Casting a critical eye

FILM

KENNETH TURAN

NEW DVDs are more than a convenient way to watch blockbusters at home, they enable adventurous viewers to sample an entire universe of eclectic moviemaking. Available this year are the following wonderful examples:

"Forbidden Hollywood Collection"

A boxed set of three sassy, pre-Code features: "Red Headed Woman," the original "Waterloo Bridge" and the newly restored, uncensored "Baby Face." Dec. 5, Warner Home Video, $39.98. (See story on Page E3.)

"Electric Edwardians"

This recently rediscovered cache of actuality footage shot in England between 1900 and 1913 is delightful in ways that are beyond words. In release, Milestone Films, $29.95.

"Westerns With a Twist"

A trio of full-color westerns -- "Apaches," "Chingachgook -- The Great Snake" and "The Sons of the Great Bear" -- made in East Germany starring a Serbian actor as a heroic Native American battling perfidious white settlers. In release, First Run Features, $39.95.

"Harry Shearer: Now You See It"

Two hours of highlights from the television appearances of the funniest and most versatile satirist around. In release, Courgette Records, $19.95.

"Creepy Cowboys: Four Weird Westerns"

Examples from the 1930s and '40s of westerns with pronounced horror/mystery elements. In release, Image Entertainment, $19.95

"The Lost Serial Collection"

A peek at clips and chapters from 35 extremely rare serials, including titles such as "The Hazards of Helen" and "Return of the Riddle Rider." Available for $19.95 at www.serialsquadron.com.

"Sgt. Bilko -- 50th Anniversary Edition (The Phil Silvers Show)"

If a funnier ensemble comedy from TV's golden age exists, it doesn't come to mind. In release, Paramount Home Video, $39.95.

"Astaire & Rogers: The Ultimate Collector's Edition"

In release, Warner Home Video, $99.98.

"Billy Wilder Speaks" and "Edgar G. Ulmer, The Man Off Screen"

The first is an extended version of Volker Schlondorff's interview with Wilder, the second a documentary portrait of the "B" picture maestro. In release, Kino Video, $24.95 apiece.

"Dr. Mabuse, The Gambler" and "Phantom"

A pair of monumental restorations of classic German silent films -- the first a 4 1/2 -hour version of the adventures of Fritz Lang's mad genius (in release, Kino Video, $39.95), the second a beautifully color-tinted psychological drama by F.W. Murnau. In release, Flicker Alley, $29.98.