THE HYPE THE GREENING OF CHRISTMAS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON YOU MAY HAVE TO GRINCH AND BEAR IT.

There is a distinct green feeling about the upcoming holidays. That might be due to the upcoming Nov. 17 release of Universal's ``Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas'' (www.grinched.com), starring Jim Carrey.

But a man who knew a thing or two about taking on monster roles voiced the Green Meanie back in 1966.

Mr. Horror himself, Boris Karloff, intoned the Grinch's bitterness in Chuck Jones' classic animated television production, which has been digitally remastered and released on DVD (Warners; $19.98). The DVD includes a number of fun extras, including commentary by June Foray, voice of Cindy Lou Who - who, after the Grinch indeed steals Christmas from the poor Whos, melts the miser's heart with an act of kindness. (Longtime Valley resident Foray is also the voice of Rocky the Flying Squirrel.)

One of the joys of ``Grinch'' is Dr. Seuss' clever wordplay, which Karloff makes even more delightful with his ``monstrous'' reading on the animated version.

But if you wish to enjoy the story on the written page, Random House is releasing a new version of the 1957 classic book, plus other tie-in books to the movie. Beside the original, ``How the Grinch Stole Christmas!'' ($14), there is ``How the Grinch Stole Hollywood: The Making of the Movie'' ($14.95), ``How the Grinch Stole Christmas!'' (a novelization, $4.99) and ``How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Movie Storybook'' ($6.99).

But it doesn't end there. More books (www.randomhouse.com/seussville) are on the way, plus a soundtrack from James Horner (``Titanic'') and games for Sony PlayStation, PCs and Sega Dreamcast. All of this leads us to believe it's not easy being a green meanie.

- Rob Lowman

THE END

STOP THE PRESSES!: Serves them right.

NBC has written ``--30--'' to its new drama series about crusading journalists, ``Deadline,'' says the Hollywood Reporter.

Why was the show canceled after only five airings? Well, there's the whole ``low ratings'' thing. But if we could borrow a page from the ``Deadline'' style book, we can look behind the headlines and figure out the real reason the show failed.

Mainly, it had nothing to do with the reality of any newspaper in the world. There are no crusading reporters (well, except for Dennis McCarthy ... and maybe Bob Greene ... but that's it). And there aren't that many crimes out there that get solved to begin with, much less get solved by journalists. Journalists are too busy grifting for free meals and drinking too much coffee and cracking unbelievably bad puns and sick jokes across desks, then surfing the Net for cool sites.

Our condolences to Oliver Platt, Lili Taylor, Bebe Neuwirth, Tom Conti and the others involved with this misbegotten venture.

And, by the way, what does ``--30--'' mean?

- Rodney Richey

MAGAZINES

SECOND TIME AROUND: Walking down the aisle a second time has become so commonplace (accounting for 46 percent of all brides) that encore brides now have their own magazine.

In the winter 2000 issue of Bride Again, founded by second-time bride Beth Reed Ramirez, articles focus on hiding wrinkles, gowns for real women (with matronly curves) that won't make you look the mother-of-the-bride, and second-wedding etiquette so you won't make any social faux pas regarding his kids, your kids and your ex-in-laws. Bride Again is $4.99 at bookstores and newsstands.

- Barbara De Witt

ON THE TUBE

IN MEMORIAM: Steve Allen, who died Monday in Encino, will be remembered by A&E's ``Biography'' series at 7 p.m. Saturday. ``Steve Allen: Hi-Ho Steverino!'' examines the lengthy and influential career of the comic, who virtually invented the late-night talk show, which influenced such later comedians as David Letterman and also found time to write more than 4,000 songs and 40 books.

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