Streisand Sinks Deluxe ‘Tides’ Disc

The fancy Criterion laser disc of “The Prince of Tides,” due out in early August when the videocassette version was released, hasn’t simply been postponed. It’s been shelved completely.

This laser disc was to have been different from the one currently marketed by Columbia TriStar, which had to be recalled because some scenes were accidentally omitted during the production process. The Criterion version was deluxe--with extras such as outtakes and commentary by director-star Barbra Streisand.

Criterion canceled the release because of a disagreement with Streisand, who had final approval of the project.

“We had worked with her up to a point and she didn’t approve of some things in the final version,” said Elizabeth Collumb of the Voyager Co., which distributes Criterion discs. “She wanted changes and we decided not to make the changes.”

Collumb would not provide specifics of what was in dispute.

“It’s a terrible disappointment,” she said. “Dealers and customers, particularly Streisand fans, have been looking forward to this release. People are always looking for insight into what makes Streisand tick and what was driving the movie--which they’ll never find out now.”

Earthquakes and ‘Casablanca’: As informative as “Surviving the Big One: How to Prepare For a Major Earthquake” is, it doesn’t have the latest information, said Jim Tabasz, sales director at KCET Video, which released the video in 1989.

“There are new products on the market, like a food pack that doesn’t require water,” he said. “There are recent geological developments, like changes in the faults.”

KCET is looking for funding and hopes to make an updated video by the end of the year. Meanwhile, “Surviving the Big One” is available at KCET Video (800-343-4727). Hardly any video rental outlets stock it but, Tabasz said, it can be found in certain bookstores and survival stores.

If you’re a “Casablanca” fan and you’re feeling sentimental because this is the 50th anniversary of the beloved 1942 romantic drama, you might be interested in one of MGM/UA’s collector’s packages. One is $25 and the other, featuring a fact-filled book about the making of the film, is $100.

For the first-time buyer or a fanatic who has an older copy, the $25 version of this classic, starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingred Bergman, is a decent buy. The picture is considerably sharper and the soundtrack much clearer than previous versions. An added attraction is the absorbing half-hour documentary on the movie.

Some people will undoubtedly be offended by the Taster’s Choice commercial at the beginning, however. While it’s as respectful as possible, it’s still a tacky intrusion.

What’s new on video: Here are some new releases:

“Final Analysis” (Warner, $95). Though critics trashed this thriller, condemning it as a jumble of implausibilities, many fans were still attracted to its star power. Richard Gere plays a psychiatrist whose affair with the sister (Kim Basinger) of a patient (Uma Thurman) plunges him into a messy situation when his girlfriend’s husband (Eric Roberts) is killed.

“The Lawnmower Man” (New Line, $95). The R-rated version of this Stephen King sci-fi tale, about what happens to a handyman (Jeff Fahey) whose mind is expanded through the experiments of a scientist (Pierce Brosnan), was only fair and mainly of interest because of the computer animation. But in the unrated video version, which includes 32 extra minutes, the film has been marvelously fleshed out, filling the vacant spots.

“Body Chemistry 2” (Columbia TriStar, no set price). A radio psychologist (Lisa Pescia) gets caught up in the sadomasochistic fantasies of an ex-L.A. cop (Gregory Harrison) in this above-average B movie that offers more than just soft-core porn.

Upcoming on video and laser disc: LIVE is releasing “Basic Instinct,” the thriller starring Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone, on Oct. 14. But there won’t be an unrated version including censored footage.

According to some video retailers, Warner is planning to release “Batman Returns” in late October at a price geared to the sales market, $25. Warner has made no announcement yet.

In video stores next week: “American Me,” “The Mambo Kings,” “Once Upon a Crime,” “Ladybugs,” “White Sands” and “Radio Flyer.”

Due next week on laser disc: The long-awaited Criterion version of the 1960 film “Spartacus,” starring Kirk Douglas, which features extra footage and illuminating commentary.