Short circuits

Last update: November 17, 2008 - 4:44 PM

short circuits

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

DVD

Say hello to 'WALL-E'

"WALL-E" just a movie for kids? Hardly. Pixar's latest blockbuster turned out to be the heartwarming charmer of the year for viewers of any age. The animated film really is a romantic comedy, starring a cute robotic fella who has been charged with cleaning up Earth after humans have fled the filthy planet. When a probe named EVE arrives to see if it's safe for the off-worlders to return, WALL-E's smitten sensors go into overload. All four home-video versions available today, including the single-disc DVD (Disney, $30), contain director's commentary, the theatrical short "Presto" and a new short, "BURN-E." The three-disc DVD ($40) and two-disc Blu-ray ($36) add the acclaimed documentary "The Pixar Story" and a bevy of background extras. The Blu-ray also has picture-in-picture commentary, video games and other geeky stuff. Finally, the premium DVD and a three-disc Blu-ray edition ($41) offer digital copies of the movie for portable players. You'll need a robot to sort out the various versions.

RANDY A. SALAS

Also out today: "Bones" (Season 3), "Doctor Who" (Series 4), "Hannah Montana" (Season 1), "Jeff Dunham's Very Special Christmas Special," "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2," "Tropic Thunder."

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

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