BEST BETS / DECEMBER 26, 1999-JANUARY 1, 2000

Movies

Norman Jewison directs Denzel Washington as the title character in “The Hurricane,” based on the true story of an American teenager and Canadian activists who fought to reopen a 20-year-old murder case and free from prison wrongly convicted middleweight fighter Rubin “Hurricane” Carter. Opens Wednesday in selected theaters.

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Walt Disney’s nephew Roy E. Disney oversaw the production of “Fantasia/2000,” updating the film with seven new sequences, retaining only “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” from the original. Opens Saturday exclusively at a specially built temporary Disney Imax theater in the Howard Hughes Center, where the 405 Freeway crosses Howard Hughes Parkway, and at Edwards Imax theaters.

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In “The Third Miracle,” a disillusioned priest (Ed Harris) is plunged into spiritual and emotional turmoil over a Chicago woman (Anne Heche) and the campaign for her mother’s elevation to sainthood. Directed by Agnieszka Holland. Opens Wednesday at selected theaters.

Jazz

Pianist Hank Jones is an under-recognized treasure, a significant jazz pianist since 1945 whose style falls between swing and bop. This week at Catalina’s (starting Tuesday), Jones’ trio is joined by fiery altoist Kenny Garrett in a stirring collaboration.

Music

For a third year, “Salute to Vienna,” by the Pasadena Symphony, conductor Jorge Mester and singers from the Vienna State Opera, comes to Pasadena Civic Auditorium, New Year’s Day at 8 p.m., to be repeated in Copley Symphony Hall, San Diego, next Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Soprano Anna Maria Pammer and tenor Otoniel Gonzaga are the soloists; also, dancers from San Diego Ballet will perform.

Pop Music

It’s an embarrassment of musical riches on New Year’s Eve, but what if you want to keep the party going for another day? Two good Saturday options are Al Green, who follows his countdown show at the House of Blues with a second night at the West Hollywood club, and the reggae bill of Zebra and Lady Saw at the Variety Arts Center downtown.

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If you’re looking for New Year’s Eve entertainment that combines high energy with an inspirational subtext, try the Red Hot Chili Peppers at the Great Western Forum. L.A.’s quintessential party band became true survivors in 1999, escaping their long history of self-destruction and reemerging as a revitalized rock force.

Video

Hugh Grant’s breezy charm is the best thing about “Mickey Blue Eyes,” a comedy about an auctioneer who’s in love with the daughter of a mobster. James Caan seems to enjoy spoofing his “Godfather” image as the kingpin, and the supporting cast is filled with familiar faces from “Analyze This” and “The Sopranos.” The farce arrives Tuesday on video.