"Of Dolls And Murder" DVD (director: Susan Marks)

Predating modern forensic science and the CSI phenomenon, the matronly Frances Glessner Lee was an unlikely innovator. In the 1930s and 1940s, she crafted miniature "Nutshell" dioramas using dolls and dollhouse-sized props to illustrate crime scenes. Her work was widely used in training detectives and crime scene investigators, and has provided much inspiration to modern forensics.

This documentary, narrated in part by the legendary filmmaker John Waters, investigates the nearly forgotten Glessner Lee and her work, as well as interviewing a number of forensic scientists and police investigators about their work and its relation to Glessner Lee. It's a fascinating, straightforward, and enjoyable look into a morbid science, but one which aims to bring the truth to light. Well worthy for any fans of "CSI" or true crime. (MVD Visual)