• "Joni Mitchell: Refuge of the Roads" (Shout! 1984, not rated, $14.98). Mitchell produced and directed this collection of in-studio performances with home movies and film clips offering visual interpretation. Some good songs, with somewhat varied arrangements from the original album versions. Fans will eat it up, though I would have preferred a concert setting or merely the studio performances along. After the initial viewing, the home movies grow tiresome.

Extras: Full frame, 13 songs, photo gallery, chapters.

• "Trekkies 2" (Paramount, 2004, PG, $19.99). More of the same, if you've seen "Trekkies," only this time with a worldwide bent. Lots of time is spent with Trekkies in Europe, Australia and South America, as well as America. Some are funny, some are kind of sad, and much like the first film, a whole lot is just weird. Some "Trek" actors are also interviewed, and co-producer Denise Crosby again acts as hostess/interviewer.

Extras: Full frame, audio commentary, deleted scenes, short fan films, chapters.

• "Life Beyond Earth" (PBS/Paramount, 1999, not rated, $19.98). This PBS documentary explores the origins of life on Earth as well as postulating about life-supporting solar systems beyond. Two hourlong parts include "Are We Alone?" and "Is Anybody Listening?"

Extras: Widescreen, two episodes, audio commentary (by filmmaker Timothy Ferris), chapters.

• "First Steps on Mars" (MPI, 1997-2000, not rated, color and b/w, $19.98). Computer-graphic re-creations and news footage, along with scientist talking heads, provide the info in this entertaining 50-minute documentary.

Extras: Full frame, chapters.

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E-mail: hicks@desnews.com