Recent social and political changes in the USSR have made available some 60 previously unreleased films, which were produced during the last 20 years and withheld from release by the Union of Soviet Filmmakers. In 1986, much of this group's leadership was removed leading to an atmosphere more favorable to wider distribution. Some of these films have now been released within the USSR. One of these newly available films, "Scarecrow", by Rolan Bykov, is attracting large audiences. It concerns moral issues, childrens' cruelty to one another, and adult indifference, all controversial subjects not usually portrayed in Soviet films. Opposing reviews of the film have been published, a policy not customary in the past. Other themes found in these films include the evils of Stalinism (especially as represented in "Repentance," directed by Tengis Abuladze), World War II and nuclear war. Animated films for children are being successfully marketed abroad, as are Soviet films generally. A discussion of several films is included in this brief review, a 13-item bibliography is provided, and rental information for Soviet films is listed. (NL)