For ‘Oz’ Fans, This Set Is the ‘Ultimate’

If you’re a staunch fan of “The Wizard of Oz” and on a limited budget, pray that someone you know will plunk down $100 for MGM/UA’s “The Ultimate Oz.”

This just-released video box set includes everything you ever wanted to know--and then some-- about the 1939 fantasy movie starring Judy Garland, Ray Bolger and Jack Haley. You get the reverent 1990 documentary--hosted by Angela Lansbury--about the making of the movie, including behind-the-scenes footage, outtakes, a script containing deleted scenes and assorted information that will dazzle true “Oz” fans.

This is the third video edition of the movie. According to George Feltenstein, MGM/UA’s senior vice president and general manager, the company has shipped more than 5 million copies of the movie since October, 1980. In 1989, for the movie’s 50th anniversary, a version was released that, in terms of clarity, was a marked improvement over the 1980 original.

“Now this new one is a dramatic improvement over the one that came out in 1989,” Feltenstein explained. Four years ago, that version, with extras, cost $25. Two years ago, it was re-released without the extras, at $20.

Videobits

Warner’s “True Romance,” starring Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette, comes out Jan. 5 in both the R-rated theatrical version and an unrated version featuring two extra minutes. This is one of a growing number of movies with an extended pay-per-view window--meaning it won’t be shown on PPV until 60 days after the video release. Many movies are available on PPV during the first month after they come to home video, which often cuts down on rental business. For the consumer the extended PPV window translates into finding copies of “True Romance” more easily during the first few weeks of release because video stores stock more rental copies.

In case you miss out on the Paramount movies available through McDonald’s for $6 (with selected food purchases), they’ll be at your video store on Feb. 2 for $15. The videos are “Ghost,” “The Addams Family,” “Charlotte’s Web” and “Wayne’s World,” selling at the fast-food chain through Dec. 21.

“Made in America” (Warner, no set price): Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg began their notorious affair while making this comedy about the upheaval in a black family when the teen-age daughter (Nia Long) discovers her mother (Goldberg) was artificially inseminated by a man (Danson) who’s not only white, but a crass used car dealer. Few laughs are generated by this promising premise, which is ruined when the plot takes some sappy Hollywood turns.

“Life With Mikey” (Touchstone,$96 ): A former child actor (Michael J. Fox), now an agent for juveniles, grapples with a smart-alecky brat (Christina Vidal) who’s a potential star in commercials. He’s an overgrown kid and she has family problems. Of course, mutual need spurs them into gooey bonding. OK if you’re in the mood for a sentimental family comedy.

Upcoming

“Rising Sun” (Wednesday); “Sleepless in Seattle,” “Super Mario Bros.,” “Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story,” “Guilty as Sin” and “House of Cards” (Dec. 8); “The Firm” (Dec. 16); “Dave” (Dec. 22); “Hot Shots Part Deux” (Jan. 5), “Hocus Pocus” (Jan. 6); “Robin Hood: Men in Tights,” “Hearts and Souls” and “Menace II Society” (Jan. 12); “Last Action Hero,” “Rookie of the Year,” “Coneheads” and “Hard Target” (Jan. 26).