The $2.98 Video Collection

During the opening segment of this six-pack of "low-budget, no-budget" shorts, in which a music critic named "Laverne" offers sideline commentary--Beavis & Butthead style--while actor/writer/director Jim Terr sings an original composition based on an overheard pick-up line in a bar ("did it hurt when you fell down from heaven?"), I harbored--like the proverbial ant--high hopes for The $2.98 Video Collection. Unfortunately, the five easy pieces that followed--generally built around one-note concepts, such as a plus-size woman that wins Rod Stewart's heart, or a pay phone operation that consumers can call for abuse--don't measure up to the lead-off short. Terr is an entertaining singer/songwriter, but with professional comedy tapes available for the same price, this $2.98 video collection (small print: $14.95 actual cost) is not a necessary purchase. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)