FIRST OFF . . .

A Stamford, Conn.-based home-video distributor announced Monday that it was filing suit in Los Angeles Superior Court charging the producers of “Platoon” and “Hoosiers” with refusing to turn over negatives and other material necessary for the planned June video releases of the two movies. A Vestron Inc. representative said Monday that Hemdale Film Corp. had ignored its contractual obligation to deliver the films to Vestron within 30 days after their December theatrical openings. The Vestron suit asks the court to force Hemdale to turn over the necessary materials and seeks unstated damages for “lost profits.” Hemdale refused comment.