The Laser Bin

“Scaramouche” (Criterion Collection, full-feature CAV format, 105 minutes, 1952, color, $79.95, distributed by Voyager Co.; (213) 474-0032).

Even though this swashbuckler is not in the same league as other Criterion film classics, it’s given the full, lavish laser disc treatment. Included are interviews with actor Stewart Granger, who plays the title role, and director George Sidney. The second audio track offers a spoken essay on the making of the movie by producer-author Rudy Behlmer; the first audio track is the soundtrack. The ravishing three-strip Technicolor bursts out of the home screen, showing off the kind of flesh tones usually preserved for color portraits and the opulent costumes and sets usually seen in museums, thanks to the laser technology.