A weekly update of video releases

Dates in parentheses indicate a full-length review of the film in the Monitor.

* I.Q. - (PG, Paramount Home Video). This sweet-natured romantic comedy has the master of physics, Albert Einstein, attempting to create some chemistry between his brilliant but insecure niece (Meg Ryan) and the garage mechanic who loves her (Tim Robbins). Walter Matthau is delightful as the wild-haired genius, as are Gene Saks, Lou Jacobi, and Joseph Maher, who play Einstein's cronies ... er, colleagues. Their antics are far more diverting than the romance itself, as the four madcap professors cavort through 1950s Princeton, attempting to convince the academic world (and more importantly, niece Catherine) that the lovable grease monkey is actually a scientific Wunderkind.

- Yvonne Zipp

* BEFORE SUNRISE - (R, Columbia TriStar Home Video). This insightful, sensitive film breaks through the cliches of how people meet and fall in love. Spanning one night, the story follows a French student (Julie Delpy) and a young American journalist (Ethan Hawke) as they spend time getting to know one another in romantic Viennese spots. Director Richard Linklater subtly portrays the lovers' initial awkwardness, fleeting glances toward each other, and hesitancy to disclose too much about themselves. An exceptionally well-written script makes the dialogue engaging, although some viewers may wish for more tangible action scenes. (Jan. 27)

- Judy Nichols

* RED - (R, Miramax). In the final part of Krzysztof Kieslowski's ''Three Colors'' trilogy, Irene Jacob (''The Double Life of Veronique'') plays a young model who accidentally hits a German shepherd with her car. When she tries to return the dog to its owner, she discovers an older man (Jean-Louis Trintignant) who lacks companionship and is cynical about life. Although at first his habits (i.e. listening to his neighbors' phone conversations) are bothersome to her, she becomes intrigued with his sense of wisdom and maturity. In French with English subtitles, ''Red'' combines outstanding cinematography and a story line of passionate intellect.

- Lisa Leigh Parney

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