Short circuits: What's new

short circuits

A brief look at new and noteworthy experiences among DVDs, video games, gadgets and the Web.

DVD BOND GOES BLU-RAY

Secret agent 007 is embarking on a high-def mission. On Oct. 21, the classic James Bond films "Dr. No," "Die Another Day," "Live and Let Die," "For Your Eyes Only," "From Russia With Love" and "Thunderball" will debut on Blu-ray. They join the recent "Casino Royale," one of the early hits in the high-def format.

Today's best DVD bets: Anthony Mann's 1950 western "The Furies" (Criterion, $40), the anachronistic popcorn flick "10,000 B.C." (Warner, $27-$37) and the 1995 Macedonian antiwar film "Before the Rain" (Criterion, $40).

WEB GET BACK IN TIME

Relive past pop culture with Get Back (www.getback.com). The new site compiles entertainment, news and trends from 1968 to 1990, including then-and-now updates on celebs such as Blondie singer Debbie Harry (1978) and recaps of stories such as the controversy over Madonna's "Like a Prayer" video. Dial up your favorite year on the built-in music player, and rock out to your favorite oldies while you play online versions of vintage video games such as "Space Invaders" and "Frogger." The site, still in beta testing, can be slow and clunky, but give it a whirl.

GAMING WII TAKES OVER

It's not official yet, but Nintendo's Wii has surely replaced the Xbox 360 as the top video-game console in U.S. homes by now. At the end of May, 10.2 million Wii systems had been sold to date, only about 100,000 shy of the 360's total, according to the industry-tracking NPD Group. With the Wii outselling the 360 by about 500,000 units a month recently, according to NPD, Nintendo's console probably grabbed the top spot sometime last week. NPD will confirm the news when it releases June figures in mid-July.

RANDY A. SALAS

SATISFY YOUR INNER GEEK

Get daily technology news and musings from Randy Salas at startribune.com/technobabble.