell are working on seconds to dash in front Of Video the least interested. Super spools, with the of the lens and record his first videotapes likely to or her own mug. The The Ford Motor Com- Too Much Is be T-120s in a single $1,300 unit’s only selling pany thinks it’s solved Never Enough grade. TDK indicated its in Japan as yet, but we’re the problem of putting price will be a couple of sure self-timers will soon televisions on automobile How much video do we dollars higher than its migrate eastward. dashboards: it leaves out really watch? Channels top VHS grade. Robert the picture. The company magazine recently calcu- Burnett, a 3M marketing Ready When is offering radios that lated that the average director, is already pre- You Are, CBS pick up TV audio, along viewing time per house- dicting Super VHS will with AM and FM, as a hold ranges from 45-1/2 sell up to a million VCRs CBS has learned a pen- $75 built-in option on a to 59-1/2 hours per week, by year’s end, along with ny saved can be a penny limited number of Lin- and that one of the key six tapes per machine. begrudged when it means colns. If drivers buy the factors is the number But that sounds optimis- Super Bowl fans have to concept, expect it to of video services a family tic, even for something as go without stereo. De- spread like, well, imita- uses. Homes dependent exciting as this. spite its new austerity, tion leather. only on broadcast TV rack up the fewest hours. Nation Of Flippers the network is adding Camcorder Add a VCR, and the view- stereo sound capability to Campuses ing time goes to 47-1/2 Mention Flipper to a the three stations (in hours; add basic cable television executive not New York City, Chicago, Perhaps taking a cue service, and it rises to 54 so long ago, and he’d pro- and Los Angeles) that from Apple’s campaign to hours. Introduce pay bably envision a talking had to air monophonic seed colleges with Macin- cable, and the tube stays dolphin. Today’s flipper is versions of January’s tosh computers (or may- on 59-1/2 hours—more a viewer who changes pigskin Armageddon. be Rodney Dangerfield’s than a third of the entire channels in mid-program. Viewer complaints return to school), the week. Along with zippers and apparently made the zappers, they’re driving the networks nuts by di- 8 Video May 1987

“Nothing in Common,\"one of the top comedy hits of 1986, is now out on videocassette! And HBO/ Se! bt Video is giving you $1.00 to see “No- tbe J thing in Common” before youeven EZ] rent it! See coupon insert for details. \"VIDEO| ARN © HBO/Cannon Video 1987 For additional information, circle No. 8 on Reader Service Card.

Feedback Readers Air Their Views Laser Thanks made from washable air conditioning fil- their camcorder in record/pause fre- ters shaped like an airplane wing. The quently, with the heads spinning against Your section, “New VideoDisc Releas- sound recorded by this mic rivals that the stationary tape, are especially inter- produced by compact discs. It doesn’t ested in knowing whether this affects es” is a welcome addition to your “Di- make sense to use a portable or a cam- tape performance over time? corder that shoots in mono when rectory.” As a videodisc enthusiast I high-quality sound is inexpensive and Because Compact VHS Tapes are so available in stereo. costly and so short, it’s impractical to thank you, and hope it remains a perma- use them for permanent records. In- Gary Kellerman stead, I copy from the small tapes to nent feature. Bill Muzzillo Margate, Fla. standard VHS, editing as I go. I expect many Compact VHS users work this Chicago, Ill. Hold the Calls way. This means those little tapes are used repeatedly, then copied. The ability Thanks for your recent expanded atten- Your notice (“Feedback,” Mar. ’87) to to withstand repeated pauses during re- the contrary, the Electronic Industries cording and playback is very important. tion to the videodisc format and the ad- Association does not collect service and longevity records for VCRs or other David Bryant dition of “New VideoDisc Releases” to electronic products. The collection and Canton, Mass. substantiation of such data require test- the “Directory.” I have been converting ing laboratories and have, over the Tapes snap so rarely that they should not years, been handled by independent cause anyone a problem. All licensed my tape library to Laser over the past organizations. We do, however, publish tapes are checked to ensure they meet educational material covering the pur- minimum standards for yield strength year because of its economy and durabil- chase, use, and care of VCRs. It is and residual elongation. In fact, many available upon receipt of a 22-cent manufacturers are so confident of their ity. You can’t beat the quality of discs stamped, self-addressed envelope to the tapes’ durability that they offer lifetime EIA, Box 19100, Washington, D.C. guarantees against the problem. If more like Back to the Future, Beverly Hills 20036. than one tape has snapped on your ma- chine, check the machine for problems in Cop, or any of the Star Wars series, es- Sally Browne tape tension or with the tape guide. As to Exec. Dir., Consumer Affairs quality over time, most tapes should resist pecially when compared to their counter- Consumer Electronics Group any increase in notse for at least 200 passes. parts on tape. With the new breed of Soft on Toughness Closed Caption Kudos videodisc players, the expanding list of The February issue’s VHS tape tests were quite detailed, but an important as- I'd like to express my thanks to those in titles, and the superior picture and pect was omitted: the test of durability. the home video industry who have been About a year ago I bought a non-brand- involved with closed captioning movies sound there is no excuse for collectors name tape which snapped. I thought it and programs for the hearing impaired. was just because it was a cheap tape. I'd also like to thank VIDEO for its list- to ignore this format for their permanent However, recently I had a TDK Extra ings in the “Programming” section. Each HG videotape wrinkle and snap. The month new closed caption tapes are re- libraries. Kevin Sanderson tape was practically new. I have Kodak, leased, and your efforts in listing this Maxell, and Scotch tapes I’ve played sort of detail do not go unnoticed. Detroit, Mich. hundreds of times with no problem. I hope you will study this factor. Ron Wilbourn Forgotten Beta Folsom, Calif. W.R. Hamilton Your “Beta Blank Tape Tests” (March, Battle Creek, Mich. Rental Breakdown ’87) were unbiased, informative, and I’m impressed with the thoroughness of I find a disturbing situation developing at complete except for the omission of your “1987 Blank Tape Tests” and will our video rental stores. Tapes are being Betacam tapes. I have used them many refer to them often. However, I would rented that have already been played times for my highest quality recordings. like to know more about durability. Does hundreds of times. They exhibit varying tape quality deteriorate with repeated degrees of grain, distortion, and drop- Kent Winrich playing or recording? People like myself outs. The problem is tape shedding, Milwaukee, Wis. who make home video movies and keep which can clog and damage VCR heads. There is no regulation I am aware of Our policy is to cover only equipment and materials readily available to consumers. Although videophiles can acquire profes- stonal goods, they are generally outside our area of coverage. Stereo Now! I agree with Roderick Woodcock’s wish list in “The Essential Camcorder” (“The Camcorner” March ’87). It’s about time camcorders came with stereo sound. I do not own a camcorder, but I do have a few Matsushita portable cameras with Dolby and Hi-Fi stereo. I use an RCA CKC-020 and a Magnavox Low Lux camera with Radio Shack’s $20 stereo microphone. The mic is mounted on a piece of yardstick with double edged tape or velcro. To reduce wind noise during recording, I use a wind-shield 10 Video May 1987

ee ER 100 TITLES ON DIGITAL SOUND LASERVISION gn OW, Tf E The home video experience without equal! | Videos, Concerts, Opera, and Jazz. lacatiiecs Compact disc quality Digital Audio and Laser Only on LaserVision. Bar we Ge Btav awe Video Resolution. Two state-of-the-art tech- For More Information please call 1-800-255-2550 nologies combined into one. Movies, Music __ in Alaska 1-800-447-0890 © 1987 LDC America, 200 W. Grand Ave., Montvale. N.J. 07645 LaserDisc is a trademark of Pioneer Electronic Corp. For additional information, circle No. 22 onReader ServiceCard. -

START SMALL OR DO A WALL Feedback that protects consumers from this prob- lem. The rental business is a profitable one, so there is no reason why store owners can’t be responsible and take a tape’s life expectancy into account. Richard J. Cicalo Washington, Iowa Missing Camcorder In response to Peter Bourdelle’s ques- tion in “Feedback” (Feb. ’87) on stereo camcorders, you listed only two, Kodak’s MVS5000 and Zenith’s VM7100. You weren’t doing your home- work because Sharp’s VC-C20UA stereo camcorder came out some months ago. This CCD model not only plays back Hi- Fi stereo tapes but records in stereo too. I’m glad I didn’t wait for it to be re- viewed . Dennis Likens Wahiawa, Hi. CWD’s superb component cabinetry (including projection screen TV), plus The wait ts over. Sharp’s VC-C20UA is blends the finest handcrafted furniture with featured in this month’s “Videotests.” extraordinary performance. Simply start abundant storage room, and display space with a basic audio video grouping, then add for collectibles. Available in handsome Mistaken Identity on and rearrange units to achieve a stun- Natural Oak, Dark Oak, Natural American ning wall system. You'll find unique solu- Walnut, Black Oak and High Gloss Black. The March issue lists Disney’s Sleeping tions to every component requirement Start small or let your imagination soar into Beauty in “Top 40 Sales and Rentals” as the tenth best-selling videodisc. Disney infinite possibilities. did not release Sleeping Beauty on disc until February 27. How could it be listed CALL TOLL FREE CWD Bedford Park, IL 60638 as a best-selling disc in a magazine I re- ceived on February 13? 1-800/323-2159 CUSTOM WoobpwokkK & DESIGN INC. for the dealer nearest you. Rosalyn Culbertson (Illinois, call 312/563-1745) Philadelphia, Penn. “Wireless VCRs and a cordless headset Our listings originally appear in Billboard Wonders” model for the ultimate in and are reprinted with its permission. The WIRE-FREE convenience. tenth best selling videodisc should have Video Magazine Sept. 1986 been Santa Claus the Movie. For additional information Convenience and Quality... or the name of your nearest For Copy Guards Now you can listen to music or WIRE-FREE dealer, call 1-800-367-0366. I agree with James Stover’s letter watch TV without disturbing (“Feedback,” March ’87) that people are others and still be free of restrict- Audiophile quality. Sensibly inclined to rent several tapes so they ing cords — with WIRE-FREE priced...from $59.95. can copy the few they like. But still, a Cordless Audio Systems. As good anti-copying scheme is in the legiti- each user can adjust individual mate renter’s interest because many of | volume level, it is the perfect way these same renters are ripping us off. I | to provide quality audio for the have found that a third of the tapes I hearing impaired. rent are not original copies but second or third generation copies. The picture Advanced Infrared Technology... j is always inferior and the Hi-Fi tracks With WIRE-FREE you get high are usually recorded in mono or absent. Wine“fre€ quality personal sound from your It seems that many renters are remov- TV, VCR, CD, Stereo — any ing the shells from the cassettes and switching their cheap copies for $80 audio source — without wires! originals. I have a Beta Hi-Fi with im- WIRE-FREE Systems transmit hi- peccable sound and great picture quality, fidelity signals over a 50-foot line-of-sight range. And they con- and I feel it is unfair to pay $2 to rent a nect in seconds — without tools. tape that looks and sounds like garbage. A Selection of Systems... Cordless Audio Systems Mark Jones The WIRE-FREE line includes Temple Hills, Md. Berkey Marketing Companies Bae an economical monaural model VIDEO welcomes your comments and questions. perfect for standard TVs and 75 Holly Hill Lane, Greenwich, CT 06830 ‘ABERKEY COMPANY Please do not enclose self-addressed envelopes with Tel. * 203-622-5000 letters as the volume of mail does not permit Nc5iRSCaFooiaenoden.rrfdacdvoidl.irteecmireaotniaoln, personal replies. All letters may be edited for clarity © 1987, Berkey, Inc. and space. Address correspondence to Feedback, VIDEO Magazine, 460 West 34th Street, New York, N.Y. 10001. 12 Video May 1987

The Beatles The Sounds of Dick Clark's Ready Steady Elvis Motown Best of Go ‘68 Comeback SONY Bandstand Volume | Special THEA LES | = ees a. <p e ches Se. oarAe $29.95 $29.95 $29.95 $69.95 Son ons $29.95 The Supremes ‘Twist and Shout Marvin Gaye Buddy Holly Instant Korma John, Paul, George, The Beatles. This $29.95 Heartbreak Hotel Roll Over Beethoven and Ringo on tour Hound Dog The lemptations Jerry Lee Lewis Come Together timeincolor with The Beaties Please Please me Martha Reeves The Big Bopper The Rolling Stones Jailhouse Rock (Wanna Hold Your Hand ond many more Imogine and inperformance. a new digital The Dave Clark Five Love Me Tender and many more Bill Holey Give PeaocCheance Two-hour Rockumentary Hi-Fi soundtrack, The Who and many more and many more ond many more ond mony mote. MAILTO Call Toll-Free To Charge Or Expedite Your Order M Ps Vid W. iA 1-800-4-HOME-TV usic Viaeo warenouse NY (212) 315-5000 871 Seventh Avenue New York, NY 10019 TITLE PRICE ary | TOTAL Kane Beatles Live $16.95 k John Lennon in NYC Sheu eE peer State Zip $29.95 Elvis '68 Special City $29.95 | Ready Steady Go Volume 1 Phone ( ) Sounds of Motown $29.95 C Check or Money Order enclosed $29.95 | Best of Bandstand + Make checks payable to: Music Video Warehouse [ Complete Beatles $29.95 3.50 CJ Visa (| MasterCard (| American Express Help! $69.95 Credit Card No. nee $69.95 Osie iy SS RES BP Sub-Total *‘NNeew w YorYkork SiState residentsadddd 7%7% salseals tax weer “New York City residents add 8.25% sales tax TAT Expiration Date *New Jersey residents add 6% sales tax oam ad Alb “itt Signature Shpg/Hndl Total Cost

Star Wars Meets dow is a 35mm film produced with the motions of the en- The Magic Kingdom by Lucasfilms’ Industrial tire simulator/theater, and Light and Magic special ef- the ride gets every bit as fects division. A new ‘droid— turbulent as Disneyland’s no- RX-24, voiced by Paul (Pee- torious Space Mountain Wee Herman) Reubens—is at the ship’s helm. So, the rollercoaster. journey quickly turns into a After experiencing Star wild ride through a storm of ice crystals, a battle with im- Tours on its opening day, air- perial fighters, and a series craft designer Burt Rutan of aerobatic maneuvers in the proclaimed the attraction the canyons of Vader’s Death hit of the park. “I’m going to Star. Each on-screen camera go home, put Star Wars on move is closely synchronized my VCR,” he said, “and try to wire it to my lounge chair.” —Timothy Onosko The Cinderella Kid Having conquered the tain Eo, for Disneyworld. Despite a career that’s in hits (Victor/Victonia) and worlds of film (the Star brought her a diverse array stinkers (A Night in Heaven), Wars trilogy and the Indiana But Star Tours, which of leading roles on stage, and feels she can play any Jones films, not to mention opened in January at the An- television, and film, Lesley type of role that strikes her Howard the Duck, which we aheim, California park, is his Ann Warren is still tickled by fancy, from comedy to dra- won't) and television (the the compliments she receives ma. With no regrets, she ad- Ewoks films and kids’ Satur- baby. for playing Cinderella in the mits passing up the leads in day morning cartoons), pro- Themed to the characters, 1964 made-for-TV Rodgers Goodbye Columbus and Ro- ducer George Lucas has and Hammerstein musical mancing the Stone. She even turned his sights on Disney- as well as the look and feel of version, recently issued by said no to Clue. land, which he calls the Star Wars, Star Tours puts Playhouse on videocassette. visitors on an intergalactic “T had turned down the “Rolls-Royce of amusement tour bus (the “Starspeeder In her first role, the 18- part of Mrs. White, but the parks.” Lucas previously ex- 3000”) to the moon of Endor. year old ingenue worked with actress who was to play ecutive-produced Michael The “Starspeeder” is really a Ginger Rogers, Walter Scarlet had to drop out. Jackson’s megabuck-per-min- 40-passenger flight simulator, Pidgeon, and Celeste Holm When they offered me that ute 3-D space fantasy, Cap- the kind used by airlines and under the direction of Rich- role, I said yes because it ard Rodgers. “I’m very glad was a much more tantalizing the military to train pilots; Cinderella is out. It made a part.” the view out the front win- tremendous impact. Young people still come up to me all Warren is now working on the time and talk about the a film called Baja, California, show with great love. I re- about a woman bartender ceive mail about Cinderella to with songwriting ambitions. Sound like a Cinderella wish? this day.” “Tf the show fits,” she Warren has since starred giggles. —Clifford Meth 14 Video May 1987

The Feiffer Tapes yl When Jules Feiffer started documentary showing the One of Troma’s education films: ‘Class of Nuke ‘em High.’ writing his latest play, “the cartoonist at work creating a only notion I had was that I panel. “Munro,” a famous New Home of the B's was writing about a man short subject included in Ves- who, piece by piece, was tron’s Academy Award Win- The Toxic Avenger’s getting rid of his life.” Grown ners: Animated Short Films, Troma-tic Triumph Ups, now a Karl-Lorimar vid- tells the whimsical story of a eo release, is the most four-year-old inadvertently “The Toxic Avenger,” says Kaufman and Herz cite downbeat work of a man fa- drafted into the army. “Mun- Lloyd Kaufman, co-founder of B-movie titan Roger Corman mous for his light touch with ro is my reaction against the Troma, Inc., “clearly touched as their major inspiration. dark ruminations. The play- mindless authority of the a nerve. The public found Kaufman, who claims the wright and screenwriter United States Army,” he that the combination of vio- word “Troma” is derived (Carnal Knowledge) is best says. “I don’t think it’s an- lence, science fiction, action, from the Latin for “excel- comedy, and romance with a lence in celluloid,” explains known for the cartoon strip Jules Feiffer hero who was incredibly ugly their philosophy: “You pro- that has run for years in New was something new.” Indeed, duce a movie directed at an York’s Village Voice, a panel ti-war—it’s anti-authority.” The Toxic Avenger was a sur- audience—the horror audi- where the personal and the “Munro” was Feiffer’s first prise smash hit for the tiny ence, the teenage audience, political collide—often New York City-based inde- the raunchy sex audience, with hilarious results. animated cartoon, and it’ll be pendent film company known the sci-fi audience—and keep his last: “Once you get into for cheapo sex comedies and the budget low. If by chance Jake, main protagonist of the habit of writing about real splatter movies. Troma was the film is not the greatest Grown Ups, is a newspaper- people and real situations, started in 1971 by Kaufman piece of work, it will still man nursing a packet of and get first-class actors to and Michael Herz, two Yale make money.” grudges against the world in do your work, it’s hard to go graduates, and if most of the which he grew up. “It’s a back to animation.” 60-plus films they’ve made Keep an eye open for such commonplace tenet of psy- haven’t garnered much criti- forthcoming Troma produc- chology that we become our —Mark Fleischmann tions as 1 Was a Teenage TV own parents, and the very cal attention, they have all Terrorist, IMarried a Vam- things we wish to avoid we made money. pire, Monster in the Closet, repeat with our children,” says Feiffer. Jake’s relations The Class of Nuke ’em Surf Nazis Must Die, and with his parents are clearly High, out on video this Demented Death Farm the root of his problems with month, “isn’t a sequel to The Massacre...The Movie—ttitles his own wife and kids. Toxic Avenger, but carries on sure to bring glee to the Charles Grodin fills the role the same concept,” explains hearts of junk-film aficiona- with unexpected intensity; in Kaufman. Again set in Tro- dos. But perhaps the most the scenes with his parents maville, N.J., the toxic waste intriguing item in Troma’s fu- (Martin Balsam and Jean Sta- capital of the world, it con- ture is Fat Guy Goes Nut- pleton) his cringing and anger cerns a high school beset by zoid, which Herz describes as are palpable. radiation, mutation, and a “an excellent film about how huge green monster in the society copes with...a fat Grown Ups is Feiffer’s basement. (There will be a guy. It has a little substance third foray onto video. Toxic Avenger IT sometime in besides the hardcore exploi- Feiffer’s Follies (Home Vi- 1987, and maybe even a tation elements we all like.” sion) is a relaxed one-hour Toxic Avenger doll.) —Louis Kesten Video Vote: Ads on Tape The release of Top Gun marks the first feature film cas- sette to include a commercial for a non-video product. It may only be a brief spot before the film starts, but it’s bound to stir up a lot of controversy. We're interested in your feed- back on this topic. 1, Do you object to commercials being included on pre- recorded videocassettes? [J yes [J] no Clip and send to The Gazette, VIDEO Magazine, 460 West 34 St., New York, N.Y. 10001, before June 1. Re- sults will be announced in a future issue. May 1987 Video 15

Video Fest Showcases Jean-Luc Godard’s Grandeur cess to sophisticated machin- ery have been making crea- Tapes from the Fringe et Decadence (Rise & Fall), a tive and beautiful images with full-length video meditation them. Their tapes are well ast December, the been an international scope,” on the illusion of reality and worth public notice, and AFI American Film hence overviews of the Cana- the reality of illusion, starring has definite plans to facilitate Institute’s (AFI) dian Broadcasting Corpora- this by taking tapes on the tion, the German avant- Jean-Pierre Leaud. road. Look for a best-of-the- Los Angeles campus was garde, and alternative pro- The festival generally dem- fest show to play in major transformed into a living tele- gramming from Great Britain. cities in the coming year. vision set. The sixth annual onstrated that video artists National Video Festival was a The festival’s excitement are breaking free of once- —Frederick Wasser video maven’s dream; for characteristic minimalism. four days, every room was came from such younger vid- Those who have finagled ac- chock full of monitors glowing eo makers as David Daniels. with the latest and best tape Two unrelated (?)items images. His Buzz Box (subtitled Point Blank Density Thresh- offered without comment: The vast selection of tapes old Test for Flashback Zom- adn JaniShack a ran an was organized into a dozen bies Doing Street Crack) em- themes, from regional video ploys film animation tech- to Orson Welles. Steve Ricci, niques, strobing, and a the fest’s director, explained. speeded-up soundtrack to “The core of the festival is mimic and comment on the showcasing independent- information overload of regu- ly-produced video. For the lar TV. Another tape pre- last two years, there has also miere that had vidiots scurry- ing for the best seats was TOP 40 SALES AND RENTALS 1. Back to School (—). 1986. 1. Jane Fonda’s Low Impact 1. The Karate Kid Part Il (—). 1. Sleeping Beauty (1). 1959. 97m. (PG-13) $79.95. HBO/ Aerobic Workout (1). 1986. 1986. 113m. (PG) LV $29.95. 75m. $29.95. Disney. Cannon. 50m. $39.95. Karl. 2. The Karate Kid Part Il (—). 2. Jane Fonda’s New Workout 2R.CAL/aCboyrliunmtbhia(._-). 1986. 116m. : 2. Pinocchio (2). 1940, 87m. 1986. 113m. (PG) $79.95. $29.95. Disney. (2). 1985. 90m. $39.95. Karl. RCA/Columbia. 3. Sleeping Beauty (4). 1959. (PG) LV $34.95. Embassy. 3. Alice in Wonderland (3). 3. Labyrinth (—) 1986. 116m. 75m. (G) $29.95. Disney. 3. Indiana Jones and the Tem- : 1951. 75m. $29.95. Disney. 4(.PGS)hor$t79.C9i5r.cuitEm(b1a).ssy19.86. 99m. : 4. Callanetics (9). 1986. 60m. $19.95. MCA. ple of Doom (1). 1984. 118m. 4. Dumbo (5). 1941. 64m. (PG) $79.98. CBS/Fox. 5. Secrets of the Titanic (5). 5. Big Trouble in Little China (PG) LV $39.95. Paramount. $29.95. Disney. 1986. 60m. $29.95. Vestron (—). 1986. 99m. (PG-13) 6. Indiana Jones and the Tem- 4. Ran (—). 1986. 104m. (R) 5. Robin Hood (6). 1973. 83m. ple of Doom (3). 1984. 118m. $79.98. CBS/Fox. LV $34.98. CBS/Fox. $29.95. Disney. 6. Flight of the Navigator (—). (PG) $29.95. Paramount. 7. The Karate Kid Part Il (—). 5. Cobra (2). 1986. 87m. (R) 6. The Sword in the Stone (4). 1986. 89m. (PG) $79.95. 1986. 113m. (PG) $79.95. RCA/Columbia. : LV $34.98. Warner. 1963. 79m. $79.98. Disney. Disney. 8. Kathy Smith’s Body Basics 7. Club Paradise (—). 1986. (—). 1985. 60m. $29.95. JCI. 6. Young Sherlock Holmes (—). : 7. Charlotte’s Web (10). 1973. 9. Star Wars (—). 1977. 121m. 96m. (PG-13) $79.95. Warner. 1986. 109m. (PG-13) LV 94m. $14.95. Paramount. 8. Extremities (—). 89m. (R) : (PG) $29.98. CBS/Fox. 10. The Sound of Music (8). $39.95. Paramount. 8. Winnie the Pooh and Tigger $79.95. Paramount. 1965. 174m. (G) $29.98. CBS/ 7. The Money Pit (9). 1986. Too (7). 1974. 25m. $14.95. 9. Howard the Duck (—). 1986. Fox. 91m. (PG) LV $39.98. MCA. Disney. 111m. (PG) $79.95. MCA. 8. Back to the Future (8). 1985. : 9. Pound Puppies (8). 1985. 10. Psycho Ill (—). 1986. 93m. 116m. (PG) LV $34.98. MCA. : 37m. $14.95. Family. (R) $79.95. MCA. 9. Legend (6). 1986. 89m. (PG); 10. Winnie the Pooh and the LV $34.98. MCA. Honey Tree (—). 1965. 25m. : 1106.1mO.ut(PofG)AfrLiVca $(334)..981.986M.CA. $14.95. Disney. : Number in parentheses indicates position last month; (—) indicates a new listing. Copyright 1987 by Billboard Publications. Reprinted by permission. 16 Video May 1987

It's One wild, hoa ) THE CANNON GROUP, INC. Presents CHUCK NORRIS *LOUIS ee JR. stopping thrill after another as they take ina GOLAN-GLOBUS Production of a). LEE THOMPSON im FIREWALKE! on merciless mercen- aries, hungry jungle crit- MELODY ANDERSON =WILL SAMPSON *SONNY TANDHAM © ters, the deadly spells of evil andJOHN RHYS-DAVIES as Cotky *Music Composed and Performed by GARY CHANG Aztec medicine men, and hordes of hostile Indians. Photography ALEX PHILLIPS, AS.C, Executive Producers NORMAN ALADJEM If you're looking for a and JEFFREY M. ROSENBAUM sw by ROBERT GOSNELL bonanza of fun and adven- & JEFFREY M. ROSENBAUM « NORMAN ALADJEM screenplay by ROBERT GOSNELL ture in the tradition of Produced by MENAHEM GOLAN and YORAM GLOBUS Directed by J,LEE THOMPSON “Romancing the Stone’ ©MCMLXXXVI CANNON FILMS, INC. AND CANNON INTERNATIONAL B.V. track down Firewalker. Now Available On Videocassette. ‘DIAHOME ENTERTAINMENT For additional information, circle No. 7 on Reader $epvice Card A iamHectic inc. Company osAngeles, California TASPReo SS DiC s[puonurnouno)™ Closed captioned by the National Captioning Institute, Used with permission

Last December we asked readers to participate in VIDEO’s first programming poll. Now that we’ve finished tallying the votes, it’s time to raise the curtain, open the envelopes, and announce the programs and stars you voted for in 11 catego- ries. Drumroll, please... Favorite Film on Tape of Doom (Paramount) 1. Back to the Future (MCA) 2. Indiana Jones and the Temple 3. Witness (Paramount) 4, Return of the Jedi (CBS/Fox) 5. Out of Africa (MCA) Favorite Film on Disc 1. Cocoon (CBS/Fox) 2. Back to the Future (MCA) 3. Out of Africa (MCA) 4, Witness (Paramount) 5. Jagged Edge (RCA/Columbia) Favorite Classic Film on Video It’s a Wonderful Life Favorite Music Program on Video Whitney Houston: #1 Video Hits (MusicVision) Favorite Sports Program on Video 16 Days of Glory (Paramount) Favorite Video Program for Children Pinocchio (Disney) Favorite Instructional Program on Video Jane Fonda’s Low Impact Aerobic Workout (Karl-Lorimar) Most Disappointing Film on Tape Out of Africa (MCA) Most Unavailable Film on Tape Bet, Favorite Male Star Harrison Ford Favorite Female Star Kathleen Turner 18 Video May 1987

\\ Y Pr N\\ AND AN ULTIMATUM! |y —\") ‘a ul ten / liar Drucker, N i LS N ERE NTAL vy Theatrical Release Coming *(Up to $2.00 off) e Soon is PRESENT THIS COUPON TO YOUR PARTICIPATING VIDEO & i Videocassette DEALER AND aur veaee ree OFF OF THE RENTAL WORSLaDlVIZeSION F“ fied HOME VIDEO INC. TO THE CONSUMER: This coupon is limited to a single rental of “Vasectomy” on videocassette. Void if used otherwise. Cash value of 1/20 of one cent ATAFT COMPANY TO THE DEALER: For each coupon you redeem as an agent, we will reimburse you up to $2.00 plus 22¢ to cover postage: © 1987 Worldvision Enterprises, Inc. Ali Rights Reserved. © 1986 Vandom International Pictures. All Rights Reserved providing this coupon was used in accordance with our consumer offer. A copy of the invoice proving rental of the videocassette “Vasectomy” must be submitted with each redeemed coupon you submit. This offer is void where taxed, prohibited, or restricted by law: or if submitted by anyone not specitically authorized. The consumer fe the sales tax where applicable. This coupon may not be used towards rental of any videocassette other than “Vasectomy.” Photocopies or other facsimiles of this coupon will not be accepted. For reimbursement, mail this eas and documentation specified above to: WORLDVISION HOME VIDE‘ n ind % Rocketeller Center Station, P.O. Box 3550, New York, N.Y. 10185 Good in USA only Allow 4 weeks for reimbursement.

New Products Edited by Louis Kesten Minolta Camcorder . With Advanced Autofocus | Minolta’s Master Series C3300 Com- ! pact VHS camcorder features a . phase-detection autofocus system based Magnavox’s CH3930 9-inch TV on the one used in Minolta’s Maxxum Magnavox TVs With Colorful Cabinets still cameras. Since the image used to determine focus is the one on the cam- era’s lens, it allows continuous auto- focusing from the lens surface to infinity without the need for an infrared trans- mitter or receiver. Automatic fo- cus-frame selection widens the focal area if the subject leaves the center of the viewfinder. The f/1.6 6x power zoom lens is built into the body of the C3300. A separate 2-speed zoom ring and the traditional zoom rocker are on the front of the unit. Magnavox’s RH4060 14-inch TV and an 18-button remote with 152-channel CH3930 9-inch TV each come in four random access tuning, a sleep timer, and “decorator” colors. The smaller model, a four-inch speaker. available in almond, blue, dusty rose, and red, features on-screen channel dis- Prices: CH3930, $300; RH4060, play, last channel recall, and a swivel $350. base. The 14-incher, available in almond, For additional information, burgundy, charcoal, and pearl rose, has circle no. 136 on Reader Service Card. GE VHS Deck Decodes MTS and SAP General Electric’s 9-7276 VHS HQ ed from either the deck or the remote. Minolta’s Master Series-C 3000 VCR’s improved audio highlights include GE’s Pro-fect 4-video head system re- an MTS/SAP decoder and Dolby noise duces distortion on special effects like The C3300 also features automatic reduction circuitry. It has 4-event/14-day freeze and still frame. backlight compensation, as well as mi- programming and 93-channel, cable-com- crocomputer-controlled auto white bal- patible tuning, along with simplified on- Price: $700. ance that meters all three primary colors screen programming that can be operat- for accurate adjustment under all lighting For additional information, conditions. The CCD image sensor re- circle no. 137 on Reader Service Card. cords in light as low as 15 lux, and HQ circuitry enhances detail and the white AAU RE. RI COENE, SeeeGeB ceiavreracs clip level. Other highlights include a 20 Video May 1987 fade-to-white control, on-screen viewfin- General Electric’s 9-7276 der displays, and a calendar/clock to re- cord the date and time of each shoot. The C3300 weighs 3.6 pounds with bat- tery. Price: not available. For additional information, circle no. 138 on Reader Service Card.

SOME LIKE IT WET. OTHERS PREFER DRY. Discwasher has a superior video head cleaner regardless of your preference. The video heads in your VCR don’t take up much space. But if any- thing happens to damage them, those small parts could cost as much to replace as most all the others put together! So it makes sense to do what you can to ensure their continued good health. Discwasher offers two remedies, depend- ing on the condition and usage of your VCR. Our Discwasher® Wet Video Head Cleaner was created for the machine that gets a reasonable amount of use. Our special cleaning fluid, when applied to our non-abrasive cleaning tape, safely removes built-up dust and oxides from delicate video, audio and sync heads. In about 30 sec- onds, it will restore vivid colors, clear images and crisp sounds. Our dry format Discwasher® Video Head Cleaner was designed for those machines that receive a small amount of use (although rental cassettes can create a problem even with low- usage machines).It also uses a non-abrasive tape and, if used weekly, will prevent contami- nant build-up quite handily. But whether you choose our wet or dry format —you’ll find Discwasher’s Video Head Cleaners do a superior job of preventative maintenance—at a surprisingly low price. 4309 Transworld Road, Schiller Park, IL 60176 A Division of International Jensen, Inc The makers of the famous D4+\"Record Cleaning System. For additional information, circle No. 9 on Reader Service Card.

SUPERIMPOSE TITLES ON VIDEO A stand-alone color titler with true GENLOCK, deluxe keyboard, expansion port and the ability to interface with PCs... for $599.95. A pegy. eeonies VIDEO EFFECTS TITLER Yamaha’s 26-inch YM-965 (VET) ...just $599.95 Yamaha 26-Inch Screen Promises Sharper Image The MFJ-1480B Video Effects Titler (VET) lets you Yamaha’s YM-965 26-inch monitor/re- terminals, a monitor terminal, and an RF ; superimpose color titles over a camera image or add connector. titles to existing video footage while editing. Each ceiver uses a high-contrast tinted CRT, page will display eight lines of 28 small or 14 large a comb filter, and a black matrix screen The YM-965’s audio highlights include characters in upper and lower case with each line to produce a sharper picture with a man- |=MTS and SAP decoding, a 2.5-watt am- and page in one of 15 colors. The VET retains up to 30 pages of titles in memory, has direct page access, ufacturer-rated horizontal resolution of plifier to drive the built-in speakers, a 5- scrolling and auto centering. 560 lines. The set has 142-channel fre- watt amp to power external speakers, and rear-panel outputs for connection to And because it is expandable, the VET is never quency-synthesized tuning with on- a stereo system. outdated. An external port lets you plug in creative add-on cartridges coming from MFJ that permit screen time and channel displays. The Price: $899. special effects, more fonts, flashing, special logos, infrared remote operates direct-access other languages and more! For adeltlonal iafermetion. tuning, power, volume, mute, input circle no. 139 on Reader Service Card. An optional RS-232 interface (MFJ-1481, $169.95) source switching, and the on-screen dis- lets you interface with personal computers. With play. There are two sets of audio/video some programming you can superimpose animated graphics, stored text and countless other effects from an IBM, Apple, Tandy, Commodore and other PCs. You're only limited by your imagination. All this technology for only $599.95! TV going crazy from copyguarded tapes? Don’t you wish you could enjoy all the great new movies on rental tapes without your picture going crazy? Crazy like -- picture tearing, brightness variations, rolling, loss of color and other evils. 5-Inch TV/VCP From Citizen The new MFJ-1401 Video Stabilizer, $99.95, lets you restore your copyguarded tapes to normal so you can enjoy watching your movies again. It The Citizen VCP-5MU is a VHS vid- can listen through either a built-in speak- simply connects between your VCR eocassette player with a built-in 5-inch er or headphones. color monitor. The unit, weighing 22 and monitor or between : pounds, can only play SP tapes and is The VCP-5MU’s optional accessory powered by AC, DC, or a battery pack. kit includes a car battery adapter and a two VCRs for TV viewing. : Stop A stereo audio/video output allows con- NiCad battery pack with charger. Please note that nection to a larger screen, and the VCP’s handle doubles x as ian adjustable Price: VCP-5MU, $600; accessory duplicating copyrighted copyguard stand to change the viewing angle. You kit, $150. material is a violation of For additional information, Federal law. This device jitter! circle no. 140 on Reader Service Card. is sold only for restoring “‘viewability” to copyguarded tapes. | Famous Guarantee All MFJ Video products come with a double guarantee we think is unmatched. Order from MFJ and try any product for 30 days. “il If you're not delighted, just return it for a full refund, less shipping. No hassles. And MFJ’s One Year Unconditional Guarantee assures you of continued service. Call toll-free and charge the products you need to your VISA or MasterCard, or send a check or money order, plus $6.00 shipping. Order now and enjoy. S\\-800-647- 1800 MFJ Enterprises, Inc. 39759 Citizen's VCP-SMU 921 Louisville Rd./Starkville, MS CSR1cNiaoFaieo0nednor.rfdarcdvoidl.irteecmireaotniaoln, 22 Video May 1987

informa ( Reader Service Card. \"DISTRIBUTEDBY CONTINENTAL VIDEO Weitten and Prodiced hy PAMELA WILSON.G STEPHEN SEEMAVE if MASFOR MORREEINFORWATION WRITE: CONTINENTAL VIDEO 2320 CS

New Products git PICTURE Meog Rhoades CPX-1 Rhoades Channel-Plexer Multiplies TV Signals SERIOUS The Rhoades CPX-1 Channel-Plexer A VCR timer can be programmed to VIDEOPHILES is a device that connects cable service, switch between sources and record KNOW THAT satellite reception, or a VCR to every them unattended. CHECKING OUT TV in your home. The Channel-Plexer A FEW BARS changes the channel 3 and 4 source in- The Channel-Plexer is equipped with WILL ALTER puts to unused UHF channels, then adds 3 RF inputs, which can be expanded WHAT THEY SEE them to existing antenna or cable chan- with add-on modules. The cable from AND HEAR. nels for distribution via a single cable to the single output can be daisy-chained an infinite number of TVs or VCRs. between each TV or VCR for an unlimit- Introducing Picture Perfect Labs Sources can be changed between broad- ed number of connections. answer to optimum performance for all cast, satellite, and cable by simply your video components. Optimum changing the channel on the TV or VCR. Price: $230. performance through the use of 46 sequences on our high quality 1/2” Sharp Introduces 30-Inch For additional information, Video Alignment Tape with Hi-Fi Audio. Direct-View Screen circle no. 141 on Reader Service Card. nsure proper color levels for TV/Moni- Sharp’s 30MD877 TV has a 30-inch Sharp's 30MD877 TV tors, Video Cameras and Video lape direct-view screen with 140-channel ca- Recording ble-compatible PLL quartz-synthesized Come in 3 Colors tuning. The set also features an MTS ¢ Check performance of new equip- decoder, surround sound terminals, ex- 2-event/7-day programming. Other high- ment before and after purchase. ternal speaker jacks, and audio/video in- lights include high-speed search (17x at Detect problems while under warranty, put and output jacks. The infrared re- SLP) and automatic operations, including and in the future mote control operates 25 audio and vid- power on and off, rewind, and eject. eo functions. Comb filters improve pic- Help to determine when heads need ture resolution, while a sleep timer can Price: Not Available cleaning be set to turn the set off automatically. For additional information, Determine proper levels, and EQ when Price: Not Available circle no. 143 on Reader Service Card. recording music tracks onto video tape and playback into audio system For additional information, circle no. 142 on Reader Service Card. e All Picture Perfect Tapes are ‘st generation, made directly from state- New Panasonic VCRs of-the-art 1” master. All are made on premium name-brand tape in real Panasonic’s PV-2700 series of “de- time. signer’ VHS HQ VCRs features rounded corners and cabinets in three colors: When it comes to your viewing and recording pleasure “dusty rose” (pink), ivory, and black. it won't be a pleasure if it’s not Picture Perfect The 14-function remotes have matching colors and contours. Each VCR has 100-channel cable-compatible tuning and ‘ B Picture Perfect Labs Inc. VM I EB 4B7r1o2oklAyvn,enuN.eY.N14S2u3it4e 351 | Please rush me ___ copies of Alignment | B (TNaYpeReast. $a5d4d.958%p%er ttaaxp).e. ___VHS ___Beta : | Name i a Address. Apt ; a City State. g | Zip. Phone. | __Checkormo fi __MCiVisa Acct# EXP fi B Call toll free: 1-800-628-4665 EXT, 2 | (New York Res. call 1-212-239-2268 EXT. 2 8 Please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery. Panasonic’s PV-2700 Series | Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. SC1aRNcFioaieodn2enr.rdfacdviodl.itrbeecimreoaentailomn, oo ee E 24 Video May 1987

RESERVE oIllazzied AND WIN Ki Soo ae ... THE CLASS OF ‘60 SWEEPSTAKES! One of the biggest movie hits of ’86 featur- ing superstar Kathleen Turner—becomes the video smash of ‘87! Now’‘s the time to bring this coupon to your video store, reserve your copy of Peggy Sue Got Married and enter the Class of ‘60 Sweepstakes. You may be the win- ner of a dynamite ‘658 Chevy convertible or one of our other fabulous prizes! Peggy Sue Got Married—coming to your video store April 30th. Nellie] el(smelpMvdlesyerererssciciicome ae merelanliare soon on Laser Videodisc. Grand Prize: A ‘58 Chevy convertible— iceoveyel(olUrsiliaVcmeiciclreeyarrecveme]acem(reie) ace) men alrelali fo)molaviiasmmolaren corelcrelarelace)i First Prize: Vintage Wurlitzer® Jukebox, complete with ‘50’s records. \\\\ .( ime A4DaOnSSOScA iIVTWOSU Second Pirze: i1z0 Weurl:itiztzeerr® Mini Jukebox cassette players. ; zeae Third Prize: 1960 PeggySueGot WW Married videocassettes. rN run VIDEO ™ @eceeoeoeeeoeoeoeoeaeeeeaeeeoeooeeenas YES, | WANT TO WIN THE FABULOUS CLASS OF ‘60 SWEEPSTAKES! Here’s an official entry form. Take to participating CBS/FOX Video Retailer in order to enter the Class of ‘60 Sweepstakes YOUR NAME ADDRESS. CITY STATE YOUR PHONE # Did you reserve your copy of Peggy Sue Got Married? YES LJ nol) Did you attend your high school reunion? YES LJ] nol) STORE NAME ADDRESS. STATE y 30, 1987 4. Ott \\ddressed en e@e@eeooeae#oooeaeoeooeeooneeooneaeeeeoeeeeeGee 0@2®e@e20200000080008060808600 COMING TO A VIDEO STORE NEAR YOU APRIL 30th! ©1987 CBS/FOX Company. All rights reserved Except in Canado, CBS” ©, 1986 Tr-Star Pictures, Inc AGIAN —_All Rights Reserved isotrademark of CBS Inc. used under license in Conada CBS” isa trademark of CBS Records Canado Lid. used under license. FOX™ is trademark of Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation used under license

Video Meets Computer Videonics’ DirectEd Technology in Videonics A new company named Videonics has introduced DirectEd, the first in a series of video add-ons. The system will in- clude a collection of modules, each with different functions, and a central console to control them. VCRs (of any format) and monitors plug into the back of the console. The main console includes DirectEd and an editing module that lets users DIGITAL a mark the beginning and end of selected scenes and indicate the desired order. = Til Muttivision34 Videonics’ internal computer then re- cords the segments in order on another ENTER THE WORLD OF DIGITAL THROUGH MULTIVISION 3.1 tape. DirectEd also includes a selection ALLOWING ANY COLOR TELEVISION TO BECOME ‘DIGITAL’ YET of graphics, wipes, fades, and titling in THIS AMAZING DEVICE FROM THE SILICON VALLEY CAN DO A 64 colors. A simple remote operates all MULTITUDE OF FUNCTIONS. VIDEO MAGAZINE (2-87) SAYS: “IF effects. YOU’RE FASCINATED BY THE FEATURES ON CURRENT ‘DIGITAL’ TVs AND VCRs, THE MULTIVISION 3.1 COULD BE ALL Videonics will introduce its second YOU REALLY WANT.” - module, CollectEd, this summer. It will electronically catalog favorite tape seg- Picture-In-Picture Capability ments, and find and play them on re- quest. Videonics is located at 15951 Los Se \\\\ = Watch Two Live Broadcasts on Your TV at the Same Time Gatos Blvd., Suite 18, Los Gatos, Calif. 95030 (408-356-8090). = Two Built-in 139-channel Tuners = Combine Inputs from your VCR, Video Disk, Video Camera or Price: $499; future modules, approx. $100. Satellite Receiver = 4 Different Sizes of the Inset Picture Available For additional information, = Position Inset Picture Anywhere on Screen circle no. 145 on Reader Service Card. = Swap Inset and Full-Screen Pictures a Freeze-Frame the Inset Picture Title Your Tapes = Scan the Inset Picture Manually or Automatically While With MFJ Keyboard Watching the Full-Screen Picture MF] Enterprises’ MFJ-1480B video = On-screen Channel Display titler has a typewriter keyboard and a genlock so titles can be superimposed Remote Control over any NTSC video source. The titler has one font with an expansion port for = Direct Access to 139 Channels in Inset and Full-Screen Pictures additional font cartridges, graphics, and = Control all of your Audio/Video Functions special effects. Fonts can be in two sizes = Lightweight Remote with Unique 45-Degree Design (patent in upper or lower case. Each line or background page can be transparent or pending) in any of 15 colors. Up to 30 pages of titles can be retained in memory and ac- aL VOD ERIS —————— MTS Stereo Sound with dbx@ Noise Reduction \\S PRICE, = Receives and Decodes Broadcast TV Stereo Sound - = Internal Audio Amplifier Drives Ordinary Speakers Directly +* AT TH EAL = Simulated Stereo Feature Enhances Monaural Broadcasts vs sl D = Volume-Controlled Output Jacks Provided for External COMMEN Audio ASmwpilitfciehring E RHEIG 4 yd”eo MFJ Enterprises’ MFJ-1480B Video = Switch to 2 External Audio/Video Sources NV 2-87) magazine ¢ by Remote Control f cessed | The : also features . lel to eg pire by Remote ea $ directly. titler agg = Combines Inputs from MultiVision’s 2 Built-in Tuners wit automatic line and page centering, slow HE VCR, Video Disk, Video Camera, or Satellite Receiver scroll, and repeating and highlighting _ FOR MORE INFORMATION keys. MFJ’s address is 921 Louisville Rd., Starkville, Miss. 39759. 1-800-542-8811 Price: $600. 31800 PLYMOUTH, LIVONIA, MI 48150 For additional information, 313-261-8004 circle no. 144 on Reader Service Card. CS3RcNiFaoaieon1denr.rfdacdvoild.irteecmireaotniaoln, 1987 ida Video May

BE A WINNER! TRANS WORLD ENTERTAINMENT (U.S.A.) aie ar ee be ee Don’t Miss the Excitement! : :, EWXACTICTHINGTHE THUNDER WARRIOR II yee ANSWER THE 4 VIDEO STORE! QUESTIONS BELOW 2 SECOND PRIZES OVER 1000 HANCES TO WIN! IT’S THAT EASY! a Te INN DE =| p= | SUZUKI SAMURAI 4x 4 America’s Hottest 4 x 4—Fun for the entire family. Nothing else comes close. PAV NNA34 A complete set of Coleman PLUS 1,000 FOURTH PRIZES Le)THIRD PRIZES vorbis Gouden Join in the THUNDER WARRIOR IIaction with Regency Scanner. The latest in hi- (o:lli(cymel0: l-m(om-\\Yn7o-eUl-le1)0]0 ibna official u THUNDER WARRIOR IISTa-schirt! tech electronics. Watch the action-packed THUNDER WARRIOR IIand answer the questions below. » 4 ZY ae TThHeUnNDtaEkRe yoWuArReRnItrOyRto IyIoSuWrEpEarPtSicTipAaKtiEnSg vididsepolasy.torIet’satnhdat deeapsoys!it itin the s1.reNdopptuarlcahsaeseSanevcieosnsaory.rweTo aentreor,nicboomrpdlOetleCtohetorfefieciatliSenstarynbltankeaend yudeposit actathnensaweepstaakrescadilspnlayy locaatrédkat THUNDER WARRIOR il SWEEPSTAKES | complete address ona plain piece of paper, 3x5\", and mail to: Thunder Warrior llSweepstakes, P.O. Box 667, Lowell, hiae Spey ti entries must be received by August 10, 1987. The sponsor is not responsible for late, lost or | 2. A list of correct answers can be obtained by Sones a aed: self-addressed envelope to: Thunder Warrior II Answers, c/o Trans World Entertainment 6464 Sunset Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90028. Residents of WA and VT send an » unstamped, self-addressed envelope. Requests must be received by July 15, 1987. . 5 ee 3. Winners will be determined in random drawings from among all correct entries received by July 31, 1987, by 1. is fhe corrupt deputy sheriff who has it in for Thunder. VENTURA ASSOCIATES, INC., an independent judging organization whose decisions are final. All prizes are 2. THUNDER WARRIOR IItakes place in the state of —..---_-_-~ guaranteed to be awarded. Winners will be notified by mail and may be required to complete an affidavit of eligibility which must be returned within 21 days of date on notification. No duplicate major prize winners and no substitution for Cay - prizes except as may be necessary due to availability. All taxes are the responsibility ofthewinners. Entry constitutes 3. ____SSS_sis the nickname of the vicious head prison guard. Permission to use of winners’ names and likenesses for publicity purposes without additional compensation. es UES Saeed Bi et a TN) isthe nameornunders wiles a Ay las retail value of the prizes are as follows: Grand ($8000.), Second ($355. each), Third ($280. each), Fourth ($10.00 each). Name a a en 5. Odds of winning are determined by the total number of correct entries received. Sweepstakes open to residents of the a United States. Awards to minors must be accepted by parent or guardian. Employees and their families of Trans World Entertainment, its affiliates, subsidiaries, participating retailers, advertising agencies and VENTURA ASSOCIATES, Address INC., are not eligible. All Federal, State and local rules and regulations apply. Void where prohibited by law. , i 6. For a list of major prize winners, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope before August 15, 1987 to: Thunder City ———————- Warrior IlWinners, c/o Trans World Entertainment 6464 Sunset Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90028. 5 ——_ 7. Questions to answer: Note: use character, not actors' names anf first names are acceptable. Entries must be deposited by July 31, 1987 1,________is the corrupt deputy sherifwfho has itin for Thunder. 2. The exciting Thunder Warrior Iltakes place in the state of 3. is the nickname of the vicious head prison guard. 4. is the name of Thunders’ wife. VIDEO DEALERS WIN YOUR OWN SUZUKI-IT’S EASY! DETAILS COMING IN YOUR MAIL AND TRADE! For additional information, circle No. 11 on Reader Service Card.

New Products mire EE Shintom Introduces Shintom’s VP-2 VCP and TV/VCP All 8mm Accessories Olympus VHS Camcorder Shintom, a manufacturer of videocas- Adds High-Speed Shutter gc Al Major Brands TO sete players (VCPs) for PortaVideo and other companies, has introduced its first Olympus’ VX-404 full-size VHS HQ axe\" of Video Tape yoo™ products under its own name. The VP- camcorder boasts a 1/1000-second shut- 5000 is a top-loading VHS VCP with a ter speed for blur-free action photogra- Full Line of SONY built-in five-inch color TV. The VCP fea- phy. Its half-inch CCD image sensor is tures freeze frame and automatic re- sensitive to light as low as 7 lux. The f/ Discman, Walkman wind, while the TV has a VHF/UHF 1.2 lens has 6x power zoom with a mac- monopole antenna and picks up standard ro range, piezo autofocus, and full auto <@S eld and TV's VHF and 70 UHF channels, with a white balance. A focus zone selector has three-inch speaker providing the audio. positions for full picture, middle zone, SVSeS The VP-5000 weighs 26.7 pounds with a and spot focus. Focus lock maintains hard-shell carrying case. sharp focus on a stationary object while Magnavox 2 Head Stereo The VP-2000 is a portable front-load- Olympus’ VX-404 ing VHS VCP weighing 16.9 pounds in a user pans or zooms. with MTS its case. It features visual search in fast $299 forward and reverse, freeze frame with The VX-404 weighs 5.3 pounds with- a fine tuning control, automatic rewind, out battery, and has a 2/3-inch adjustable Dealer Inquiries Invited. and automatic TV/VCP switching. black & white electronic viewfinder with operational and warning indicators. FULL USA WARRANTY Prices: VP-5000, $595; VP-2000, Other features include instant review RS $290. through the viewfinder, a fade-in/fade- out button, and time and date recording. For additional information, circle no. 146 on Reader Service Card. Price: not available. Geneva Cleans For additional information, Compact VHS Heads circle no. 149 on Reader Service Card. Geneva is introducing a wet-type vid- Samsung’s VH 2610 eo head cleaner designed for use in Compact VHS camcorders. Like Gene- va’s VHS and 8mm head cleaners, the PF-360 uses a full-width, shed-free cleaning tape and a non-alcohol cleaning spray that leaves no residue. Price: $30. For additional information, circle no. 147 on Reader Service Card. New VHS Deck From Samsung Samsung’s VH 2610 VHS HQ VCR is an inexpensive two-head machine with 14-day/4-event programming and a 110-channel cable-compatible tuner. Its 20-key, 23-function remote operates di- rect access tuning, channel up/down, and picture search in SP, LP, and EP. Price: $380. For additional information, circle no. 148 on Reader Service Card. We Carry a Full Line of 220 Volt PAL/SECAM Video Machines. Any famous brand name tape $3.99-min. order 10. All Major Credit Cards And COD Accepted. |SVANUG D)SVANDIVAN odod DAU @)shod BIN Ge 76-11A Broadway, Elmhurst, N.Y. 11373 INFORMATION A By43 iCcaR1NSFoinoaed5enr.rfdacdovidl.riteemciraeotniaoln, 28 Video May 1987

ow! MHIUTSIMCOVVIIEDSEOoS r SB4T00 GET Ae FOR ONLY plus shipping & handling with Club membership. i poo INSTANT No waiting like some other Clubs. You don't have to buy two or three videocassettes to enjoy BONUS! J 1/2price bonus savings. Your savings start right away. TITLE NUMBER TITLE NUMBER TITLE NUMBER Save up to 157.90 on your intro- RUTHLESS PEOPLE 111106 |ALIENS 111160 |THE KARATE KID It 111005 ductory movies or music videos when you join the RCA Video WHITNEY HOUSTON #1 HITS 110672 |LIONEL RICHIE: ALL NIGHT LONG 110001 |PHIL COLLINS: NO JACKET REQUIRED 110789 | Club. Yours for only $1.00 each plus shipping and handling when DARLING 110840 |MADONNA LIVE: THE VIRGIN TOUR 110622 |DELTA FORCE (CHUCK NORRIS) 110737 |) you agree to buy as few as two more videocassettes in your THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL 110998 |GHOSTBUSTERS 110048 |CRITTERS 110876 O video category during the next DAVID LEE ROTH (VHS ONLY) 111052 |A FORCE OF ONE (CHUCK NORRIS) 110530 |SHEILA E. LIVE (W/PRINCE) 110731 | two years at regular Club prices ...usually $16.95-$29.95 for music THE MONKEES, VOL.1 110796 |JOHN LENNON: LIVE IN NYC 110394 |MURPHY’S ROMANCE 110799 |: videos, $29.95-$79.95 for movies. CROSSROADS 110870 |WHITE NIGHTS 110670 |BON-JOVI 110357 | As a member, you'll receive the Club’s illustrated maga- STEVIE NICKS: | CAN’T WAIT 110804 |DOWN AND OUT IN BEVERLY HILLS 111095 |INVADERS FROM MARS 111051 | zine every four weeks (13 times a year). Each issue will describe JANE FONDA’S LOW IMPACT AEROBICS 111101 |FROM HERE TO ETERNITY 111080 |SILVERADO 110395 | the featured video in your video RICHARD PRYOR LIVE ON SUNSET STRIP | 110144 |GENESIS LIVE: THE MAMA TOUR 110782 |TINA TURNER: PRIVATE DANCER LIVE 110023 | category, plus many alternates. If 110452 STAND BY ME you want the featured video you MAXIMUM OVERDRIVE 111129 |HALLOWEEN 110843 STING: BRING ON THE NIGHT 111062| need do nothing. It will be sent to TOSCANINI: THE MAESTRO 110407 PRUDHOMME’S LOUISIANA COOKING 111096 | you automatically. If you want VAN HALEN: LIVE WITHOUT A NET 111100 LABYRINTH 110884 | other videocassettes, or none, (VHS ONLY) 111046 PAT BENATAR IN CONCERT 110834 HOROWITZ IN LONDON just return the card always pro- 110445 |NAME OF THE ROSE 111030} vided, by the date specified. You'll THE AWFUL TRUTH 110779 |SON OF FLUBBER 110095 | always have at least 10 days 111145| to decide, but if you don’t you FRIGHT NIGHT 110436 |THE CARE BEARS MOVIE II may return your featured video at our expense for full credit. U2—LIVE AT RED ROCKS 110866 |DIRE STRAITS LIVE: ALCHEMY 50% off savings bonus! ABOUT LAST NIGHT 111049 | ANIGHTMARE ON ELM ST.-2 110646 |ROLLING STONES LIVE: : Effective with your very first regu- lar-priced selection, you can ULTIMATE TENNIS 110480 |TERRIFIC SEX: THE DR. RUTH VIDEO 110624 |LET'S SPEND THE NIGHT TOGETHER 110499 Fo [11098 | order an equivalently priced video THE BEATLES LIVE: READY, STEADY, GO THE SEVENTH SEAL (SUBTITLED) 110494 |MAX HEADROOM at 1/2 price for every one you buy. 110802 |KIDSONGS: A DAY ATMacDONALD'S FARM 110618 |5 110625 |ALABAMA: GREATEST HITS SPLASH 111093 |CLOSE ENCOUNTERS (SPECIAL ED.) 110039 |UPIN ARMS (DANNY KAYE) 111142 | 110649 | LOST HORIZON 111063 |A CHORUSLINE—THE MOVIE 110497 oI FOR FASTEST SERVICE CALL TOLL-FREE! 1-800-428-1928 al In Indiana phone collect 1-317-542-6307 MAILTO: RCA Video Club - P.O. Box 91506 - Indianapolis, IN 46291 Please accept my membership in the RCA Video Club and send me the selections indicated here fojrust $1.00 each under the terms outlined in this offer. |agree to buy just 2 more selections in my video category at ] @ My introductory video choices are [ regular Club prices during the next two years, after which (please indicate by number): | may cancel my membership, or continue and keep getting 1/2 off savings. (Shipping/handling added to each @ Send my videos on (choenceoknly): shipment.) 8 a Mir.e | VHS (| BETA | © |am always freetochoose from either category I pages Stel only): [| Mrs. First Name Initial Last Name (PLEASE PRINT) (4)Beg per payment method desired: roi me Free 10-day, no-risk trial. If O Charge my introductory videos and future City State. Zip. purchases to: C) Visa C) MasterCard not satisfied with your introductory O American Express C1 Diners Club videocassettes, just return them if Telephone ( Exp. date Area Code at the end of ten days with no Your card number Limited to new members, continental USA only; one membership per family. further obligation! HS) RCA Video Club reserves the right to request additional information or reject any application. Local taxes, if any, will be added RCA Video Club we VC 725 poresCardholder's signature WEU22 6550 E. 30th Street Indianapolis, IN 46219-1194 a|eeeeaeeeeee

Fine Tuning Your Video Questions Answered Better Jacks? you're obviously wasting your Thanks for the tip. In leaves a bit of unrecorded time if your empty shells cost VCRs that have a flying snow. My problem ts that I recently bought Pana- more than about $2 each. Al- erase head, the flying erase when I put a tape that was sonic’s new AG-1950 so consider the time and pa- used in the Panasonic into VHS VCR. It’s a great ma- tience required to open both head can clog, even while the the Toshiba, I’m unable to chine, and sturdily built. I es- shells and respool the tape regular record and play heads completely erase the snippet of pecially like the BNC jacks from one to the other. Un- remain operable. In such a picture at the beginning. Even used for the video inputs and less you can improvise some when I manually wind the outputs, which 1s what most sort of rapid winder, or use a case, any re-recordings made tape back to the leader, the “industrial” VCRs use. Why cassette rewinder, it’s going on a previously used tape will minute I put it into the Toshi- don’t other consumer VCRs be marred by continuous col- ba, the VCR pulls the leader use this type of connector? It to be tedious and tricky to or moire and rainbowing. into the shell, and I can’t seems to be designed better. hand wind several hundred However, some VCRs with erase the signal at the head of feet of tape without wrinkling the tape. Is there a way James Green or stretching it. Beta and flying erase heads also use a around this? Santa Monica, Calif. VHS lengths and speeds dif- fer as well, so the lengths conventional fixed erase Arthur Raymond You're right, the BNC, you end up with will be head, which is activated in Cleveland, Ohio for Bayonet Nut Connec- non-standard. In all, it sounds tor, is much better than the like more trouble than it’s the straight record mode, to A Although the feature is RCA-type connector used on purge the tape of any previ- intended to ensure that consumer gear in North worth. America. BNCs are used on ous signal. On these ma- the VCR always threads on consumer equipment in Great Insert Edit Glitch chines, which include Sony’s the tape, rather than on the Britain and Europe. But SL-HF1000 Beta VCR and rougher surface of the plastic here, the same manufactur- I have a Pioneer VE-D70 Panasonic’s AG-1950 VHS leader, it can sometimes be ers have always used the 8mm VCR. I use it to ed- VCR, the flying erase heads the nuisance you describe, cheaper RCA jacks. Inertia it videotapes made on my are active only during insert especially if you have more and their higher cost are Kodak MVS-5000 camcorder. than one machine and swap probably why U.S. video Both machines record digital edits, and when the tape tapes between them. In the equipment lacks BNC jacks. sound, but I use the Pioneer backs up slightly during as- early days of home video, there was a similar problem Beta Switcheroo as an editing deck because it sembly edits. with Beta cassettes: certain has a flying erase head, which A partial head clog on one machines wouldn’t rewind the I have some Beta video- the Kodak doesn’t. tape to the very beginning, cassettes, but recently of the new “double azimuth” preventing erasure of the switched over to VHS. I know Recently, when I was mak- first seconds of a tape. The ing an insert edit, the part of video heads now commonly cure was to carefully open I can’t use the Beta blanks the tape where I made the in- used to clean up special ef- the cassette door and manu- in the VHS machine, but is sert filled with colored noise fects and noisebars on newer ally wind the tape backwards there some way I can transfer and streaking, even though VCRs without flying erase until you came to the leader. the tape from the Beta shells heads can induce a similar ef- Unfortunately, this won’t to VHS shells so I can at least the sections before and after work with your Toshiba (or use the Beta tapes as blanks? the insert were good. After fect in playback. For exam- JVC’s similarly designed HR- several attempts yielded the ple, if the width of the noise- D566 VCR), since the VCR P. Adams same result, it occurred to me bars in the search mode sud- will immediately wind it for- Evanston, Ill. that the flying erase head denly widens, it may be that ward again when you put it might be clogged. Sure one of the head chips has into the VCR. It’s possible to transfer enough, after I ran a head- clogged. This partial clog of- videotape from Beta cleaning cassette through the ten will disappear as you But there are a few things shells into VHS shells, but Pioneer, the problem disap- scan. If it doesn’t, the only you can do if you want the it’s so much work, you're peared. I thought you'd be in- beginnings of your tapes to better off not trying. First, terested in hearing about this, remedy is to clean the VCR’s look neater. First, you can you'll have to find an eco- heads. use your other VCR to erase nomical source of empty VHS since it appears you can’t tell the first few seconds of the shells that contain just reels if a VCR has a clogged flying Trouble Leader blanks. Just wind the tape and plastic leader. With some erase head just from viewing back to the leader on these, “economy” brands of T-120 the playback picture, the way Q Whenever I put a new VHS tapes selling for $2.99 you can with regular VCRs. tape into my Toshiba M- Chnis Fredericks 5900 VCR, itpulls the leader Glendale, Calif. into the shell and threads on the tape instead of the leader. This doesn’t happen with my other VHS VCR, a Panasonic PV-1730, so it always gives a little bit more recorded signal, while the Toshiba always 30 Video May 1987

These people have a big problem...they’ve lost their clarity! You’ve invested alot for tapes, discs and components, now invest a little on cleaning and maintenance with Bib Audio/Video Care systems, you'll keep your gear in top-notch condition. From a full line of advanced care products, Bib delivers unique award- i (ESRS RORR RI winning product { wMEDO Bib, the choice designs featuring = of the professionals Me re Cc t; SEInE eee the 4 4 VmEee-40 pus5 h | CAMCORDER ==SPRSSEan Avail. able at fveine retail. button automatic ERIE! ———ne stores throughout SeratT Za | pepiake h me : the United States. cleaner to the ‘ Call or write fora free catalog; new Two-Shot™ 303-985-1565 or disposable audio 1-800-325-0853 head cleaner. W eo outsiaiede Caoeloraidog. JBursiittislhoofk: lafgor the neic | to Bib Audio/Video Products P.O. BOX 27682 find all the high IN 1Ba quality Bib products and Denver, CO 80227 VAimN ...Bring Back the Clarity! World’s Audio Video Care Specialists. . since 1954 ©1986 Bib Audio/Video Products For additional information, circle No. 101 on Reader Service Card.

eeee ee Fine Tuning turn off the tuner (or tune to an unused cleaning” variety. You only have to run business, and may be willing to reim- channel), and record dead air for 20 the cassette for 15 seconds or so to seconds. That will get rid of any residual clean the heads. For the Handycam, you burse you for part of the repair fee with programming, regardless of the VCR in will have to unlock the record tab to use which the tape is later used. Second, it that long. The cleaning tape won't re- a number of free tape rentals. Anyone you can invest in a videocassette cord anything, since that’s not its pur-: rewinder/eraser. Dozens are on the pose—it will just clean the heads. who has rented tapes should know they market, some with bi-directional winding modes and counters. A rewinder/ Head-cleaning cassettes are handy go through a lot of different VCRs and eraser will clean the tape right up to the gadgets—especially for camcorders, leader, so that when the tape is re-used, which can clog while recording away that the multiple use takes a toll on both you'll only get your new recording, and from home. Just remember to use the not the vestigial beginnings of previous cleaners only when necessary. the tape and the shell it comes in. It’s a ones. Tape in a Jam good idea to examine any rented tape I recently rented a VHS movie that before putting it into your VCR, to make jammed inside my VCR. I couldn't get it out. When I took it in for repair, sure there are no loose labels that could the repairman said the security sticker the dealer had stuck on the side of the cassette cause problems. It might even pay to was the reason it had jammed. I still had to pay him $80 to get the cassette out. I open the cassette door to check that the think the rental dealer should pay me back for the expense since his cassette leader is not torn or wrinkled. caused the problem. What do you think? A damaged tape can wreak more dam- Elizabeth Simmons Handycam Cleanup Miami, Fla. age on the VCR, and the entire onus for I bought a Sony 8mm head-cleaning A It may sound like a cop out, but you cassette quality can’t rest on a dealer’s should split the cost. If you’ve been cassette for my Handycam, but when shoulders, especially if he’s a high vol- a good customer of this particular rental I tried to use it, I couldn’t. The Handy- store, I think it would want to keep your ume dealer and charges only a dollar or cam ts a record-only VCR, and the head so for each rental. cleaning tape comes with the record tab The best practice is to check each locked, making it impossible to record on tape before leaving the store, not only the tape. Is it okay to move the tab to the to ensure that you’ve got the right title, record position and record on the tape as but to catch any damage that may be I clean the heads, or should I try another charged to you later when the tape is type of head cleaner? K. Sorenson returned. Vv) New York, N.Y. Head-cleaning cassettes for 8mm VIDEO welcomes your questions. Please do not decks are now available from Gene- enclose self-addressed envelopes as the volume of mail does not allow personal replies. Questions va, Allsop, Bib, Kodak, and TDK, as may be edited for clarity and space. Address well as Sony. Sony’s is of the “dry letters to Fine Tuning, VIDEO Magazine, 460 West 34th St., New York, N.Y. 10001. *C.E.D.s? THOUSANDS OF *Capacitance Electronic Discs Videocassettes We've AVAILABLE got 32 Pages of ‘em! * 1n5e%w releases Musicals . Satisiaction Westerns 5 for $25 & Comedies How-to Shipping additional Send $1 for.complete listing Sports (deductible from first purchase} Foreign Pendragon Sales-~CED & More! 430 West 54th St. N.Y., N.Y. 10019 CLIP AND SEND TO 32 Video May 1987 ~Pendr agon Sales DEPT. Ao4 430 WEST 54TH STREET NEW YORK, NY 10019 NAME (PLEASE PRINT) ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE Send $2.00 postage and handling (deductible from Ist purchase)

Milly always wondered what it was like to be a boy. This morning she woke up with her first clue. FECIA The comedy switch of the year. CINEMA GROUP presents ‘SOMETHING SPECIAL” starrinc PAMELA SEGALL ERIC GURRY with JOHN GLOVER ano PATTY DUKE BASED ON THE sToRY “witty WILLY” BY ALAN FRIEDMAN music sy DAVID MCHUGH FEATURING THE SONG “ONE CHANGE IN MY LIFE” BY MICHAEL DAMIAN EXECUTIVE PropUCERS DAVID HELPERN ano DAL LA MAGNA CO-PRODUCER FRED BERNER scrEENPLAY BY CARLA REUBEN ano WALTER CARBONE propucep By M. DAVID CHILEWICH PG-13)PARENTS STRONGLY CAUTIONED <> DIRECTED BY PAUL SCHNEIDER s A Cinema Group Release ©1986 Cinema Group Venture. All rights reserved. Cinema Group FOR MORE INFORMATION WRITE: CONTINENTAL VIDEO ¢ 2320 COTNER # LOS ANGELES ¢ CA # 90064 SG For additional information, circle No. 102 on Reader Service Card. CO“NAGTInNEeNGTrrAuLpnOoarVeaIrDy EO CAT. #1094

TV Den Techniques and Technology Second Look: age quality. wire. But consumers fail to was showing up in the lower Macrovision Before dealing with specific right corner of some brands realize that this “dubbing of picture tube. After con- by Roderick complaints, however, let’s re- hook-up” is precisely the sort firming the truth of the com- Woodcock of situation Macrovision is plaints, Macrovision modified call how Macrovision works. Ever since movie studios Macrovision consists of a se- designed to discourage. Even the signal to avoid the reac- began to encode large num- ries of white pulses recorded tion. bers of film releases with the if no copy is being made, the controversial Macrovision in the part of a videocas- fact that the encoded signal Since the first Macrovision copyguard system, VIDEO tape (MCA’s The Sure has received a stream of let- sette’s signal known as the from the original cassette is Thing, issued in August, ters complaining that Macro- being fed through the AGC 1985), nearly 20 million cas- vision is damaging the image vertical interval. The pulses circuitry of the second ma- settes have been encoded. quality of prerecorded tapes. confuse the video automatic Despite consumer nervous- Recently, I visited Macrovi- chine is enough to create a sion’s California headquarters gain control (AGC) of any viewing problem. To elimi- ness, Macrovision is clearly a and talked with Executive nate it, each VCR should be major improvement over Vice President Gary Gwizda- VCR being used to copy an Copyguard and other earlier la and Macrovision inventor wired directly to the TV set, antipiracy systems. Copy- John Ryan in an effort to dis- encoded tape. When the using an A/B switch. guard caused TV images to cover whether viewers are AGC senses the pulses, it roll vertically even during justified in their complaints or Other apparent problems, normal viewing, and created whether Macrovision has be- tries to reduce the video lev- an overnight boom in the sale come the scapegoat for a va- el, resulting either in a dark says Gwizdala, can be traced riety of video ills. to worn rental cassettes of “stabilizers” to strengthen and muddy picture or no pic- which exhibit excessive drop- the weakened vertical syn- Macrovision asserts its outs, dirty video heads, tape chronization pulse. system is virtually invisible. ture at all. creases, tracking problems To prove it, the company set Gwizdala says the process But stabilizers (or enhanc- up a bank of 15 different TVs compounded by worn tape ers) won't work on Macrovi- and monitor/receivers at- is 80 percent effective in pre- sion and aren't needed, says tached to the same VCR. An venting dunlication on VHS guides on older VCRs, and assistant screened portions of and some 8mm VCRs. He damaged tape edges. On oc- Gwizdala, because Macrovi- two versions of Back to the casion, both customers and sion doesn’t induce compara- Future, one encoded with concedes it can be beaten, ble playability problems. Macrovision and one without. dealers have been the unwit- Gwizdala claims, in fact, that I stared long and hard at the but only by using special ting victims of other custom- any device dedicated solely screens, and could not distin- equipment that regenerates to defeating Macrovision is il- guish any difference between ers who have duplicated legal. He also claims the two versions on any of the vertical interval, or by Macrovision tapes and re- Macrovision can change its the monitors. Neither could defeating the AGC circuit system at any time, so that a Ryan, who also participated (which is difficult for the un- placed the original cassettes gadget designed to beat the in the test. It was a convinc- skilled), or by copying encod- with the bad copies—which signal today may not be able ing refutation of the charge to do so in the future. that Macrovision impairs im- ed tapes on VCRs, like Beta are then re-rented as pre- sumed originals. For the moment, Macrovi- decks, that are immune to sion seems to be here to Macrovision is preparing a stay. The company claims it the process. checklist of “symptoms and eliminates the entertainment problems” it will soon distrib- But for the average con- ute to video dealers to help value from illegally made cop- sumer, the big question is: consumers identify video ies without significantly im- Does Macrovision interfere pairing the playability of the with or detract from the pic- problems genuinely caused original cassette. Most of the ture quality of a legitimate by Macrovision. Gwizdala and pre-recorded videocassette? major studios seem to agree. Ryan say they hope to hear MCA, an early Macrovision Gwizdala says it doesn’t and about these instances be- booster, calls it “the most ef- contends that more than 90 fective means available to in- percent of the complaints the cause they want to work with hibit unauthorized copying” the dealers and the studios to and just signed up for anoth- company has received can be make sure their process is er year. attributed to other causes, not causing more problems many of which consumers than it’s curing. themselves can eliminate Last October, for example, once they understand the Macrovision encoders were real problem. modified to eliminate an ack- One of the most frequently nowledged Macrovision-relat- ed flaw. A diffuse white patch cited problems involves “dai- of light, caused by a specific sy-chain” wiring, wherein two VCRs are connected so type of phosphor coating, that one machine feeds the other through its audio/video inputs or the coaxial antenna 34 Video May 1987

How To ask forttehleevipseirofne.ct 1 ee 27\" with black 4 : 5 Sal matrix, bigh ( ye” contrast ratio, 400 n ( lines of resolution, computer ( ( accurate digital access tuning, i ( aaaeaeaoeaae 178-channel capability, ( «P£«P,A£t£2£<BS (.KAReRKDRAKBADRAadnAAe See stereo decoder, wireless remote control... iaeadatetniladenannetanapedaeaienineeeastenimeinammntaiammemieneeinnaiinemeseeeaaemeimmnementnmemnenenamenanmemennnmmesamsenaeennta Simulated TV Picture. Or just ask for a Magnavox. captioning, anda permanent parental That way you don’t needa high-tech control to restrict certain channels from vocabulary to get everything a perfect children, makes the Star TV even more television ought to have, everything the beautiful to watch. Magnavox Star TV has. It’s a technological masterpiece that And this TV comes with the incredible translates into picture quality so finein detail, Universal Remote Control—so advanced it so color-true that it approaches real life. controls virtually every brand of wireless An incredible array of functions VCR or cable system. including on-screen graphics, channel The Star TV from Magnavox. It’s a lot of television in any language. The perfect picture. The perfect remote. Nobody puts ittogether like MAGNAVOX. ©1986N.A.P. Consumer Electronics Corp. A North American Philips Company For additional information, circle No. 18 on Reader Service Card.

The Camcorner New Equipment & Shooting Tips On Location If you’ve recently bought a retractable leg spikes for fine for living-room shooting, Extras camcorder, you’re probably rough ground. RCA manufac- and won't melt the top of a by Roderick still mastering zooms, close- tures two tripods, the 5- camcorder or fry the sensi- ups, and other built-in op- pound ACO11 and the 10- tive electronics just under its Woodcock tions like backlighting. But pound AC009, with these plastic skin. You can attach once you have mastered the Ambico’s J-5500 possibilities, you'll want to features. them to the accessory shoe fluid-head tripod find ways to make your home The most important fea- videos more professional on the top of most camcord- looking. To do the job well, ture is a tripod’s camera ers, but for more effective il- you'll need the right kind of head, which should pan later- lumination, it’s better to ex- accessories, and the three ally and tilt up and down tend them upward with a most important are tripods, smoothly. Cheaper tripods bracket. Your subjects will lights, and lenses. rely on the friction between appreciate the change in an- the head’s moving surfaces gle, and shadows will be less TRIPODS for their stability. More ex- pensive tripods have “fluid” obvious. While manufacturers love heads that operate much Most better lights have ad- to promote the convenience more smoothly. Popular flu- of lightweight camcorders, id-head tripods include Ambi- justable brackets for angling one that’s too light can make co’s J-5500 ($79.95), RCA’s the light upward from 45 to your videos look shaky. With AC018 ($119.95), and Vel- 90 degrees. This lets you a few exceptions, most new- bon’s Victory 408. Look bounce it off the ceiling and er 8mm and Compact VHS around, try them inside soften the illumination that camcorders are designed to stores, and buy the one you falls on your subjects. Watch beheld at eye level, a posi- feel offers the best balance out for colored walls and ceil- tion that grows tiring after between performance and ings, which will impart their only 15 or 20 minutes, let price. alone the length of the entire color to your tapes. Rose Bowl Parade. A less cumbersome alter- Ideal Video of Woodhaven, native to the tripod is the Larger, heavier camcord- monopod, which collapses in- N.Y. distributes two of the ers, which use VHS or Beta to a tubular baton that’s easi- cassettes, are actually easier er to stow and carry. If you most unique video lights. The to steady, since they rest on can handle an expandable um- LX-801 Auto ($179.95) and the right shoulder. But brella, you can handle a de- the LX-801AS ($139.95) both there’s no replacement for a vice like RCA’s 14-ounce use computerized electronics good tripod, which provides AC012 Unipod. The big ad- to automatically control the rock-steady stability as well vantage of a monopod is the as an opportunity to lock a way it minimizes vertical amount of light that reaches a camera into position and walk shakes, though it can prevent into the shot yourself. lateral shakes as well, if subject—up to 500 watts on you're careful. the deluxe light, and up to The least expensive mod- 300 watts on the less expen- els usually have three tele- LIGHTS sive model. Ideal’s LX301Z scoping tubular legs, screw- type locking rings, and no in- Extra lighting can yield no- can concentrate the light at ternal braces. Most come ticeable gains in contrast, col- any angle between 30 and 65 with an adjustable elevator to or and sharpness. With the degrees. Suggested prices fine-tune the vertical height. new low-light pickups, you are $109.95 for the AC-only They’re easy to carry but of- don’t even need powerful ten too light for anything but eyeball blasters. High watt- model, and $149.95 for the the smallest camcorders. The age lamps provide more AC/DC version. bigger machines demand sturdier tripods, with tele- reach, but it’s better to Also popular is the Mini- scoping girder-type legs, mount them on their own Cool ($159.50) from Cool- hinged quick-snap locks, and stands, rather than on the Lux Lighting in North Holly- camcorder itself. wood, Calif. It can be ex- panded into a complete light- Lower wattage models are ing system with optional stands, adapters, and diffus- ers. The Mini-Cool’s alumi- num housing has slots and louvers to dissipate heat, and each of its 11 accessory lamps absorbs more than 90 aEcoo nn emeEEEEEEEEEEEREEEREEIIRREEIRR 36 Video May 1987

good your camcorder Is, rder Companion better! CAMCORDER (COMPANIONS XEal Adds Dazzling Special FX To Your Camcorder Tapes _A Perfect Companion For The Camcorder Your Time Machine You never got to meet your parents when they were young. Oh yes, you “see” these people in frozen Works great with every brand and model. photos. That's it. In still photos you “see”... with camcordings you “meet” ..your young father . your mother... yourself. Owners camcord Star Wars Type Digital FX can be simply and easily to carry them back in the future. They're intelligent. They realize the camcorder is a time machine. To time travel, FX-1 adds technical added to your camcordings! (FX is videomakers jargon for special excellence, high adventure, and sheer excitement! effects). FX-1 ignites your camcordings with the thunderous power and excitement of advanced digital special effects. Rembrandt Mosaic FX Explicit Instructions come with the unit. Cuts particles from 2 separate videos Valen e)(-1alel-mtal-]ia mlal ome Molg-t-laitcldiale! Digital FX Champion Get 1, 2, 3, or 4 pattern pages. mosaic. Called: Fill with video. Requires synched sources. Tape with FX Some Jazz Jazz up NZeleLaerlusregxe]elalye mem z-(er-lela melmn i -relleatlelo) with a little background piano! It’s easy and fun with FX-1. PHASER ON PHASER OFF Zipstick FX Positioner Gives 4 more unique FX. Phaser Switch Invented Spotlight Newly discovered by our video engi- A bright frame zips around the screen. neers, a way to switch glitch-free Scrolling between 2 unsynched video sources Great way to display via a field. Simulates a time base es credits. equalizer. Our competitors price for this circuit: $2000, ours: $199. On Target Patterns converge toa pre-selected target. Brilliant Neon Border Sn Bouncing Ball WAVE OFF A video pointer. Absolutely unheard of in a consumer FX generator. Just like NBC Sports! Room To Grow it you move to synched cameras or a character Telcom rel(an-lure Kere)(e]@-(c-Xelsr-lare|-1-le](-8 generator FX-1 is ready with the blackburst-out for that equipment. Yes, Neon border works with all patterns. Sensuous “Wave” FX Break- dancing for video patterns. A form of video animation. Your patterns flow. Fast and easy to sync with music! Colored Glass Curtain Instantly change solid patterns into shimmering transparent glass curtains. Puts mystique in video introductions. Color Wipe Dissolve” Video Wipe” Cut\" Vincent Van Gogh FX You Get A Prime Benefit Satisfaction. Of converting an A starburst of brilliant hue remini- everyday tape into a masterpiece! cent of Van Gogh's yellows, greens, Vale me)(U(-\\-mm@r-li(-to Mmat IMU amorfeo))a Call: we'll give more info! Price: Starts at $589. RF Modulator module allows direct connect to any TV. 1-800-792-2489 VIP Video 20516 Lorne, Taylor MI 48180, 313-388-5289, TLX510600059 For additional information, circle No, 24 on Reader Service Card.

VIDEO CATA The Camcorner © Enclosed is $7.95 ($5.9+5$2 shipping) cash, check 6736 Castor Avenue « Philadelphia, PA 19149 percent of ultraviolet and infrared light, or money order. Send your new Video Catalog, plus 215/722-8298 focusing only light from the visible spec- periodic updates. NOTE: Foreign orders (except APO, trum onto the subject. Canada, Mexico) add $20 shipping/handling. Cool-Lux recently introduced the © Enclosed is additional $3.50 ($11.45 total, $31.45 Micro-Lux ($79.95) for new hand-held foreign). Include your Adult Video Catalog. | am over camcorders. Though only three inches 18 years old. long and under three ounces, it gener- ates 35 watts of light for 105 minutes Name Slate ise EID from an optional 12-volt power supply. Address Micro-Lux was selected by NASA for City ai GSdite oD a use with the cameras on space shuttle missions. Ponies (see Se Daal a as 38 Video May 1987 LENSES A lot of optical add-ons are available for camcorders under a variety of brand names. Most are intended for specific makes and models, but as long as you know the thread size of your lens, it’s possible to use a supplementary wide angle or telephoto lens meant for anoth- er brand to extend your own camcord- er’s reach. Sometimes the thread size is en- graved on the lens hood, which must be removed to make room for an add-on lens. Sometimes it’s in the back of the instruction manual. Most camcorder thread sizes are 46, 49, 52, 58, or even 62 mm, all popular thread sizes for 35 mm camera lenses. “Stepping rings” can get you from one size to another. They’re not recom- mended for supplementary lenses, which Add-on lenses can increase your versatility are fairly heavy pieces of glass. But they are useful for adapting filters and close- up lenses to your camcorder’s threads. One company specializing in supple- mentary wide-angle and telephoto lenses is Lenmar Enterprises, Inc. in Gardena, Calif. Its VTL200 and VTL150 telephoto lenses offer 2x and 1.55x magnification, respectively, while its VWA50 and SW813 lenses offer .55x and .42x wide-angle perspectives. With the appro- priate adapter ring, they can be fitted to virtually any camcorder. Lenmar also has a clip-on 1.7x telephoto or .50x wide-angle lens for Sony’s CCD-M8U Handycam. Prices were not available at presstime. One final “essential” accessory is a set of close-up lenses. They fit in the optical limbo between the macro and minimum focal distances of most cam- corder lenses. They’re ideal, for exam- ple, when you want to videotape post- cards or snapshots. Ambico’s V-0311 close-up/wide-view lens attachment of- fers this capability, along with a wide- view option, for $69.95.

The revised and updated 1987 edition of the GUIDE is the perfect gift for your friends and a welcome addition to your video library. Over 1,100 pages are packed with information on prerecorded video tapes for home use. FEATURES INCLUDE: * Over 10,000 listings of the most popular feature films, children’s programs, sports features and “how-to's” available for home video. 19 facts about every title listed, subject category index. Cast index of over 300 stars. Closed captioned index. 24 pages of classic photos. ONLY $13.95 FOR THE PROFESSIONAL: If you have more than a casual interest in video, the new and completely revised 1987 VIDEO SOURCE BOOK® isa must. This incredible hardcover volume is the most comprehensive reference on video tape and disc titles available anywhere. Over 50,000 titles are described on more than 2300 pages. Cross-indexed by subject category and cast members. A complete listing of over 900 wholesalers is included and TWO FREE updates will be sent to you with return of response card. We accept MasterCard and Visa or you may send a check or money order. Do not send cash. v Please make check for total amount payable and mail to: KW The National Video Clearinghouse Inc. 100 Lafayette Dr. Syosset, NY 11791 Tel: 516-364-3686 Telex: 6852011 Check enclosed for $ _________. Charge to 0) Visa OO MasterCard Please send the indicated publications: Card # x py Dates = Copy(ies) of The Video Tape Zip & Disc Guide to Home Name (Please Print) Entertainment® (7th Edition) Signature @$13.95 plus $3.00 shipping and handling each. Address Copy(ies) of The Video Source City Book® |(8th Edition) @$149.00 plus $6.00 shipping and handling each. State ) Phone ( New York State residents add appropriate sales tax. Allow four weeks for delivery. VM 1286

Audio Input The Sound Side of Video Room-Size One good idea begets an- Mates, now $229 per pair, the whole system, brackets Video Sound other. For instance, the arrived in the thick of the and all. Now you can get the speakers reviewed here Walkman craze—and just in RoomMates in ivory as well by Ivan would not exist. if Sony had as the original black. Berger not first brought out the time for the first portable Walkman, a tape player Compact Disc players, which I’ve been using a pair of Bose’s Video Room- which had neither speakers RoomMates happily since Mates can sit beside a nor a means of driving them. could really show how good they appeared. They’re no picture tube without The idea behind the Walkman match for any of my larger causing color distor- they sounded. speakers, but they make a tion. was to make a good sound Bose used good, 4-1/2 inch great utility system that I’ve system pocket-sized by strip- used for everything from par- ping off the amplifiers and speakers (similar to those in ties to public addresses to speakers, which account for Bose’s larger systems) that the music at my wedding re- most of the bulk and weight were big enough to have hearsal. of larger portables, and re- some bass, yet small enough placing them with head- to spread treble through the Recently, Bose extended phones. Soon, the Walkman sound path instead of concen- the idea by coming out with and its imitators were selling trating it in a shrieking pen- Video RoomMates at $279 by the million: everyone cil-beam. The speakers were per pair. The gray video ver- could march down the street housed in boxes large enough sions are magnetically shield- to different drummers. (about the size of small ed, so you can put them right breadloaves) to allow them to next to your picture tube But some listeners still develop a wee bit of bass, without causing color distor- wanted speakers for listening and powered with special am- tion. They also have front- in private rooms or sharing plifiers. panel volume controls, for music with someone else. use with VCRs and disc play- Since the new pocket porta- Unlike most amplifiers, bles lacked amplifiers to drive which are designed to work ers that may lack volume those speakers, manufactur- with any speaker you plug in- controls of their own. Their ers responded with ultra- to them, the RoomMates’ signal cables end in a pair of compact speakers with built- amps were going to be used RCA phono jacks instead of in amplifiers. Unfortunately, only with the RoomMates’ the original version’s single, they usually sounded terrible. drivers and enclosures. So 3.5-mm headphone plug. Bose tailored the amplifiers’ (Adapters for 3.5-mm plugs So Bose put a twist on the frequency response to com- are available from Bose and idea: make compact, ampli- plement the rest of the sys- elsewhere.) fied speakers, but make them tem’s response, adding a bit a bit less compact and a lot of boost where it was need- Meanwhile, an even older better sounding than the ed, while cutting back on any Boston-area speaker compa- competition. Bose’s Room- frequencies the driver and ny, Acoustic Research, has come up with speakers, the box might over-emphasize. Powered Partners at $339.95 Bose also built in a compres- per pair, designed to com- sion circuit to help keep the pete with both Bose models. system from overloading They, too, are shielded for video use and have inputs when forced to deliver higher that may be connected either volumes than it was built for. to headphone jacks or to The system was easy to RCA phono plugs. Since AR, connect: both amplifiers were like Bose, thrives on innova- tion, it brought some fresh in one speaker cabinet, so twists to the basic idea. you only had to plug the Most of AR’s innovations speaker into the wall for are designed for increased power and into your portable versatility. The Powered Partners are triangular, rath- player’s earphone jack for er than loaf-shaped, so you sound, then run a wire from one speaker to the other. You could get brackets to mount the speakers and a travel bag ($39.95) to carry a 40 Video May 1987

EE\" 72 HOUR E=” GUADERLAINVETREYED Or We Pay the Freight! FOR ALL YOUR ELECTRONICS NEEDS 800... CALL TOLL FREE: 1-3325 FEATURING: MAGNAVOX Canon JVE pioncer SONY RCA TOSHIBA Panasonic-Industrial Technics MINOUA HITACHI manenmecnuntiz, 7.:(°TECH ALL SONY & PANASONIC TELEPHONE EQUIPMENT IN STOCK! oo ae OS Se ee |f FREE! ' 44pg.COLORCATALOG A, FULL LINE OF ACCESSORIES ; Name ' VIDEO TAPE « EXPERT ADVICE r Address r aR eS yy, I Zip Telephone i *On All Merchandise In Stock ¢ Subject ;I aEnndcloSsEeND$3.T0O0: foVrIDPEoOstaSgAeLE&S Handling ii to Approved Payment and Method of Freight 1500 N. State St., Bellingham, WA 98225 S.,OPN Siite6, Cslingnaaiaaa VIDEO SALES e A SUBSIDIARY OF THE VIDEO DEPOT LTD., BELLINGHAM, WA For additional information, circle No. 103 on Reader Service Card.

SX. AUTHORIZED Audio Input deliver clean sound at levels up to 106 decibels, while the Bose speakers are Sales & Services can stick them in a corner (which em- rated to deliver 101 dB—no significant phasizes bass), or rest them on the floor difference there. When rapped with a 2021 Smithaven Plaza and not have all the sound go down your knuckle, the AR’s rugged aluminum cabi- Lake Grove, N.Y. 11755 socks. They can be powered from 12- net has a higher-pitched “thwock” than volt DC, from either a rechargeable bat- the Bose’s rugged plastic one, but not (516) 360-1990 tery pack ($69.95) or a cord that taps in- much louder or softer. e Adcom e Nakamichi to a car’s cigarette lighter ($12.95). Neither set of speakers plays loudly | e Dual e NEC Where Bose offers a swivelling, clamp- enough to break a lease with, but both e Klipsch e OHM play loud enough for clear listening in | e Yamaha e Thorens ing mounting arm ($199.95 per pair) and typical home listening rooms. Both e NAD e Monster cable a wall bracket ($39 per pair), AR offers speakers have a trace of honkiness, a ‘ a similar clamping bracket ($60 per pair), sign of overemphasis at the middle fre- Cassette Decks e Speakers a wall bracket with a swivel ($40 per quencies, though it seems a bit stronger Pre-Power Amps e Tuners pair), and a socket that lets the speakers on the Bose. At low frequencies both mount on 1-1/4 inch diameter pipes or speakers fade out cleanly rather than CD Players e Turntables poles. There’s also a tote bag ($39.95) make distorted attempts to put out bass Receivers to carry the speakers and all the acces- they can’t deliver. NEC DX-1000 $499 sories. The Video RoomMates have a warm- Instead of building both amplifiers into Digital VCR er sound that persist no matter where one cabinet, AR builds a separate ampli- I set the bass controls. The Boses also Digital, Noise Reduction & fier into each speaker, so you can use seem, at first, to have more bass. The them separately. Each speaker has its Powered Partners, on the other hand, Still Frame. Full function own power cord to be plugged in (though each also has an AC outlet, so Powered Partners wireless remote you can feed one speaker’s power cord from the other speaker), and the signal cost more than NEC CD-650 $349 cable that feeds the Powered Partners splits into a wide “Y” to feed both RoomMates, but 16 Bit, Dual D/A Digitally- speakers individually. The signal cable plugs into standard RCA jacks in back of have more controls Filtered CD Player. Wireless the speakers, so you can substitute oth- and clearer sound. remote with volume control er cables for connection to gear that doesn’t have 3.5-mm headphone jacks. sound clearer and more open when play- NEC AV-350 $ 489 ing good material—and harsher when The AR also has more (and more playing bad. (Perhaps there should be a Dolby Surround Processer control to turn the treble down, too.) complex) controls. Where the original Their bass sounds less loud, but seems W/4 Channel Amp & Full RoomMates had no controls and the Vid- to go a bit lower. eo RoomMates’ single volume control Function Wireless Remote manages both speakers, the Powered Both speakers maintained a stable central image for sounds occurring be- Factory Authorized Sale Partners have a volume control, bass tween them—an important point for control, and an on/off button on each stereo TV, where most dialogue mixes NAD 7175 $698 speaker. The bass controls are a useful into the middle of the soundstage. The Powered Partners seemed to have a Audiophile, Top Of The addition, allowing you to tailor the very slight edge when it came to pin- sound’s frequency balance a bit. The pointing where individual instruments Line Receiver W/Power were in good stereo music recordings. separate volume controls, however, are Envelope Technology a trade-off. They make it easier to use Overall, I preferred the Powered each speaker individually or to make one Partners for listening to most kinds of YAMAHA T-520 $219 speaker louder than the other but make music, but the Video RoomMates for TV it harder to use the Partners with sound and some rock. I felt that AR’s sound Digitally Synthesized, 16 sources (such as VCRs) which have no had improved enough to justify the volume controls of their own. I'd like to additional cost, even if the extra versatil- Memory Presets, Am-Fm see calibration lines added to AR’s sepa- ity was not taken into account. But the rate volume controls to make it easier differences were not vast; while on Tuner some material I could tell blindfolded to balance the sound when the two which speaker was which, on others I YAMAHA C-45 $319 nearly had to poke my ears into the speakers are widely separated. speaker grilles to tell which one was 7 Input Preamp W/ Record How do these speakers sound? A sin- playing. Both models are worthwhile, so be sure to give each a listen before mak- Output Selection, Variable gle speaker in each Bose handles all the ing your choice. audio frequencies, while the AR speak- Loudness Compensation ers divide the frequencies between a Ivan Berger is Technical Editor of Audio And Gold Plated Connections woofer for bass frequencies and a tweet- Magazine. er for the highs. Theoretically, this M,TH,FRI 10am-9pm T,W,SAT 10am-6pm should give the AR more extended high-frequency response, and make the eo = Master Card Visa Bose’s response a trifle smoother in the er Diner Club region where AR divides the spectrum CS2RNciaFoaieon3edonr.rfdracdvoidl.irteecmireaotniaoln, in two. The Bose speaker has a slightly larger woofer, which could improve its 42 Video May 1987 bass response—but the AR has a slight- ly larger enclosure, which could improve its bass at least as much. The AR’s 15-watt amplifiers allow it to

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insert t jape inside No matter what TV and VCR you own, the example of how Sony Vivax magnet new Sony Beta and VHS videotapes will | particles can hold more video improve your picture. “information” to give you better Because the same thing that makes Sony ' M87 { picture quality. Even at the slower TVs better makes Sony videotape better: y£/50 speeds that are so tough on tape. Sony technology. New Sony Vivax particles are in depend- The tape you see above is new Sony able Dynamicron®, too, for Supenor -sonx « video and audio at an economical PRO-X. Its ultra-fine Vivax™ particles deliver price. You can record on Sony extraordinary video and audio recording characteristics. For exacting videophiles, the Dynamicron over and over with .L-750 best choice is the best Sony videotape: PRO-X. sharp, clear results over and over. Then there's new ESX-HiFi, with So now you know you can own a great an extremely high signal-to-noise Sony picture for the price of a videotape. And ratio. Its the right answer for hi-fi once you do own one, you'll clearly see why recording at an affordable price. the Sony is the one and only Our new Sony ES-HG is a perfect videotape to buy. STHsE OONENAND YON.LY. © 1986 Sony Corporation of America. Sony, Vivax, Dynamicron and The One and Only are trademarks of Sony. For additional information, circle No. 120 on Reader Service Card.

Featuring Monty Python, Beatles, ‘50s Blacklist f the ’80s is the Age of Home Video, it’s directors, and writers Hollywood blacklisted but thanks in large part to the cinematic creativity you certainly know their work. of the preceding three decades. In our third annual programming issue, we celebrate the Contributing Editor Bob Brewin’s survey of era’s achievements with a look back at Monty the changes prerecorded video is experienc- Python and the Beatles, groups whose comedy ing—and which videophiles are already and music, available now on dozens of videotapes, encountering—opens our special section. But symbolize the vitality of the ’70s and the 60s. For we've saved the biggest change for last: a thor- the 50s, we’ve assembled an eye-opening retro- ough look at the explosion in outlets for pre- spective on the classic films, like Casablanca and recorded tape. You'll be surprised at some of the Bridge on the River Kwai, of Hollywood’s lost directions video is taking, and we think you'll generation. You may not know all the performers, enjoy our close-ups on the sources of video’s unflagging energy. May 1987 Video 45

ADISON AVENUE'S ello commercials, “‘sponsored” Look For More are shrinking, and Beta sales have slipped 7 Ads, More Outlets, well below ten percent of the machine pop- videos, slightly higher prices for ulation. Some distributors no longer place Sponsored Tapes, orders in Beta for even hot titles anymore. hits, more tapes on. topical sub- Magazine Spin-offs, “You know how many orders I got for the Beatles’ Help! in Beta?” asks Jaffer Ali jects—and bye bye Beta. These Higher Prices For sales vice president of MPI Home Video. Hits—And Less Beta “Zero.” are some of the significant trends in pre- . By Bob Brewin The reluctance by manufacturers re- recorded.home video consumers will have flects retail realities. For example, Erol’s, the suburban, Washington D.C.-based to adjust to during the next year. They are company that calls itself the country’s larg- est video specialty chain, continues to driven by home video’s transformation stock Beta only in its older stores. “When they opened, Beta was the only format, from a trend into a major programming and those stores still have a large percent- age of Beta members—30 to 40 percent,” source equal in reach to a fourth network. eXplains Ron Castell, V.P. of market- ing. “But when we open a new store -By the end of this year 40 per cent of all we don’t even bother with Beta because we know all but a small minority,of custom- American homes will be able to program ers will own a VHS machine.” their TVs thanks to the VCR, and they'll Betaphile Steve Savage, co-owner of the Manhattan-based New Video chain, rent—and increasingly. buy—videotapes hada simple, musical answer when asked about the format’s fate: “Dum de dum from an astonishing: number of outlets. dum—better buy a VHS machine.” Frank Gary Khammar, marketing vice president O’Connell, president of HBO/Cannon of RCA/Columbia Pictures Home Video, a Home Video is equally grim. “Unless predicts the number of stores offering vid- e something dramatic happens, in eocassettes for sale or rent will jump from the next 12 months Beta will disappear,” he warns. “We will continue to support the about 10,000 at the end of 1986 to nearly market as long as we can. I don’t want to accelerate the decline.” Bob Fead, presi- 50,000 by this December.: In fact, it will dent of Pacific Arts Video, says he expects to “see Beta out of the prerecorded vided soon be hard to find a type of store that marketplace by the end of 1987.” Pacific Arts is already cutting back on its commit- does not-deal in some form of prerecorded Pa a eS Nese AP as ey TSlh ment to Beta. home video. As for 8mm, most eompanies and retail- ers surveyed for this article hold little hope Mass merchants such as K-Mart and the format will become.a viable pre- recorded home video medium. Exceptions Wal-Mart will devote more space to Slickly-displayed Hollywood hits or oldies ready for quick sale.-That’s been expected. But tapes are also popping up in unusual locations. Want to improve your golf swing? The local pro shop probably will carry instructional tapes on a4 rack next to the golf balls. Want to carry the lessons of the aerobics class home? The gym will make it easy by stocking exercise tapes. Look for gourmet. food shops to carry cooking videos, hardware stores tq sell home repair tapes, and liquor stores*to stock mixologist yideos.. (See “Video Takes Over Main Street” elsewhere in this issue for acloser look at thisphe- . nomenon. ) ; Home video’s 6¢Some welcome ads on tapes as coming of long as they’re 9 at the beginning. io kicked off the boom, may all but disappear as a-prerecorded medium. age as a major pro- Though most major studios will support gramming medium does have a price. Beta, the format that’ the format through this year, anumber see little hope for all their titles appearing in 46 Video May 1987 Beta afterwards. The reason? Mass-mar- ket media’do not pay much attention to the tastes and needs of minority formats that

include Paramount, Warner, Bros., MPI, the beginning, end, and middle. :® While major studios—like Warner, and HBO/Cannon, but HBO/Cannonri’s DHSRMOATENWAATGORALTTL2TYo O’Connell notes that, while the format has RCA/Columbia, HBO/Cannon,, and Para- “Sntriguing possibilities,”@he can’t seem to mount—are hot.to sign up as many adver- ~ YOUR OWN interest Sony in a deal. tisers' as possible, none seems willing yet ee MESSAGE TAPES to compromise the integrity of the medium by sticking a commercial into the mid- Formats aside, 1987 may go down in dle of-a feature film.: “Then we'd be video history as the dawn of the Commer- no different from television,” cial Age. This long-anticipated phenome- says Khammar. non has finally arrived, thanks to the break- through: Diet Pepsi commercial on Para- But video producers mount’s Top. Gun home video. Madison seem eager to jump on Avenue is hungry to exploit the medium “sponsored”. vid- because, as RCA/Columbia’s Khammar observes, when people have their VCRs on, they’re not watching commer- cials er cable stations. Not surprisingly (considering Coca-Cola owns ; eos, in which the oe Business Plan _ entire* tape is effectively a Columbia Pictures), commercial message. One of the Going forIt Khammar'says he’s “already first is the Mr. Boston Official Bartender’s had preliminary discussions” with ‘6 Video viewers Coke about advertising the: soft drink on a Guide from Karl-Lorimar, which, while in- will soon see home video release. But while commer- formative, is also chock full of Mr. Boston cials may be inevitable, some in the home bottles. “The whole area of consumer more magazine video business wonder if it’s in the best spin-offs.”’ interest of the consumer. The hook for the product tie-ins with home video makes an bayer is lower-priced “A” titles, as indicat- incredible amount of sense,’’says what O’Connell terms the “infomercial” HBO/Cannon’s O’Connell. Pacific Arts’ with a Fodor's Travel Guide tape in which ed by the $26.95 suggested price for Top Fead expects commefcial tie-ins to perme- Mastercard charge cards are displayed. Gun. (The price was driven even lower by, savvy retailers willing to shave margins in ate the company’s how-to and instructional Though commercial projects are push- return for volume. Erol’s pre-sold over tapes. “We would obviously look at the ing down the prices of some home video clothing suppliers and talk to the racquet products, the major studios want to push 10,000 Top Gun tapes at $19.95 to mem- . manufacturers, the companies that make up the prices of the most popular tapes, the bers and $21.95 to non-members. ) right-from-the-Rialto box office hits. For footwear, and the people who make the example, CBS/Fox recently hiked its price New Video’s Savage views Top Gun as on Aliens from $79.95 to $89.98, and balls,” says Fead about a proposed rac- Warner Home Video is “studying” whether the “beginning of home video’s mass-mar- quetball instruction .video. to follow. “I think everybody will go to $89.95, and I would not preclude going ket phase” and welcomes commercials “as Another type of sponsored video view- higher,” says O’Connell. long as they’re at the beginning. I won't ers will soon see more often is the maga- stand for them in the middle.” But partner’ zine spin-off. Karl-Lorimar leads the way Such a move—condemned by some vid- here with titles like American Health: The eo specialty stores—will eventually result Michael Pollack bets that once the com- Relaxed Body and 'Inc., Magazine: How to in “happy retailers,” O’Connell reasons, mercial camel sticks its head into the home “because we are going to reinvest the video tent, it won’t be content: until com- Really Start Your Own Business. Since increased margin in advertising and promo- Time, Inc. owns both a bunch of magazines PBHRICIYAHELCNRLOKRUYTISOETCSRKmATeIrOcNials appear anywhere on a tape—at and HBO, it’s not. surprising to discover May 1987 Video 47 that HBO/Cannon is developing videos based on Time, Inc. magazines. The first HBO/Cannon magazine project will be based on Sports Illustrated. HBO/Cannon has already dippped into

I RESSPR. gea OnE a UU tee Pee gr NE UyBO Oe ee caunre EEENa eS INA tion to drive consumers into video stores.” want a tape, all they have to do.is put in a trol what their kids watch on TV.” Bob This is a nice theory, but it’s hard to blame blank.” RCA/Columbia’s Khammar doesn’t skeptical storeowners for wondering if the think the genre will take off until kids have Fead estimates kidvid soon could account studios are not considering saving a bit (or VCRs of their own. for 15 percent of all prerecorded video ti- more) of the increased margin for them- tles. Some super-hit music videos do well, selves. such as the Beatles’ A Hard Day’s Night e@ Family. “These are titles the whole and Help! both released by MPI. In facet, family can, sit down and watch together, BOTTOM LINES Jaffer Ali says MPI may release Help!.on 8mm. But others have a real problem. “By ‘¢ Health and exercise Don’t look for the price of “collectibles” the time the video comes out, the music is tapes are the to go much lower than the current floor of stale,” explained Fead. “The user‘has al- mainstays of $26.95. “I don’t see it going down,” says ready bought the LP or the:compact disc. MPI’s Jaffer Ali. Warner Home Video, What does he need the video for?” the video store.?? which offered its “Comedy A to Z” package at $24.98, doesn’t expect to go any lower, Despite music video prices as low as according to spokesman Mike Finnegan. $9.95, Fead says they’re still no bargain for Rental tapes can be easily converted into sales “at somewhere below $30,” says Pa- cost-conscious consumers because the cific Arts’ Fead, indicating that hopes of number of songs on the video are far fewer buying movie titles for under $20 may just than on an LP ora CD. Fead thinks music be hopes. videos will boom only when they become available before LPs or CDs: Price doesn’t seem to make a difference CATCHING UP-WITH HISTORY Se ee ee Other genres have also had a rough go in SorlHry.avea D7)reaapm Dd the home video market. MPI’s Ali says home video producers looking to score outside the exercise or movie areas will have to come up with topical subjects, such as recent historical events. He says MPI is learning how to do it, and cites the success of its [.Have a Dream tape, released _to _. coincide with Martin Luther King’s birth- * day. “We sold about 7,500 cassettes in its initial release and it’s still popular,” he says. “People want to own,a piece of their history.” Following up on this theory, MPI offers a variety of tapes on historical sub- jects ranging from Vietnam and World War II to the turbulent 60s. The Electrifying Speech That Changed the Hearts and Minds of a Bitterly Divided Nation ne) Home Video bie - Erol’s Castell like the Sound of Music and The .Music “¢ People want thinks producers de- - Man,” says Castell, “and Disney to own a piece fine genres too narrowly. He of their tapes, which move well because they’re own history.?? sees three distinct, non-theatrical. genres backed by a lot of national advertising.” that are growing both in customer interest in the languish- and number of titles. They are: Castell believes ‘there will always be ing music video genre. room for video specialty stores, but warns No matter how low music video tapes are e Exercise. “The mainstays of book- that they will have to stock in breadth and priced, sales have never lived up to expec- stores are* cookbooks and diet books,” depth since they'll be offering the same hit tations. Not even Hi-Fi stereo sound- tracks seem to help. “People don’t want to says Castell. “Every year there is a new titles as K-Mart. “There has to be a reason pay for what they can get for: free, and hot cookbook and a new hot diet book. The for members to come to us. We have to there are a lot of music videos available for stock titles they cannot get ‘someplace free,” says Erol’s Ron Castell. “There’s same is true for exercise tapes.” else. What we're selling is great selection MTV oncable, and practically every televi- © Kidvid. “This sells well because it’s and service.”” HBO/Cannon’s O’Connell sion station has a music video show. If kids notes that “the specialty stores ‘will still lower priced—there’s a lot of $9.95 to have the rental market to themselves. 48 Video May 1987 $14.95 product—and'kids are the world’s Sears or Penney’s just want you to buy the best repeat customers,” says Castell. “Al- tape and take it home.” so, it gives parents a chance to really con- Whetever you get tapes. in the next year, they will probably be copy protected with Macrovision. Hollywood wants to stamp out piracy, even’if it means turning off legitimate customers who buy, rather continued on page 120

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How Monty Python's THE END Flying Circus le OF THE FILM Reinvented Comedy In The °70s By Tom Soter aeROee 50 Video May 1987