Lou Reed’s Multimedia Profile in Courage : **** “MAGIC AND LOSS” Lou Reed; <i> Warner Reprise Video laser disc ($34.98)</i>

This captivating video caps an extraordinary year for Reed. First, he demonstrated the vision and talent to make a deeply moving album--”Magic and Loss,” an eloquent and ambitious reflection on the deaths of two friends. Then, he had the courage in concert to do the entire album in sequence. Finally, Reed captures the vision of the album and the courage of the tour in this captivating live performance, shot on a sound stage in England. While “Magic and Loss” is also available on videocassette, the clarity of the laser disc adds to the intimacy and warmth of the experience.

Items in this periodic survey of pop-related books, videocassettes and laser discs are rated on a scale of one star (poor) to four (excellent).