NOVA - Origins
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Movie Reviews of NOVA - Origins
Movie Review: The complex story of life in the Universe, well told.
Summary: 5 Stars
The "Origins" double DVD is about life in the Universe and all the related things that have to happen to make this possible. The sad fact is that we only know of one place in the Universe where life exists, namely our Earth. Finding out whether there is life elsewhere is one of the big unsolved scientific problems of our time.
If it had been easy it would have been done already. The story of the quest is an incredible one bringing together a number of strands. We need to know how the elements of life are formed, how the Earth evolved, why having a molten core is so important to protect the Earth from the Sun, why Jupiter is important to shield the Earth from meteorites to name just a few of the issues. And we sure do not know all the answers yet. Facts are facts but we also need to understand what motivates the scientists that do this work. They are humans as well spurred on not only by scientific curiosity but also by the desire for fame and the spirit of competition.
It is a great story but one that requires a great story teller. Tyson is such a person. He tells it with interviews with the scientists involved and their passions. He uses his special effects well. He exploits the twists and turns in the story never shying away from the controversies and uncertainties. It is a complex story. It not surprising it gets a bit breathless at times. It is also not surprising that some of the material will date somewhat as time goes by. But I think he does a wonderful job to draw the threads together, never hyping the science (unnecessary anyway) and making it accessible to everyone. Finally is was fun and entertaining.
Well worth the watch.
Movie Review: At fantastic look at the evolution of earth and its place in the Universe!
Summary: 5 Stars
The NOVA four-part series, Origins, is the perfect gift for a lay person who's interested in the evolution of earth and its unique place in the Universe. I found myself totally engrossed in the development of our planet, learning things that I never knew. I had no idea that our moon was created when another planet struck earth billions of years ago, or that the oceans on our planet were actually formed from the ice on comets that hit earth during its formative years. I didn't know that life on our planet began from the microbes that came here attached to the comets and astroids that struck earth. I didn't know that it was because of having a planet the size of Jupiter in our solar system that we were actually shielded from the vast majority of destructive astroids that travelled through our system. This enabled life on earth to continue without too many major interruptions. I didn't know that scientists have already discovered other solar systems within our galaxy that have planets and the possibility of life. And, these are just a few of the things discussed by Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson as the host and narrator of Origins. This is a show with a wealth of information geared to people of all ages with an acute interest in our planet and the universe. The only complaint I have is that some of the computer animations were showed over and over again, especially in Parts 1 & 2. Other than that, Origins is an excellent series that teaches the viewer about astronomy, biology and geology in a way thats informative and highly entertaining and never boring! A great gift for kids who are just getting started in their quest to understand the origins of life.Movie Review: Expanding your mind with the Universe
Summary: 5 Stars
This four-part Nova series is an engrossing and exciting learning experience. Scientists, geologists, astronomers and astro-psysicists show how to surmise our origins from the big bang, galaxies, black holes, pulsating stars, elements, planets with life and then the one celled bacteria, dna, and from that creatures of higher intelligence and curiosity.
One interesting item among many is why we study the comets and asteroids so much. It finally became clear how important they are to life on earth -both creating and changing. Creation of life and and extinctions were described much faster than imagined. The new theory on the moon's creation is fascinating - we now have moon rocks to verify part of the theory.
It is beautifully animated, written and described for a layman and each series a logical progression. How life began - and the recipe are in this series. The ultimate in wonder and easily understood by most from 10 years to 100 years. How we came to be is deeply interesting and a miracle.
A must see.
Movie Review: Sensational... A+
Summary: 5 Stars
Beautiful images from single cell life forms to CGI representations of galaxies (and Hubble pics), plus a nicely paced presentation make this a must have for science doc fans. There are a few small areas it could explore more deeply, but for the most part it is 4 hrs of accurate and very entertaining viewing.
For those looking for a more in depth overview of why it is so difficult to actually detect other intelligences out there in the cosmos, checkout "Life Beyond Earth" by Timothy Ferris (another excellent science doc)
Movie Review: Origins by NOVA - is out of this world
Summary: 5 Stars
This is one of NOVA's outstanding educational efforts.
Origins presents startling new findings that attempt to explain just how Earth, life and the universe began.
This DVD also includes Printable materials for educators.
Access the the "Origins" Web site.
Closed captions [CC]
Described video for the visually impaired D)))
NOVA - Origins