FINDING OUT-OF-THE-ORDINARY TAPES : TIPS ON STUFFING THE VCR THIS SEASON

As this Christmas season rolls around, more than ever, presents will be something to stuff the VCR with--an action film for Uncle Ralph, an exercise tape for Sis, a learning-can-be-fun video that might make that bratty nephew sit still for once. But many a trip to the local video store will end in frustration. Where does one go to find the kinds of tapes that the movies-and-not-much-else shops don’t carry?

There are two ways to go. One is to seek out the few outlets in town that carry larger stocks of videos. The other alternative, opening up more possibilities but running the risk of late delivery, is to shop by mail--some mail-order companies specialize in one or two kinds of videos while others have huge selections ranging over several categories. (For some of these firms you will have to order a catalogue first and have a major credit card to order tapes by phone.)

Following is a sampling of some of the best sources for out-of-the-ordinary tapes. All of the local stores listed here, of course, will be happy to rent you most of their tapes as well, in case you just want a good movie for that Yule party.

Local Video Stores

VIDEOTHEQUE. An excellent selection of movies both old and new (one whole section just on Alfred Hitchcock), music and children’s tapes, plus a lot of odd items, such as vintage TV shows. Also has catalogue and takes mail orders. Two locations: 330 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, (213) 858-7600, and 1035 Gayley, Westwood Village, (213) 824-9922.

TOWER VIDEO. Wide variety of movies and pop-music tapes. 8844 W. Sunset, West Hollywood; (213) 657-3344.

THE WHEREHOUSE. There are scads of Wherehouse record/video stores in Southern California, but this one’s special--with a larger video selection (and worth a trip just to see the neon-and-high-tech interior). 7127 W. Sunset, Hollywood; (213) 874-2332.

BUDGET VIDEO. Strong on classic and foreign films. 1534 N. Highland, Hollywood; (213) 466-2431.

VIDIOTS. A small store but one that carries many tapes you won’t find in any other L.A.-area shop. Specializes in independent/art works. 302 W. Pico, Santa Monica; (213) 392-8508.

VIDEO WEST. Besides the usual movies, there’s a good “family” section of mostly kid tapes and some instructional videos. 805 N. Larrabee, West Hollywood; (213) 659-5762.

L.A. VIDEO. Good selection, plus many Spanish-language versions of movies. 273 S. Western, Los Angeles; (213) 487-0524.

Mail-Order Videos

MOVIES UNLIMITED. This Philadelphia company offers tens of thousands of tapes on almost every conceivable subject. A huge catalogue is available for $5.95. A shipping time of approximately two weeks is claimed. 6736 Castor Ave., Philadelphia, Penn. 19149; (800) 523-0823 or (215) 722-8298.

KARTES. Some of this firm’s best tapes include a two-part video on “California Wines,” the “Esquire Great Body” series of exercise tapes, or the comedy many film buffs consider to be W. C. Fields’ best movie, appropriately called “It’s a Gift.” 10 E. 106th St., Indianapolis, Ind. 46280; (800) 582-2000 or (317) 844-7403.

VIDEO YESTERYEAR. From silent classics like Buster Keaton’s “The General” to old TV shows (latest release: “The Ernie Kovacs Show” from Nov. 24, 1961) to its own compilations of rare cartoons, music shorts and surrealist films, this company offers a treasure trove of vintage film-on-tape. Box C, Sandy Hook, Conn. 06482; (800) 243-0987 or (203) 426-2574.

GREENLEAF. Not huge but good selection of self-improvement, educational and other special-interest tapes. 3230 Nebraska Ave., Santa Monica, Calif. 90404; (213) 829-7675.

PUBLISHERS CENTRAL BUREAU. This service has added more than 500 videos, some quite unusual, to its books and records. To get its periodic catalogue, write One Champion Ave., Dept. 389, Avenel, N.J. 07131 or call (201) 382-7960.