‘Beast’ May Be Beauty on Video : A fall flurry should help fans catch up on summer’s big hits

Just about every major movie released through the end of July will show up on video late in the year, from blockbusters like “Lethal Weapon 3” to flops like the Jack Nicholson vehicle “Man Trouble.” Among the exceptions are “A League of Their Own” and “Boomerang,” which could come out in January.

Some of the movies mentioned here don’t have definite release dates yet but should come out roughly about the time indicated.

October should be the big month of the year on home video. The most prominent release will be Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” due Oct. 30 at $30. The first animated feature nominated for a best picture Oscar should be the big video hit of the season and may even wind up as the all-time home-video best-seller.

Also due next month is “Basic Instinct,” the sexy thriller featuring Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone.

“Lethal Weapon 3,” which raked in more than $139 million, is another of the blockbusters that’s tentatively scheduled for October. Other movies due out that month--and destined to be home-video hits--are “Alien 3” and “Deep Cover,” with Jeff Goldblum.

“Batman Returns,” the year’s biggest box-office hit, is scheduled for Oct. 21 release by Warner at $25.

“Sister Act,” with Whoopi Goldberg as a lounge singer hiding in a nunnery, was the sleeper hit of the year. It could be out in mid-November to take advantage of the family-oriented market that thrives around Thanksgiving. Other November releases: “Far and Away” (Nov. 4) and “Encino Man” and “City of Joy,” both on Nov. 11.

Look for these movies in December: “Patriot Games,” “Unlawful Entry,” “Honey, I Blew Up the Kid,” “Housesitter,” “Prelude to a Kiss,” “Man Trouble,” “A Stranger Among Us,” “Class Act” and “Cool World.”

Here are some other significant releases:

* “The Rescuers” (Disney, $25). Sept. 18. The animated adventures of two mice on the bayou, first released in 1977, making its video premiere.

* “Paris Is Burning” (Academy, $90). Sept. 24. An acclaimed documentary focusing on the drag extravaganzas of the New York transvestite community.

* “CrissCross” (MGM/UA, $95). Sept. 30. Goldie Hawn stars in this drama about a struggling single mother raising a 12-year-old son.

* “My Cousin Vinny” (FoxVideo, $95). Oct. 1. With Joe Pesci.

* “Beethoven” (MCA/Universal, $25). Oct. 1. In this popular comedy, Charles Grodin stars as the head of the household disrupted by a charming St. Bernard named Beethoven.

* “Straight Talk” (Hollywood, $95). Oct. 7. Dolly Parton stars in this comedy about a country girl who becomes a successful radio psychologist. James Woods co-stars.

* “Three Tenors: Encore” (New Line, $20). Oct. 7. Behind-the-scenes at the making of the video “Three Tenors in Concert,” featuring Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti.

* “Newsies” (Disney, $95). Oct. 14. Starring Robert Duvall and Ann-Margret, this oddball musical about the newspaper business was one of the year’s biggest box-office bombs, though it did get praise for daring to be different.

* “Shadows and Fog” (Orion, $92). Oct. 21. Woody Allen’s dark, moody, star-studded comedy, featuring celebrities like Madonna in cameo roles.

* “The Babe” (MCA/Universal, no set price). Oct. 21. John Goodman stars in this biography of New York Yankees slugger Babe Ruth, featuring Kelly McGillis.

* “Folks” (FoxVideo, no set price). Oct. 22. Tom Selleck stars in this comedy about a man trying to cope when his elderly parents move in with him.

* “Gladiator” (Columbia TriStar, no set price). November. Cuba Gooding Jr. has the lead role in this boxing drama about two friends pitted against each other by a ruthless promoter.

* “The Snow Queen” (BMG KIDZ, $15). Nov. 10. Sigourney Weaver narrates a half-hour animated Hans Christian Andersen tale.