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WHAT’S NEW IN VIDEO : A Rodgers & Hammerstein Feast : THIS WEEK’S MOVIES

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“The hills are alive . . . .” Again.

Yes, that’s right--it’s back. The 1965 movie musical loved by millions of filmgoers . . . and derided by so many others. Haven’t decided which side you’re on? Then head on down to your video store and rent--or maybe even buy (it’s only $24.98)--”The Sound of Music.”

Out of circulation for a while as a videocassette (or, more correctly, as two videocassettes, since that’s what it takes to hold all 174 minutes), the Rodgers and Hammerstein spectacular is available once more--in a “Limited Silver Anniversary Edition” from CBS/Fox.

Not that you need to be told, but the Robert Wise-directed film stars Julie Andrews in a sweet (some would say saccharine) tale based on the adventures of the Von Trapp family, who fled the Nazis in just-pre-World War II Austria. It’s all set against a background of magnificent Alpine scenery, and the songs include the exquisite “My Favorite Things.”

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But the music doesn’t end there. CBS/Fox is also offering--for five dollars less ($19.98 each)--four other notable movies made from Rodger and Hammerstein’s Broadway hits, including two that have never been on tape before: the 1945 version of “State Fair” (far superior to the 1962 remake, already on video)--starring Jeanne Crain, Dana Andrews, Dick Haymes and Vivian Blaine--and “Carousel” (1956) with Gordon MacRae and Shirley Jones. Rounding out the bill are re-releases of “Oklahoma!” (1955) and “The King and I” (1956).

OTHER VINTAGE VIDEO: Quiz time. Question No. 1: What rowdy 1950 comedy paired Lucille Ball and Bob Hope in an enjoyable remake of “Ruggles of Red Gap”? Question No. 2: What was Jerry Lewis’ first film (released in 1957) after breaking up with Dean Martin? Answers: “Fancy Pants” and “The Delicate Delinquent,” now available on video for the first time--$14.95 each from Paramount.

RECENT MOVIES (all 1990 theatrical releases): “Cry-Baby” (MCA/Universal, priced for rental, PG-13) is a John Waters musical-comedy sendup of the ‘50s starring Johnny Depp, Ricki Lake and Traci Lords; “Impulse” (Warner, $92.95, R) has Theresa Russell as a troubled undercover cop; “Opportunity Knocks” (MCA/Universal, priced for rental, PG-13) places Dana Carvey (from “Saturday Night Live”) in a con-man comedy; “Crazy People” (Paramount, priced for rental, R) tries to sell us the idea that Dudley Moore turns some mentally institutionalized folks into ad writers.

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OTHER NEW VIDEOS

Jamie Lee Curtis, Whoopi Goldberg, Beau Bridges and others give environment-conservation tips in “Help Save Planet Earth: Easy Ways to Make a Difference” (MCA/Universal, $14.95, 71 minutes).

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