Cinema 4D is on the August DVD (you're welcome
)
I found the Bryce 5.5 demo disappointing when compared to version 5 - but that's just me.
Lightwave doesn't have a demo version (or did I miss something on their site?)
And yes, we've received enough requests for 3D-related articles to consider something there, so watch out.
P.S. I prefer Mental Ray, even though the documentation assumes that you have several degrees in Physics.