NEWS ROUNDUP 1995-08-28 (2)

MGM/UA to Re-Issue Bond Series

M/UA Home Video will re-release its James Bond series of movies Nov. 7 with new packaging. Each tape in the series, which pre-orders Oct. 18, will be priced at $14.95.

The re-release is timed to coincide with the theatrical release of a new Bond movie, "GoldenEye," which will be supported by $20 million in advertising. The videos will be backed by $5 million in marketing spending. A "License to Thrill" consumer sweepstakes will offer prizes including a 1996 BMW Z3, vacations to Bond film locations and Sharper Image gift certificates. Two "Bond 007 Gift Sets" will include three movies and a behind-the-scenes video, priced at $44.92. A deluxe gift set will include all six of the films, which star Sean Connery, and the behind-the-scenes videos for $89.92.

The titles being released are "Diamonds are Forever," "Dr. No," "From Russia With Love," "Goldfinger," "Live and Let Die," "On Her Majesty's Secret Service," "Thunderball" and "You Only Live Twice."

Warner to Release 'Little Princess'

BURBANK, Calif. -- Warner Home Video will release "A Little Princess" direct to the sell-through market on Sept. 19, priced at $24.94. The title will have a 75-day national pay per view window.

VSDA Cancels Game Conference

LOS ANGELES -- Citing the flat game business, the Video Software Dealers Association has canceled the Video Game & New Technology Conference it had scheduled for Sept. 19 and 20.

VSDA plans to incorporate programming from the game show into its annual convention which will be held in Los Angeles, July 10 to 13, 1996. "Last year, VSDA's Video Game Conference filled a need in the video retail community for more information about the video game business," said Bob Finlayson, director of communications. "This year that need has been satisfied by other conferences that have already taken place." VSDA also added two people to its staff. Bart Story will become manager of research, a new position. Story, who formerly was director of market research for Video Store Magazine, will have operational responsibility for VSDA's new VidTrac program, as well as other projects. Story will report to Finlayson. VSDA has named Kirsty Burkhart to another new position, manager of member benefits. She will be responsible for reviewing and augmenting current benefit programs. She was previously with the United Mine Workers of America.

Columbia to Offer Hopkins Package

CULVER CITY, Calif. -- Columbia TriStar Home Video will release a comedy/drama sell-through package of videos featuring Anthony Hopkins on Oct. 10.

The package will include "The Road Wellville," and "84 Charing Cross Road," both of which will have a suggested retail price of $19.95 each. It also will include a box set of "Remains of the Day" and "Howards End," which will have a suggested retail of $34.95. Pre-order date is Sept. 7.

'A Goofy Movie' Comes to Video

BURBANK, Calif. -- Walt Disney Home Video will release "A Goofy Movie" Sept. 6. It will be sold at a suggested retail of $22.99, accompanied by a $4 mail-in rebate.

The video follows the misadventures of Goofy and his teenage son, Max, as they travel cross-country. It includes six new songs. Also, a free "Goofy Movie" poster when the video is purchased with one of several other Disney videos, including "Angels in the Outfield," "The Return of Jafar," "The Brave Little Toaster," and "Muppet Classic Theatre."