Off to See the Wizard . . . and Liberace . . . and the Rifleman

The gorgeously restored and remastered 60th-anniversary edition of “The Wizard of Oz” was released this week (Warner Home Video, $25). But it’s not the only vintage title hitting the stores.

For TV buffs, MPI is offering two new episodes of “The Liberace Show” ($20 each). Each tape provides 75 minutes of highlights from the series, which began in 1954 as a summer replacement for Dinah Shore. It continued through 1955, airing on 217 American stations and in 20 foreign countries. The ever-smiling, flamboyant performer tickles the ivories to such tunes as “Tiger Rag,” “Blue Danube” and “Yellow Rose of Texas.”

Also new from MPI are four more volumes of the vintage ‘50s western series “The Rifleman” ($20 each, $80 for the set). “The Rifleman” was one of the best-loved TV westerns and made a big star out of Chuck Connors, who played Lucas McCain, a widower with a young son (Johnny Crawford). Together, they endured the trials and tribulations of running a small ranch in New Mexico, circa the late 1880s. Among the guest stars featured on the volumes are Robert Culp, Agnes Moorehead, Sammy Davis Jr., Dennis Hopper and James Coburn.

To order the MPI videos, call (800) 323-0442.

*

Anchor Bay Entertainment is offering several classic films, including five from director John Cassavetes ($15 each, $70 for the set). Titles include “Minnie and Moskowitz,” “Opening Night,” “Mikey and Nicky,” “A Woman Under the Influence” and “The Killing of a Chinese Bookie.” Each drama is presented in wide screen and has been digitally mastered.

For sci-fi fans, Anchor Bay is presenting the Sam Raimi thriller “Army of Darkness,” starring Bruce Campbell.

The full-frame VHS version ($10) contains the original ending and theatrical trailer. The collector’s version ($15) is in wide screen and, besides the trailer, includes a behind-the-scenes documentary narrated by Campbell.