The interactive reference work is surely one of the best uses yet devised for CD-ROM, and those that zero in on a single finite subject are almost always the ones that work best. So what could be better suited for multimedia than the world of science fiction? Based on the Hugo Award-winning Encyclopedia of Science Fiction, Grolier's The Multimedia Encyclopedia of Science Fiction ($60) Builds on said volume's 1.2 million-word text with hundreds of videoclips, sound bites, and photographs.

Hear Isaac Asimov discuss technology's role in society, explore broad topics like time travel and artificial intelligence, or just sit back and watch the original trailer for The Blob. Not surprisingly, the point of view is unmistakably nerdy - the entry on Ridley Scott's Blade Runner, for example, complains of alleged plot flaws while ignoring the film's larger artistic and visual triumphs. Whether you're a budding trekker or a hardcore cyberpunk, Science Fiction will take you to the next frontier. (Mac, MPC discs)

Overall, this disk doesn't give life to any strange new worlds, but it will probably energize many to set out in search of books that do.