Dr. Brian Cox, the celebrated particle physicist turned science-TV icon, follows up Wonders of the Solar System with this superior four-part documentary detailing the basic forces and laws of the universe and how they shaped the cosmos and the Earth. Bringing a sense of wonder and scientific curiosity to each episode, Cox looks at the nature of time, the periodic table (featuring the 92 elements from which everything—stars to humans—is made), the force of gravity, and the properties of light. Comparisons to Carl Sagan and Cosmos are inevitable, but this co-production from the BBC, Science Channel, and Discovery Channel, directed by Stephen Cooter and Chris Holt, nicely measures up. Without speaking down to audiences, Cox simplifies complex ideas, providing earthbound practical illustrations of cosmic principles. Wonders of the Universe, which aired stateside in 2011 on Science, is staged almost like a piece of dramatic fiction, with Cox traveling around the world, from the North Pole to the South Pacific Ocean, and wandering deserts and mountains like an explorer on the frontier. Offering an excellent transmutation of hard science for a mass audience, this is highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Axmaker)
Wonders of the Universe
(2011) 232 min. DVD: 2 discs, $24.99, Blu-ray: $24.99. BBC Worldwide Ltd. (avail. from most distributors). ISBN: 0-7806-8135-5 (dvd), 0-7806-8136-3 (blu-ray). Volume 26, Issue 6
Wonders of the Universe
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
Order From Your Favorite Distributor Today: