Stephen Hawking's Universe

Starring:Stephen Hawking, Maria Papathanassiou, Frank Langella, Gregory Benford, Jeff Rawle, Fred M. Niell
Studio: Pbs Home Video
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Stephen Hawking, author of the bestselling A Brief History of Time, presents here some of the most astonishing scientific advances in cosmological thought. Interviews with renowned researchers combined with strikingly artistic cinematography set the stage for this down-to-earth production on the mysteries of our universe. Relive the ingenuity of Ptolemy, Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo, Newton, Hubble, and Einstein in Seeing Is Believing. Despite diagnosis with ALS, Hawking completed his Ph.D., developing a theory describing the precise conditions for the Big Bang. The history of chemistry, the periodic table, and Curie's radiation experiments in Cosmic Alchemy allowed Einstein's theory of relativity and revelations about the relationship between energy and matter. On the Dark Side delves into antimatter (proof that dark matter does exist), nutrinos, and nutrino hunters. Thanks to radio astronomy, SETI--the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence--is currently looking for alien communications in Black Holes and Beyond. Learn about quasars and the theoretical ramifications of black holes to the laws of physics. An Answer to Everything challenges Hawking and other prominent scientists to try to resolve the mystery of how the Big Bang began. Hawking's series is easy to follow, but it doesn't skimp on scientific detail or shy away from challenging concepts. An outstanding tour of the universe! --Tara Chace

Description

He is a living legend, whose book A Brief History of Time became an instant best seller. Now, his genius is fully revealed in this new series that will treat you to the latest and most profound advances in cosmological thought in true down-to-earth Hawking fashion. Encompassing Hawking's matchless point of view, these six programs spin an intergalactic detective story, rich with mystery, unexpected twists and astonishing revelations. Titles are: "The Big Bang," "On the Dark Side," and "Black Holes and Beyond."

Customer Reviews:

Bad Makeover of a good Documentary.......2006-10-11

I bought this DVD to replace a worn Video from the BBC(British Broadcasting Commission). It was a bit of a shock. The original film has been edited and chopped up with bits of rubbish added through. It also now has a poor voice over. The whole feel of the film has been removed. All the PBS...and viewers like your rubbish? Where'd that come from. It was totallly funded via the BBC. The PBS editions mess up may have been funded by someone else. My copy is going Free as I won't be watching it again.

Sincerely, do yourself a favour and source out a BBC edition. I give it (5 Stars)It is an awesome package. Inspiring and well told. Something to watch again and again(Hence I've worn out the video cassette.

Review for Steven Hawking's Universe.......2006-04-17

Steven Hawking's Universe by John Boslough is about Steven Hawking's life and his scientific discoveries. Boslough most likely wrote this book because he was trying to recount the story of Hawking's improbable rise to the top of the scientific community. Hawking over came Lou Gehrig's disease to become one of the leading scientist in the world. This book is an excellent description of Hawking's theories, and scientific achievements. While reading it, one has to marvel at the incredible circumstances in which Hawking made his great discoveries which are detailed in the book. Hawking's story is one of the greatest in history. I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in science and incredible successes stories. This book does a great job of explaining Hawking's theories as well as the man behind them. It is a great mix of commentary from the author infused with quotes from Hawking himself. It is apparent that Hawking had a hand in the content of the book which makes it an accurate source of information. It is written at a level that is easy for the lay man to understand the theories being presented. This helps the reader be able to truly appreciate the work Hawking has done in advancing the study of black holes. This book was written to detail Hawking's achievements and I strongly recommend those with an interest in science to read it because Hawking's story is truly an amazing one.

Informationally boring but definitely worth my time........2005-01-31

Starbucks played an integral role in the success of this series with me. However, I thoroughly enjoy cosmology so I like getting the big picture delivered by this set. The series definitely provides a clear understanding of the history of cosmology as well as current theories with as much explanation as you will find on any DVD out there. After watching Hawking's other video production, "A Brief History of Hawkings and Time", I was glad to find this series focused on the science instead of Hawkings himself. I believe the more you know about cosmology the more interesting you will find this program. Some of the information in this program is not easily understood unless you already know a little. Overall I found this program very useful. This set is an effective, comprehensive learning tool, not a day at the movies. Hawkings has definitely clicked out a pretty good program here!

"I have sold more books on physics, than Madonna has on sex".......2004-09-04

It very well may be that Stephen Hawking is the greatest mind since Albert Einstein. The material on this DVD is nothing less than great, but falls short in the area of production, and presentation. I think most physics/science fans still hold all documentaries of this type, in comparison with Carl Sagan's: Cosmos.

With all fairness, the structure or style of the production, is more on the lines of a news documentary, with lots of interviews, a more mystery feel to the presentation. Editing seems a little ameture'ish, it would have been nice to leave out the sponsor slots, and the usual PBS station calls, these detract heavily from the entire experience really, even though they are done at the beginning and end of the episodes only. The musical score seems fitting, but don't expect any Vangelis like tracks, as in Cosmos. The nararator does a decent job, but personally, I would have liked to hear it more from Mr. Hawking himself, via his voice synthesizer. Of course that would have made it a longer DVD, but there could have been more graphical content to accompany the dialog too.

A good DVD set, that is packed with a wealth of knowledge, but killed by production. I suggest, If you haven't already, pick up Carl Sagan's: Cosmos.

The unfolding of everything.......2004-06-14

I come to physics, astronomy, chemistry, biology and geology as a layperson who is fascinated by the big questions of life. For me science fact far exceeds science fiction or fantasy. I cannot get enough.

I come to this whole exploration of science under the influence of Darwin, Nietzsche and Krishnamurti. To learn and understand beyond the narrowness and pettiness of the human experience. I think the human experience is infinitely enhanced, not diminished, when we see outside the box of what we have been told, beyond the truths and reality we accept without any deeper understanding than that this is what has been programmed into our brains and veins from cradle to grave.

This dvd is so layered and complex and filled with fantasic ideas and theories, that I'll surely watch it over and over again. The string theory concept, alone, is worth the price of this dvd. I had, also, purchased 'The Elegant Universe' when I ordered this dvd. The updated and added string theory perspectives add to what was said in Hawking's Universe. For me its the glue and unfolding of everything.

I wish I could be more technical but I'm too much of an infant in this arena. I seem to understand but find the words very difficult to explain the specifics of what was said. Each of the six parts goes into incredible depth. I would imagine even the experienced scientist must wrinkle his forehead when digesting the vast concepts big and small.

Description

God, the Universe & Everything Else is an educational colloquium, attempting to uncover a grand unified theory of the laws that govern the universe. This enlightening program delves deep into topics such as the Big Bang Theory, the expansion of the universe, black holes, extraterrestrial life and the origins of creativity.

Stephen Hawking is a British theoretical physicist who has dedicated much of his life to probing the laws of time and space described by Einstein's Theory of Relativity.

Carl Sagan was an American astronomer who played a major role in the development of the American space program, as well as his contributions to planetary science.

Arthur C. Clarke is a British author, most famous for the science fiction classic, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and his optimistic vision for mankind exploring the galaxy.

Hosted by Magnus Magnusson.

Customer Reviews:

Very poor quality DVD.......2007-03-30

I got this DVD, the quality is poor, also no pictures or graphics in the movie, just a conversation in a small room that is not interesting, also one of the guys (Stephen Hawking )cannot speak and just type the answers in a computer with some voice speech recognition that is not clear (I am not kidding) you can get sleep watching this DVD because it is like listening a old radio from a garage sale. The real price for this DVD can be just $0.99 in Walmart. I rated 1 star because there is not "0 star" available. Take care before waste your money like me.

Average customer rating:

Bad Makeover of a good Documentary
Review for Steven Hawking's Universe
Informationally boring but definitely worth my time.
"I have sold more books on physics, than Madonna has on sex"
The unfolding of everything

Stephen Hawking's Universe
Starring: Stephen Hawking , Maria Papathanassiou , Frank Langella , Jeff Rawle , and Fred M. Niell
Manufacturer: Pbs Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

All | PBS | Specialty Stores | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

NOVA - The Elegant Universe
NOVA - Origins
The Creation of the Universe
Cosmos: Carl Sagan (7 DVD Set)
Stargaze II - Visions of the Universe

ASIN: B0002I839K
Release Date: 2004-09-07

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Bad Makeover of a good Documentary.......2006-10-11

Review for Steven Hawking's Universe.......2006-04-17

Informationally boring but definitely worth my time........2005-01-31

"I have sold more books on physics, than Madonna has on sex".......2004-09-04

The unfolding of everything.......2004-06-14

Product Description

a documantary about the discover of black holes and beyond

Average customer rating:

Big Bang to the Present
Creation of the Universe
DVD flawed
Poor DVD Transfer With Outdated Material
Dated -- but still most thoughtful

The Creation of the Universe
Starring: Stephen Hawking
Manufacturer: Pbs Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

Science & Technology | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

Space Exploration | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

All | PBS | Specialty Stores | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

NOVA - The Elegant Universe
NOVA - Origins
Stargaze - Hubble's View of the Universe
Stargaze II - Visions of the Universe
Cosmos: Carl Sagan (7 DVD Set)

ASIN: B0002I8390
Release Date: 2004-09-07

Description

Join leading scientists as they turn up clues to the origin and evolution of the universe, as this lavishly-filmed program explores today's most exciting and far-reaching theories. Among these fascinating investigations is the theory that the universe could have appeared spontaneously out of a perfect vacuum. Spectacular special effects and animation dramatize the birth of the universe. Nobel Prize winner Carlo Rubbia, Murray Gell-Man and world-famous physicist Stephen Hawking explain their complex theories in easy-to-follow terms.

Customer Reviews:

Big Bang to the Present.......2005-10-25

Embodies the concepts of religion and science in myth, cosmology, history, architecture, culture through observation, interviews and evidence. This is a powerful movie that is not what you expect.

This is an excellent video to help dispell many misconceptions about science and origins of the universe. Graphics are excellent. Stephen Hawking is shown speaking to a California Institute of Technology group - with the audience asking critical thinking questions.

Viewers walk away with a better understanding of science, our current state of knowledge and the origins of science and the universe. Originally issued as a laserdisc, this is a DVD reissue. Consider this a classic to watch from time-to-time. Especially helpful for introductory science classes at the high school and university level.

Creation of the Universe.......2005-08-19

Although a bit dated, this program still relatively accurate in its scientific content. It was also fascinating to listen and watch some of our most legendary, and knowledgeable, scientists opine on their experiences and philosophies. I am waiting for Ferris to make an updated sequel on this subject.

DVD flawed.......2005-03-04

The DVD has two flaws on it. The first occurs at time 37:05, a tone is heard over Timothy Ferris's commentary. A second, and more severe tone is heard at 38:05, also cutting out his commentary. I've purchased 2 copies already and both have the same flaws on them. PBS refuses to acknowledge the fault was caused in the transfer process. You're better off purchasing the video tape as the program is wonderful.

Poor DVD Transfer With Outdated Material.......2004-09-17

PBS Documentaries are usually excellent, but this recently released DVD unfortunately is the exception.

Nerdy host Timothy Ferris is monotone, soft spoken, and unenthusiastic, a deadly dull combination.

The program was from 1985 which should have been a red flag for me. In terms of modern day physics and cosmology 19 years ago represents ancient times, so probably a significant amount of what is discussed is scientifically outdated.

Graphics and special effects are second rate. The video is fuzzy and blurry. Sound is also poor having a couple of loud beeps in places where they clearly don't belong. No cleanup was done for the DVD at all as far as I can tell.

The only extra is Commentary from Timothy Ferris and I can't imagine having to listen to him more than once.

The experts are interesting when interviewed, but poor Stephen Hawking's moanings due to his speech disability become tiresome and irritating as they are interpreted by a off-screen person.

Tantalizing questions are posed but never answered.

SKIP THIS ONE!!! I have no idea what possessed me to buy it.

Only the most diehard science buffs should bother to look at this.

Dated -- but still most thoughtful.......2003-07-06

Yes -- as others note, this is dated, but still the best of its kind. Yo! Ferris! Consider this a plea to you to get in gear and do Creation of the Universe: the Sequel! Produce it yourself and keep the dough -- you deserve it.

Stephen Hawking's Universe: The Big Bang

Average customer rating:

Stephen Hawking's Universe: The Big Bang

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

Product Description

a documentary about the big bang theory...

Stephen Hawking's Universe - Three Volumes (The Big Bang, On the Dark Side & Black Holes and Beyond) in Collectible Slipcase.

Average customer rating:

Stephen Hawking's Universe - Three Volumes (The Big Bang, On the Dark Side & Black Holes and Beyond) in Collectible Slipcase.

Manufacturer: PBS Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

All | PBS | Specialty Stores | DVD | Video
ASIN: B000KE0420

Product Description

Stephen Hawking, author of the best-selling book, A Brief History of Time, is one of today;s most renowned scientists. This incredible series treats viewers to the latest and loftiest advances in cosmological thought in true down-to-earth Hawking fashion. The series presents an intergalactic detctive story, rich with mystery, unexpected twists and astonishing revelations. 5 Hours.

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