The Laser Bin : <i> Reviews of laser</i> -<i> disc releases </i>

“An American Tail” (MCA, CAV, $50). This video-disc edition not only has a digital sound track and crystal-clear images, but its CAV format also gives you the chance to examine each individual drawing, one frame at a time. Side Two offers two interactive segments and the original theatrical trailer. The first interactive section offers a puffy description of the film’s background; the second is a sparkling video essay that details part of the film’s creative process and uses the laser-disc player’s technology to good advantage. It includes 120 single frames that let you analyze full-color cels, pencil sketches, behind-the-scene photographs, 3-D models and text. It’s a dazzling demonstration of the laser disc’s ability to educate as well as entertain.