VIDEO . . . WHAT’S NEW

Deer-lovers and animation-lovers alike should be thrilled this fall, when “Bambi” makes its way to videocassette. At least that’s the rampant rumor--based mainly on the generally reliable theory that the Disney film showing in theaters Christmas one year plays VCRs the next.

Even though Walt Disney Home Video hasn’t confirmed that the 1942 animated feature--considered by many critics to be among the three or four greatest Disney films--will be the company’s annual big release, some video dealers have already started stocking up with stuffed animals and other related merchandise to hawk alongside the cassette or for use in promotional displays. If past policy holds, expect a release date in the first week of October and a price between $25 and $30. The incredible animation in the forest-fire sequence is worth that alone.

Another hot rumor making the rounds is that by fall $14.95 will replace $19.95 as the most popular retail tag for reduced-price videos, including many blockbuster movies that were released on video in 1988 and early ’89.

MOVIES

Supplementing the two baseball movies currently in the lineup at the theaters (“Major League,” “Field of Dreams”), this week’s new video releases include “Eight Men Out” (Orion, $89.98, PG), the story of the 1919 “Black Sox” scandal. John Cusack and Charlie Sheen star.

“Clara’s Heart” (Warner, $89.95, PG-13) is another in a long line of Whoopi Goldberg movies that have fans asking, “Why does she keep choosing such horrible scripts?” This time, at least, the comedienne opted for a potentially sensitive drama about a Jamaican housekeeper instead of another mixture of crude humor and violence.

“Child’s Play” (MGM/UA, $89.95, R) scared up a $30-million theatrical gross despite its lack of big stars--unless you count that creepy little doll Chucky.

Don Johnson, Susan Sarandon, Jeff Daniels and Elizabeth Perkins star in the romantic comedy “Sweet Hearts Dance” (RCA/Columbia, $89.95, R).

“Things Change” (RCA/Columbia, $89.95, PG) is playwright David Mamet’s second go-round at film directing, following his more successful “House of Games.” This one’s a comedy about a shoeshiner (Don Ameche) who impersonates a mob chief.

“Rain Man” reminded some moviegoers of an earlier drama, “Dominick and Eugene” (Orion, $89.98, PG-13). The ’88 release concerns two fraternal twins (Tom Hulce and Ray Liotta), one a medical student, the other retarded.

“Fresh Horses” (RCA/Columbia, $89.95, PG-13) reunites Molly Ringwald and Andrew McCarthy (from “Pretty in Pink”) in yet another rich guy-poor gal tale. The week’s oldies, all $69.95 from RCA/Columbia, include an off-the-beaten-track 1949 Western, “The Man from Colorado,” starring William Holden and Glenn Ford, a notable 1959 drama about a dedicated doctor; “The Last Angry Man,” Paul Muni’s final film, and a real gem from 1950: “In a Lonely Place.” Directed by Nicholas Ray and starring Humphrey Bogart as a troubled screenwriter, this intense and superbly written (by Andrew Solt) film noir is a must-see.

OTHER VIDEOS

“George Burns: His Wit and Wisdom” (VidAmerica, $29.98) finds the legendary comedian commenting on life for 45 minutes in his unique way. Several guests drop by, including Emma Samms and Red Buttons. Nelson completes its important “The March of Time” series with four titles on the post-World War II world ($24.98 each). “Vietnam War Story II” (HBO, $79.99) combines three episodes from the acclaimed cable series.

New music tapes: “Nat King Cole: Unforgettable” (MPI, $24.95) is the fine documentary recently seen on the Disney Channel. Fries offers two other docs on black music legends, “Marvin Gaye” and “The Temps & Tops” (the Temptations and the Four Tops) for $19.95 each.

And next week brings a documentary about a certain one-gloved singer whose recent “Moonwalker” vidclip collection has been topping the sales charts. The new one-hour $15.98 tape from Vestron is called “Michael Jackson . . . the Legend Continues” and covers his life through home movies and other footage. Release date: May 3.