Umm update your drivers, make sure directx is updated to the newest version and don't alt tab the moment you launch the game. I've seen this when I'm trying to multi task like crazy. Havent seen it for this game specifically. 

Thanks for suggestions.  I wouldn't ask this question if all my drivers were not up-to-date.

It inspired me to do some more playing.  The only thing which worked was: force it to use the integrated Intel gfx, switch Windows screen resolution down from the native 1920x1080 down to 1600x900.  Then I could get into game.  I could then set its resolution off default "desktop" to explicit 1600x900; which allowed me to restore desktop to full!  It would then run OK in a 1600x900 window.

So it looks like, for me, 1920x1080 crashed it.  The NVidia was a no-go at any resolution.  Not the end of the world, but a bit disappointing --- I expected both of those to work?

I have:

NVidia GeForce GT 740M (2GB)

Intel HD Graphics 4600

bang up-to-date, and running under stinky Windows 8 (.1, Pro)