Fleshing Out the Alien

This edition of our monthly survey of pop-related books, videocassettes and laser discs includes a new appreciation of David Bowie’s first film role and--ready or not--a printed collection of your favorite rap lyrics:

* * * 1/2 “The Man Who Fell to Earth,” Criterion Collection laser disc, ($99.95). Here’s another example of why rock ‘n’ roll movies don’t have to be filled with rock music. In director Nicolas Roeg’s 1976 science-fiction tale about psychological alienation, David Bowie gives the film a rock tone with his portrayal of a mysterious alien that is as memorable as any of his album and concert creations. The film was fascinating but largely incomprehensible in the theaters. This disc version turns it into a frequently wondrous romp, thanks to a host of supplemental features, notably a running commentary by Roeg and Bowie on a second audio track.

Items are rated on a scale of one star (poor) to four stars (excellent).