Short circuits

Last update: October 13, 2008 - 9:06 PM

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

DVD

More 'CSI' to peruse

Well, now, this is good timing. Today brings the DVD release of "CSI: The Eighth Season" (CBS/Paramount, $85), the day before the special exhibit "CSI: The Experience" opens for a three-month run at the Science Museum of Minnesota. The five-disc set adds several background featurettes, commentary on two episodes and a crossover episode of "Without a Trace." For those who like to keep things cerebral, today also brings the second-season release of the History Channel documentary series "The Universe" (A&E, $45), whose computer-generated re-creations venture beyond our solar system on the five-disc set, as well as a three-disc Blu-ray version of the first season ($80). Of course, today's biggest release is the summer hit "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" (Paramount, $35-$40); read Sunday's interview with producer Frank Marshall at www.startribune.com/tv.

Today's other top DVDs: "Back to You" (Season 1), "Icons of Horror: Hammer Films," "Liberty's Kids" (full series), "Mongol," "Nash Bridges" (Season 1), "The Partridge Family" (Season 3), "Rebecca" (2008), "The Sarah Silverman Program" (Season 2, Vol. 1), "Standard Operating Procedure," "The Unit" (Season 3), "Veggie Tales: Pirates Who Don't Do Anything," "War Inc."

GAME

Batman is a blockhead

Speaking of Indy, the beloved character was recently given the Lego treatment in a popular video game, as were the "Star Wars" films. Now, they're joined by "Lego Batman" ($30-$50 for all systems). In keeping with the gimmick of rendering Gotham's characters and settings in Lego blocks, the presentation is decidedly on the whimsical side, including loads of comic sound effects but no dialogue. In one scene, for example, Robin loses his head and a smirking Caped Crusader quickly puts it back on. Control can be dodgy, such as trying to steer the Batboat, and the levels can become monotonous. But "Lego Batman" is a fun diversion that's at least worth renting even for casual fans.

RANDY A. SALAS