Video buyers guide July-November 1998

Drug Store News, July 6, 1998

Republic Entertainment will offer three Natalie Wood films for the first time on home video: "Driftwood," "The Rose Bowl Story" and "Marjorie Morningstar" ($14.98 each; pre-book July 28, street date Aug. 18).

Sony Wonder will re-release two Sesame Street classics: "Elmo Saves Christmas" and "Christmas Eve on Sesame Street" (both $12.98; pre-book Aug. 6, street date Sept. 1).

Other holiday titles include the animated video "The Forgotten Toys" ($12.98), "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" with the Kidsongs Kids ($12.98), and from Golden Books, "Cricket on the Hearth," an animated version of Charles Dickens' Christmas story ($12.98).

Titles from Golden Family Entertainment ($9.98 each) include "Encyclopedia Brown: The Case of the Missing UFO," "The Great Harbor Rescue" and "Mercer Mayer: Herbert the Timid Dragon." From Random House comes "Arthur's Lost Library Book," "Arthur's Teacher Trouble" (both $12.98), "Dr. Seuss's ABC" ($7.98), "Richard Scarry's Best ABC Video Ever!" and "Richard Scarry's Best Counting Video Ever!" (both $9.98).

Sony will also release two videos in the new Adventures in Biggieland series from the Kidsongs line: "Meet the Biggies" and "Billies Birthday" ($12.98; pre-book Aug. 6, street date Aug. 25).

Also from Sony are two new titles in the Beginner's Bible series: "The Story of Jesus and His Miracles" and "The Story of the Good Samaritan." Each video features two songs, including the theme song, performed by Kathie Lee Gifford. ($9.98; pre-book Aug. 6, street date Sept. 1).

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment will feature "Casper Meets Wendy," a new live-action, feature-length film with special "ghost" effects ($19.98; pre-book Aug. 26, street date Sept.22). Also available for the first time since a moratorium began November 1997 is the "Rocky Horror Picture Show Special Edition," ($14.98; pre-book Aug. 28, street date Sept. 15). In a salute to the great Hollywood cowboys, Fox will feature three John Wayne films: "The Undefeated," "The Comancheros" and "North to Alaska" ($14.98 each; street date Aug. 4). Also from Fox: three new live-action videos based on "Captain Kangaroo," the television show launched 40 years ago and now syndicated on the Fox Family Channel ($12.98; pre-book July 24, street date Aug. 11). Another video debut is three Space Goofs titles from the Fox Kids Network show: "Alien Antics," "Cartoon Tales" and "Animal Crack-ups" ($9.98; pro-book July 24, street date Aug. 11).

Fox is also gearing up for the 30th anniversary release of "Planet of the Apes" and its four sequels: "Beneath the Planet of the Apes," "Escape from the Planet of the Apes," "Conquest of the Planet of the Apes" and "Battle for the Planet of the Apes" ($14.98 each; pre-book July 31, street Aug. 18).

Universal Studios Home Video will lift a six-year moratorium and relaunch "An American Tail," and will also re-release "An American Tail: Fievel Goes West," available in a two pack ($29.95) or as singles ($19.98 each; pre-book July 14, street date Aug. 11). The digitally re-mastered titles precede the release later this year of "An American Tail III: The Treasure of Manhattan Island," the first direct-to-video sequel to the two theatrical films. The relaunch will be supported with a broadcast and print campaign targeted to parents and children ages 2 to 11. The two-pack comes with a free "An American Tail" moviebook CD-ROM, valued at $29.99, which includes a story of Fievel, detailed illustrations, 25 story screens, puzzles and other features, including an interactive mode. Also in the two-pack is a savings package offer for a family trip to Universal Studios Florida.