STARSHIP TROOPERS

STARSHIP TROOPERS Casper Van Dien, Denise Richards, Neil Patrick Harris (1997, Columbia Tristar, R, $24.95) Paul Verhoeven doesn't waste a minute of audio commentary before defending his bug-eyed sci-fi splatter-fest against charges that it's a neo-Nazi romp. ''If you see a black uniform,'' insists the director -- his Dutch accent rising as ostensible hero Doogie Howser shows up in fascist gear -- ''you should know: bad, bad, bad!'' Much of the track reiterates how Troopers parodies WWII propaganda films, though Verhoeven is rendered speechless when scripter Ed Neumeier logically wonders if audiences got confused by deeply ironic political undertones in this, the world's grossest kid pic. But for all its mixed messages, when the film is delivering the delirious human-stomping thrills that Godzilla couldn't, it's good, good, good! Bonuses include F/X tests, deleted romantic subplot mush, and Richards in a black bra. The film and the extras: A-