WHAT’S NEW IN VIDEO : A Rodgers & Hammerstein Feast : THIS WEEK’S MOVIES

“The hills are alive . . . .” Again.

Yes, that’s right--it’s back. The 1965 movie musical loved by millions of filmgoers . . . and derided by so many others. Haven’t decided which side you’re on? Then head on down to your video store and rent--or maybe even buy (it’s only $24.98)--”The Sound of Music.”

Out of circulation for a while as a videocassette (or, more correctly, as two videocassettes, since that’s what it takes to hold all 174 minutes), the Rodgers and Hammerstein spectacular is available once more--in a “Limited Silver Anniversary Edition” from CBS/Fox.

Not that you need to be told, but the Robert Wise-directed film stars Julie Andrews in a sweet (some would say saccharine) tale based on the adventures of the Von Trapp family, who fled the Nazis in just-pre-World War II Austria. It’s all set against a background of magnificent Alpine scenery, and the songs include the exquisite “My Favorite Things.”

But the music doesn’t end there. CBS/Fox is also offering--for five dollars less ($19.98 each)--four other notable movies made from Rodger and Hammerstein’s Broadway hits, including two that have never been on tape before: the 1945 version of “State Fair” (far superior to the 1962 remake, already on video)--starring Jeanne Crain, Dana Andrews, Dick Haymes and Vivian Blaine--and “Carousel” (1956) with Gordon MacRae and Shirley Jones. Rounding out the bill are re-releases of “Oklahoma!” (1955) and “The King and I” (1956).

OTHER VINTAGE VIDEO: Quiz time. Question No. 1: What rowdy 1950 comedy paired Lucille Ball and Bob Hope in an enjoyable remake of “Ruggles of Red Gap”? Question No. 2: What was Jerry Lewis’ first film (released in 1957) after breaking up with Dean Martin? Answers: “Fancy Pants” and “The Delicate Delinquent,” now available on video for the first time--$14.95 each from Paramount.

RECENT MOVIES (all 1990 theatrical releases): “Cry-Baby” (MCA/Universal, priced for rental, PG-13) is a John Waters musical-comedy sendup of the ‘50s starring Johnny Depp, Ricki Lake and Traci Lords; “Impulse” (Warner, $92.95, R) has Theresa Russell as a troubled undercover cop; “Opportunity Knocks” (MCA/Universal, priced for rental, PG-13) places Dana Carvey (from “Saturday Night Live”) in a con-man comedy; “Crazy People” (Paramount, priced for rental, R) tries to sell us the idea that Dudley Moore turns some mentally institutionalized folks into ad writers.

OTHER NEW VIDEOS

Jamie Lee Curtis, Whoopi Goldberg, Beau Bridges and others give environment-conservation tips in “Help Save Planet Earth: Easy Ways to Make a Difference” (MCA/Universal, $14.95, 71 minutes).