Director Steven Soderbergh angered theater owners and won scads of free press when he simultaneously released his film "Bubble" to multiplexes, DVD and cable television in January.

Fueling the fire, Soderbergh cast nonprofessional actors for the lead roles of his small-town murder mystery. Critics either cheered or hissed. Several theater chains refused to screen the film.

If you haven't already seen "Bubble" on someone's PowerBook, you can see it at Doris Duke Theatre at 1 and 7:30 p.m. today. Information: 532-8768.

— Derek Paiva

FIGURE-SKATING CHAMP IN TOWN

Ice skating's back on the public mind map in the wake of the Olympics. Now you can meet the 1992 gold-medalist — Kristi Yamaguchi is holding autograph and photo sessions in town.

Here's where you'll find her: today 10 a.m. to noon at Daiei Kaheka, then 4 to 6 p.m. at Times Beretania; tomorrow 10 a.m. to noon at Foodland Market City, then 2 to 4 p.m. at Star Mo'ili'ili.

While here, Yamaguchi is also involved in her Always Dream Foundation, which supports programs for underprivileged children in California, Nevada and Hawai'i.

— Advertiser staff

FINAL WORD

"I think Tony being plump is funny, and it appeals to the regular guy out there. (Not everybody has) the ability to go to the gym for an hour every day — they've got plenty of other (expletive) they've got to deal with."

James Gandolfini | on his character, Tony Soprano, who gains weight in the final season of "The Sopranos," starting Sunday, in TV Guide