Journey Into Life: Human Reproduction

Dr. Derek Bromhall's 1990 Academy Award-nominated documentary short offers a visual depiction of the entire scientific process of the creation of human life, using both microphotography and computer graphics (with all vocabulary terms shown as onscreen captions in this classroom-enhanced version). Journey Into Life begins with an explanation of cell reproduction, looks at the functions of both female and male sexual organs, and follows the human reproductive process, from preconception to delivery. The truly remarkable aspect of this film is that most of it consists of actual photography inside the male and female reproductive organs; for example, via a microscopic camera inserted into the body, viewers will see a real uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes—a sight that most have only seen as color-coded drawings in textbooks. Of course, the show-stopper is watching the development of the fetus: hearing a tiny heartbeat or seeing delicately webbed fingers grow into hands can't help but inspire a sense of wonder. The film is semi-graphic, and includes a warning that it contains footage of a live birth, which is appropriately presented within the context. Highly recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (E. Gieschen)