DVD collections renew old favorites

A slew of reissues disguised as new releases are among DVDs on shelves this week.

• "The Wizard of Oz: Three-Disc Collector's Edition" (Warner, 1939, G. $49.92). If this isn't a four-star bell-ringer, then there is no such thing. You've no doubt seen "The Wizard of Oz" a dozen times or more, but the color and sound are magnificent here, and the bonus features are bountiful. The three-disc set (there's also a new two-disc alternative) is a real keeper for fans and collectors, and includes four different silent versions of the story (one featuring Oliver Hardy as the Tin Man), a 1933 cartoon version and a 1967 TV adaptation.

Extras: Full frame, audio commentary (historian John Fricke), making-of documentary (hosted by Angela Lansbury), making-of featurettes, home movies, deleted scenes, outtakes, music/effects-only tracks, storybook, audio recordings, photo gallery, trailers, other "Wizard of Oz" adaptations for TV and early films, chapters; two sets of color photos/advertising reproductions. (Also available in a two-disc special edition, $26.99.)

• "Titanic: Special Collector's Edition" (Paramount, 1997, PG-13, $29.99, three discs). I'm not the biggest fan of this film, which I see as riddled with flaws, but I do like it for what it is — a spectacle without much weight until that last hour when the special-effects take over. And does any movie need three audio commentaries? For fans who just can't get enough.

Extras: Widescreen, three audio commentaries (Cameron, cast, crew), deleted scenes, alternate ending, making-of featurettes, language options (English, French, Spanish), optional English subtitles.

• "Jerry Lewis: The 'Legendary Jerry' Collection" (Paramount, 1953-65, not rated, b/w and color, $54.99, 10 discs). This box set is comprised of the 10 Lewis films that were released a year ago — his handpicked favorites — each on its own disc but encased in double-feature boxes. The only thing new about this set is its packaging, along with a note from Lewis thanking his fans for their loyalty. But there are some goodies: My favorites are "The Bellboy," "The Ladies Man" and "The Errand Boy." "The Nutty Professor" is here, of course, along with "The Delicate Delinquent," "Cinderfella," "The Disorderly Orderly," "The Patsy," "The Family Jewels," and one Martin & Lewis film, "The Stooge."

Extras: Widescreen (except for "The Stooge," which is in full frame), audio commentaries (by Lewis and Steve Lawrence on all except "The Stooge," "The Delicate Delinquent" and "The Disorderly Orderly"), making-of featurettes (on "The Nutty Professor"), archival materials, trailers, subtitle options (English, Spanish), chapters.