TV Smarts

Some broadcast and cable programs contain material included in the public school curriculum and on standardized examinations. Here are weekend home-viewing tips:

* Today. “Madeline” (Disney, 11-11:30 a.m.) This program is an animated version of “Madeline and the Gypsies” by Caldecott Award-winning children’s book author Ludwig Bemelmans. VCR+223243

Friday on this channel in the same time slot it’s a version of his “Madeline in London.” VCR+759915. A CD-ROM titled “Madeline--1st and 2nd Grade Reading” based on his series of books is available from the Learning Company.

* Friday. “Into the Future” (KCET, 9-10 p.m.) This is a science documentary about the problems of storing information electronically. Not a permanent solution, this form of storage, in addition to the “millennium bug” could cause a massive scientific and business “memory loss.” VCR+44789

* Saturday. “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” (KPXN, 6-8 p.m.) This is an animated version of the popular C.S. Lewis novel about a fantasy land called Narnia. VCR+42749

Also recommended: “Lost at Sea: The Search for Longitude” (KCET 7-8 p.m.) This is a documentary containing historical reenactments about the lifelong struggle of English scientist John Harrison to solve the problem of determining longitude, such as a ship’s east-west position on the globe. His invention of a reliable chronometer was as crucial to making sea navigation safe as was the introduction of computers to aid in accurate space travel. Based on Dava Sobel’s prize-winning book, “Longitude,” it is narrated by Richard Dreyfuss. VCR+12584

* Sunday. “Vietnam: The Soldier’s Story” (TLC, Part I, at 6-7 p.m, Part II at 7-8 p.m.) This is a series of six documentaries depicting the Vietnam War from the viewpoint of American military personnel who experienced it under enemy fire. Tonight’s episodes are “Ambush: The Battle of La Drang” and “Under Siege at Khe Sanh. Monday’s, in the same time slots, are, “Tet: The Battle for Hearts and Minds” and “War in the Skies.” Tuesday’s are “Secret War, Secret Men” and “Last Chopper Out: The Fall of Saigon”

Also recommended, “Crime and Punishment” (KNBC, 9-11 p.m.). This is a new movie version of Dostoevsky’s classic novel about a student 100 years ago who perceives himself to be an extraordinary person, immune from the law even though he is a murderer. Directed by Joe Sargent (“Miss Evers’ Boys”) and starring Patrick Dempsey (“Can’t Buy Me Love’) and Academy Award winner Ben Kingsley, it was produced by Robert Halmi Sr. (“The Odyssey,” “Merlin”) VCR+3695

--Compiled by Richard Kahlenberg in consultation with Crystal J. Gips, associate director for teacher education, Cal State University System. For references to books, videos and Web sites recommended in the past month’s TV Smarts, log on to www.calendarlive.com/HOME/CALENDARLIVE/TVENT/TVSMARTS.