FILM & VIDEO’Aladdin’ Sequel Coming: For those...

FILM & VIDEO

‘Aladdin’ Sequel Coming: For those who can’t get enough of Walt Disney’s “Aladdin,” the sequel is on its way. But it won’t be on movie screens. Instead, Walt Disney Home Video is releasing “The Return of Jafar,” which picks up where “Aladdin” ended with the evil sorcerer Jafar trapped inside a magic lamp, as its first original, made-for-video, animated movie. The video features the return of Scott Weinger and Linda Larkin as the voices of Aladdin and Jasmine, with Dan Castellaneta of “The Simpsons” fame taking over as the Robin Williams role of the genie. (Last November, Williams angrily accused Disney of using his voice to market products without authorization.) In the sequel, a clumsy thief inadvertently releases Jafar from the lamp, so he plots his revenge against Aladdin, setting the scene for new adventures. The video arrives in stores May 20, just in time to pick up the slack after Disney stops selling videos of the original animated “Aladdin” April 30.

Lawrence Rapped With NC-17: “Martin Lawrence You So Crazy,” a stand-up comedy concert film starring Lawrence, has received an NC-17 rating from the Motion Picture Assn. of America because it addresses such topics as oral sex. Distributor Miramax Films, along with Lawrence, director Thomas Schlamme and HBO Independent Productions, plan to appeal the rating next week. Said Schlamme: “The reason we made this film is because Martin has a unique way of connecting with his audience on a personal level about racism, relationships and other topical issues. . . . His message is meant to be insightful and his intentions are completely without malice.” An NC-17 rating would prohibit anyone under the age of 17 from admission to the film.

TELEVISION

Troika of New ABC Programs: ABC will unveil another drama from “NYPD Blue” producer Steven Bochco, a sitcom starring Ed Asner and a new magazine show in March. Debuting March 3, replacing the Daniel J. Travanti series “Missing Persons” at 8 p.m., is “The Byrds of Paradise,” Bochco’s hourlong family drama with former “thirtysomething” star Timothy Busfield. Busfield plays a widowed father of three who relocates his family to Hawaii after the murder of his wife. And starting March 9, Asner’s “Thunder Alley,” about a former racing car driver whose life changes when his divorced daughter and her young children move in with him, takes over the 8:30 p.m. slot currently occupied by the animated series “The Critic.” The same night, “Turning Point,” ABC News’ latest prime-time magazine, which will focus on a single story each week, replaces the Brian Dennehy series “Birdland” at 10 p.m.

Sawyer Watch: The latest wrinkle in the Diane Sawyer contract talks: NBC is said to be talking to Sawyer about anchoring a prime-time newsmagazine show that might be “stripped” across several nights a week. NBC sources also say that the network might be willing to drop its existing programs “Dateline NBC” and “Now” to get Sawyer, whose contract with ABC expires at the end of this month.

Harding Watch: Both Court TV and ESPN plan live coverage of today’s court hearing concerning embattled figure skater Tonya Harding. She is seeking a temporary restraining order against a U.S. Olympic Committee hearing that could force her off the Olympic team because of her alleged ties to an attack on skater Nancy Kerrigan. The hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Meanwhile, CNN has announced plans for a one-hour special, called “Will Tonya Skate?” at 7 p.m. Monday.

Matalin to Join ‘Today’: Mary Matalin, former deputy campaign manager for George Bush, will join NBC News’ “Today” show as a commentator on March 1. In that role, she will appear several times a month on “Today” to discuss political and social issues, and will replace Roger Ailes in biweekly political jousts with Democrat Bob Squier. Matalin will continue to co-host “Equal Time” with Jane Wallace on cable’s CNBC.

POP/ROCK

A Hearing on Gangsta Rap: The alleged link between gangsta rap music and crime and disrespect for women and gays will be explored today in a hearing on Capitol Hill headed by U.S. Rep. Cardiss Collins (D-Ill.), chairwoman of the House energy subcommittee on commerce and consumer protection. Gangsta rap critics the Rev. Calvin Butts, “Soul Train” founder Don Cornelius and C. Delores Tucker, chairwoman of the National Political Congress of Black Women, are expected to face off against executives from Def Jam Records, Giant Records and MCA Entertainment, plus music journalist Nelson George and Los Angeles rapper YoYo.

QUICK TAKES

The first assignment for David Letterman’s mother, Dorothy, who is covering the Winter Olympics in Lillehammer for “The Late Show,” will be an interview with Hillary Rodham Clinton on Monday. . . . Gladys Knight and Smokey Robinson will join the Jackson family in a musical tribute to Motown Records founder Berry Gordy on the first “Jackson Family Honors,” airing on NBC Feb. 22. . . . The National Endowment for the Arts holds steady in President Clinton’s new budget, with a recommended $170.2 million for fiscal ‘95, the same budget the arts agency ended up with this year, after it took $4.2 million in cuts.