Short circuits

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

Cult classics hit Blu-ray The summer hit "Get Smart" arrives today on DVD (see my Sunday column at www.startribune.com/tv), but so do a few older films with a cult following that are new to Blu-ray. First up on the high-def format is "Planet of the Apes: 40-Year Evolution" (Fox, $160), a boxed set that contains the 1968 original classic and its four sequels, including an unrated version of 1972's "Conquest of the Planet of the Apes" ($35 each). Extras from previous editions have been carried over, but there also are fresh supplements, such as picture-in-picture background material and high-def isolated scores. Also out is "The Final Countdown" (Blue Underground, $35), the 1980 thriller about a time-traveling nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Finally, there's the holiday charmer "A Christmas Story," which isn't new to Blu-ray but does now come in a limited-edition package (Warner, $50) that includes goodies such as an apron, themed cookie cutters and leg-lamp lights ("Fra-jee-lay!").

Also out today: "Barbie: A Christmas Carol," "The Films of Budd Boetticher," "Futurama: Bender's Game," "JAG" (Season 7), "Popeye, the Sailor" (Vol. 3), "Primeval" (Series 1 & 2), "Project Runway" (Season 4), "Reaper" (Season 1), "Route 66" (Season 2), "Shrek the Halls," "Spin City" (Season 1).

'Resistance' is not futile Sure, "Resistance: Fall of Man" could be called a "Halo" copycat, but that doesn't make it inferior to the bestselling shooter. "Resistance's" story -- an alternate history that has aliens invading Earth after World War I -- is more compelling, and its game-play mechanics and graphics are slicker. The action moves from Europe to the United States of 1953 with today's long-anticipated release of "Resistance 2" (Sony, $60; rated Mature), another PlayStation 3 exclusive. There are new and improved weapons, an adversary with cloaking powers and social networking. Oh, and the online mode now includes a cooperative campaign for up to eight players and 60-player competitive combat. Lock and load!

Out Friday: "Gears of War 2" for Xbox 360 (Microsoft, $60).

RANDY A. SALAS