TURN-ONS AND TURN-OFFS IN CURRENT HOME ENTERTAINMENT RELEASES : VIDEOCASSETTES : Excellent Good Fair Poor

“A Delicate Thread.” “Of Stars and Men.” “Urbanscape.” Disney. $49.95 each. The release of this second trio of cassettes makes all the films of the Hubley Studio available for home viewing, including seven Academy Award nominees and three Oscar winners for animated short. Instead of making slapstick cartoons, the husband and wife team of John and Faith Hubley used animation to explore serious subjects and unusual graphic styles. Death and the Goddess of Fertility debate the future of the human race in “Eggs.” “Children of the Sun” (also in the “Thread” collection) contrasts the happy, secure lives of a few babies with the wretched existence of millions of children in the Third World. “The Hole” (on the “Urbanscape” tape) is a chilling meditation on the possibility of nuclear war. Although the labels advise “parental discretion regarding younger viewers,” these handsome films could provide an excellent introduction to family discussions of important issues. An extraordinary body of work. Information: (818) 840-1111.