OnVideo: 1998 Catalog of Releases

1998 Catalog of Releases

Addams Family Reunion Direct-to-video sequel in the Addams Family franchise, with Daryl Hannah as Morticia and Tim Curry as Gomez. In clamshell packaging. Director: Dave Payne. Stars: Daryl Hannah, Tim Curry. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: NR, 90 min., Comedy, Warner, $19.96 SRP.
Air Bud: Golden Receiver Air Bud, that high-flying athletic pooch who captivated audiences with his ability to sink baskets, is back, this time on the gridiron as he saves the day for his young master's junior high school football team. Along the way he also saves the coach's job and mom's romance. Director: Richard Martin. Stars: Kevin Zegers, Cynthia Stevenson, Gregory Harrison, Nora Dunn. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: G, 90 min., Family, Box office gross: $10.215 million, Disney, $14.98 SRP.
Air Force One Excitement on Air Force One as the President is hijacked by terrorists and actually fights back. Available in widescreen and pan-and-scan. Day and date DVD release. Stars Harrison Ford, Glenn Close, Gary Oldman. Columbia TriStar, 1997, MPAA rating: R, $22.95.
Alan Smithee Film, An: Burn Hollywood Burn Satire on Hollywood about a director whose freshman effort is so bad that he wants to take his name off the credits. When he can't, he takes the film's negative hostage and threatens to burn it. Written by Joe Eszterhas. Stars Ryan O'Neal, Eric Idle, Richard Jeni, Sandra Bernhard, Jackie Chan. Directed by Alan Smithee. Buena Vista, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Alien Resurrection Fourth outing in the "Alien" franchise has Sigourney Weaver's Ripley cloned back to life to give birth to an alien for further scientific and warfare research. Naturally things get a bit out of hand. In pan-and-scan and widescreen versions. Stars Sigourney Weaver, Winona Ryder, Brad Dourif, Ron Perlman, Dan Hedaya. Fox, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
All My Sons Dramatic story of a self-made man who knowingly sells defective aircraft parts to the Army during World War II that leads to a crash killing 21 men, and the effect it has on his family (in particular his sons). Stars Edward G. Robinson, Burt Lancaster, Howard Duff, Henry Morgan. Directed by Irving Reis. Universal, 1948, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98
All Dogs Christmas Carol, An The cuddly characters from the "All Dogs Go to Heaven" series are back in a new animated holiday adventure. Voices of Steven Weber, Don De Luise, Sheena Easton, Ernest Borgnine, Bebe Neuwirth. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: G, 73 min., Animated, MGM, $14.95 SRP. DVD: Day & Date.
All That Heaven Allows A wealthy New England widow (Jane Wyman) defies social constraints and the town's gossip when she falls for a younger, sexy gardener. Douglas Sirk's searing look at mid-1950s morality. Stars Rock Hudson, Conrad Nagel, Agnes Moorehead. Universal, 1955, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98
Alligator People, The Abandoned by her husband on their wedding day, a young woman traces the man to the Louisiana bayous where she uncovers horrible experiments using serum derived from alligators. Stars Beverly Garland. Fox Summer Drive-In Collection, 1959, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98.
Almost Heroes Silly comedy about a pair of erstwhile explorers who attempt to beat Lewis and Clark to the Pacific Ocean in the early 1800s. Too much talk and not enough action for this last starring role for the late-Chris Farley. Director: Christopher Guest. Stars: Chris Farley, Matthew Perry, Eugene Levy, Kevin Dunn. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 90 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $6.114 million, Warner, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: Day & Date.
American Pop Animated classic released to video for first time, traces four generations of American men and the music they make, from vaudeville through swing through psychedelia and rock, featuring a heavy lineup of rock stars on the soundtrack. Columbia TriStar, 1981, MPAA rating: R, $13.95 minimum advertised price
American Tail, An Re-issue of the by-now classic animated adventures of Fievel the mouse and his family and their journey from the pogroms of Russia to the safety of the New World. Universal is re-releasing this just prior to the theatrical (and subsequent video) release of their latest sequel, "An American Tail III -- The Treasure of Manhattan Island." Voices of Phillip Glasser, Dom DeLuise, Christopher Plummer, Nehemiah Persoff, Madeline Kahn. Directed by Don Bluth. Universal, 1986, MPAA rating: G, $19.98.
American Tail, An: Fievel Goes West Re-issue of the by-now classic animated sequel to the adventures of Fievel the mouse and his family, this time following their adventures in the Old West. Universal is re-releasing this just prior to the theatrical (and subsequent video) release of their latest sequel, "An American Tail III -- The Treasure of Manhattan Island." Voices of Phillip Glasser, James Stewart, Dom DeLuise, Nehemiah Persoff, Amy Irving, John Cleese. Directed by Phil Nibbelink. Universal, 1991, MPAA rating: G. $19.98.
American Werewolf in Paris, An A sequel of sorts to "An American Werewolf in London," this special-effects-fest follows an American who falls in love with a sad, mysterious woman who turns out to have a pretty hairy secret. Stars Tom Everett Scott, Julie Delpy. Buena Vista, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Amistad Historical drama set in 1839, about a revolt on a Spanish slave ship by 53 Africans. The ex-slaves are caught off the coast of Connecticut and tried in a U.S. court, where they're aided in their fight by former President John Quincy Adams. Stars Morgan Freeman, Nigel Hawthorne, Anthony Hopkins, Djimon Hounsou, Matthew McConaughy. Directed by Steven Spielberg. Universal, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Anastasia Fox's foray into animated feature films was a moderate success, considering it went up against Disney's rerelease of "The Little Mermaid." The film is a Hollywood interpretation of the myth of the lost daughter (Princess Anastasia) of the executed Russian Romanovs. In pan-and-scan and widescreen versions, with clamshell packaging. Fox, 1997, MPAA rating: G, $26.99.
Apostle, The One man's journey to redemption as a Pentecostal preacher starts life anew as the mysterious E.F., dubs himself The Apostle after committing a crime of passion, and takes command of the souls he preaches to, but is not always in command of his own. Stars Robert Duvall, Farrah Fawcett, Miranda Richardson, Billy Bob Thornton. Directed by Robert Duvall. Universal, 1997, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental. DVD: Yes.
Armageddon The Earth faces destruction from an asteroid in this smash summer blockbuster. With only 18 days before impact, Bruce Willis (in typical gonzo mode) heads a crew of misfit roughnecks on a mission to outer space to detonate a nuclear device inside the rock to knock it out of orbit. In widescreen and pan-and-scan versions. Stars Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton, Ben Affleck, Liv Tyler, Keith David, Steve Buscemi. Directed by Michael Bay. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 154 min., Action, Box office gross: $200.00 million, Buena Vista, $22.99 SRP.
Artemisia True story of Artemisia Gentileschi, the beautiful and talented daughter of one of Italy's most acclaimed painters, who, forbidden to follow her passion for art, persuades another artist to take her under his wing, where she gets involved in a treacherous world of art, love and sex. Stars: Valentina Cervi. 1997, CC, MPAA rating: R, 95 min., Drama, Box office gross: $0.349 million, Miramax, No SRP, Priced for rental.
As Good as It Gets Eccentric, anal-retentive writer discovers love and a new respect for other human beings when he teams up with a single mother and her sick young boy. Academy Awards for Helen Hunt, Jack Nicholson. A great, warm, loving film. Co-stars Greg Kinnear, Cuba Gooding Jr. Directed by James L. Brooks. Columbia TriStar, 1997, MPAA rating: PG-13, $14.95
Assignment, The Typical genre action-thriller about U.S. naval officer trained to hunt down a terrorist ("The Jackal") by becoming him. Sound all-too-familiar? Stars Aidan Quinn, Ben Kingsley, Donald Sutherland. Columbia TriStar, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Avengers, The Weak filmization of the classic 1960s suave TV spy series has Ralph Fiennes and Uma Thurman starring as John Steed and Emma Peel in a dull production that goes nowhere. Sean Connery plays evil meteorologist Dr. August De Wynter who wants to mess around with the environment and its up to Steed and Peel to stop him. Director: Jeremiah Chechik. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 90 min., Thriller, Box office gross: $23.322 million, Warner, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: Day & Date.
Barney's Great Adventure: The Movie Purple dinosaur Barney comes to the big screen in this kids adventure that wanders from a farm to a circus to a main street parade to a French restaurant to a hot air balloon ride. Director: Steve Gomer. Stars: Barney, George Hearn, Shirley Douglas. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: G, 75 min., Family, Box office gross: $11.080 million, PolyGram, $22.95 SRP.
BASEketball The creators of TV's "South Park" come up empty when they star in this story about two slackers who invent a new sport: a combination of baseball and basketball that takes off and eventually catches the eye of a sports maven who wants to start a league. Silly comedy. Director: David Zucker. Stars: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Yasmine Bleeth, Jenny McCarthy. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 103 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $7.017 million, Universal, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: Day & Date.
Batman & Mr. Freeze: Subzero Direct-to-video animated adventure with Batman and Robin going after cryogenic super criminal Mr. Freeze, who has kidnapped Batgirl in a plot to save the life of his wife. In clamshell packaging. Voices of Kevin Conroy, Michael Ansara, Loren Lester, Efrem Zimbalist Jr. Warner Home Video, 1997, MPAA rating: NR, $19.96.
Bean Rowan Atkinson reprises his role from numerous British comedy shorts as Mr. Bean, an ungainly goofball prone to all sorts of slapstick accidents. Here he's pawned off by London's National Art Gallery as a curator and exiled to America. Stars Rowan Atkinson, Peter MacNicol, Pamela Reed, Harris Yulin. PolyGram, 1997, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental.
Beaumarchais the Scoundrel Period piece following the love affairs, scandals and espionage associated with legendary French playwright Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais whose work influenced the likes of Mozart and Rossini. Letterboxed, in French with English subtitles. Director: Edouard Molinaro. Stars: Fabrice Luchini, Sandrine Kiberlain, Michel Serrault, Michel Piccoli. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: NR, 100 min., Drama, New Yorker, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Best of the Best: Without Warning Action star Phillip Rhee returns in this fourth "Best" outing, here getting caught up in the Russian underworld, high-tech crime and counterfeit money. Co-stars Ernie Hudson. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 90 min., Action, Miramax, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: No.
Big Lebowski, The Coen Brothers' comedy about bowler dude Jeff Lebowski mistaken for rich philanthropist Jeff Lebowski, and the former's involvement in rescuing the kidnapped wife of the latter. Stars Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore. PolyGram, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Big Hit, The Professional and romantic misadventures of a beleaguered hit man whose assignment to make a quick and easy weekend kidnapping goes comically awry. Added to his problems are a mistress who absconds with his money, the arrival of his fiancee's parents, and an overzealous video store clerk chasing him down for an overdue tape. Stars Mark Wahlberg, Lou Diamond Phillips, Christina Applegate, Lela Rochon, Elliott Gould, Lanie Kazan. Directed by Che-Kirk Wong. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 91 min., Comedy-Thriller, Box office gross: $26.910 million, Columbia TriStar, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: Day & Date.
Big One, The "Roger and Me" documentary director Michael Moore here goes on a subversive odyssey in search of the answer to the question: at a time when corporations are posting record profits why are so many Americans still in danger of losing their jobs? Stars Michael Moore. Directed by Michael Moore. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 90 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $0.713 million, Miramax, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Billboard Dad The child stars of TV's "Full House" and now pre-teen stars of ABC's primetime series "Two of a Kind" take their girlish adventures direct-to-video in this comedy about two sisters determined to find their single dad a mate via advertising on a billboard in Hollywood. Director: Alan Meter. Stars: Mary-Kate Olsen, Ashley Olsen. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: NR, 90 min., Family, Warner, $19.96 SRP.
Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss Campy comedy that takes am askance look at love in the '90s. A photographer falls for a handsome is-he-or-isn't-he coffeehouse waiter and asks him to pose for a series of photos recreating great Hollywood screen kisses. Look out! Director: Tommy O'Haver. Stars: Sean P. Hayes, Brad Rowe. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 93 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $2.056 million, Trimark, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: Day & Date.
Black Cauldron, The Disney's sword-and-sorcerer animated film finally comes home to video. Voices of Grant Bardsley, John Byner, John Hurt. Directed by Ted Berman. Buena Vista, 1985, MPAA rating: PG, $26.99
Black Dog A high octane thriller about a trucker who must deliver a load of illegal arms to save the lives of his kidnapped wife and daughter. Plenty of chases, crashes and shots of big rigs flying through the air. Stars Patrick Swayze, Meat Loaf, Randy Travis, Gabriel Casseus. Directed by Kevin Hooks. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 89 min., Action, Box office gross: $12.711 million, Universal, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: Day & Date.
Black Angel Riveting whodunit about a woman who struggles to clear her husband of murder conviction. Stars Dan Duryea, June Vincent, Peter Lorre, Broderick Crawford. Universal Noir Collection, 1946, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98
Blackjack Dolph Lundgren plays a top-notch federal agent in the witness protection program assigned to protect a supermodel from a highly trained assassin. Not released theatrically in the States. Directed by John Woo. Miramax, 1997, MPAA rating: NR, priced for rental.
Blade Wesley Snipes plays a half-breed immortal (half human, half-vampire) with big muscles and even bigger guns whose mission in life is to exterminate the increasing number of vampires haunting the earth, the latter led by Stephen Dorff in his own effort to destroy mankind. Exciting but brutal. Director: Stephen Norrington. Stars: Wesley Snipes, Stephen Dorff, Kris Kristoffersom. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: 120, R min., Horror, Box office gross: $70.000 million, New Line, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: Day & Date.
Blues Brothers 2000 Long-awaited sequel falls a bit flat as Dan Aykroyd reprises his role as Elwood Blues. Here the renegade rocker is released from prison and sets about assembling an all-new cast of blue-sters with the help of John Goodman, Joe Morton, J. Evan Bonifant. Co-stars Nia Peeples. Directed by John Landis. Universal, 1998, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental. DVD: Yes.
Boogie Nights Outrageous look at the California adult film entertainment industry in the 1970s. Stars Mark Wahlberg, Julianne Moore, Burt Reynolds, Don Cheadle, John C. Reilly, William H. Macy. New Line, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Borrowers, The Kids story about four-inch people sharing a house with regular sized people and their adventure when the regular sized people are evicted by a behemoth banker. Stars John Goodman. PolyGram, 1998, $22.95
Boxer, The Classic love story amid the turmoil of Northern Ireland, with Daniel Day-Lewis as former IRA member who takes up boxing in prison and then attempts to fight in the ring instead of the streets when he's released. Emily Watson plays the wife of another imprisoned IRA member who falls for the boxer. Directed by Jim Sheridan. Universal, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Brass Bottle Architect discovers an antique bottle is the home of a jovial genie; inspired the TV series I Dream of Jeannie. Stars Tony Randall, Burl Ives, Ann Doran, Barbara Eden, Edward Andrews. Directed by Harry Keller. Universal, 1963, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98
Brassed Off A small town in Yorkshire, England, is turned upside town when the local mines are closed; its spirit is revived when its beloved brass band goes on to compete in National Championships. Stars Pete Postlethwaite, Tara Fitzgerald, Ewan McGregor. Miramax, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Brave Little Toaster Goes to Mars, The Inspired by the full-length animated film and Parent's Choice Award winning "The Brave Little Toaster," this sequel reunites the gang of appliances and sends them off on a fun-filled adventure to outer space. Disney, 1998, MPAA rating: NR, $22.99
Breaking Up Silly romantic comedy starring Salma Hayek and Russell Crowe. Warner, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Breast Men Comedy about two young doctors who implement the breakthrough -- so to speak -- of breast enhancement surgery. Spans the history of the implant from the hip 1960s through the excessive 1980s. Stars David Schwimmer, Chris Cooper, Emily Proctor, Louise Fletcher. HBO, 1998, MPAA rating: NR, priced for rental.
Broken English A beautiful and fiery young woman, a recent immigrant with her family to New Zealand, falls for a handsome Maori boy, against the wishes of her father. Romeo and Juliet Down Under. Stars Alexsandra Vujcic, Rade Serbedzija, Julian Arahanga. Columbia TriStar, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Brother's Kiss, A Fine small film about the divergent lives of two brothers (whose early lives were shattered by one shocking moment): one becomes a cop to cleanse his life, the other gives up chances of playing pro ball for menial jobs, crime and drugs. Stars Rosie Perez, Nick Chinlund, Michael Raynor, Cathy Moriarty, John Leguizamo. Directed by Seth Zvi Rosenfeld. BMG, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Buddy Rene Russo plays an animal-loving heiress who adopts a baby gorilla. Based on a true story. Not a great career move for Russo. Available in clamshell packaging. Stars Rene Russo, Robbie Coltrane, Alan Cumming, Paul Ruebens. Columbia TriStar, 1997, MPAA rating: PG, $14.95.
Buffalo Soldiers African-American cavalrymen fight in the Indian Wars in this TNT original telefilm. Stars Danny Glover, Mykelti Williamson, Carl Lumbly. Warner, 1997, MPAA rating: NR, priced for rental.
Buster & Chauncey's Silent Night Direct-to-video animated tale about two mice and a Blue Jay who find the true meaning of Christmas in 19th century Austria. In duracase packaging. Voices of Phil Hartman, Tom Arnold, Jim Cummings. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: G, 48 min., Animated, Columbia TriStar, $12.95 SRP. DVD: No.
Butcher Boy, The From the director of "The Crying Game" comes this dark drama about a rambunctious 12-year-old Irish boy growing up in the '60s whose life is molded by violent TV and a dysfunctional family life, leading him to commit increasingly cruel and deadly deeds. Chilling. Stars Eamonn Owens, Stephen Rea, Alan Boyle, Fiona Shaw. Directed by Neil Jordan. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 120 min., Drama, Box office gross: $2.000 million, Warner, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Cafe Society A millionaire playboy is entrapped by an overzealous cop and betrayed by a beautiful woman in this fictionalized account of a fascinating 1950s scandal. Stars Frank Whaley, Peter Gallagher, Lara Flynn Boyle. Columbia TriStar, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Can't Hardly Wait After four frustrating years of high school, what's a new grad to do but let it all explode at one final blow-out party before moving on to the real world? Coming together for a night of romance and fun is an assortment of jocks, geeks, bimbos, prom queens, headbangers and misfits. Directors: Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont. Stars: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ethan Embry, Seth Green, Jenna Elfman. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 101 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $25.339 million, Columbia TriStar, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: Day & Date.
Canyon Passage Multi-threaded Western about pack-mule express owner, light-fingered banker/gambler and outlaws. Highlighted by four songs sung by Hoagy Carmichael, who wanders through the action. Stars Dana Andrews, Brian Donlevy, Ward Bond, Susan Hayward. Universal Western Collection, 1946, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98
Career Girls Reunited six years after graduation, two unlikely college roommates take a funny and poignant look at the girls they were and the women they have become. Directed by Mike Leigh ("Secrets and Lies"). Stars Katrin Cartlidge, Lynda Steadman, Mark Benton. Fox, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Casablanca Special edition of the classic in clamshell packaging with a great documentary on the making of the film. Director: Michael Curtiz. Stars: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains. 1942, 145 min., Drama, MGM, $19.98 SRP.
Casper Meets Wendy Wendy the Witch and Casper the Friendly Ghost forge a boo-tiful relationship when they join forces to foil an evil warlock's plot to attack Wendy's family of Witless Witches. Live action and CGI animation. Direct-to-video. Stars: Cathy Moriarty, Terri Garr, Shelly Duvall, George Hamilton. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: NR, 90 min., Family, Box office gross: $ million, Fox, $19.98 SRP.
Cats Special London production executive produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Stars Elaine Page, John Mills. Directed by David Mallet. 1998, CC, PolyGram, $24.95 SRP. DVD: No.
Chairman of the Board Prop-driven comedian Carrot Top made the transition to the big screen but he should have stayed home. The bland story has the red-head playing an inventor who is bequeathed a major industrial company and promptly turns everything upside down. Stars Carrot Top, Courtney Thorne-Smith, Raquel Welch, Larry Miller. Directed by Alex Zamm. Trimark, 1998, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental.
Children of the Corn V: Fields of Terror Latest in the seemingly never-ending sequels to the original Stephen King horror story, here with six college students on a road trip who get in deep trouble when they take a wrong turn and discover a town taken over by evil. No, it's not Hollywood! Dimension, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Children of the Revolution In the late 1940s in Australia, a devout follower of Josef Stalin travels to Russia to met her idol; she returns pregnant and gives birth to a boy, Joe, hoping he'll grow to be a true revolutionary. But Joe's idea of revolution is not what his mother had in mind. Stars Judy Davis, F. Murray Abraham, Sam Neill, Geoffrey Rush. Miramax, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Chinese Box Drama follows the last days of a dying British journalist and his relationship with a beautiful Chinese woman set against the backdrop of the handover of British Hong Kong to the Chinese. Director: Wayne Wang. Stars: Jeremy Irons, Gong Li, Ruben Blades. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 99 min., Drama, Box office gross: $2.154 million, Trimark, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Chipmunk Adventure, The Made-for-video kids animation, in clamshell packaging. Universal, 1998, MPAA rating: G, $19.98
City of Angels Based on Wim Wenders' 1988 "Wings of Desire," this romantic fantasy follows the adventures of an Earth-bound angel (Cage) who decides to give up his wings to love a human, here in the form of a cold, driven cardiovascular surgeon (Ryan). Fine leads, lush camera. Director: Brad Silberling. Stars: Nicolas Cage, Meg Ryan, Andre Braugher, Dennis Franz. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 120 min., Romantic fantasy, Box office gross: $75.870 million, Warner, No SRP, Priced for rental.
City of Industry Jewelry thief's last heist before quitting and leaving L.A. goes awry. So what else is new? Stars Harvey Keitel, Stephen Dorff, Timothy Hutton. Orion, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Cold Around the Heart Two reckless lovers hit the road with a stash of stolen diamonds in this lackluster flop of an actioner starring David Caruso, Kelly Lynch and Stacey Dash. Fox, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Cop Land A small town sheriff -- a longtime admirer of the big city cops who inhabit his neighborhood -- uncovers a massive conspiracy among the locals, and he has to choose between protecting his idols or upholding the law. Stars Sylvester Stallone, Harvey Keitel, Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro. Miramax, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Cousin Bette Cousin Bette (Jessica Lange), a bitter spinster, enlists the aid of a young sensual temptress (Elisabeth Shue) to get even with all the people who have wronged, scorned and betrayed her in this period ensemble piece based on the novel by Honore de Balzac. Director: Des McAnuff. Stars: Jessica Lange, Elisabeth Shue, Bob Hoskins, Hugh Laurie, Aden Young, Kelly MacDonald. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 108 min., Drama, Box office gross: $1.117 million, Fox, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Critical Care Director Sidney Lumet's black comedy take on hospital care, where the virtually dead are worth more than the living. An examination of the juncture of medicine, money and morality. Stars James Spader, Helen Mirren, Wallace Shawn, Kyra Sedgwick, Anne Bancroft. LIVE, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Dancer, Texas Pop. 81 Four high school graduates-to-be in the dusty, sleepy West Texas town of Dancer contemplate their futures and wonder if the pact they made at the age of 11 to leave the tiny dustbowl town following their graduation will survive the test of time. Stars Breckin Meyer, Ethan Embry, Peter Facinelli, Eddie Mills. Directed by Tim McCanlies. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 97 min., Comedy-Drama, Box office gross: $0.565 million, Columbia TriStar, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: Day & Date.
Dangerous Beauty Costume drama set in 16th century Venice, Italy, about a young woman who rises above her station to become a courtesan, becomming intimate with the Venetian elite until forces of repression come down on her and she's branded a witch. Director: Marshall Herskovitz. Stars: Catherine McCormack, Rufus Sewell, Jacqueline Bisset, Oliver Platt, Moira Kelly, Joanna Cassidy. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 114 min., Costume Drama, Box office gross: $4.530 million, Warner, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Dark City Sci-Fi film noir about a haunted everyman (Rufus Sewell) who awakens one day with amnesia to find a mutilated female body in his apartment. Soon he's being chased by both the police and a cult of ominous beings known only as the Strangers. Co-stars Rufus Sewell, Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer Connelly, William Hurt. Directed by Alex Proyas. New Line, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Dead Heart Culture clash comes to the fore Down Under when murder and lust stalk an aboriginal settlement outside Alice Springs, Australia. Stars Bryan Brown, Ernie Dingo. Directed by Nick Parsons. Fox Lorber, 1998, MPAA rating: NR, $89.98
Deceiver Run-of-the-mill psychological thriller about a Princeton grad with a genius-level I.Q., accused of brutally murdering a call girl, who masterfully turns the tables on the police. Stars Tim Roth, Chris Penn, Michael Rooker, Rosanna Arquette, Ellen Burstyn, Renee Zellweger. Directed by Jonas and Joshua Pate. MGM, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Deconstructing Harry Life and art, sex and love intersect in this "return-to-his-roots" comedy by Woody Allen, who once again plays a despicable (but loveable) sex-and love-hungry best-selling author who gets in trouble when his latest book reveals all about his friends. Stars Woody Allen, Kirstie Alley, Richard Benjamin, Billy Crystal, Judy Davis, Julie Kavner, Demi Moore. New Line, 1997, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental.
Deep Rising A band of ruthless hijackers seize a luxurious ship only to find it devoid of passengers and crew: it seems there's an evil being lurking behind every deck and passageway, devouring all living things. Now they must battle the creat. Serves 'em right. Director: Stephen Sommers. Stars: Treat Williams, Famke Janssen, Derrick O'Connor, Anthony Heald. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 106 min., Horror, Box office gross: $11.194 million, Hollywood, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Deep Impact The world is on the brink of destruction as a comet heads for the Earth in this summer box office smash. Great special effects highlight an intelligent story line. In widescreen and pan-and-scan. Stars Robert Duvall, Tea Leoni, Morgan Freeman, Maximilian Schell, Elijah Wood, Vanessa Redgrave. Directed by Mimi Leder. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 123 min., Action, Box office gross: $140.000 million, Paramount, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Dennis the Menace Strikes Again Direct-to-video sequel follows the further adventures of comic strip bad boy Dennis the menace. Stars Justin Cooper, Don Rickles, Betty White. Warner Bros. Family Entertainment, 1998, MPAA rating: G, $19.94.
Desperate Measures A police officer, in need of a bone marrow transplant for his young son, strikes a deal with a sociopathic convict who happens to be a perfect blood match, setting off a horrible and violent chain of events. Stars Andy Garcia, Michael Keaton. Columbia TriStar, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Destroy All Monsters Earth's monsters -- Godzilla, Ghidrah, Mothra, Rodan -- go on a rampage. In widescreen. A.D.V. Films, 1968, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98
Devil Rides Out, The (a k a The Devil's Bride) Hammer horror film about a devil's cult that can only be stopped by a potent ritual; released in widescreen. Features U.S. and U.K. trailers. New-to-video. Stars Christopher Lee. Anchor Bay, 1968, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98.
Devil's Advocate, The Keanu Reeves plays a hotshot attorney from Florida who joins Al Pacino's upscale New York law firm, only to find out the true meaning of the film's title. Co-stars Charlize Theron. Warner Home Video, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Diary of a Seducer Philosophical romantic comedy about the lengths peope are willing to go for love; the film follows the adventures of a young student who becomes obsessed with a fellow student when he lends her a rare (and possessed with aphrodisiac power) book. Stars Chiara Mastroianni, Melvil Poupaud, Jean-Pierre Leaud. In French with English subtitles. Fox Lorber, 1997, MPAA rating: NR, priced for rental.
Different for Girls Childhood boy friends meet 15 years later and fall in love in this off-beat gender blender romance. Stars Rupert Graves, Steven Mackintosh. Fox Lorber, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Dirty Work Low concept, ill-mannered comedy has pair off foul-mouthed schemers come up with the idea of creating a professional service that offers revenge against its clients' enemies. This allows for all manner of bathroom-humor gags and gagging offal jokes. Director: Bob Saget. Stars: Norm Macdonald, Artie Lange, Jack Warden, Don Rickles, Chevy Chase. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 82 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $10.020 million, MGM, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Disappearance of Garcia Lorca, The Drama based on the events surrounding the mysterious death during the Spanish Civil War of the famed poet Federico Garcia Lorca; a young journalist 18 years later attempts to unmask the culprit. Stars Andy Garcia, Esai Morales, Edward James Olmos. Columbia TriStar, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Don King: Only in America HBO bio-drama on rise of sports entrepreneur Don King, played here by Ving Rhames (who won a Golden Globe for Best Actor for the role). Stars Ving Rhames. Warner, 1997, NR, priced for rental.
Dr. Dolittle Pleasingly funny remake of 1967 film that starred Rex Harrison as a man who could talk to animals. Murphy here eschews scenery-chewing for a more laid back presence as a physician whose life gets complicated when he finds that denizens of the animal world talk to him -- and he understands and talks back to them. Co-stars Ossie Davis, Oliver Platt, Kristen Wilson. Directed by Betty Thomas. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 85 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $138.000 million, Fox, $19.98 SRP. DVD: No.
Dream for an Insomniac Romantic comedy set in a hip San Francisco coffee house, highlighted by a reverse Sleeping Beauty tale. A struggling actress who hasn't slept a full night since she was six years old meets her Prince Charming only days before she's set to move to LA. Director: Tiffanie Debartolo. Stars: Ione Skye, Jennifer Aniston, Mackenzie Astin, Seymour Cassel. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 87 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $0.015 million, Columbia TriStar, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: No.
Dream With the Fishes Terry, a straightlaced, unhappy young man (David Arquette) helps Nick (Brad Hunt), who has a terminal illness, live out his fantasies in the short time he has left; when Nick dies, Terry realizes that he has caught Nick's love of life. Co-stars Cathy Moriarity. Columbia TriStar, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Easy Living Comedy about relations between the rich and the poor. When a millionaire throws his spoiled wife's sable coat out the window, it lands on an unsuspecting secretary, kicking off a series of misunderstandings. Stars Jean Arthur, Edward Arnold, Ray Milland, Franklin Pangborn, William Demerest. Universal Cinema Classics, 1937, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98.
Edge, The Two very different men -- an intellectual billionaire (Anthony Hopkins) and a hotshot fashion photographer (Alec Baldwin) -- are pitted against nature, a grizzly bear and themselves when their plane crashes in the Alaskan wilderness. Co-stars Elle MacPherson. Fox, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Education of Little Tree, The Based on Forrest Carter's best-seller about a shy, nervous boy who returns to his Indian roots with his grandparents after he loses both his parents, learning to live off the land and gaining serenity and self-confidence. Stars James Cromwell, Graham Greene, Tantoo Cardinal, Joseph Ashton. Paramount, 1997, MPAA rating: PG, priced for rental.
8 Heads in a Duffel Bag A hit man (Joe Pesci) with a duffel bag of eight heads (as proof of a custom-ordered hit) runs into comedic trouble when his bag gets picked up by a college kid en route to Mexico to visit his girl friend and her folks. Billed as a mindless comedy. Yes indeed! Stars Joe Pesci, Kristy Swanson, Todd Louiso, Georga Hamilton, Dyan Cannon. Orion, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Elective Affinities Gorgeous adaptation of Goethe's 19th century novel about aristocratic couple whose marital bliss is interrupted when the husband's closest male friend and the couple's goddaughter arrive for an extended visit, causing an exploration of the phenomenon of elective affinities. Director: Paolo and Vittorio Taviani. Stars: Isabelle Huppert, Jean-Hugues Anglade. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: NR, 98 min., Drama, Fox Lorber, $89.98 SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: No.
Elmopalooza! ABC primetime celebration of 30 years of Sesame Street starring the one and only Elmo, 20 of his human friends, and a lot of Muppets. In clamshell packaging. Stars Rosie O'Donnell, Fugees, Cindy Crawford, Richard Belzer, the Muppets. Sony Wonder, 1998, MPAA rating: NR, $12.98
End of Summer Sex and scandal rocks a posh seaside resort when a beautiful spinster gets involved with a seductive young woman, a dashing millionaire and a social-climbing reverend. Stars Jacqueline Bisset, Peter Weller, Julian Sands, Amy Locane. Paramount, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
End of Violence, The Latest film from Wim Wenders explores life in the modern world (Los Angeles) through the actions of several characters whose lives ultimately converge. Stars Bill Pullman, Andie MacDowell, Gabriel Byrne. MGM, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Escape From Atlantis A workaholic attorney single dad takes off with his three rebellious teens on sail boat trip to the Bahamas but a storm causes them to land in the fantasy world of Atlantis. Sue 'em. Stars Jeff Speakman, Brian Bloom, Tim Thomerson. Universal, 1997, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental.
Eve's Bayou Life and love among a close-knit family in Louisiana, from the point-of-view of 10-year-old Eve Batiste, with a philandering father and a dab of "gifted" spiritualism throwing a wrench into an otherwise stable life. Great performances, script. Stars Samuel L. Jackson, Lynn Whitfield, Debbi Morgan, Vondie Curtis Hall, Diahann Carroll. Trimark, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Event Horizon Gruesome goings-on in 2047 when a rescue mission is sent to investigate the mysterious disappearance of the crew of the Event Horizon, a prototype spaceship designed to reach distant stars. Thrills and chills. Stars Laurence Fishburne, Sam Neil, Kathleen Quinlan, Joely Richardson. Paramount, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Excess Baggage Alicia Silverstone plays a brazen, ignored teenager who will do anything to get the attention of her wealthy father. When she locks herself in her BMW to fake a kidnaping and the Beemer is stolen by a professional car thief (Benicio Del Toro), she finds herself way over her head as the mob, the cops and her dad's ex-CIA assassin bodyguard track them down. Co-stars Jack Thompson, Christopher Walken. Columbia TriStar, 1997, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental.
Exorcist, The The classic tale of the devil inhabiting an innocent, brought out by Warner in a 25th anniversary edition featuring a documentary on the making of the film, in widescreen and pan-and-scan versions. A deluxe edition for $49.98 also contains a CD soundtrack and a book. Stars Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, Jason Miller, Max von Sydow. Directed by William Friedkin. Warner, 1973, MPAA rating: R, $19.98. DVD: Due Sept. 29.
Fairy tale: A True Story Based on the real-life adventure in 1917 of two girls who claimed to have photographed fairies living in their garden. Stars Peter O'Toole, Elizabeth Earl, Harvey Keitel. Paramount, 1997, MPAA rating: PG, priced for rental.
Fall Romance between a cab driver and a supermodel, written, produced, and directed by and starring Eric Schaeffer. Co-stars Amanda De Cadenet. Orion, 1997, MPAA rating: NR, priced for rental.
Fallen Supernatural thriller about evil incarnate that leaves the body of an executed serial killer and is passed from person to person to commit more crimes; Denzel Washington is the police detective who tracks down the new killers. Stars Denzel Washington, John Goodman, Donald Sutherland. Directed by Gregory Hoblit. Warner, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Family Life Socially conscious drama about a rebellious young girl whose overbearing parents and strict upbringing causes her to sink into mental illness. Fox Lorber, MPAA rating: NR, $79.98, priced for rental.
Fast, Cheap & Out of Control Fascinating documentary that looks at four eccentrics: a lion tamer, a topiary gardener who shapes hedges into bears and giraffes, a man who is fascinated with hairless mole rats, and an M.I.T. scientist who creates robots. Directed by Errol Morris. Columbia TriStar, 1997, MPAA rating: PG, priced for rental.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas It took 27 years for Hunter S. Thompson's celebrated book (based on a series of articles in "Rolling Stone") to come to the big screen and boomers hoping that the film would capture some of the excitement of the time (and Thompson's drugged out attack on the establishment and the craziness of the American Dream) will be sorely disappointed. In widescreen and pan-and-scan versions. Director: Terry Gilliam. Stars: Johnny Depp, Benicio Del Toro, Tobey Maguire. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 123 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $10.355 million, Universal, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: Day & Date.
Fencing Master, The A fencing master falls in love with a beautiful pupil and teaches her his deadly thrust to the throat. He soon gets involved in the world of politics and intrigue when people are murdered with his trademark moves. In Spanish with English subtitles. Stars Omero Antonutti, Assumptia Serna, Joaquim De Almeida. New Yorker, 1992, MPAA rating: NR, priced for rental.
FernGully ... The Last Rainforest II Sequel to successful 1992 "FernGully." FoxVideo, 1997, $19.98.
Fire Down Below Segal plays an Environmental Protection Agency marshal sent to investigate the murder of a colleague who uncovers a hazardous waste coverup in a small town. Day and date DVD release. Stars Steven Seagal, Kris Kristofferson. Warner, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Firestorm Weak action adventure starring former football pro Howie Long as a smoke jumper, a forest-fire fighter who parachutes into raging infernos to save the day. Here he must fight a fire as well as a group of convicts who make their escape posing as fire-fighters. Co-stars Scott Glenn, William Forsythe, Suzy Amis. Fox, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental. Due May 26.
Flubber Disney's remake of its 1961 "The Absent Minded Professor," here with Robin Williams as the creator of the green goo that can revolutionize the world. Mildly amusing, even for the little ones. Stars Robin Williams. Disney, 1997, MPAA rating: PG, $22.99.
For Richer or Poorer Tim Allen and Kirstie Alley star as Manhattan socialites on the run from the IRS: the pair had plenty of money but a lousy marriage and accountant. Hiding out in the Amish country of Pennsylvania, they discover that hard work might be more difficult than hard time. Stars Tim Allen, Kirstie Alley, Michael Lerner. Universal, 1997, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental.
For the Love of Mary Deanna Durbin plays a White House operator who must delicately juggle the attentions of three suitors, at times tangling up political figures and her own romances. Stars Edmond O'Brien, Ray Collins. Universal, 1948, MPAA rating: NR, $19.98
Fortune, The Warren Beatty and Jack Nicholson plan to fleece heiress Stockard Channing but love and lust make fools of the bumbling duo in this comedy set in the 1920s. Columbia TriStar, 1975, MPAA rating: PG, $19.95
Four Days in September Political drama, based on a true story, about a group of idealists in Brazil in 1969 who kidnap the American ambassador to bring international attention to their fight for freedom. Stars Alan Arkin, Pedro Cardoso, Fernanda Torres. Directed by Bruno Barreto. Miramax, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Frankenstein Created Woman Peter Cushing stars as scientist Frankenstein who experiments with transferring souls of the dead into other bodies; terror breaks loose when the soul of his dead assistant is placed into the body of his former lover. Hammer horror, widescreen with trailer. New-to-video. Anchor Bay, 1967, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98.
French Exit Rival screenwriters battle it out and fall in love in Hollywood. Stars Jonathan Silverman, Madchen Amick. Directed by Daphna Kastner. Columbia TriStar, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Full Monty, The Sleeper of a comedy about out-of-work steel workers in England who become male dancers. Stars Robert Carlyle, Mark Addy, Tom Wilkinson, Steve Huison, Paul Barber, Hugo Speer. Fox, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental. Moved up from April.
Full of Life Comedic great Judy Holliday struts her stuff in this comedy about the lives of a pregnant woman and her husband thrown off-kilter when his Italian-conservative-bricklayer father shows up with his own ideas about birth and marriage. Co-stars Richard Conte, Salvatore Baccaloni. New to video. Columbia TriStar, 1956, MPAA rating: NR, $19.95
G.I. Jane Demi Moore's career goes from stripping to strapping as she stars in this action drama about the first woman to train to become a Navy SEAL. Co-stars Viggo Mortensen, Anne Bancroft. Buena Vista, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Game, The A shrewdly successful businessman's well-ordered life is thrown topsy-turvy when his brother gives him an unexpected birthday gift - an enrollment in the Game, a nebulous adventure that turns into a matter of life and death. Stars Michael Douglas, Sean Penn, Peter Donat, James Rebhorn, Carroll Baker. PolyGram, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Gamera: The Guardian of the Universe The mean, fire-breathing turtle returns with a vengeance. In widescreen. A.D.V. Films, 1996, MPAA rating: PG, $19.98
Gang Related Two street detectives (James Belushi and Tupac Shakur) have a lucrative side business knocking off drug dealers, cleansing the city of scum, and keeping the money to boot -- until one day they kill an undercover DEA agent and they scramble for their lives. Co-stars Lela Rochon, Dennis Quaid. Orion, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Gattaca In a bleak future, a person's genic code determines one's station in life; those with inferior genetics are "de-generate" inferiors. Fortunately there's a thriving black market for the right genetic stuff, which underlies the quest in this icy drama. Stars Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Loren Dean, Jude Law. Columbia TriStar, 1997, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental.
George Wallace Director John Frankenheimer directed this HBO CableACE award-winning bio-drama of Alabama Governor George Wallace Stars Gary Sinise, Mare Winningham, Joe Don Baker, Angelina Jolie. Warner Bros., 1997, MPAA rating: NR, priced for rental.
Gia Life and death of super model Gia, who dominated fashion and magazine covers for a brief, flaming moment in the 1970s. Great performance by Angelina Jolie (Jon Voight's daughter) as the woman who was "too beautiful to die, too wild to live." Co-stars Mercedes Ruehl, Faye Dunaway. Directed by Michael Christofer. HBO, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Giga Shadow Fourth and final episode in the sexy Showtime sci-fi adventure series "Tales From a Parallel Universe," here with guest star Malcolm McDowell. Paramount, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Gingerbread Man, The Limited theatrical release for this John Grisham thriller that he wrote directly for the screen. Story concerns a successful lawyer who comes to the aid of a waitress whose hillbilly father is stalking her. Naturally the lawyer gets in way over his head. Stars Kenneth Branagh, Robert Duvall, Robert Downey Jr., Tom Berenger, Daryl Hannah. Directed by Robert Altman. PolyGram, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Girls in Prison Campy tale of a young singer who travels to Hollywood to fulfill her dream of stardom only to get framed for murder. Part of Showtime's Rebel Highway series. Director: John McNaughton. Stars: Missy Crider, Bahni Turpin, Ione Skye, Anne Heche. 1994, CC, MPAA rating: R, 82 min., Thriller, Dimension, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Godspell Modern-day version of the gospels, with John the Baptist calling a disparate group of young New Yorkers from their workaday lives to follow and learn from Jesus, forming a roving acting troupe that enacts the parables through song and dance. Columbia TriStar, 1973, MPAA rating: G, $19.95.
Godzilla The likeable lizard that trampled Tokyo some 40 years ago now does the same for Manhattan, all spiffed up with the best CGI that money can buy. It's a lot more fun and exciting than the pundits and critics would have you believe -- this is a real popcorn-chomper. In widescreen and pan-and-scan. Stars Matthew Broderick, Jean Reno, Harry Shearer, Maria Pitillo. Directed by Roland Emmerich. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 139 min., Sci-Fi, Box office gross: $135.669 million, Columbia TriStar, $22.95 SRP. DVD: Day & Date.
Godzilla vs. King Ghidora Godzilla goes up against King Ghidora, a three-headed archrival. Columbia TriStar, 1991, MPAA rating: NR, $9.99
Godzilla vs. Mothra (Gojira vs. Mosura) Godzilla gets a rematch with Mothra and also has to fend off Battra (Black Mothra) in this latest Godzilla adventure. Columbia TriStar, 1992, MPAA rating: NR, $9.99
Going All the Way Two young men develop an unlikely relationship after returning from the Korean War and decide that there's more to life (and more women) than available in their home town. Stars Ben Affleck, Jeremy Davies, Rose McGowan, Amy Locane, Rachel Weisz. PolyGram, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Good Burger Buddy comedy about two off-beat high school teens (Kenan & Kel of Nickelodeon's "Kenan & Kel") who help a no frills, failing burger joint become the hottest fast food spot in town, eventually going up against an evil burger conglomerate. Stars Kenan & Kel, Shaquille O'Neal, Sinbad, Abe Vigoda. Paramount, 1997, MPAA rating: PG, priced for rental.
Good Times The only motion picture starring Sonny & Cher, directed by William ("French Connection") Friedkin, new- to-video. Sonny & Cher play themselves in series of vignettes that has Sonny daydreaming after the pair get a movie offer. Anchor Bay, 1967, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98
Good Will Hunting Heart-warming drama about a therapist who tries to reshape the life of a young man who lives an outcast life as a misunderstood and non-productive genius. Academy awards to Matt Damon and Ben Affleck for screenplay, Robin Williams for supporting actor. Stars Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Robin Williams, Minnie Driver. Directed by Gus Van Sant. Miramax, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Graduate, The Classic comedy reissued in widescreen and pan-and-scan. Stars Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, Katherine Ross. Directed by Mike Nichols. PolyGram, 1967, MPAA rating: PG, $14.95.
Gravesend Four kids from the Italian neighborhood of Gravesend get together for a night of goofing off; when a gun goes off the kids have to dispose of a corpse, testing their mettle and their friendships. PolyGram, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Grease 20th anniversary re-release, digitally re-mastered, in pan-and-scan and widescreen versions for $14.98, as well as a limited edition featuring a collectible CD single and an on-pack booklet featuring the original script and hit lyrics, for $19.98. Stars John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway, Didi Conn. Directed by Randal Kleiser. Paramount, 1978, MPAA rating: PG, $14.95
Great Expectations Production of Charles Dickens' classic story of a young orphan who makes his way up in the world with the help of a mysterious benefactor. Stars Henry Hull, Phillips Holmes, Jane Wyatt, Walter Brennan. Directed by Stuart Walker. Universal, 1934, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98
Great Expectations Director Alfonso Cuaron updates Charles Dickens' classic to the 20th century, adding steam and decadence to the traditional mix. Stars Ethan Hawke, Gwyneth Paltrow, Anne Bancroft, Robert De Niro, Hank Azaria, Chris Cooper. Directed by Alfonso Cuaron. Fox, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Half Baked Three slackers attempt to bail out a fourth bud arrested for killing a diabetic police horse by feeding him too much junk food. Pot smoking is at the heart of this mis-fired comedy as the boys sell marijuana to make bail. Stars Dave Chappelle, Guillermo Diaz, Harland Williams, Rachel True, Tommy Chong. Directed by Tamra Davis. Universal, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Halloween: H20 It's been 20 years since the original "Halloween" but don't think that ol' Michael Myers is gone. He's back to terrorize a whole new generation of students, but this time he's got to contend with a blast from the past -- Laurie Strode, who he just couldn't seem to catch in the first one. Great fun for fans of the series. Director: Steve Minor. Stars: Jamie Lee Curtis, Janet Leigh, Michelle Williams, LL Cool J, Adam Arkin. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 86 min., Horror, Box office gross: $52.810 million, Dimension, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Hard Rain Armored car driver battles armed crooks who use the cover of a torrential downpour and rampaging waters of a killer flood to make their heist. Action and story about as water-logged as Los Angeles during El Nino. Stars Morgan Freeman, Christian Slater, Minnie Driver, Randy Quaid. Directed by Mikael Salomon. Paramount, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Hav Plenty A homeless novelist with writer's block gets invited by a female friend (who's engaged to a famous singer) to spend New Year's eve at her home, creating romantic confusion when sparks fly. Director: Christopher Scott Cherot. Stars: Christopher Scott Cherot, Chenoa Maxwell. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 87 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $2.275 million, Miramax, No SRP, Priced for rental.
He Got Game Basketball drama about prisoner (Denzel Washington) offered a reduced sentence if he can persuade his estranged high school hoop star son to sign with the governor's alma mater. It's a high-stakes game of one-on-one in this latest effort from Spike Lee. Director: Spike Lee. Stars: Denzel Washington, Ray Allen, Milla Jovovich. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 130 min., Drama, Box office gross: $21.021 million, Buena Vista, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Hercules Disney's interpretation of Greek legend Hercules, here watered down and spruced up with urban frills for consumption by America's kids; still a fun and fanciful production that, although it is no "Lion King," still charms in its own right. Voices of Tate Donovan, Danny DeVito, James Woods, Susan Egan. Disney, 1997, MPAA rating: G, $26.99.
Hercules & Xena: The Battle for Mount Olympus Animated Hercules and Xena, with the voices of Kevin Sorbo from TV's "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" and Lucy Lawless from TV's "Xena: Warrior Princess." Universal, 1997, MPAA rating: PG, $19.98.
Here Come the Nelsons The irrepressible Nelsons in their first and only feature. The film is, of course, based on the radio show "The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet" that ran from 1944 to 1952 and was the precursor to their TV series that continued until 1966. Great slice of Americana Stars Ozzie Nelson, Harriet Nelson, Ricky Nelson, David Nelson, Rock Hudson. Universal, 1951, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98
High Art Erotic love story about two very different women -- one a young magazine editor, the other a faded photographer who has wallowed in years of sexual manipulation and isolation -- and the resulting affair that reawakens their spirits. Director: Lisa Cholodenko. Stars: Ally Sheedy, Radha Mitchell, Patricia Clarkson, Gabriel Mann. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 102 min., Drama, Universal, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Hollow Reed Gay man fights with ex-wife for custody of his son after he discovers the boy's stepfather is abusing him. Stars Martin Donovan, Ian Hart, Sam Bould, Joely Richardson. Columbia TriStar, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Home Alone 3 Third in the series, not up to the previous two adventures but still with its funny parts. This time around Alex is stuck home with the chicken pox and foils a group of international criminals who are after a top secret chip hidden in a toy car. Stars Alex D. Linz, Haviland Morris, Kevin Kilner, Olek Krupa, Rya Kihlstedt. Directed by Raja Gosnell. Fox, 1997, MPAA rating: PG, $19.98
Homegrown Three pot farmers in Northen California take over their bosses business when he's murdered, entering into a bizarre world of duplicity, double-dealing, greed and danger in this off-kilter black comedy. Director: Stephen Gyllenhaal. Stars: Billy Bob Thornton, Hank Azaria, Ryan Phillippe, John Lithgow, Kelly Lynch, Jamie Lee Curtis. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 102 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $0.271 million, Columbia TriStar, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: Yes.
Hoodlum Mob boss Dutch Schultz (Roth) wants to seize control of the Harlem numbers racket in NYC 1934, but he has to go up against local mobster Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson (Fishburne). Day and date DVD release. Stars Tim Roth, Lawrence Fishburne, Vanessa Williams, Andy Garcia. MGM, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Hope Goldie Hawn directed this TNT original telefilm about a family that faces long-simmering racial tensions in a small Southern town during the October 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Stars Christine Lahti, Catherine O'Hara, J.T. Walsh. Warner, 1997, MPAA rating: NR, priced for rental.
Hope Floats Young married woman (Sandra Bullock) and her daughter leave philandering husband and return home to mom (Gena Rowlands) in small town of Smithville, Texas, where she starts anew. Gentle drama about remaking your life and love, with Harry Connick Jr. as a fine love interest. Co-stars Michael Pare. Directed by Forest Whitaker. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 110 min., Drama, Box office gross: $57.106 million, Fox, $19.98 SRP, Priced for rental.
Horse Whisperer, The Story of a 14-year-old girl emotionally and physically scarred after a horse riding accident. Her mother searches for a horse whisperer, someone who can cure troubled horses, finding Redford who eventually rebuilds all the lives shattered by the accident. Stars Robert Redford, Kristin Scott Thomas, Sam Neill, Scarlett Johansson. In widescreen and pan-and-scan versions. Directed by Robert Redford. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 168 min., Drama, Box office gross: $74.766 million, Touchstone, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: Day & Date.
House of Seven Gables, The Adaptation of Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic novel about a bankrupt family in the 19th century and their fight over their ancestral mansion Stars George Sanders, Margaret Lindsay, Vincent Price. Directed by Joe May. Universal, 1940, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98
House of Yes, The Offbeat film about a young man who brings his fiancee home for Thanksgiving to his off-kilter family -- whose patriarch mysteriously disappeared the day JFK was assassinated. Everyone is an eccentric, from mom on down to sister Jackie-O. Stars Parker Posey, Josh Hamilton, Tori Spelling, Freddie Prinz Jr., Genevieve Bujold. Miramax, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Hugo Pool Off-center comedy about one day in the life of a pool cleaner named Hugo (a grown-up Alyssa Milano from TV's "Who's the Boss?") and her wacky clientle, her horse-race-gambling mother and her druggie father. Misses the mark. Tedious. Stars Milano, Patrick Dempsey, Malcolm McDowell, Cathy Moriarty, Robert Downey Jr., Sean Penn. Directed by 3Robert Downey Sr. BMG, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Hurricane Streets Lies, deceit, and murder rock the world of a young petty thief in the mean streets of New York's lower east side. Winner of three Sundance Film Festival awards. Director: Morgan J. Freeman. Stars: Brendan Sexton III, Shawn Elliott, L.M. Kit Carson. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 86 min., Drama, MGM, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: No.
Hush Thriller about young woman moving to her new husband's country estate only to be confronted by her angry mother-in-law, discovering her dark secrets and dangerous plans. Director: Jonathan Darby. Stars: Jessica lang, Gwyneth Paltrow, Johnathon Schaech. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 96 min., Thriller, Box office gross: $13.513 million, Columbia TriStar, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: Yes.
I Got the Hook-Up Comedy about pair of street businessmen who run a shopping center out of their van and scam their way into a truckload of cellular phones, eventually running afoul of angry customers, crooks, and the FBI. Stars: Master P, A.J. Johnson. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 93 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $10.142 million, Miramax, No SRP, Priced for rental.
I Know What You Did Last Summer After an accident on a winding road, four teens make the mistake of dumping their victim's body into the sea. Naturally, one year later the dead man returns from the grave looking for more than an apology. From the pen of Kevin (Scream) Williamson. Stars Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle-Gellar, Freddie Prinz Jr. Columbia TriStar, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
I Love You, Don't Touch Me! Another entry in the 1990s skein of twentysomething romantic comedies that looks at love and dating, here following a young woman in and out of love as she searches for the quintessential perfect boyfriend. They loved it at the Sundance festival. Director: Julie Davis. Stars: Marla Schaffel, Mitchell Whitfield, Michael Harris, Meredith Scott Lynn. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 85 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $0.067 million, Orion, No SRP, Priced for rental.
I Love You, I Love You Not Bright teenage girl who feels she doesn't fit in with her fancy Manhattan private school falls for the most popular boy, turns to her grandmother and their country house for solace and guidance. Stars Claire Danes, Jeanne Moreau, Jude Law. Miramax, 1997, MPAA rating: NR, priced for rental.
Ice Storm, The Set in 1973, this drama explores one day and night in the life of a Connecticut suburban family -- faced with the changing sexual mores (wife swapping, promiscuity) of late-'60s and '70s. Stars Kevin Kline, Joan Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Christina Ricci, Elijah Wood. Depressing affirmation of the nuclear family. Directed by Ang Lee. Fox, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
If I Were King Period piece (set in the 15th century) about roguish poet Francois Villon, who uses the passion of his poetry to defeat the Burgundians and save the French empire while capturing the love of an aristocratic princess. Stars Ronald Coleman, Frances Dee, Basil Rathbone. Universal Cinema Classics, 1938, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98.
Illtown Drug dealers strive for yuppie respectability on the streets of Miami until the nightmarish return of a former partner sets events into a downward spiral. Stars Michael Rapaport, Lili Taylor, Kevin Corrigan, Tony Danza, Isaac Hayes. Directed by Nick Gomez. Artisan Entertainment, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Imitation of Life The great Preston Sturges adapted the screenplay from Fannie Hurst's soap opera about a poor widow who uses a maid's pancake recipe to make money. Subtext of race relations comes to the fore as the women raise their daughters together. Stars Claudette Colbert, Warren William, Ned Sparks, Louise Beavers. Directed by John Stahl. Universal Cinema Classics, 1934, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98.
In & Out Kevin Kline plays Howard Brackett, an on-his-way to be married small town English teacher whose life is torn asunder when a former student announces on television (during the Academy Awards, no less) that Howard is gay. Great turns by Joan Cusack, Tom Selleck and, of course, the ever incredible Kline. Co-stars Matt Dillon and Debbie Reynolds. Paramount, 1997, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental.
In Cold Blood Superb adaptation of Truman Capote's new-journalism account of the brutal, random murder of a family by a pair of mindless, ex-con drifters. Stars Robert Blake, Scott Wilson. Directed by Richard Brooks. Columbia TriStar, 1967, MPAA rating: NR, $19.95
In God's Hands Three surfers travel the world looking for extreme waves and surfing action. The performers are all surf champions, so the camera never has to cut away from the action. For surf fans only. Director: Zalman King. Stars: Matt George, Shane Dorian, Matty Liu. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 98 min., Adventure, Box office gross: $1.431 million, Columbia TriStar, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: Day & Date.
In the Company of Men Two white-collar executives, frustrated with their lives and rejected by their girl friends, decide to wreck a woman's life to feel better about themselves. They pick a beautiful deaf woman and enter a world of one-upmanship and psychological warfare Stars Aaron Eckhart, Matt Malloy, Stacy Edwards. Columbia TriStar, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Informant, The Tale of political intrigue in Northern Ireland about a reluctant IRA recruit captured and forced to testify against his co-conspirators. Stars Timothy Dalton, Cary Elwes, Anthony Brophy. Directed by Jim McBride. Paramount, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Intimate Relations Comedy of seduction about a handsome lodger caught in a tangled web of passion with his sexually frustrated landlady and her precocious teenage daughter. Stars Rupert Graves, Julie Walters, Matthew Walker. Fox, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Irma Vep Backstage look at a modern movie disintegrating in midproduction as an aging French director attempts to remake a 1915 serial silent "Les Vampires" (Irma Vep is an anagram of the word vampire). Lyrical, lush production. French in English subtitles, widescreen. Stars Jean-Pierre Leaud, Maggie Cheung. Fox Lorber, 1997, MPAA rating: NR, $89.98, priced for rental.
Island in the Sun Romance set on a lush Caribbean island follows four different love affairs. Steamy drama was controversial as it featured Dorothy Dandridge as the first black actress to star in an interracial love story. Stars Dandridge, James Mason, Joan Fontaine, Harry Belafonte. Fox, 1957, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98
Jackal, The Loose remake and rejiggering of Fred Zinnerman's 1973 "The Day of the Jackal," with Bruce Willis here as a ruthless assassin with no name and no identity hired to kill someone high up in the U.S. government, with Richard Gere, Sidney Poitier, Diane Verona sent to track him down. Widescreen and pan-and-scan. Universal, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Jackie Brown Quentin Tarantino actioner about a stewardess who supplements her income by smuggling cash into the country for a gunrunner. When she gets caught, she attempts to play off the cops against the bad guys in an attempt to walk away with half a million. Stars Pam Grier, Samuel L. Jackson, Bridget Fonda, Robert De Niro, Michael Keaton, Robert Forster. Directed by Quentin Tarantino. Dimension, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Jerusalem Based on a true love story set amongst a group of Swedish religious pilgrims who emigrated to the Holy Land in 1896 to live closer to God. Stars Maria Bonnevie, Ulf Friberg, Olympia Dukakis. Directed by Billie August. In Swedish with English subtitles. Fox Lorber, 1996, MPAA rating: NR, priced for rental.
Jesus Christ Superstar Told entirely in song, images and music, highlights the last week of Christ's life, based on the Tim Rice/Andrew Lloyd Webber broadway in turn based on the best-selling double-record of the same name. In widescreen for the first time. 25th anniversary in THX. Stars Ted Neeley, Carl Anderson, Yvonne Elliman. Universal, 1973, MPAA rating: G, $14.98
Joey A Down Under adventure featuring a spirited boy and a baby kangaroo. MGM, 1998, MPAA rating: PG, $14.95
John Grisham's The Rainmaker Trials and tribulations of a young law school grad (Matt Damon) who, together with his crafty legal aid (Danny DeVito), challenges corporate America. Co-stars Jon Voight, Mickey Rourke. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Paramount, 1997, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental.
johns Graphic depiction of the world of two young male street hustlers. Stars: David Arquette, Lukas Haas. 1997, CC, MPAA rating: R, 96 min., Drama, Box office gross: $0.050 million, Fox Lorber, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Julian Po Christian Slater and Robin Tunney star in this heartwarming story about a mysterious drifter whose life takes a fateful turn when he stops at a sleepy small town. New Line, 1997, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental.
Jungle Book: Mowgli's Story Live-action sequel about a young boy raised by animals in the jungle. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: G, 93 min., Adventure, Disney, $22.99 SRP.
Kicked in the Head Romantic comedy about a downwardly mobile man who falls for a stewardess. Stars Kevin Corrigan, Linda Fiorentino, Michael Rapaport, Lili Taylor, James Woods. Fox, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Kiki's Delivery Service Animated feature about the coming of age of a teen witch, her black cat JiJi and friend Tombo, from acclaimed Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki, new to video. A smash hit in japan in 1989, now released and dubbed in English. Director: Hayao Miyazaki. Stars: Voices of Kirsten Dunst, Phil Hartman, Debbie Reynolds, Janeane Garofalo. 1989, CC, Animated, Buena Vista, $19.99 SRP.
Killers, The A complex tale of treachery and crime is unraveled when an insurance investigator takes on the case of a gas station attendant killed by two professional killers. Stars Burt Lancaster, Ava Gardner, Edmond O'Brien, Albert Dekker. Directed by Robert Siodmak. Universal Noir Collection, 1946, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98
Killing Time Weak English thriller about a day in the life of an Italian hitwoman hired by an English policeman to kill a sadistic gangland boss. Stars Craig Fairbass, Kendra Torgan. Columbia TriStar, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Kiss Me Guido Comedy of manners and mistaken identities has an aspiring actor move to NYC, where he answers a Village Voice ad for a GWM rommate, thinking the letters mean "Guy With Money." A nice take on both gay and straight culture clashes. Stars Nick Scotti, Anthony Barrile. Paramount, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Kiss or Kill Off-beat road thriller about two attractive grifters (Francis O'Connor and Matt Day) who earn their living by conning unsuspecting businessmen and blackmailing them. When one of their marks dies, they hit the road and begin to doubt each other. Co-stars Chris Haywood. Universal, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Kiss the Girls When a forensic psychologist and police detective from Washington, D.C., learns that his niece has been kidnapped from college in North Carolina, he heads South to investigate, where he tracks down a killer who collects beautiful women. Stars Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, Cary Elwes, Tony Goldman. Paramount, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Kissing a Fool A romantic triangle of sorts about a ladies man (David Schwimmer) who falls for unlikely lover (Mili Avital). As their wedding day approaches, he persuades a friend (Jason Lee) to test her faithfulness and the pair hit it off -- all too well. There's a wedding at the end. Directed by Doug Ellin. Universal, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Knock Off Another disappointing outing from the boy-next-door-kick-and-slug action star. This lackluster story revolves around Van Damme as the king of knock offs (those cheap copies of brand name goods) whose attempts to go straight are thwarted by KGB and CIA thugs as well as the filmmakers. Director: Tsui Hark. Co-stars: Rob Schneider, Lela Rochon, Paul Sorvino. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 91 min., Action, Box office gross: $9.883 million, Columbia TriStar, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Krippendorf's Tribe Anthropology professor pretends to discover a lost New Guinea tribe and creates an incredible scheme to pull off the hoax in this light comedy. Stars Richard Dreyfuss, Jenna Elfman, Lily Tomlin. Directed by Todd Holland. Touchstone, 1998, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental.
Kull the Conqueror Kevin Sorbo (TV's "Hercules") plays a dynamic warrior who rise to king of Valusia, then has to fend off corrupt noble relatives to stay in power in this sword and sorcerer fantasy. Get this: Tia Carrere plays a 3,000 year- old witch. Universal, 1997, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental.
Kundun Director Martin Scorsese brings to life the story of a boy from rural Tibet who grows up to become the Dalai Lama, the spiritual and political leader of his people. Touchstone, 1997, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental.
L.A. Confidential Fabulous adaptation of James Ellroy's novel about seedy cops, seedy Hollywood, seedy politics in the soft underbelly of the City of Angels. Stars Kevin Spacey, Kim Basinger, Russell Crowe, Danny DeVito. Warner, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Lady and the Tramp" One of Disney's most memorable (and most requested) animated musicals about an uptown Cocker Spaniel named Lady and her freedom-loving mongrel from the wrong side of the tracks, Tramp, and their adventures from a dog's point of view. Stars: Voices of Barbara Luddy, Larry Roberts, Lee Millar, Peggy Lee. 1955, CC, MPAA rating: G, 75 min., Animated, Disney, $26.99 SRP, Widescreen $29.99.
Lamerica Visually arresting tale of moral conflict in the aftermath of Albania's shift away from Communism, following the story of a young and arrogant entrepreneur who exploits a just-released political prisoner. Italian with yellow subtitles. Widescreen. New Yorker, 1994, MPAA rating: NR, priced for rental.
Land Before Time, The: Secret of Saurus Rock Latest entry in the "Land Before Time" franchise about dinosaur kids living in the prehistoric Great Valley. This time, Littlefoot and friends explore the myth of the Lone Dinosaur, setting off a series of mishaps in the Valley. Direct-to-video. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: NR, 77 min., Animated, Universal, $19.98 SRP.
Land Girls, The Three young girls enlist as volunteers in the Land Girls program in England during WWII -- to help alleviate food shortages by working on a farm -- and take turns with the chores and the local men. Failed romance. Director: David Leland. Stars: Catherine McCormack, Rachel Weisz, Anna Friel, Steven Mackintosh. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 111 min., Drama, Box office gross: $0.234 million, PolyGram, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Last Days of Disco, The A sequel of sorts to the director's "Metropolitan," this tale of a group of the "me decade's" bourgeois young lovers and their last gasp of freedom, set against the dying days of early 1980s disco, requires a lot of patience to get to the nourishing meat. A throbbing 22 song soundtrack. Stars Chloe Sevigny, Kate Beckinsale, Mackenzie Astin, Chris Eigeman, Burr Steers. Directed by Whit Stillman. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 114 min., Drama, Box office gross: $3.020 million, PolyGram, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Last Don II, The Mario Puzo-scripted telefilm sequel follows the saga of the Cleriuzio mafia family as the Don is on the verge of death and his nephew takes over the organization, fanning the flames of an internal war for control of the family. Director: Graeme Clifford. Stars: Danny Aiello, Joe Mantegna, Kirstie Alley. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 127 min., Drama, Trimark, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Lawless Breed, The Western based on the life of famed outlaw John Wesley Hardin. Stars Rock Hudson, Julie Adams. Universal Western Collection, 1952, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98
Le Bonheur Happily married carpenter falls for a postal clerk in this New Wave romance from Agnes Varda. Home Vision, 1965, MPAA rating: NR, $29.95
Leading Man, The A playwright and an actor are locked in a bitterly personal two-man show when the writer asks the leading man to seduce his wife so he can carry on an illicit love affair. Mystery and intrigue soon come to the fore. Great acting turn by rocker Jon Bon Jovi. Also stars Anna Galiena, Lambert Wilson. Directed by John Dugan. BMG, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental. DVD: No.
Leave It to Beaver The 1960s TV sitcom updated for the 1990s, with the kids more sophisticated and June Cleaver sexier. And with a savvy audience that skipped this Beaver remake. Stars Christopher McDonald, Janine Turner, Erik von Detten, Cameron Finley. Universal, 1997, MPAA rating: PG, $19.98.
Les Miserables Not the well-received musical but a beautifully filmed dramatic version of the Victor Hugo novel has Liam Neeson as the eternally hunted Jean Valjean and Geoffrey Rush as the driven policeman whose sole mission in life is to track Valjean down. Director: Billie August. Stars: Liam Neeson, Geoffrey Rush, Uma Thurman, Claire Danes. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 134 min., Drama, Box office gross: $13.871 million, Columbia TriStar, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: Day & Date.
Lethal Weapon 4 They said it couldn't be done -- a third "Lethal Weapon" sequel that stands on its own -- but they were wrong. The team of Mel Gibson, Danny Glover and Joe Pesci returns in a well-crafted adventure that is just as high-powered and exciting as its predecessors. The story -- about the smuggling of Chinese immigrants -- is merely secondary to the characters' interactions and the spellbinding action. Buckle up for this one. Director: Richard Donner. Co-stars Rene Russo, Chris Rock, Jet Li, Darlene Love. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 127 min., Action, Box office gross: $129.636 million, Warner, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: Day & Date.
Lewis & Clark & George Yet another modern American road movie, with escaped cons on cross country search for gold. When they pick up a sexy mute woman, they get some rude surprises. Stars Rose McGowan, Salvator Xuereb, Dan Gunther. Directed by Rod McCall. BMG, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Life Less Ordinary, A A janitor at a giant corporation and the daughter of the corporation's boss are thrown together by a pair of angels who help them engineer a kidnapping and send them on a wild, headlong cross-country odyssey of guns, bank-robbing and karaoke. Romantic comedy stars Ewan McGregor, Cameron Diaz, Holly Hunter, Delroy Lindo. Fox, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Lion King, The: Simba's Pride Direct-to-video sequel. 1998, CC, Animated, Disney, $26.99 SRP. DVD: No.
Lisbon Story Wim Wenders' exploration of a sound engineer's journey of self-discovery. Called to Portugal by a director friend to help on a movie, he arrives with no friends to be found and instead starts recording random sounds, meets gangsters and falls in love. Stars Patrick Bauchau, Teresa Salgueiro. Fox Lorber, 1995, MPAA rating: NR, priced for rental.
Little Indian, Big City French film that was the inspiration for Tim Allen's "Jungle 2 Jungle," in which a successful businessman discovers that he has a lost son in the South American jungle, brings him back to Paris where the boy changes dad's outlook on life. Buena Vista, 1996, MPAA rating: PG, priced for rental.
Little Men Louisa May Alcott's book about a boarding school for boys run by a grown-up Jo (from "Little Women") is faithfully if fitfully brought to the big screen. Stars Mariel Hemingway, Chris Sarandon. Warner, 1998, MPAA rating: PG, $14.95.
Little Mermaid, The Fully restored and digitally remastered edition of one of the most-requested of all Disney animated features. Great fun for the whole family. Disney, 1989, MPAA rating: G, $26.99
Live Flesh A handsome loner vows to become the world's greatest lover but his attempts to seduce a wealthy, strung-out junkie lands him in jail for six years. Released, he seeks revenge, crossing paths with the ex-junkie, who has married the cop who sent him away. Stars Javier Bardem, Francesca Neri, Liberto Rabal. Directed by Pedro Almodovar. Orion, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Living in Peril A driven young architect moves to Los Angeles to pursue a dream job that turns into a terrifying nightmare of ambitious treachery. Not released in the States. Stars Rob Lowe, James Belushi, Dean Stockwell. New Line, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Locusts, The Mysterious drifter shows up in a small town and sets off the usual lust, revenge, forbidden passions and fatal secrets. Stars Kate Capshaw, Ashley Judd, Vince Vaughn. Orion, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Long Way Home, The Academy Award-winning documentary tells the untold story of the aftermath of the Holocaust and the return to normal lives for some survivors, spanning three years from 1945 to 1948. Narrated by Morgan Freeman with voices of Edward Asner, Martin Landau, Miriam Margolyes. BWE Video, 1997, MPAA rating: NR, $24.95
Lost in Space Remake of the TV series, spruced up with special effects for the '90s. This action-adventure stands up against many recent sci-fi remakes and sequels and, despite some hokey acting and lines, actually delivers quite a bit of excitement. Don't be fooled by weak box office and reviews: this one is great fun. In pan-and-scan and widescreen versions. Director: Stephen Hopkins. Stars: Gary Oldman, William Hurt, Matt LeBlanc, Mimi Rogers, Heather Graham, Jared Harris. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 130 min., Science Fiction, Box office gross: $67.006 million, New Line, $22.98 SRP. DVD: Day & Date.
Lost World, The Irwin Allen directed this sci-fi adventure about a team of scientists who travel to the Amazon jungle to explore a distant plateau where creatures from the dawn of time still prowl. Stars Claude Rains, David Hedison, Jill St. John. Fox Summer Drive-In Collection, 1960, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98.
Love Letters Penned by Ayn Rand, this WWII love story has a Cyrano de Bergerac touch: a G.I. pens love letters for a friend, setting up deception, deceit, intrigue and suspense when the two soldiers come home. Stars Joseph Cotton, Jennifer Jones, Robert Scully, Ann Richards. Universal, 1945, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98
Love Serenade Two sisters vie for the affection of a slick disk jockey who has moved to their small Australian town to take over the local radio station. Stars Miranda Otto, Rebecca Frith. Miramax, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Love Walked In Piano player and his loving wife get involved in an extortion scheme that goes awry: a private detective friend wants them to coerce a faithful married man into a tryst to either blackmail him or prove to his wife that he's cheating. Stars Denis Leary, Terence Stamp, Aitana Sanchez-Gijon, Michael Badalucco. Directed by Juan J. Campanella. Columbia TriStar, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Ludwig Luchino Visconti's stirring account of the mad bavarian King Ludwig II, abandoned by his true love as well as betrayed by his friend, composer Richard Wagner. Stars Helmut Berger, Romy Schneider. Fox Lorber, 1973, MPAA rating: NR, priced for rental.
Ma Vie en Rose (My Life in Pink) Whimsical Belgian comedy about a 7-year-old boy who just wants to dress up as a girl, causing all sorts of problems for himself and his family. Stars Georges du Fresne, Michele Laroque, Jean-Philippe Ecoffey. Directed by Alain Berliner. Columbia TriStar, 1997, MPAA rating: NR, priced for rental.
Maborosi Haunted by the mysterious loss of her grandmother, a woman struggles to come to terms with the sudden loss of her husband, moving with her young son to a remote village on the Sea of Japan. In Japanese with English subtitles. Stars Makiko Esumi. Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda. New Yorker, 1997, MPAA rating: NR, priced for rental.
Mad City This grim look at how the media help to manipulate reality left audiences gasping for air. John Travolta plays a fired museum security guard who demands his job back at gun point, Dustin Hoffman plays a reporter who exploits the situation to make broadcast news. Warner, 1997, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental.
Madeline Childhood classic "Madeline" finally gets adapted to the big screen and while it's fairly faithful to Ludwig Bemelman's 1930s Paris-based books about the adventures of the fearless, red-headed little girl who lives "in a an old house in Paris, that was covered with vines," the film gets all the notes right but misses the song. In clamshell packaging. Director: Daisy von Scherler Mayer. Stars: Francis McDormand, Hatty Jones, Nigel Hawthorne. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 89 min., Family, Box office gross: $28.946 million, Columbia TriStar, $15.95 SRP. DVD: Day & Date.
Major and the Minor, The Screwball comedy about a career woman who disguises herself as a 12-year-old to save train fare, gets taken under the wing of a military school major and must extricate herself from all sorts of close calls while falling in love. Stars Ginger Rogers, Ray Milland. Directed by Billy Wilder. Universal, 1942, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98
Major League: Back to the Minors Second sequel to "Major League" really strikes out. Corbin Bernsen returns as the owner of farm team South Carolina Buzz, hires Scott Bakula to manage the team. Naturally the minor leaguers are a group of misfits that the new manager whips into shape. Predictable. Co- stars Dennis Haysbert. Directed by John Warren. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 100 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $3.551 million, Warner, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Maker, The A young man learns the rules of scamming when his long-lost brother reappears to instruct him in the art of crime, leading them to a game where the stakes are life and death. Stars Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Matthew Modine, Mary-Louise Parker. Artisan, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental. DVD: No.
Man From Mallorca, The Two Stockholm cops track down a lone gunman who robbed a post office and who later killed the only eye witnesses. In Swedish with English subtitles. Stars Sven Wollter, Thomas von Bromssen, Thomas Hellberg. New Yorker, 1984, MPAA rating: NR, $89.95, priced for rental.
Man in the Iron Mask, The Shoestring version of the Alexandre Dumas classic, flopped at the box office due to low budget, weak scripting. Overshadowed a month after its release by the big studio production of the classic. Stars Timothy Bottoms, Meg Foster, Edward Albert. Monterey Home Video, 1998, $49.95
Man in the Iron Mask, The Another version of the Dumas classic, about the Three Musketeers rescuing the true king of France from prison. Stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Jeremy Irons, John Malkovich, Gerard Depardieu, Gabriel Byrne. Directed by Randall Wallace. MGM, 1998, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental.
Man in the Shadow A sheriff must make a stand for law and order when the brutal murder of a Mexican farm worker is covered up by a powerful land baron. Stars Jeff Chandler, Orson Welles. Universal Western Collection, 1957, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98
Man Who Knew Too Little, The Bill Murray stars as a video store clerk from Iowa who flies to London to surprise his younger brother (Peter Gallagher), gets involved in a particpatory interactive theatre piece and gets sucked into a deadly game of cat and mouse due to mistaken identity, thinking all the time that he's "acting." Typical Bill Murray fare. Co- stars Joanne Whalley. Warner, 1997, MPAA rating: PG, priced for rental.
Mask of Zorro, The Swashbuckler picks up the legend of Zorro (Anthony Hopkins) -- the Spanish aristocrat who donned a mask and grabbed a sword to fight injustice in Old California -- 10 years after his wife was killed and his baby daughter was stolen by the governor of the territory. Too old to take on new enemies, he hands his dueling mantle to a young protege (Antonio Banderas). In pan-and-scan and widescreen. Co-stars Catherine Zeta-Jones. Directed by Martin Campbell. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 136 min., Action, Box office gross: $85.000 million, Columbia TriStar, $22.95 SRP.
Masterminds Sixteen-year-old slacker/computer whiz must outwit British mastermind who has taken over ritzy Shady Glen School and holds the kids hostage. Stars Patrick Stewart, Vincent Kartheiser. Columbia TriStar, 1997, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental.
Matchmaker, The Janeane Garofalo stars as a jaded political aide who travels to a small Irish town to exploit her boss's ancestral roots to help his political career. Once there she gets involved in the local Matchmaking festival and finds love. A light-hearted, innocuous romantic comedy. Co-stars David O'Hara, Denis Leary. PolyGram, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
McHale's Navy Big-screen adaptation of the successful TV series of the same name, featuring the small screen's cast. Stars Ernest Borgnine, Tim Conway, Joe Flynn. Universal, 1964, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98
McHale's Navy Joins the Airforce Sequel to the big-screen adaptation of the successful TV series of the same name, this time shy star Ernest Borgnine. Stars Tim Conway, Joe Flynn. Universal, 1965, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98
Meet the Deedles Silly comedy about twin brothers who, when faced with expulsion from high school, are sent to grow-up at a Wyoming summer camp. While there they pose as park rangers in order to meet a sexy ranger, causing all kinds of mishaps and stupidity. Stars Paul Walker, Steve Van Wormer, Dennis Hopper, Robert Englund. Buena Vista, 1998, MPAA rating: PG, priced for rental.
Melody Time Walt Disney's 10th animated film arrives on video for the first time to commemorate its 50th anniversary; fully restored and THX-certified, features "Johnny Appleseed," "Pecos Bill," "Bumble Boogie." Disney, 1948, $22.99.
Men With Guns Set in a fictional Latin American country, follows the search by a wealthy doctor for a part of his country far from the reach of the men with guns, the men who, behind the affluent world, wage a brutal campaign of terror on indigenous peoples.In Spanish with English subtitles. Stars Frederico Luppi, Dan Rivera Gonzales, Damiam Delgado, Tania Cruz. Directed by John Sayles. Columbia TriStar, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental. DVD: No.
Mercury Rising Bruce Willis plays a renegrade FBI agent who tries to protect an autistic child -- who just happens to have cracked an unbreakable billiona dollar military code -- from a death warrant issue by a high strung NSA officer (Alec Baldwin). Widescreen. Director: Harold Becker. Stars: Bruce Willis, Alec Baldwin, Miko Hughes. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 112 min., Thriller, Box office gross: $32.806 million, Universal, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: Yes.
Merlin NBC's four-hour fantasy adventure about Merlin, King Arthur and the Knights of the Roundtable makes it to home video in sell-through clamshell packaging. Stars Sam Neil, Helena Bonham Carter, John Gielgud, Rutger Hauer, Miranda Richardson, Isabella Rossellini. Hallmark, 1998, MPAA rating: NR, $19.95.
Midaq Alley Set in the old downtown section of Mexico City, this acclaimed film is divided into four parts. The first three follow the lives of three individuals: a spinster, a family man, and a beautiful young woman.The fourth takes place four years later as a coda to their lives. Stars: Salma Hayek, Ernesto Gomez Cruz, Margarita Sanz. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: NR, 140 min., Drama, Fox Lorber, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Midnight Express Grueling story about an American college student imprisoned in Turkey for attempting to smuggle out two kilos of hashish. Screenplay by Oliver Stone. Digitally remastered, "making-of" docu, widescreen and pan-and-scan. Director: Alan Parker. Stars: Brad Davis, John Hurt, Randy Quid, Bo Hopkins. 1978, MPAA rating: R, 122 min., Drama, Columbia TriStar, $19.95 SRP. DVD: Day & Date.
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil Writer gets involved in a shocking murder in Savannah, Georgia. Directed by Clint Eastwood. Stars Kevin Spacey, John Cusack. Warner, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Mimic Scientists create a new species from recombinant DNA to counteract an epidemic threatening children in New York City. Unfortunately, the new species grows and evolves beneath the city and mimics the form of humans to hunt its prey -- humans. Stars Mira Sorvino, Jeremy Northam, Josh Brolin, Giancarlo Giannini. Dimension, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Ministry of Fear Espionage thriller based on Graham Greene novel about man just released from an asylum during World War II in England who stumbles upon a spy ring but doesn't know who will believe him. Directed by Fritz Lang. Stars Ray Milland, Marjorie Reynolds, Carl Esmond, Hillary Brooke. Universal Noir Collection, 1944, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98
Moby Dick The spectacular USA Network cable TV version of Herman Melville's American classic, fresh from its March broadcast. Stars Patrick Stewart, Henry Thomas, Ted Levine, Gregory Peck. Hallmark, 1998, MPAA rating: PG, $19.98
Money Talks A search for stolen diamonds has a fast-talking hustler (Chris Tucker) and a straight-laced reporter (Charlie Sheen) on the run from the cops, crooks and commandos. Co-stars Heather Locklear, Paul Sorvino. New Line, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Mongolian Tale, A A famous troubadour recounts his true love for the woman he abandoned during the course of this simple love story set against the grasslands of Inner Mongolia. Mongolian with English subtitles. New Yorker, 1995, MPAA rating: NR, priced for rental.
Moondance Two brothers living as best friends in the country have their relationship tested when both fall for an 18-year-old German girl. Not released theatrically in the states. Stars Ruaidhri Conroy, Ian Shaw, Julia Brendler, Marianne Faithfull. Miramax, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Mortal Kombat: Annihilation Second in the successful video game-translated-to-movie franchise. Stars Robin Shou, Talisa Soto. New Line, 1997, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental.
Most Wanted Keenen Ivory Wayans is on the run in the streets of Los Angeles after being framed for the murder of the First Lady. Stars Jon Voight, Eric Roberts, Paul Sorvino. New Line, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Mouse Hunt Two hapless brothers inherit a run-down house that turns out to bean historical mansion worth a fortune. They're all set to fix it up and sell it when they discover there's someone on the premises who doesn't want to leave: a mouse that fights back. "Home Alone" with cheese. In clamshell packaging. Stars Nathan Lane, Lee Evans, Christopher Walken, Michael Jeter. Universal, 1997, MPAA rating: PG, $22.98
Mouth to Mouth Wild adventure of sex, murder and revenge about a down-and-out actor who gets a job on a sex phone line and meets up with a client who wants more than he can give over the phone. Stars Javier Bardem, Aitana Sanchez-Gijon. In Spanish with English subtitles. Miramax, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Mr. Arkadin (a k a Confidential Report Tycoon with a dark past is blackmailed by his daughter's suitor. Digitally remastered European version available for the first time on video. Stars Orson Welles, Michael Redgrave, Patricia Medina, Akim Tamiroff. Directed by Orson Welles. Home Vision, 1955, MPAA rating: NR, $29.95
Mr. Magoo Leslie Nielsen brings to life the famous cartoon character of the 1950s and 1960s (voiced by Jim Backus) whose near-sightedness gets him into one comedic predicament after another. Stars Leslie Nielsen, Kelly Lynch, Ernie Hudson. Directed by Stanley Tong. Walt Disney, 1997, MPAA rating: PG, priced for rental.
Mr. Nice Guy More Jackie Chan stunts, action and comedy as he plays a TV chef who helps a newswoman escape from the thugs of a local drug lord. Stars Jackie Chan, Richard Norton, Miki Lee, Karen McLymont, Gabrielle Fitzpatrick. Directed by Samo Hung. New Line, 1998, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental.
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride The story of Toad, Mole, Badger and Rat's adventures to save their homes and Toad Hall from the nefarious weasels in this live-action musical retelling of "The Wind in the Willows." Stars: Terry Jones. Eric Idle, John Cleese, Michael Palin. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 87 min., Family, Walt Disney, $19.99 SRP.
Mrs. Brown Forbidden love comes to the fore in the fascinating yet true story of the scandal surrounding the affair between England's Queen Victoria and a Scottish stableman. Stars Judi Dench, Billy Connolly, Geoffrey Palmer. Miramax, 1997, MPAA rating: PG, priced for rental.
Mrs. Dalloway Intelligent adaptation of Virginia Woolf's novel of the same name about the dull existence of an upper-crust English woman during the 1920s. Great performance by Redgrave as the title character whose station in life leaves her empty, unfulfilled. Director: Marleen Gorris. Stars: Vanessa Redgrave, Rupert Graves. 1997, CC, MPAA rating: NR, 97 min., Drama, Box office gross: $3.300 million, BMG, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Mummies Alive! The Legend Begins Latest attempt by the folks at Disney and DIC Entertainment to create an animated franchise, here about four warriors who come back to life in modern San Francisco from ancient Egypt (3500 years ago) to stop a magician from enslaving humankind. Disney, 1998, MPAA rating: G, $14.99
Mummy's Shroud, The Hammer horror film about archeological team that unearth's an Egyptian tomb, setting into action a deadly curse. In widescreen. New-to-video. Anchor Bay, 1967, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98.
My Giant Crystal plays a third-rate talent agent who's convinced he's headed for the big time when he takes under his wing, so to speak, a 7-foot 7-inch Shakespeare-quoting Romanian giant. A gentle comedy about values and priorities in life. Director: Michael Lehmann. Stars: Billy Crystal, Gheorghe Muresan, Kathleen Quinlan, Joanna Pacula. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 97 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $7.570 million, Warner, No SRP, Priced for rental.
My Man A vivacious prostitute with a heart of gold takes pleasure in making men suffer for her love ... until she meets her match in a penniless hustler. Provocative and erotic. In French with English subtitles. Stars Anouk Grinberg, Oliver Martinez, Mathieu Kassovitz. Directed by Bertrand Blier. New Yorker, 1997, MPAA rating: NR, $89.95, priced for rental.
My Sex Life ... Or How I Got Into an Argument Relationship film about a 29-year-old assistant professor who finds it difficult to begin life, told in overlapping stories and story fragments "to allow contradictory sensations to co-exist in art as they do in life." In French with English subtitles. Stars Mathieu Amalric. Fox Lorber, 1997, MPAA rating: NR, $89.98, priced for rental.
Myth of Fingerprints, The Drama about a family reunion in which no one can disconnect from nor connect with each other. A favorite of the Sundance Film Festival. Stars Julianne Moore, Roy Scheider, Blythe Danner, Noah Wyle, James Legros. Columbia TriStar, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Naked Lies Run-of-the-mill spy thriller about sexy FBI agent who helps the Treasury Dept. bring an international counterfeiter to justice by infiltrating his organization. Stars Shannon Tweed, Steven Bauer, Jay Baker. Columbia TriStar, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental. DVD: No.
Napoleon Precocious puppy embarks on a magical journey through the Australian outback, along the way meeting a chatty parrot, a wise owl and a clever koala; available in clamshell packaging. Orion, 1998, MPAA rating: G, $14.95
Negotiator, The Psychological thriller about a police hostage negotiator (Samuel L. Jackson) charged with murder and embezzlement who takes an entire Chicago Internal Affairs Division hostage to negotiate the truth behind the trumped up charges, eventually facing off with another negotiator (Kevin Spacey). Director: F. Gary Gray. Stars: Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Spacey, David Morse, Ron Rifkin, J. T. Walsh. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 138 min., Thriller, Box office gross: $43.088 million, Warner, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Nenette and Boni Erotic drama about a 19-year-old man whose doldrums, and obsession with a baker's wife, are jolted into reality by the appearance of his estranged sister. In French with English subtitles; letterboxed. Stars Gregoire Colin, Alice Houri, Valeria Bruni-Tedeschi. New Yorker, 1997, MPAA rating: NR, $89.95, priced for rental.
Never Say Die The great Preston Sturges co-wrote the screenplay for this Bob Hope comedy about a man who thinks he has only one month to live and marries a maiden to save her from a Russian prince. Stars Bob Hope, Martha Raye, Andy Devine, Monty Wooley, Alan Mowbray. Directed by Elliott Nugent. Universal Cinema Classics, 1939, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98.
Newton Boys, The True story of brothers during the depression who decided that the real crooks of their time were the banks and the insurance companies -- and set out to rob them all: they were America's most successful robbers, knocking over 80 banks from Texas to Canada. Stars Matthew McConaughey, Ethan Hawke, Skeet Ulrich, Vincent D'Onofrio, Julianna Margulies. Fox, 1998, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental. Burn">
Niagara Niagara Iconoclastic road movie about the misadventures of a young couple on their way to Toronto in search of a black Barbie doll. He's emotionally withdrawn and repressed, she has Tourette's syndrome; matters get more complicated when they rob a pharmacy. Stars Robin Tunney, Henry Thomas, Michael Parks. Directed by Bob Gosse. Artisan Entertainment, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Nico Icon Documentary on German model Christa Paffgen's rise from the fashion runways to the big screen (Andy Warhol's "Chelsea Girls") to her cult status as the goddess of rock group The Velvet Underground. In English, German, French with English subtitles; black & white. Fox Lorber, 1997, MPAA rating: NR, priced for rental.
Night and the Moment, The Love and seduction in 18th Century France as a libertine writer (Willem Dafoe) seeks the love of a mysterious marquise (Lena Olin). Co-stars Miranda Richardson. Never released theatrically in the States. Miramax, 1993, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Nightwatch Poor law student takes a job as the watchman at the city morgue during the reign of a serial killer and becomes the chief suspect in the grisly murders. Misfired thriller. Stars: Ewan McGregor, Patricia Arquette, Josh Brolin, Nick Nolte. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 101 min., Thriller, Box office gross: $1.154 million, Dimension, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Nil by Mouth Actor Gary Oldman's directorial debut was a darling of the 1997 Cannes International Film Festival but failed to get widespread U.S. distribution. Film delivers another gritty, powerful, intense portrait of urban life in modern England. Music by Eric Clapton. Stars Ray Winstone, Kathy Burke, Charlie Creed-Miles, Ednore Dore, Laila Morse. Columbia TriStar, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Ninja Turtles: East Meets West Direct-to-video sequel featuring the four heroes in the half shell, here grown up and joined by a female mutant turtle, Venus, to battle a new enemy, the nefarious Dragon Lord. Fox, 1998, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98
No Looking Back Small town malaise gets thicker when the downtrodden life of an unhappy waitress and her steady boy-friend takes a turn for the worse when she rekindles an affair with her nasty ex-boyfriend. Downer of a film. Stars Lauren Holly, Edward Burns, Jon Bon Jovi. Directed by Edward Burns. PolyGram, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
No Way Out Vivid portrayal and indictment of racial prejudice. When a young black doctor operates on two brothers brought in for gunshot wounds, it sets off a chain of violent confrontations between a psychopath, his gang and the black community. Stars Richard Widmark, Sidney Poitier. Fox, 1950, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98
Nothing to Lose Silly carjacking comedy doesn't really go anywhere. Stars Tim Robbins, Martin Lawrence. Buena Vista, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Object of My Affection, The Romantic comedy has Jennifer Aniston fall in love w new roomate even though he just wants friends. When she gets pregnant, she decides she'd rather raise the child with him instead of her boyfriend, leading the threesome to explore the fine line between love, sex and friendship. Stars: Jennifer Aniston, Paul Rudd, John Pankow. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 111 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $29.106 million, Fox, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Odd Couple II, The Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon reunite for this sequel of sorts to the classic 1968 Neil Simon comedy "The Odd Couple." Here the pair reunite after several decades to go on a wacky road trip to attend the wedding of Oscar's son to Felix's daughter. Co-stars Christine Baranski, Jonathan Silverman, Jean Smart. Directed by Howard Deutch. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 97 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $18.000 million, Paramount, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Oliver Twist Home video of "Wonderful World of Disney" telefilm version of the Dicken's classic. Stars Richard Dreyfuss, Elijah Wood, Alex Trench. Buena Vista, 1997, MPAA rating: NR, $19.98
One Night Stand An erotically charged love story that explores the passion and betrayal of a one night stand. Stars Wesley Snipes, Natassjia Kinski, Kyle MacLachlan, Ming-Na Wen, Robert Downey Jr. New Line, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Operation Condor 2: The Armour of the Gods Miramax picked up for video this Jackie Chan martial arts adventure, which was originally released in 1986 as "Armour of God." Bet they wish they had tried a theatrical release now that the Jackie Chan-Chris Tucker "Rush Hour" is such a big success. This one has Jackie as a fortune hunter whose ex-girlfriend is kidnapped, forcing him to hunt down the priceless "Armour of the Gods" to pay the ransom. For die-hard Chan fans only. Stars: Jackie Chan. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: NR, 85 min., Action, Miramax, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: No.
Opposite of Sex, The Offbeat comedy about a 16-year-old girl (Christina Ricci) who leaves Louisianna to live with her half-brother in Indiana, where she disrupts the lives of everyone she encounters -- from her brother's gay lover (whom she seduces) and a spinster best friend (Lisa Kudrow) to a local sheriff and a bible-thumping ex-boyfriend. She's more a catalyst than protagonist, fomenting scandals, robberies and murder -- and though the film revolves around sex, there's little of it on-screen, leaving this pleasing film to work its magic on an intellectual level. Co-stars Martin Donovan, Lyle Lovett, Johnny Galecki. Directed by Don Roos. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 100 min., Comedy-Drama, Box office gross: $5.070 million, Columbia TriStar, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: Day & Date.
Oscar and Lucinda A man of the cloth who has a penchant for gambling falls for an heiress and glass factory owner and the pair bet their lives and fortunes on the construction of a glass church for the Australian wilderness -- as a symbol of their love and beliefs. Stars Ralph Fiennes, Cate Blanchett. Directed by Gillian Armstrong. Fox, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Overnight Delivery Convinced his girlfriend has cheated on him, a young man gets a stripper to send his ex the world's most disgusting poison pen letter. When he discovers he's made a mistake, he has 24 hours to get the letter back. Stars Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, Christine Taylor. New Line, 1997, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental.
Palmetto A bitter reporter who has served jail time on trumped-up charges for exposing graft in his corrupt Florida small town gets involved with sexy women in an extortion scheme. The film is a poor, limp imitation of "Body Heat." Stars Woody Harrelson, Gina Gershon, Elisabeth Shue. Directed by Volker Schlondorff. Warner, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Paperback Romance A beautiful romance writer with a secret unwittingly falls for a dashing jewel thief in a romantic comedy of errors. Stars Gia Carides, Anthony LaPaglia. Orion, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Parent Trap, The Remake of Disney's 1962 family comedy that starred Hayley Mills, about identical twins, separated at birth when their parents split, who meet up as pre-teens and scheme to reunite their wayward mother and father. A rare case of a remake better than the original. Stars Dennis Quaid, Natasha Richardson, Lindsay Lohan. Directed by Nancy Meyers. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 124 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $56.000 million, Buena Vista, $22.99 SRP.
Passion in the Desert A love story of sorts -- about a captain in Napoleon's doomed Egyptian campaign army stranded in the desert who gets taken in by and bonds with a leopard. A surreal affair. Director: Lavinia Currier. Stars: Ben Daniels, Michael Piccoli. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 93 min., Drama, Box office gross: $0.250 million, New Line, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Paulie Parrot who can actually talk (and not just mimic words) is separated from the little girl who raised him and gets into a variety of adventures as he tries to find his way home. Clamshell packaging. Director: John Roberts. Stars: Gene Rowlands, Tony Shalhoub, Cheech Marin, Bruce Davison. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 82 min., Family, Box office gross: $22.236 million, DreamWorks, $22.99 SRP.
Peacekeeper, The Typical Dolph Lundgren actioner has him playing an Air Force Major who must go up against a madman who has targeted the U.S. for nuclear destruction. So what's new? Stars Dolph Lundgren, Roy Scheider, Montel Williams. Directed by Frederic Forestier. Trimark, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Peacemaker, The George Clooney and Nicole Kidman team up as an Army Special Intelligence Officer and a nuclear scientist, respectively, to foil the plot of terrorists who hijack Russian warheads and plan to use them to blow up the U.N. building in New York. Available in widescreen and pan-and-scan versions. Universal, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Perfect Furlough Army psychologist dreams up a gimmick to boost morale at a remote Arctic army unit, sends a corporal on the "perfect furlough" to Paris, where the soldier ends up wooing her. Stars Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh, Elaine Stritch. Directed by Blake Edwards. Universal, 1959, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98
Perfect Murder, A Remake of sorts of Hitchcock's "Dial M for Murder" has Michael Douglas as a wealthy industrialist who blackmails his young wife's lover into murdering her, bringing devastating consequences when the attempt goes awry. Stylish thriller almost stands on its own. Director: Andrew Davis. Stars: Michael Douglas, Gwyneth Paltrow, Viggo Mortensen, David Suchet. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 107 min., Thriller, Box office gross: $67.360 million, Warner, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Personal Journey With Martin Scorsese Through American Movies, A A powerful personal testimony that chronicles the films that most influenced Martin Scorsese, including hundreds of clips, from King Vidor's "Duel in the Sun" through "Lust for Life" and "Bonnie and Clyde." Three volume set. Miramax, 1997, MPAA rating: NR, $59.99
Peter Pan Restored 45th anniversary edition of the classic Disney film, which had been on moratorium since 1990. Disney, 1953, MPAA rating: G, $26.99.
Phantasm: Oblivion Sequel to cult film Phantasm, featuring the terrifying legions of the undead and their thirst for vengeance. Direct-to-video. Stars: Angus Scrimm. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 90 min., Horror, MGM, $59.95 SRP.
Phantom Lady Innocent man is framed for the murder of his wife. Directed by Robert Siodmak. Stars Franchot Tone, Ella Raines, Elisha Cook Jr., Regis Toomey. Universal Noir Collection, 1944, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98
Phantoms Supernatural thriller about survivors of the disappearance of a small Colorado town who battle a terrifying force of evil that has surfaced from below the earth to destroy mankind. Stars Ben Affleck, Liev Schreiber, Rose McGowan, Joanna Going, Peter O'Toole. Directed by Joe Chappelle. Dimension, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Phoenix Ray (Rat Pack) Liotta stars as a police detective whose gambling habit has gotten him in trouble. Caught between a brutal bookie, a lethal loan shark and a heist gone wrong, he comes up with a daring plan to settle his debts once and for all. Director: Danny Cannon. Stars: Ray Liotta, Anthony LaPaglia, Anjelica Huston, Daniel Baldwin, Jeremy Piven. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 107 min., Thriller, Box office gross: $0.043 million, Trimark, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: Day & Date.
Picnic at Hanging Rock Director Peter Weir's sensuous mystery (based on true story) about the disappearance of three girls on a school picnic in the Australian outback. Weird mix of Victorian repression, supernatural unease & primitive longing. Director's cut, with theatrical trailer, digitally remastered, letterboxed, unavailable for 15 years. 1975, MPAA rating: NR, 107 min., Drama, Home Vision, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: Day & Date.
Picture Perfect Talented advertising director (Jennifer Aniston) can't get a promotion until she can prove that she's settled down, so she creates a fictitious fiance based on someone she met at a wedding. All goes well - until she has to produce him. Another comedy of misunderstandings, mixed signals and deception. Disappointing in its predictability. Co-stars Jay Mohr, Kevin Bacon, Olympia Dukakis. Illeana Douglas. Fox, 1997, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental.
Pillow Book, The Sensuous story of woman whose life is affected by two family traditions: body painting and readings from "The Pillow Book," written by an aristocratic lady-in-waiting to the Japanese Imperial Court in the Tenth century. Stars Vivian Wu, Ewan McGregor, Ken Ogata, Judy Ongg. Columbia TriStar, 1997, MPAA rating: NC-17, priced for rental.
Pink Jungle, The Comedy/Adventure about a photographer on assignment in South America who gets caught up in diamond smuggling. Stars James Garner, Eva Renzi, Michael Ansara, George Kennedy. Directed by Delbert Mann. Universal, 1968, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98
Players Club, The Ice Cube wrote, directed and starred in this comedy about the behind-the-scenes action at a private men's club. Director: Ice Cube. Stars: Ice Cube, Bernie Mac, Jamie Foxx, Monica Calhoun. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 103 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $22.973 million, New Line, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Playing God A Los Angeles surgeon (David Duchovny) is stripped of his license after performing an operation while incapacitated and becomes a "gunshot doctor" for a criminal (Timothy Hutton). Should he keep his lurid life or face his demons and regain his destiny? Should Duchovny stick to "The X-Files"? Co-stars Angelina Jolie. Buena Vista, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Pocahontas: Journey to a New World Direct-to-video sequel has Pocahontas and her friends embarking on a thrilling adventure to England in 1612. Plenty of history-distortions and new musical numbers. Voices of Irene Bedard, Judy Kuhn, David Ogden Stiers, Billy Zane. Jean Stapleton. Disney, 1998, MPAA rating: G, $26.99.
Police Story Jackie Chan stars in and directs this martial arts cop drama cum comedy about a "one-man police force" after the Hong Kong mob. First of the Police Story trilogy. Stars Jackie Chan, Maggie Cheung, Bridget Lin. Directed by Jackie Chan. New Line, 1985, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental.
Ponette A four-year-old girl must come to grips with the death of her mother after she's sent to live with her aunt and cousins; shot with a "pre-school "point of view. Stars Victoire Thivisol. Directed by Jacques Doillon. Fox Lorber, 1997, MPAA rating: NR, priced for rental.
Postman, The Kevin Costner stars as a lone drifter who becomes an inspirational force in uniting America after the Apocalypse. Directed by Kevin Costner. Warner, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Power Rangers in Space Latest feature length outing for the fading heroes of the kids cult circuit. Direct-to-video. 1998, CC, Action, Fox, $14.98 SRP.
Price Above Rubies, A The young wife of a Hasidic scholar grows restless and discontented with her proper life and develops a growing desire for independence. Stars: Renee Zellweger, Julianna Margulies, Glenn Fitzgerald. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 120 min., Drama, Box office gross: $1.081 million, Miramax, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Primary Colors" Timely look at a Southern candidate's run for the White House and the attendant machinations, scandals and games that play out before election day. Based on the best-selling novel (by anonymous) that was loosely based on the Clinton campaign. Director: Mike Nichols. Stars: John Travolta, Emma Thompsom, Kathy Bates, BillyBob Thornton, Larry Hagman, Muura Tierney. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 104min., Comedy-Drama, Box office gross: $38.966 million, Universal, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: Yes.
Prince Valiant Dumb adventures of comic book hero Prince Valiant, thankfully never released on these shores. Stars Ron Perlman, Joanna Lumley. Fox, 1998, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental.
Prophecy II, The Direct to video sequel in which the angel Gabriel (Christopher Walken) returns to Earth to lead the forces of evil against mankind; all that stands in his way is a young woman (Jennifer Beals) impregnated by a good angel (Russell Wong) to give birth to a half angel/human savior. Dimension, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Proposition, The Childless rich couple get more than they bargained for when they hire a young man to father their child: betrayal, scandal and murder. Stars William Hurt, Madeleine Stowe, Neil Patrick Harris, Kenneth Branagh. PolyGram, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Quest for Camelot The animated adventures of a brave young woman and her friends who journey to rescue Camelot from the evil forces who have captured the magical sword Excalibur. Stars: Voices of Pierce Brosnan, Gary Oldman, Jane Seymour, Gabriel Byrne, Cary Elwes, Don Rickles. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: G, 86 min., Animated, Box office gross: $22.413 million, Warner Bros. Family Entertainment, $22.95 SRP. DVD: Day & Date.
Quick Silver Highway A mysterious storyteller has the power to make his listeners end up as the subjects of his terrorizing stories. Stars Christopher Lloyd, Matt Frewer. Directed by Mick Garris. Fox, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental. Trea">
Rage, The Action-thriller about an FBI agent tracking down a ruthless psychopath who has launched an assassination plot against military and political leaders. Not released in the States. Stars Lorenzo Lamas, Gary Busey, Roy Scheider. Dimension, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Rat Pack, The HBO's captivating profile of the Rat Pack -- Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop and their swingin' '50s and failed attempt to ride politics into the 1960s -- comes to home video. Ring a ding ding. Director: Rob Cohen. Stars: Ray Liotta, Joe Mantegna, Don Cheadle, William Peterson, Angus MacFadyen. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 120 min., Drama, Box office gross: $ million, HBO, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: Day & Date.
Real Blonde, The Comic tale of a young man's quest for true love, epitomized by his search for a Real Blonde. Set amid the glittering world of New York's fashion and entertainment industries. Should be a sleeper on video. Stars Matthew Modine, Catherine Keener, Daryl Hannah, Maxwell Caulfield, Elizabeth Berkley. Directed by Tom DiCillo. Paramount, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental. DVD: No.
Red Cherry Story of two childhood friends, orphaned in China and sent to school in Russia, and their struggle through the horrors of World War II. In Mandarin with English subtitles. Stars Guo Ke-Ye. Directed by Ye Ying. Fox Lorber, 1995, MPAA rating: NR, priced for rental.
Red Corner Justice -- the Red Chinese way -- comes to the fore in this thriller about an American entertainment attorney wrongfully accused of killing a women in mainland China. Stars Richard Gere, Bai Ling. MGM, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Reincarnation of Golden Lotus, The A young dancer caught in the anarchy of the Cultural Revolution discovers uncanny similarities between her life and that of a 12th century enchantress who is raped, persecuted, unhappily married to a rich man and who got revenge against her enemies. In Mandarin with English subtitles. Stars Joi Wong, Eric Tsang, Lam Chun Yen. New Yorker, 1984, MPAA rating: NR, $89.95, priced for rental.
Replacement Killers, The Action adventure in the vein of the great Hong Kong shoot'em ups, starring one of the knights of Chinese action, Chow Yun-Fat. Here he's a hit man who backs off from a killing only to face an army of killers sent to execute him. He's aided by a killer of a female, Mira Sorvino. Directed by Antoine Fuqua. Columbia TriStar, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Repulsion Roman Polanski's first successful release, with Catherine Deneuve as a young, quiet woman alone in her London apartment, both attracted to and repulsed by sex, pushed over the edge and slowly but surely falling into a surreal, psychotic nightmare existence. Stars Catherine Deneuve. Columbia TriStar, 1965, MPAA rating: NR, $19.95
Requiem for a Heavyweight Big screen adaptation of Rod Serling's classic telefilm about a washed-up fighter forced back into the ring by an unscrupulous manager to pay off mob debts. A classic. Stars Anthony Quinn, Mickey Rooney, Julie Harris, Jackie Gleason. Columbia TriStar, 1962, MPAA rating: NR, $19.95
Richie Rich'$ Christmas Wish Kid-friendly twist on "It's a Wonderful Life," with Harvey Comics' Richie Rich wishing he was never born. When his wish comes true, he has to get back to his real life and save Christmas for his friends and family. Direct-to-video. Stars: David Gallagher, Martin Mull, Lesley Ann Warren, Eugene Levy, Michelle Trachtenberg. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: NR, 85 min., Family, Warner, $19.96 SRP.
Ride Hip-Hop comedy about a group of wannabe singers and rappers from harlem who have to get to Miami in 24 hours to make their fortune in the music biz. Stars: Guest appearnaces by Snoop Doggy Dogg, Doctor Dre, MTV's Downtown Julie Brown. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 84 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $5.476 million, Miramax, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Rocketman Dumb comedy about a bumbling NASA scientist selected as last-minute replacement on a manned mission to Mars, where he wrecks havoc, falls for a voluptuous female Mission Specialist, and gets outwitted by a mischievous chimp. Stars Harland Williams, Jessica Lundy, William Sadler. Buena Vista, 1997, MPAA rating: PG, priced for rental.
Rocky Horror Picture Show, The The cult fave comes to home video in special editions that contains additional footage (two numbers: "Superheroes" and "Once in a While") in widescreen and pan-and-scan versions at $19.98 and $14.98 respectively. Director: Jim Sharman. Stars: Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick. 1975, CC, MPAA rating: R, min., Musical, Fox.
Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella "The Wonderful World of Disney" tele-musical version of Cinderella. Stars Whitney Houston, Brandy, Jason Alexander. Buena Vista, 1997, MPAA rating: NR, $19.99
Royal Deceit Murder, passion, betrayal in 6th century Denmark and Scotland as a young prince avenges the murder of his father, the king, at the hands of his uncle. Sound familiar? Not released theatrically in the States. Stars Christian Bale, Gabriel Byrne, Helen Mirren. Miramax, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer -- the Movie New version of the Christmas classic. Stars: Voices of John Goodman, Eric Idle, Bob Newhart, Sarah Jessica Parker, Debbie Reynolds, Whoopie Goldberg. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: NR, 90 min., Animated, GoodTimes, $14.99 SRP. DVD: No.
Saint Michael Had a Rooster Directed by Paolo and Vittorio Taviani, based on a story by Leo Tolstoy, about the life of a romantic idealist and leader of a group of anarchists in Italy in the last quarter of the 19th century. In Italian with English subtitles. Stars Giulip Brogi. Fox Lorber, MPAA rating: NR, priced for rental.
Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island Scooby-Doo, Shaggy Velma, Daphne and Fred reunite to investigate a haunted mansion in the deep bayous of Louisiana in this direct-to-video animated film based on the long-running cartoon series. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: NR, 70 min., Animated, Warner Bros. Family Entertainment, $19.96 SRP.
Scream 2 The crew from "Scream" return for more chills, thrills, and bloody spills. This time around there's a copy-cat killer who shows up after a movie is made of the book about the first set of Scream killings. Self-referential, anyone? Stars Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Jada Pinkett-Smith. Directed by Wes Craven. Dimension, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Searchers, The Restored classic, with documentary in clamshell packaging; pan-and-scan and widescreen versions. Director: John Ford. Stars: John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter, Vera Miles, Ward Bond, Natalie Wood. 1956, CC, 119 min., Western, Warner, $19.95 SRP.
Secret of NIMH 2, The Sequel to the animated "The Secret of NIMH," about a widowed mouse who becomes a heroine when she saves her threatened homestead. In this feature, when the mice of Thorn Valley need a hero, they turn to brave Timmy to save the day. Direct-to-video. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: NR, 70 min., Animated, MGM, $14.95 SRP.
A Self Made Hero Comedy about a mamma's boy who fancies himself a leader of the French Resistance. In French with English subtitles; letterboxed. Stars Mathieu Kassovitz, Anouk Grinberg. New Yorker, 1997, MPAA rating: NR, $89.95, priced for rental.
Senseless Impoverished but brilliant economic student takes odd jobs to pay his way through college, finally entering a competition for a $60,000 award, in which he faces fierce competition. In the midst of battle, he takes one more job: testing a drug that's supposed to heighten his senses. Naturally, this comedy makes him "senseless." Stars Marlon Wayans, David Spade, Rip Torn. Directed by Penelope Spheeris. Miramax, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Seven Years in Tibet Vehicle for Brad Pitt has him star as Austrian mountaineer who escapes British prisoner of war camp, climbs Himalayas and is transformed by his meetings with Tibet's Dalai Lama. Co-stars David Thewlis, B.D. Wong. In widescreen and pan-and-scan versions. Columbia TriStar, 1997, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental.
Sex and Zen Soft-core adaptation of 17th century erotic Chinese masterpiece "Prayer Mat of the Flesh." In Chinese with English subtitles, English dubbed versions. Stars Lawrence Ng, Amy Yip. Directed by Michael Mah. Indigo Media, 1993, MPAA rating: NR, priced for rental.
Shall We Dance? Sleeper from Japan about over-worked, middle-aged accountant who takes ballroom-dance lessons in order to get close to a beautiful woman, along the way finding a new passion for life. English subtitles. Stars Koji Yakusho, Tamiyo Kusakari. Miramax, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
She's So Lovely Robin Wright Penn and Sean Penn end tempestuous love affair with his incarceration in a mental hospital; 10 years later she has a new life married to wealthy John Travolta but Sean comes looking for her, and rekindles old fires. Miramax, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Shepherd of the Hills A stranger helps Ozark Mountain folk shed their mutual hatreds. In particular, he helps one local moonshiner (John Wayne) overcome the hatred of the father he has never seen, who apparently deserted his mother and left her to die. Stars Harrey Carey Sr., Beulah Bondi. Universal, 1941, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98
Shivers Director's cut of David Cronenberg's first major film, about sexually-tinged parasites that take over a high-rise apartment complex. Originally titled "They Came From Within." Stars Paul Hampton, Joe Silver, Lynn Lowry. Avalanche, 1975, MPAA rating: R, $89.95, priced for rental.
Silence of Neto, The A young boy's coming of age in Guatemala in the 1950s period marked by political upheaval, CIA meddling, and Cold War paranoia. Filmed on location. In Spanish with English subtitles. Stars Eva Tamargo Lemus. Directed by Luis Argueta. Peachtree, 1994, MPAA rating: NR, priced for rental.
Silent Treatment, The Dramatic tale of a once famous composer, silent since the Holocaust, who leaps suddenly back to life. Stars Max von Sydow, Sarah Miles, Lothaire Bluteau, Sofie Grabol. Directed by Krzysztof Zanussi. Peachtree, 1992, MPAA rating: NR, priced for rental.
Six Days, Seven Nights A gruff, wisecracking cargo pilot and a sensual but tough New York magazine editor crash land on a deserted island where they struggle with themselves, their environment and modern-day pirates. Director: Ivan Reitman. Stars: Harrison Ford, Anne Heche. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 102 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $73.088 million, Buena Vista, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: Day and Date.
Slappy and the Stinkers Five inventive 7-year-olds free a 100-pound seal (named Slappy) on a field trip to an aquarium, setting up all sorts of misadventures. Bombed at the box office. In clamshell packaging. Stars Joseph Ashton, Scarlett Pomers, Gary LeRoi Gray. Columbia TriStar, 1998, MPAA rating: PG, $13.95
Sliding Doors Smart drama with a story telling twist about a twentysomething PR exec (Gwyneth Paltrow) whose life goes in two distinct directions -- literally -- when she decides to take a train home. Two different and simultaneous stories unfold side-by-side; the narrative flip-flops seamlessly between the two stories. Co-stars John Hannah, John Lynch, Jeanne Tripplehorn. Directed by Peter Howitt. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 97 min., Drama, Box office gross: $11.827 million, Paramount, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: Day & Date.
Small Soldiers Toy soldiers come alive in this special effects laden saga of military technology used in mass-produced toys, setting off a war between foot-high GI armies the Gorgonites and the Commando Elite. Stars Gregory Smith, Kirsten Dunst, Jay Mohr, David Cross, Phil Hartman, Denis Leary, Ann Magnuson. Directed by Joe Dante. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 109 min., Fantasy, Box office gross: $56.600 million, Universal, $22.99 SRP.
Smile Like Yours, A Greg Kinnear and Lauren Holly star as a happily married couple whose passionate relationship gets stalled when she obsesses on motherhood. When all attempts at natural procreation fail, they turn to artificial means. Haven't we seen this before? Co-stars Joan Cusack. Paramount, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Snowriders Warren Miller Entertainment documentary follows snow riders as they plunge through chest-deep snow powder, launch off cliffs and soar over incredible slopes using skis, snow boards and even inner tubes. 1996, CC, MPAA rating: NR, 96 min., Documentary, Box office gross: $2.035 million, Miramax, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: No.
Snowriders 2: The Journey Continues Warren Miller Entertainment documentary follows skiers as they swish down vertical mountains on mountain bikes, windsurfers, kayaks and skis. 1997, CC, MPAA rating: NR, 94 min., Documentary, Box office gross: $2.263 million, Miramax, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: No.
Something in the Wind Feisty Deanna Durbin plays a young girl trying to swindle a family's fortune -- all with good reason -- in this musical-comedy. Stars Donald O'Connor. Universal, 1947, MPAA rating: NR, $19.98
Sonatine Action comedy about middle-aged gang boss who tries to consolidate his power and is thwarted by his higher-ups. In Japanese with yellow English sub-titles. Stars Takeshi Kitano. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 94 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $0.047 million, Miramax, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Soul Food Mother Joe dishes out more than food to her three daughters and their families at their traditional Sunday supper -- there's advice and love -- until she's felled by illness. A warm family drama. Stars Vanessa L. Williams, Vivica A. Fox, Nia Long, Michael Beach. Fox, 1997, MPAA rating: R, $19.98.
Sour Grapes Seinfeld creator Larry David strikes out with this really dumb comedy about buddies who fight over gambling winnings in Atlantic City. Director: Larry David. Stars: Steven Weber, Craig Bierko, Karen Silas, Viola Harris. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 92 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $0.260 million, Warner, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Spanish Prisoner, The Complex thriller about the young creator of The Process, a top-secret formula, and the con game that springs up around him. Not sure if his bosses are going to cut him in on the profits, he turns to new and old friends for help. But who can he trust? Director: David Mamet. Stars: Campbell Scott, Rebecca Pidgeon, Steve Martin, Ben Gazzara, Ed O'Neil, Rick Jay. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 110 min., Thriller, Box office gross: $8.845 million, Columbia TriStar, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: Day & Date.
Spawn of the North Honest fisherman is forced by Russian pirates to become a one-man vigilante in Alaska in the early part of the century. Stars Henry Fonda, Dorothy Lamour, John Barrymore, George Raft. Directed by Henry Hathaway. Universal, 1938, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98
Species II This sequel to the 1995 box office hit continues in the tradition of splashing blood and guts that has made this alien-being-on-the-rampage genre so popular. Never mind that the story is silly and the performances perfunctory -- go for the gore. Stars Michael Madsen, Natasha Henstridge, Marg Helgenberger, Mykelti Williamson, George Dzundza. Directed by Peter Medak. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 93 min., Sci-Fi, Box office gross: $19.217 million, MGM, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: Day & Date.
Sphere Adaptation of Michael Crichton novel has great cast cavorting undersea to investigate a space ship that has languished at the ocean's bottom for 300 years, leading to alien thrills and chills. Stars Dustin Hoffman, Sharon Stone, Samuel L. Jackson, Peter Coyote, Queen Latifah. Directed by Barry Levinson. Warner, 1998, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental.
Spice World Five days in the life of the Spice Girls. Stars The Spice Girls. Columbia TriStar, 1998, MPAA rating: PG, $14.95
Spirit of Mickey, The A definitive collection of the best Mickey Mouse shorts, featuring "Steamboat Willie," which introduced Mickey to the world, as well as the never-before-released "Orphan's Picnic." Disney, 1998, $22.99.
Squeeze Three Boston teens are in a moral squeeze, caught between gang life and the promises of a youth center. Stars Tyron Burton, Eddie Cutlanda, Phuong Duong. Miramax, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Star Kid The adventures of a dork whose life of derision and comic book worship takes a turn for the better when he joins forces with a seven-foot cyber-warrior from outer space to save the world from intergalactic villains. Stars Joesph Mazzelo. Directed by Manny Coto. Trimark, 1997, MPAA rating: PG, priced for rental.
Star Maps Comedy-drama about young Latino who sells Hollywood star maps to realize his dream of becoming a star. In reality he's a front for prostitutes. Stars Douglas Spain, Effrain Figueros. Fox, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Stargate SG-1 Feature length telefilm that kicked off Showtime's TV series of the same name; based on the 1994 feature film. Stars Richard Dean Anderson. Orion, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Starship Troopers Director Paul Verhoeven brings to life Robert A. Heinlein's 1959 tale of intergalactic war between giant insects and mankind, with extravagant special effects and less-than-spectacular acting and directing. Stars Casper Van Dien, Dina Meyer. Columbia TriStar, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Strategic Command Run of the mill military adventure starring action hero Michael Dudikoff; direct-to-video. Co-stars Paul Winfield, Richard Norton. Cabin Fever, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Student Affair, The Professor has an affair with a lusty co-ed, forcing his wife to hire a private detective, who in turn lusts after the wife. Silly comedy. Stars Ed Begley Jr., Sally Kellerman, Sandra Taylor. Fox, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Substitute 2, The Sequel of sorts to 1996 Tom Berenger teacher revenge flick. Here Treat Williams plays a mercenary who penetrates a high school to avenge the death of his estranged brother, a substitute teacher. Co-stars B.D. Wong, Guru. Artisan Entertainment, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental. DVD: Yes.
Subway Stories All-star cast in 10 stories of the life, laughter, fear, and sex of riding the subway in New York City; an HBO original movie. Stars Anne Heche, Gregory Hines, Bonnie Hunt, Christine Lahti, Denis Leary, Rosie Perez, Mercedes Ruehl, Jerry Stiller, Lili Taylor, Zachary Taylor, Steve Zahn. HBO Home Video, 1997, MPAA rating: NR, priced for rental.
Suicide Kings Plot-twisting thriller about five college preppies who concoct a crazy plan to kidnap a retired mobster and hold him for ransom so that they can, in turn, ransom a kidnapped woman. Director: Peter O'Fallon. Stars Christopher Walken, Henry Thomas, Denis Leary. Moved from September. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 103 min., Thriller, Box office gross: $1.650 million, Artisan, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: Day & Date.
Summer Fling Typical coming-of-age story about 17-year-old with eccentric family who parties all summer awaiting results of his final exams.Teen love and angst. Stars Gabriel Byrne, Catherine O'Hara, Christina Ricci, Jared Leto. Directed by . Miramax, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Summer of the Monkeys Coming of age tale about a young boy who wants to capture four runaway circus chimps for the reward money and fulfill his dream of buying a pony. Stars: Corey Sevier, Michael Ontkean, Wilford Brimley, Leslie Hope. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: 101, G min., Family, Walt Disney, $19.99 SRP. DVD: No.
Swan Princess III and the Mystery of the Enchanted Treasure Second sequel in the animated kids franchise. Here an evil sorceress tries to steal a magical treasure that gives its keeper unlimited power. There's five musical numbers here, as well as a 12-minute sing-a-long at the end. In Duracase packaging. Columbia TriStar, 1998, MPAA rating: G, $14.95
Sweet Hereafter, The Following a tragic bus accident involving children, a high-profile lawyer descends upon a small town with promises of retribution and a class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of the grieving community. Stirring drama. Stars Ian Holm. New Line, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Swept From the Sea Based on Joseph Conrad's "Amy Foster," about a young woman who first befriends and then marries (against the desires of her friends and family) a Ukrainian emigrant who is the sole survivor of a doomed ship headed to America. A poignant tale of courage in the face of hatred, of the resiliency of the human heart. Stars Rachel Weisz, Vincent Perez, Kathy Bates, Ian McKellen. Directed by Beeban Kidron. Columbia TriStar, 1998, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental.
Switchback FBI agent (Randy Quaid) steps outside his job to find the brilliant but nameless serial killer who has kidnapped his son. He tracks down a former railroad man (Danny Glover) and a mysterious hitchhiker, both of whom nay hold the key to the search. Also stars Jared Leto. Paramount, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental. Due June 16.
Tango Lesson, The Written, directed by and starring Sally Potter; the film is an interesting story about a filmmaker who, dissatisfied with her latest screenplay, stumbles upon the tango and an Argentinean tango dancer in Paris, offering to put him in the film if he teaches her to dance. Stars Potter, Pablo Vernon. Columbia TriStar, 1997, MPAA rating: PG, priced for rental.
Tarzan and the Lost City Latest foray at capturing the Edgar Rice Burroughs' jungle king on film falls short of Johnny Weissmuller. Here the ape-man is on the verge of marrying Jane in England when he gets wind (so to speak) of danger back home, and lights out for Africa. Stars Casper Van Dien, Jane March, Steve Waddington. Directed by Carl Schenkel. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 83 min., Adventure, Box office gross: $2.147 million, Warner, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Telling Lies in America Coming-of-age drama about ostracized high school senior who finds solace with the help of a rock 'n' roll DJ during the pop explosion of the early 1960s. Fine performance by Kevin Bacon as the smoothtalking DJ. Written by Joe Eszterhas. Co-stars Brad Renfro, Calista Flockhart, Maximilian Schell. BMG, 1997, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental.
Temptress Moon From the director of "Farewell My Concubine" comes this sweeping drama of love, jealousy, seduction and betrayal that follows the life of a young man who seduces and blackmails rich women for his crime boss. In Chinese with English subtitles. Stars Leslie Cheung, Gong Li, Kevin Lin. Miramax, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The: The Next Gen. The title says it all. Stars Renee Zellweger, Matthew McConaughey. Columbia TriStar, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
This World, Then the Fireworks Bad-to-the-bone twins (Billy Zane and Gina Gershon) use their physical beauty to get what they want in life. When they go after new prey, a repressed female cop, who has some powerful needs not to mention prime beach front property, they met their match. Co-stars Sheryl Lee. Directed by Michael Oblovitz. Orion, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Thousand Acres, A Rich land-owner (Jason Robards) distributes his 1,000 acre farm equally to three daughters, dividing the family as long-guarded secrets, unspoken rivalries, frustrated desires surface. "King Lear" is turning in his grave. Stars Michelle Pfeiffer, Jessica Lange, Jennifer Jason Leigh. Buena Vista, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Three for the Show Musical remake of 1940 comedy "Too Many Husbands," with Betty Grable planning a musical comedy star whose husband (Jack Lemmon) is reported missing in action during WW2. When she marries his best friend, who should return from the dead to claim his wife? Co-stars Gower Champion. Columbia TriStar, 1955, MPAA rating: NR, $19.95.
Three Lives and Only One Death A banker/armsdealer is caught in a surrealistic shell game in which the primary players remain a mystery, including a traveling salesman, a professor of Negative Anthropology and an opulent butler. In French with English subtitles. Stars Marcello Mastroianni, Anna Galiena, Marisa Paredes, Chiara Mastroianni. New Yorker, 1996, MPAA rating: NR, priced for rental.
3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain The three unstoppable Ninja brothers are back in this direct-to-video sequel that follows their adventures at an amusement park, trying to save their hero Dave Dragon from some evil folks. Stars: Hulk Hogan, Jim Varney, Loni Anderson. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 94 min., Adventure, Columbia TriStar, $13.95 SRP.
Tight Spot Hard-boiled model serving a prison term for a crime she didn't commit is offered freedom in exchange for appearing as a material witness in the trial of a big-time mobster. Exciting mid-1950s acting and pyrotechnics. New to video. Stars Ginger Rogers, Edgar G. Robinson, Lorne Greene, Brian Keith. Columbia TriStar, 1955, MPAA rating: NR, $19.95
Titanic The box office behemoth wends its way to home video in pan-and-scan and widescreen THX versions. Director: James Cameron. Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates, Gloria Stuart, Frances Fisher. 1997, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 194 min., Romantic adventure, Box office gross: $581.000 million, Paramount, $29.95 SRP.
To Each His Own Olivia de Havilland plays a woman who falls for a dashing WWI fighter pilot who's killed on a mission. When she bears his child, she puts the boy up for adoption. She later becomes a success, but must watch her son grow up in someone else's arms. Stars John Lund, Mary Anderson. Universal, 1946, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98
To Kill a Mockingbird Classic film based on Pulitzer Prize-winning Harper Lee novel with Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch, a small town lawyer in 1930s South defending a black man against charges of raping a white woman; Robert Duvall made his debut as Boo Radley. Pan-and-scan and widescreen. Co-stars Mary Badham, Philip Alford, John Megna. Universal, 1962, MPAA rating: NR, $19.98
Tomahawk Western that follows the plight of Indian sympathizer Jim Bridger and his attempts to stop a government wagon route to be built through Sioux hunting grounds. Stars Van Heflin, Yvonne De Carlo. Universal Western Collection, 1951, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98
Tomorrow Never Dies Latest James Bond epic pits 007 against an evil media baron (Jonathan Pryce) who wants to start a naval war between China and Great Britain. Joining him in his adventures is Chinese action heroine Michelle Yeoh, who out-Bonds the hero. Stars Pierce Brosnan, Jonathan Pryce, Michelle Yeoh, Teri Hatcher. MGM, 1997, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental.
Top of the World Ex-cop turned ex-con travels to Las Vegas to win back his estranged wife and inadvertantly wins big at a slot machine. Instead of offering him a change of life, the win causes him to be mistaken for a thief and hunted by a killer. Stars: Peter Weller, Dennis Hopper, Tia Carrere, David Allen Grier, Joe Pantoliano, Peter Coyote. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 98 min., Thriller, Trimark, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Trail of the Lonesome Pine, The A young engineer (Fred MacMurray) comes to the Blue Ridge Mountains to build a railroad through the underdeveloped goal lands and gets caught up in a bitter family feud. Stars Henry Fonda, Sylvia Sidney. Universal, 1936, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98
Trial, The Orson Welle's unique adaptation of Franz Kafka's classic novel. Restored widescreen edition. Director: Orson Welles. Stars: Anthony Perlins, Jeanne Moreau, Orson Welles. 1963, CC, MPAA rating: NR, 119 min., Drama, New Yorker, $29.95 SRP.
Truce, The Based on renowned writer Primo Levi's thought-provoking and emotionally compelling account of his journey back to his homeland at the end of World War II. Along the way he rediscovers friendship, love and laughter. Stars: John Turturro. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 117 min., Drama, Box office gross: $0.149 million, Miramax, No SRP, Priced for rental.
True Women Friendship, romance, courage and survival in the Old West as two sisters struggle to protect their Texas homeland while their men are off fighting in the Civil War. Telefilm stars Dana Delaney, Annabeth Gish, Angelina Jolie. Hallmark, 1997, MPAA rating: PG, $14.98
12 Angry Men William Friedkin directs this telefilm remake of Sidney Lumet's 1957 classic film (itself based on Reginald Rose's teleplay) about 12 jurors and their search for the truth in a trial. Stars Ossie Davis, George C. Scott, Dorian Harewood, Tony Danza, Jack Lemmon, Hume Cronyn. Orion, 1997, MPAA rating: PG-13, $59.99, priced for rental.
TwentyFourSeven From the poverty and despair of a small industrial town, one man with a dream forms a boxing club to give troubled teens self-respect and a fighting chance. Hard-boiled down-and-out British drama. Stars: Bob Hoskins. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 96 min., Drama, Box office gross: $0.050 million, Universal, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Twilight A retired private investigator (Paul Newman) aggrees to help his movie star friends (Susan Sarandon and Gene Hackman) and becomes embroiled in a dangerous and complex murder mystery. Director: Robert Benton. Stars: Paul Newman, Susan Sarandon, Gene Hackman, Stockard Channing. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 96 min., Suspense, Box office gross: $15.030 million, Paramount, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Twilight of the Golds Family that appears to have everything going for it enters a period of crisis when confronted with searing revelations about their children. Originally broadcast on Showtime, followed by a weak theatrical release. Stars Brendan Fraser, Faue Dunaway, Jennifer Beals, Garry Marshall, Jon Tenny. BMG, 1997, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental.
Two Friends Follows the friendship of two seemingly different girls: one a promiscuous squatter experimenting with drugs, the other a student at an elite girls' high school. Stars Emma Coles, Kris Bidenko, Kris McQuade. Directed by Jane Campion. New Yorker, 1998, MPAA rating: NR, $89.95.
Two Girls and a Guy Two beautiful young women compare notes about their respective "world's greatest boyfriend" and discover they're talking about the same guy. Sparks fly when the girls team up to confront their two-timing lover. Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Heather Graham, Natasha Wagner. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 100 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $1.909 million, Fox, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Two Years Before the Mast Based on the Richard Henry Dana book, set in the 1840s, about a rich man and idealistic writer who takes part on a voyage on one of his father's ships, discovers the brutality involved and leads the sailors to a mutiny. Stars Alan Ladd, Brian Donlevy, Howard da Silva, William Bendix. Universal, 1946, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98
U-Turn There's sex, murder and betrayal in Superior, Arizona, as a gambler on his way to pay off a Vegas debt gets stuck in the weirdness of a desert mining town. Stars Sean Penn, Billy Bob Thornton, Jon Voight, Jennifer Lopez, Claire Danes, Nick Nolte, Joaquin Phoenix. Columbia TriStar, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
U.S. Marshals Tommy Lee Jones returns as tough, relentless Chief Deputy Marshal Sam Gerard in this spin-off from "The Fugitive" (sans Harrison Ford as Dr. Richard Kimble of course). This time out Gerard chases down fugitive Wesley Snipes after he escapes from a plane crash. Exciting stuff. Also stars Robert Downey Jr., Joe Pantoliano. Directed by Stuart Baird. Warner, 1998, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental.
Ulee's Gold Critically acclaimed drama about a beekeeper in Florida who's reunited with the family he has long ignored and the love he had long forgotten. Stars Peter Fonda, Patricia Richardson. Orion, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Up in Central Park Musical-comedy with Deanna Durbin portraying a young Irish immigrant who comes to America with her father and gets involved with a crooked politician. Stars Dick Haymes, Vincent Price. Universal, 1948, MPAA rating: NR, $19.98
Wag the Dog Terrific political satire (and most topical) about the spin control put into motion to divert attention from a sex scandal in the White House. A fake war in Albania is created, setting off all sorts of repercussions. Great acting by all concerned. Stars Dustin Hoffman, Robert De Niro, Anne Heche. Directed by Barry Levinson. New Line, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Washington Square Based on the Henry James novel, this melodrama is the story of a young heiress torn between her domineering father and a charming, handsome yet penniless young man. Her quandary: does he love her for herself or her money? Stars Jennifer Jason Leigh, Ben Chaplin, Albert Finney, Maggie Smith. Buena Vista, 1997, MPAA rating: PG, priced for rental.
Wedding Singer, The Winning romantic comedy about the trials and tribulations of a struggling singer/songwriter in 1985 who makes ends meet performing at bar mitzvahs and weddings. His loser life is enlivened by a romance with a klutzy waitress. Stars Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore. Directed by Frank Coraci. New Line, 1998, MPAA rating: PG-13, priced for rental.
Welcome to Sarajevo Based on true stories of TV journalists covering the war in Sarajevo: specifically several jaded members of the press who sought to help some of the children orphaned by the war in Bosnia. Stars Woody Harrelson, Marisa Tomei, Emily Lloyd. Directed by Michael Winterbottom. Miramax, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Wes Craven's Wishmaster An ancient Djinn (genie) is awakened and transported to Los Angeles, where he roams the streets, granting malevolent wishes and wrecking havoc. Produced by Wes Craven. Stars Tammy Lauren, Andrew Divoff, Robert Englund. LIVE, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
When Pigs Fly Supernatural fantasy about a woman and a girl, tied to a rocking chair in which they both died -- 100 years apart -- and what happens when the chair -- and the spirits -- are given to a down and out jazz musician. Stars Marianne Faithfull, Alfred Molina, Seymour Cassel. Directed by Sara Driver. Peachtree, 1993, MPAA rating: NR, priced for rental.
When the Cat's Away A lonely make-up artist returns from vacation to find that the cat she had entrusted to a dotty old lady has disappeared; her quest to find the feline leads her to a Parisian world she didn't know existed and where she finds the cat and love. French with English subtitles. Stars Garance Clavel, Olivier Py, Renee Le Calm. Columbia TriStar, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Whole Town's Talking, The A mild-mannered average Joe is mistaken for a recently escaped mobster. Given an identification pass by the police to clear himself, the man is embroiled in trouble when the bad guy steals the pass and strikes out on a crime spree. Stars Edward G. Robinson in a dual role, Jean Arthur. Directed by John Ford. Columbia TriStar Classics, 1935, MPAA rating: NR, $19.95
Why Do Fools Fall in Love Musical biopic of famed teenage heartthrob rocker Frankie Lymon told in flashbacks from the point of view of his three wives -- Rashomon style -- as they contest the deceased musician's estate. Fine slice of life of the '60s coupled with sturdy performances by all involved. Director: Gregory Nava. Stars: Halle Berry, Vivica A. Fox, Lela Rochon, Larenz Tate. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 116 min., Biopic, Box office gross: $12.273 million, Warner, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Wide Awake Coming of age comedy about a 10-year-old boy's search for the meaning of life. Stars: Joseph Cross, Rosie O'Donnell, Denis Leary, Dana Delany, Robert Loggia. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 88 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $0.258 million, Miramax, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Wild Horses When an elderly pensioner robs a bank to recover his $15,000 nest egg, one of the clerks gives him $500,000 and volunteers to be his hostage. On the lam together they contact the press about the illegal origins of the money and in the process become folk heroes. In Spanish with English subtitles. Stars Hector Alterio, Leonardo Sbaraglia, Cecilia Dopazo. New Yorker, 1995, MPAA rating: NR, priced for rental.
Wild Things A scandalous, twisted tale of revenge, sex and murder set against the backdrop of a tony yachting enclave in Florida unfolds when a guidance counselor is accused of sexually assaulting high school students. Twists and turns galore with hot young cast Director: John McNaughton. Stars: Neve Campbell, Matt Dillon, Kevin Bacon, Denise Richards. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: R, 108 min., Thriller, Box office gross: $29.753 million, Columbia TriStar, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: Yes.
Wings of the Dove, The Wealthy young woman falls in love with a journalist, whose station in life is far below hers, and she must decide to go with her heart -- and live virtually penniless -- or go with her position and wealth. Based on the Henry James story. Stars Helena Bonham Carter, Charlotte Rampling, Elizabeth McGovern. Directed by Iain Softley. Miramax, 1997, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Winter Guest, The Drama about a grieving widow who unwittingly finds emotional support from her very independent mother. First directorial outing for actor Alan Rickman. Stars Phyllida Law, Emma Thompson. New Line, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Witches, The (a k a The Devil's Own African witchcraft haunts an English teacher in this Hammer horror film released in widescreen. Features U.S. and U.K. trailers. Stars Joan Fontaine. New-to-video. Anchor Bay, 1966, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98 Bride)">
Woo Jada Pinkett Smith stars as Woo, a woman who has it all except for a man she can love and respect. Taking a chance on a blind date, she spends one hilarious night in NYC with a mild-mannered law clerk. Co-stars Tommy Davidson, Dave Chappelle, Duane Martin, LL Cool J. Directed by Daisy V.S. Mayer. New Line, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.
Woody Allen Wild Man Blues Documentary follows Woody Allen on a whirlwind tour of Europe with his New Orleans jazz band. For die-hard Allen fans only. Director: Barbara Kopple. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 103 min., Documentary, Box office gross: $0.526 million, New Line, No SRP, Priced for rental.
Wrongfully Accused Leslie Nielsen returns in yet another spoof-mode, here playing Ryan Harrison -- get it?-- wrongfully accused of a string of crossbow murders. He's on the lam, chasing after the real culprit: a one-armed, one-eyed, one-legged man. Sound familiar? Director: Pat Proft. Stars: Leslie Nielsen, Richard Crenna, Kelly Le Brock, Michael York, Sandra Bernhard. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 86 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $9.610 million, Warner, No SRP, Priced for rental. DVD: Day & Date.
X-Files, The The cult-TV show is transposed to the big screen with giant sound and special effects. Agents Scully and Mulder come across a conspiracy by a shadow government that has struck a deal with colonizing ETs. The 50-year-long coverup goes awry when a deadly virus -- actually a life form that needs to be incubated in human hosts - - is set loose and Mulder and Scully jump in to save the world. Complicated plot requires a bit of knowledge of the TV show to help get one through the rough spots. In pan-and-scan and widescreen. Features extra footage and interviews with Chris Carter and Gillian Anderson. Stars David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Martin Landau, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Blythe Danner. Directed by Rob Bowman. 1998, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 121 min., Sci-fi, Box office gross: $83.000 million, Fox, pan-and-scan $22.98, widescreen $24.98.
You Gotta Stay Happy Romantic comedy about an heiress who marries a proper man, realizes on her honeymoon that he's not right for her, flees to the adjacent hotel room of a cargo plane company owner who she persuades to take her to California, where they fall in love. Stars Joan Fontaine, James Stewart, Eddie Albert. Directed by H.C. Potter. Universal, 1948, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98
You and Me An ex-convict marries a woman who keeps her own past a secret out of fear that she will lose him. Directed by Fritz Lang. Stars George Raft, Sylvia Sidney, Robert Cummings. Universal Noir Collection, 1938, MPAA rating: NR, $14.98
Zero Effect Lawrence Kasdan's 22-year-old son directed and wrote this detective thriller about very private detective Daryl Zero whose latest case (a blackmailed lumber tycoon) leads him to fall for a quiet paramedic. Too much talk and not enough action. Stars Bill Pullman, Ben Stiller, Ryan O'Neal, Kim Dickens. Warner, 1998, MPAA rating: R, priced for rental.

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