'East of Eden' among TV movies, series on DVD

These TV movies and series are all new to DVD, led by a pair of solid miniseries, both starring Timothy Bottoms and Jane Seymour.

"East of Eden" (Acorn, 1981, three discs, $59.99). One can argue that the James Dean version (which adapts less than half of John Steinbeck's classic novel) is more compelling and in your face — but this three-part ABC miniseries (382 minutes here) is certainly more faithful.

And the cast is more than up to the task of relating this epic, multigenerational yarn, based loosely on the Book of Genesis. Timothy Bottoms and Bruce Boxleitner are very fine as good and bad brothers, respectively, but it is the underrated Jane Seymour who runs away with the show. Her performance here and in "War and Remembrance" rank with the best TV has ever offered and will surprise anyone who knows her only from "Dr. Quinn."

Other notables among the large cast include Warren Oates, Karen Allen, Anne Baxter, Lloyd Bridges and Timothy's brother, Sam Bottoms.

Extras: full frame, three episodes, interview with Seymour, text biography of Steinbeck, filmographies

"The Story of David" (Sony, 1976, PG, $14.94). This two-part ABC adaptation of the biblical story stars Timothy Bottoms and later Keith Michell as the shepherd who defeated Goliath, later became king and eventually fell from grace because of his ill-advised love for Bathsheba (Jane Seymour). Earnest, intelligent and very well-produced with the entire cast at the top of their game, including Anthony Quayle as Saul.

Extras: full frame

"The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (Sony, 1982, $14.94). Anthony Hopkins plays Quasimodo in this umpteenth retelling of the classic tale, a CBS movie. If you can get past its over-familiarity, you'll recognize this as one of the better versions. Hopkins is quite touching as the piteous bell-ringer of the title cathedral, supported well by Lesley Anne-Down as Esmerelda, Derek Jackobi as the evil archdeacon and Robert Powell as the soldier Phoebus.

Extras: full frame

"Painted Lady" (Acorn, 1998; not rated, probable R for violence, sex, nudity, language; two discs, $24.99). This two-part, three-hour mystery-thriller (which was shown on PBS) plunges a former '60s rock star and aging hippie (Helen Mirren) into the world of high art in London, Ireland and New York, eventually leading her to the underworld of shady trading. Mirren is great and the film ranges from humorous to chilling.

Extras: full frame, two episodes, text biography of Mirren