‘Hudson Hawk’ Gets a Chance to Soar

Here’s a look at new releases you’ll find in the video store this weekend:

Recent Movies: “Hudson Hawk” (Columbia/Tristar, no list price, R) provided more jokes than any other film this year. Unfortunately, the jokes weren’t in the movie, they were about the movie. Despite going belly-up in such a big way, this would-be action-comedy about burglars and charlatans may do well as a video. One reason: a cast that includes Bruce Willis, Danny Aiello, Andie McDowell, James Coburn and Sandra Bernhard. Another reason: A lot of people would like to know if it’s as bad as they’ve been told.

“A Rage in Harlem” (HBO, $92.99, R). Like 1970’s “Cotton Comes to Harlem,” but not quite as successfully, this film tries to capture the flavor of one of Chester Himes’ novels about a diverse cast of characters, this time focusing on a woman who arrives in Harlem with a stash of gold. Danny Glover, Gregory Hines and Robin Givens star.

“F/X 2: The Deadly Art of Illusion” (Orion, $92.98, PG-13). A special-effects expert (Bryan Brown) teams up with a detective (Brian Dennehy) to investigate the death of a cop in this so-so sequel.

Vintage Video: MGM/UA has two new batches of oldies, focusing on World War II and leading ladies.

WWII: “Desperate Journey” (1942) and “Objective Burma” (1945), both with Errol Flynn; “Kings Go Forth” (1958) with Frank Sinatra; “The Devil’s Brigade” (1968) with William Holden; “Men of the Fighting Lady” (1954) with Van Johnson, and “633 Squadron” (1964) with Cliff Robertson.

Ladies: “Romance” (1930) and “Inspiration” (1931), both with Greta Garbo; “Above Suspicion” (1943) and “Possessed” (1947), both with Joan Crawford; “Bhowani Junction” (1956) with Ava Gardner; “East Side, West Side” with Gardner and Barbara Stanwyck; “Reckless” (1935) with Jean Harlow; “Love Crazy” (1941) with Myrna Loy, and “Wife vs. Secretary” with Harlow and Loy.

Other Cassettes: “Cher Fitness: A New Attitude” (CBS/Fox, $19.98). Though the subject of even more jokes than “Hudson Hawk,” the singer-actress gets serious here with a shape-up tape.

“Babalu Music!: ‘I Love Lucy’s’ Greatest Hits.” Weird Al Yankovic has put together a delightful 50-minute compilation of musical moments from the beloved TV series.