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EGYPT: SECRETS OF THE PHARAOHS
Warner Home Video
58 minutes, $19.98
Egypt's Giza Plateau has been a hub of heightened archaeological activity since 1990, when the hoof of a tourist's horse accidentally broke through a tomb and led to a chain of new clues about who really built the pyramids of ancient Egypt. For centuries the magnificent structures were thought to be the work of ill-treated slaves, but the web of tombs and the adjacent village uncovered this decade reveal that at least a portion of the buildings were constructed by highly skilled craftsmen. This National Geographic video checks in on several digs and also follows the discovery of a dismantled royal ship of the pharaoh Khufu. In addition, it gives details about the ritual of mummification. The tape is packaged with a map of the Nile Valley from the National Geographic archives.

WHY WE FIGHT
Rhino Home Video
380 minutes, $39.95 for boxed set
The footage that makes up this seven-volume series originated from a special division of the Armed Forces that was designated to film and document U.S. involvement in World War II. The series could not be hitting retail at a better time, as Steven Spielberg's "Saving Private Ryan" continues to garner critical acclaim and heavy box-office numbers. History has shown that the films were used by the U.S. government as propaganda instruments to galvanize support for the war. The films were overseen by director Frank Capra when he was a major in the Army Signal Corps, and they examine the guns, the bombs, and the subtle power plays used by the Axis forces. Capra interviews a variety of politicians, intellectuals, and artists and gets some compelling footage from the trenches as well.

QUEST FOR CAMELOT
Warner Home Video
86 minutes, $22.95
Complete with a commemorative pendant of the film's charismatic two-headed dragon, this animated musical movie makes its way to video in October in plenty of time for pre-holiday sales. Keeping pace with the classic theme of good vs. evil, which often makes for some meaty-yet-wholesome children's entertainment, the video depicts how the magical land of Camelot falls into jeopardy when two sinister allies capture King Arthur's sword, Excalibur, and plot to use it against him. What makes this "Quest" particularly juicy are its well-developed themes and its not-so-run-of-the-mill characters, including the brave heroine Kayley and the hilarious Devon and Cornwall, a two-headed dragon who, for once, falls on the favorable side of justice.

MY TUMMY HURTS
MedKid Video
20 minutes, $12.95
This live-action tape was created to help children feel less anxious about having stomachaches and their unpleasant side effects. When a little girl ignores her aching tummy and indulges in hefty portions of cake and candy at her friend's birthday party, her stomach has no choice but to "send some of the food back," according to the guy who plays the body part in question to a T. After making a call to the brain, the stomach rids itself of the offending food‹which it does by literally tossing up giant rubber duplicates of candy, cake bites, pizza, and other food items. Meanwhile, in the outside world, our brave protagonist's mother is helping her understand what foods are best to eat when a stomachache occurs; she also explains the importance of rest and gives other healthy tips. The video makes its points succinctly and in a language young children can easily digest. Contact: 508-655-9900.

OLD JOHN: A VOICE FOR THE LIVING EARTH
The Mountaineers
57 minutes, $19.95
This odd little video was created by the Mountaineers, a 100-year-old nonprofit organization that helps preserve the great outdoors. Its goal is to connect children to the earth and its remarkable natural history. To help foster respect for the land, the video presents the planet's case through a quirky white-haired spokesman named Old John, who dresses in old-fashioned formal attire and sometimes speaks in riddles. Old John visits a fifth-grade class, where he helps save the students' science project and makes a big impact on them by explaining the importance of conserving the world's waterways and forests. He accomplishes this by comparing Earth to an ultra-contemporary space-flight mission. Contact: 206-284-6310.

YOU SAW ME UP THERE
DreamWorks Records
83 minutes; $19.98
Although he cut his entertainment teeth in hardcore groups like Black Flag and Rollins Band, Henry Rollins has become quite the purveyor of spoken word. Recorded last year at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles, this one-hour video includes a conversation about culture, monologues about masculinity, and tales of touring. Transitions between subjects are filled with skits featuring Rollins selling his 2.13.61 books and albums door to door dressed like a Mormon missionary. In one bit, periodic Stone Temple Pilots lead singer Scott Weiland turns up as one of Rollins' customers. Also thrown in is a short film about working out with the bulky punk rocker. Unfortunately, Rollins' weak acting detracts from the overall enjoyable experience of this funny and genuine one-musician show.

MAGICAL MISERY TOUR
Rhino Home Video
58 minutes; $14.95
Originally aired on HBO in December 1996 and filmed at New York's Bottom Line, this is Richard Lewis' celebration of 25 years as the stand-up successor to Woody Allen. The fast-talking hypochondriac obsesses over weird sports, public restrooms, doctor visits, Prozac, and family relations. His rants and shtick become a little tired, but if you don't mind the neurosis and constant head-slapping, there are some laughs to be had. The release comes at a good time, complementing Lewis' Showtime series and a soon-to-be-published collection of essays entitled "The Other Great Depression" for Random House next year.