The Laser Bin

Most video fans are VCR owners . However, a growing number enjoy the special pleasures of laser discs. Most videodiscs offer the same versions of feature films as videotapes, but some are a lot more special. Here are two prime examples:

“Winchester ‘73” ( MCA Home Video laser video disc, $30, 92 minutes ) reveals what arresting use can be made of laser technology. One audio track contains the movie’s sound track, a second offers an anecdotal narration by star Jimmy Stewart almost scene-by-scene. This 1950 Western, directed by Anthony Mann, features Stewart tracking down his stolen rifle in one vignette after another as the rifle changes owners. The supporting cast features Rock Hudson (as an Indian chief!), Shelley Winters and Dan Duryea. The laser picture is crisp and clean, as are the audio tracks.

“The Magnificent Ambersons” ( two Criterion laser video discs, $99.95; the Voyager Co., 2139 Manning Ave., Los Angeles, Calif . 90025; 800-443-2001) . Orson Welles’ second feature arguably might have been his finest cinematic achievement, but his original version never made it to the screen. This extraordinary laser disc package probably comes as close to it as we’ll ever get, putting the medium’s potential to extraordinary use. RKO mutilated Welles’ original 131-minute film and released an 88-minute version in 1942, which he denounced. Criterion attempts to re-create Welles’ original vision via an audio track recounting which scenes were destroyed, changed or reshot; here too are storyboards and the complete shooting script (viewed a frame at a time). Included with the pristine print are excerpts of a silent film of a Booth Tarkington story that influenced Welles, and the complete 1939 radio broadcast of Welles’ Mercury Theatre presentation, which he wrote and narrated.