Retailers are always tight on shelf space in the fourth quarter, and that's why studios are adding extras to their Christmas titles this year to ensure they don't get lost in the mix.

For nearly 20 years, Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" hasn't needed much help, having sold more than 4 million copies on DVD and VHS since its 1985 video debut. "It's a perennial that's always sold well during the holidays," said Paramount Home Entertainment spokesman Martin Blythe.

But this year, Paramount is giving the classic a new look and a higher profile to celebrate its 50th anniversary. New DVD copies shipped to stores this month will feature 50th anniversary edition stickers and the film will be re-released in theaters across the country in November.

Paramount has also signed several licensing deals for White Christmas merchandise that retailers can stock in other parts of their stores. They include a 50th anniversary book, a 500-piece puzzle, gift cards and a snow globe that plays the Oscar-winning song crooned by Bing Crosby.

Warner Home Video is taking a similar approach with its DVD box sets, featuring the Christmas adventures of Scooby-Doo and Tom and Jerry. "Warner is offering consumers DVD gift box sets that contain limited edition, collectible plush toys," said Amit Desai, director of kid marketing for Warner Home Video.

The box sets will arrive at retail Oct. 5 at a price of $19.98 and will include "Scooby-Doo: Winter Wonderdog," Nine Dog Christmas" and "Tom and Jerry: Paws for a Holiday." The plush toys will include Scooby-Doo, Jerry and Snow Plow.

Some studios are using the holidays to bring Christmas classics to DVD for the first time. MGM Home Entertainment will bring "Babes in Toyland" to DVD for the first time Nov. 2 for $14.95. MGM will also release a "Christmas Fare" DVD gift set on Nov. 16 featuring "Prancer," "It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang."

Rounding out the list of fourth quarter releases is the usual slate of holiday-themed kids' titles. Buena Vista Home Entertainment will release two kids' Christmas titles in November. "Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas" will be released Nov. 9 and "Eloise at Christmas Time" will debut Nov. 16.

Paramount Home Entertainment has "Dora's Christmas" and the Peanut's classic "I Want a Dog for Christmas Charlie Brown" scheduled for release Oct. 26.

HIT Entertainment has "The Wiggles: Santa's Rockin'" due out Sept. 28, which will feature singer John Fogerty. And Anchor Bay Entertainment will release "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" on Oct. 12.

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