Special Movies, Series for Home Viewing

Gifts for the video enthusiast include special editions of classic and not-so-classic films, TV series, sports and dance tapes and holiday-themed movies.

GENERAL INTEREST

“NFL’S GREATEST GAMES: THE ICE BOWL,” Polygram ($19.95). The true football fanatic can relive the freezing game 30 years ago when the Green Bay Packers defeated the Dallas Cowboys in sub-zero temperatures. NFL Films has reconstructed the entire game from the opening kick off to the final gun, replaying virtually every down. The tape also includes never-before-seen footage, shot by NFL Films on the field.

“LORD OF THE DANCE LIMITED COLLECTOR’S EDITION,” Polygram ($69.95). Fans of the high-stepping master of the Irish dance, Michael Flatley, will be kicking their heels up with glee with this boxed set featuring the video of the popular show, a 45-minute “Making of Lord of the Dance” documentary, the soundtrack CD and an autographed concert tour mini-poster.

“FARGO COLLECTOR SET,” Polygram ($34.95). The special edition includes the letterbox version of the Coen brothers’ quirky Oscar-winning 1996 cult classic, complete with behind-the-scenes footage. The piece de resistance, though, is an updated version of the famous “Fargo” snow globe which depicts the notorious “wood chipper scene,” along with special red and white snow flakes. Not for the faint of heart!

“MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000 SET,” Rhino ($49.95). Connoisseurs of high camp will relish this set featuring three of the greatest bad movies ever shown on the Peabody Award-winning TV series: “Red Zone Cuba,” “The Atomic Brain” and “I Accuse My Parents.” Joel and his robot pals, Crow and Tom Servo, are on hand to dish out the sarcastic commentary.

“WORF ‘RETURN TO GRACE’ GIFT SET,” Paramount ($59.80). The perfect gift for “Star Trek: The Next Generation” buffs highlights the four episodes chronicling the popular Klingon’s (Michael Dorn) fall from grace within the Klingon high council and his eventual rightful return.

“A BOX OF BEANS,” Polygram ($69.95). With “Bean” mania sweeping the globe, here’s a chance to catch several episodes of Rowan Atkinson’s acclaimed comedy series “Mr. Bean.” Included in the four-volume set are “The Amazing Adventures of Mr. Bean,” “The Exciting Escapades of Mr Bean,” “The Terrible Tales of Mr. Bean” and “The Best Bits of Mr. Bean.” Watch with your favorite teddy bear.

“ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL SET,” Critics Choice ($74.77). Six-volume set contains 13 episodes from the delightful BBC series based on James Herriot best-sellers about his life as a vet in Yorkshire, England. Christopher Timothy and Robert Hardy star. To order call (800) 367-7765.

“MR. MAGOO: THE COLLECTOR’S EDITION,” Columbia TriStar ($9.95). The beloved myopic rascal stars in six of his most famous animated adventures including, “Ragtime Bear”--the very first Magoo short--as well as the Oscar-winning “Magoo’s Puddle Jumper” and “When Magoo Flew.” Jim Backus supplies the voice of Magoo. Available Dec. 16.

“DIANA, PRINCESS OF WALES/1961-1997/THE PEOPLE’S PRINCESS,” Warner Home Video ($14.95). The latest in the crop of videos about the late Princess of Wales is the official commerative video from Britain’s award-winning television news network-ITN. The video features rarely seen footage and is narrated by ITN’s senior newscaster Trevor McDonald. Approximately 30% of the net revenues from the sales will be donated to The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund.

HOLIDAY THEMES

“MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET,” FoxVideo ($14.98) The 50th anniversary edition of the magical holiday classic has been digitally restored by THX and includes the original theatrical trailer. Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, Natalie Wood and Edmund Gwenn, in his Oscar-winning turn as Kris Kringle, star.

“BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: THE ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS,” Walt Disney ($26.99). Made-for-video animated musical based on the 1991 Oscar-winning “Beauty and the Beast,” explores a Christmas past when Belle brought the spirit of hope and love to the Beast’s castle.

“WHITE CHRISTMAS COLLECTOR’S EDITION,” Paramount ($59.95). This handsome boxed set includes a letterbox copy of the 1954 yuletide favorite starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen, the theatrical trailer, a copy of Clooney’s script, the CD soundtrack, a publicity still of Clooney and a brochure.

“IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE DELUXE 50TH ANNIVERSARY GIFT SET,” Republic ($79.98). This delectable edition includes the restored, uncut version of everyone’s favorite Christmas movie, the original trailer, a personal remembrance from Frank Capra Jr., a feature on the making of the movie, a 369-page “It’s a Wonderful Life Book,” the “It’s a Wonderful Life: The Christmas Album” CD, production photos, reproductions of the original lobby cards, a color theatrical poster and a personalized letter from Frank Capra Jr.