Movies with international intrigue dominate this week`s lineup of new releases on video.
The cold-war thriller ”The Russia House” premieres Wednesday from MGM/
UA Home Video (rated R, $94.99 VHS, closed-captioned or with Spanish subtitles; $29.98 for 8 mm or letterboxed laserdisc).
Based on John Le Carre`s best-selling novel of the same name, ”The Russia House” stars Sean Connery as Barley Blair, a British book publisher who unwittingly becomes entangled in a sticky situation. While traveling in the Soviet Union, Blair receives a manuscript that, if published, could upset the balance of world power.
Western intelligence experts recruit Blair to help them find the manuscript`s author (Klaus Maria Brandauer). When Blair falls in love with the author`s beautiful friend (Michelle Pfeiffer), his loyalty is put to the ultimate test. Roy Scheider also stars. Star rating: (STAR)(STAR)(STAR) 1/2
(Dave Kehr), (STAR)(STAR)(STAR) 1/2 Gene Siskel
Walt Disney`s epic adventure ”Shipwrecked” (Disney Home Video, PG, $92.95 VHS or Beta, closed-captioned), also arriving Wednesday, was filmed on location from Spain to Fiji. Gabriel Byrne and Stian Smestad star in the story of a young sailor who becomes stranded on a remote island ruled by ruthless pirates. The family-oriented movie is based on a classic Norwegian novel called ”Haakon Haakonsen.” Star rating: (STAR)(STAR) (Siskel)
”Hidden Agenda” (HBO Video, R, $92.99), the 1990 Cannes Film Festival Special Jury Prize Winner, is also scheduled for Wednesday release. A political thriller about a human rights activist, an American lawyer and a British investigator who attempt to uncover a government murder conspiracy in Northern Ireland, it stars Frances McDormand, Brad Dourif and Brian Cox. Star rating: (STAR)(STAR) (Siskel)
Steve Martin`s irreverent tribute to what may be the world`s wackiest city, ”L.A. Story,” premieres on video Thursday (from LIVE Home Video, PG-13, $92.95, closed-captioned). Martin plays a weatherman stuck in a boring job and a dead-end relationship, amid stereotypically Californian fruits, nuts and flakes (including Marilu Henner and Richard E. Grant). Martin`s real-life wife, Victoria Tennant, adds the romantic spark. Star rating: (STAR)(STAR)
(Kehr), (STAR)(STAR) (Siskel)
The military drama ”Flight of the Intruder” (Paramount Home Video, PG-13, no suggested retail price, closed-captioned) also zooms into stores on Thursday. Set in 1972 on an aircraft carrier in the South China Sea and in enemy airspace above North Vietnam, it features a jaded Navy pilot (Brad Johnson) and his new bombardier (Willem Dafoe) who conduct an unauthorized flight deep behind enemy lines. This action gets them in hot water with their by-the-book commander (Danny Glover). Rosanna Arquette co-stars. Star rating: (STAR)(STAR) (Kehr), (STAR)(STAR) (Siskel)
Vintage-TV buffs will welcome Thursday`s debut of four new volumes in the ”Bonanza” collection (from Republic Pictures Home Video, $14.98 each or $59.98 for a boxed gift set; closed-captioned). Each 50-minute tape features
”Bonanza” regulars Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, Dan Blocker and Pernell Roberts in episodes originally broadcast between 1959 and 1963. Vol. 5,
”Enter Mark Twain,” includes guest star Howard Duff; Vol. 6, ”Silent Thunder,” stars Stella Stevens; Vol. 7, ”The Crucible,” stars Lee Marvin;
and Vol. 8, ”Any Friend of Walter`s,” stars Arthur Hunnicutt.
On July 19, parents should keep an eye out for the delightful animated musical ”The Brave Little Toaster” (Walt Disney Home Video, not rated, $19.99, closed-captioned). A little-known independent production from 1987, this heartwarming film has appeared on the Disney Channel and has garnered such honors as the Parent`s Choice Award, the Ace Award and an Emmy nomination. It follows five frisky appliances (a toaster, a radio, a lamp, an electric blanket and a vacuum cleaner) who are sad to be left in an abandoned vacation home and set out on a remarkable journey to find their master in the big city. The voices of Jon Lovitz and Phil Hartman are featured.
Your mail
Q-I can`t seem to find two German films called ”The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” (1919) and ”Baron Muenchhausen” (1943). Both were remade in 1989. Where can I find the originals?
A-Facets Video, 1517 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago (312-281-9075 or 800-331-6197) has Robert Wiene`s 1919 ”The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” (priced at $19.95) and Josef von Baky`s 1943 ”Baron Muenchhausen” ($69.95), both in German with English subtitles. Movies Unlimited (800-523-0823) also carries a 1962 Czech production called ”Baron Munchausen” ($29.99), which is dubbed in English.
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Having trouble tracking down a videotape? Write to Mary Stevens, Friday Audio-Video Section, Chicago Tribune, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60611. Questions cannot be answered personally, but those of general interest will be answered in future columns.
