The Mystery Of the Sphinx; The Second Coming Of Science

An expanded version of an NBC broadcast, hosted by Charlton Heston, The Mystery of the Sphinx uses a dazzling array of computer-generated re-enactments, close-up views of Egypt's most famous landmark, and compelling interviews from a wide range of scientists and Egyptologists to examine writer John Anthony West's controversial theory that water not wind eroded the base of the Sphinx. Now, you're probably saying: "water? wind? who cares, for Tut's sake?" Well, plug this into the equation: that particular area of Egypt last got a heavy dose of rainfall some 9,000 years ago; the Sphinx is purportedly half that old. If West's theory, which is supported by Boston University geologist Dr. Robert Schoch, is true, then the history books need a little revision. The idea that an equally developed civilization existed 3 to 4,000 years prior to the presently defined ancient Egyptian one is a stretcher, and the program--which presents both sides--offers Egyptologists doing a good job of pooh-bahing such a notion. However, if you toss in a few extras, such as the lost civilization of Atlantis and the face on Mars--which is rather Sphinx-like--then you begin to see just how cracked these people really are. No, seriously, The Mystery of the Sphinx is a thought-provoking film which boasts high production values, a compelling story, and a commitment to exploring with both eyes open--a trait that is sometimes lacking in traditional Western science.The same traditional Western science also takes it on the chin in The Second Coming of Science, hosted by former astronaut and physicist Brian O'Leary. But, comparatively speaking, these are glancing blows, at best: there's not much damage one can do in a seated lecture with slides. Prior to discussing the strange goings-on around the world, O'Leary does an audience warm-up, a spoon-bending routine which he admits is not as good as Uri Geller's (who, he neglects to mention, has been widely discredited). The only passable video quality, less than optimum lighting in the auditorium, and handful of camera edits, make this demonstration not even worth a skeptic's notice. The bulk of the tape consists of a narrated slide show covering topics such as telepathy with plants, reincarnation, near-death experiences, the healing power of crystals, Brazil's Thomas Green Morton--who not only makes objects materialize out of thin air but also had the rare privilege of visiting a parallel universe (the planet Afron 5, to be precise), another materializer named Sai Baba (who materialized a watch for the author--one distinctly stamped "made in Hong Kong"), the rash of UFO sightings in Gulf Breeze, Florida (which humorist Dave Barry personally investigated and reported on, the results of which are included in his recent book Dave Barry Is Not Making This Up), England's mysterious crop circles, the face on Mars, and other topics. While O'Leary is a savvy speaker and often interesting, The Second Coming of Science is visually dull and obviously keyed towards the already converted.The Mystery of the Sphinx is highly recommended. The Second Coming of Science is not recommended. [Note: those interested in the face of Mars story might want to consider Hoagland's Mars, Vols. 1 & 2, available from several distributors.] (R. Pitman)