A WEALTH OF VIDEO SUPPLIERS BY MAIL

Videocassette recorders have opened up a whole new world of home entertainment for people who can afford them. But many VCR owners aren’t aware of one of the best ways to get magnificent tapes for those marvelous machines.

There’s an alternative to the skimpy selection on the shelves of most video stores: mail order.

Several companies offer a wide selection of tapes by mail. Unlike rental-oriented stores, these firms deal entirely in sales, so there’s often an emphasis on special-interest items . . . and affordable ones. A surprising number of videocassettes are available for between $19.95 and $29.95.

Of course, there are disadvantages and potential dangers involved with tapes-by-post, just as with any sort of mail-order dealings: a wait of several weeks for the product, the possibility of not receiving what you ordered or dissatisfaction with what you get. But if you want fresh firewood for your electronic hearth, mail order can be a great way to go.

Here’s a sampling of video suppliers that publish free or low-cost catalogues. These companies appear to be reputable, but remember that before dealing with any mail-order operation it’s advisable to check with the Post Office or the Direct Marketing Assn. (6 E. 43rd St., New York, NY 10017) for known scoundrels.

Movies Unlimited. This company, which operates three video stores in Philadelphia, prints a colorful, indexed catalogue that’s almost as much fun to look at as a good movie. Its 450 pages contain lively, informative descriptions of about 11,000 tapes. Sections include the usual big video movies plus cult, documentary, foreign, silent, Westerns and more.

Within each section are specialized lists. For example, under “foreign” are special boxes for films by certain directors, including Ingmar Bergman (16 tapes!). Under “horror” is a whole page on Boris Karloff pictures and two pages of fright flicks at an unscary price ($19.95). The 18-page “lessons” chapter lists hundreds of videos dealing with exercise, sports, fishing, gardening, pets, home repair, music, cooking, computers and other subjects. There are also sections packed with old TV shows and laser discs.

The catalogue costs $5.95 (applied against first purchase). Call (215) 722-8298 or write 6736 Castor Ave., Philadelphia, Penn. 19149. New-release supplements are mailed quarterly--the winter supplement alone tallies 135 pages.

Videotheque. This firm not only operates two local stores (in Westwood and Beverly Hills) but also sells tapes by mail. About twice a year it publishes a huge catalogue--430 pages last issue. Videotheque’s trade-paperback-size book doesn’t list quite as many items as Movies Unlimited’s (obscure items are scarcer--almost no B Westerns, for instance, to please the Gabby Hayes cult). But it’s even more fun to read, loaded with humorous hyperbole. For Southern California residents, there’s the attraction of dealing with a business in the area. In fact, catalogue orders may also be made at the two stores, which may have the tape you want on hand.

To order the catalogue, write either Videotheque store: 1035 Gayley Ave., Los Angeles, Calif. 90024, or 330 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, Calif. 90210. The catalogue costs $5, but shipping charges and tax for California residents bring it to exactly $7.33.

Video Yesteryear. This Connecticut company’s catalogue runs only 145 pages but it’s a gold mine for anyone interested in “quality vintage video.” There are public-domain oldies galore here--lots of great and not-so-great films from the ‘20s and ‘30s, B Westerns, correct-speed silents, serials, TV shows and what-have-you. But where Video Yesteryear really shines is in the short-subject collections it’s put together: big-band performances, rare cartoons, coming attractions, World War II propaganda, bloopers and much more. Only a few tapes cost more than $29.95; many are less.

The catalogue, illustrated with old movie posters on every page, may be obtained for $1.75. Write Box C, Sandy Hook, Conn. 06482.

Video Dimensions. “We have a free catalogue listing 250 titles,” says general manager Al Greenfield. The movies run from the sublime (several Buster Keaton films) to the ridiculous (Ed Wood’s hilariously inept “Glen or Glenda”). “Plus we have how-to, foreign films, Westerns, horror/science fiction, nostalgic TV, bloopers, silents with original scores, animation and lots of other things.” Write: 110 E. 23rd St., New York, N.Y. 10010.

Cinema Collectors Society/Kartes Video. This Indiana company offers a free 12-page catalogue that includes, besides the usual public-domain fare, special-interest tapes such as a 13-volume Paul Bocuse cooking series (each 30 minutes for $9.95), an 11-video “Big Bands” series and several how-to-shoot-home-video tapes. Write: Kartes, 10 E. 106th St., Indianapolis, Ind. 46280.

Blackhawk. Before the video boom, this company was a top supplier of public-domain movies to collectors via 16mm film. Now the Iowa firm has moved strongly into the video trade, becoming the direct-marketing division of Republic Home Video. Since about 40% of the free 68-page catalogue’s 400-plus items are silent films (most selling for between $19.95 and $39.95), Blackhawk is a good place to go for fans of Fairbanks, Gish and Valentino. Write: 1 Old Eagle Brewery, Davenport, Iowa.

Greenleaf Home Video. “Our catalogue, which is devoted solely to non-theatrical product, lists over 1,000 of these titles,” president Barbara Greenleaf informs. Focusing on relatively recent releases, the 65-pager ($2, credited to first purchase) is a savvy survey of the most important tapes in sports, exercise, hobbies, food, documentaries, travel, business, kid video and music and more. Write: Suite 5121, 2049 Century Park East, Los Angeles, Calif. 90067.

New Video. This New York store’s mail-order operation puts out a catalogue that’s more like a magazine, though it only comes out two or three times a year. Besides a complete listing of new video releases, the $3.50 publication contains several articles. A new issue, with a Lily Tomlin interview and other features, is due in February. Address: 276 Third Ave., New York, N.Y. 10010.

Morris Video. Richard Demaio, director of public relations, says: “We specialize in how-to and self-help videos. Among our tapes is an eight-part soccer series from the BBC at $29.95 each, an eight-part gardening series by Ed Hume, ‘Golf Like a Pro’ with Billy Casper, and a bowling tape with Earl Anthony.” If that isn’t up your alley, Morris also carries “How to Buy a Home” with author Robert G. Allen. For a free catalogue listing more than 300 items, California residents can call (800) 343-5556, others (800) 843-3606.

Besides buying videos by mail order, there are clubs that sell and rent videocassettes for fees, through contractual agreements, etc., but that’s a whole other can of tapes. If you have any information on such clubs--including recommendations and caveats--that you’d like to pass on, write Home Tech, The Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, Calif. 90053.