NOVA: Welcome To Mars

Starring:Nova
Studio: Wgbh Boston
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Description
Go inside mission control and explore Mars with rovers Spirit & Opportunity.

Take an astounding look at the red planet in this interplanetary adventure that picks up where the acclaimed film MARS Dead or Alive left off. From the white-knuckle landings of the Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity, through months of frustrating setbacks and elating discoveries, Welcome to Mars captures the gripping drama and the breathtaking images of the most significant mission events.

Mission Control and its two robotic explorers face a daunting task-find proof that liquid water, the essential ingredient of life, once existed on Mars. Just days into the mission, euphoria turns to despair as Spirit suddenly stops communicating with NASA. With the mission on the line, restoring communications with the rover becomes a nerve-shredding ordeal before the problem is solved. Then, Opportunity serendipitously lands near a scientifically valuable rock outcrop that provides crucial evidence allowing NASA to announce solid proof that Mars was once awash in water.

Through unprecedented access, Welcome to Mars presents a compelling inside story of triumph, technical ingenuity, and emotional drama packed with stunning images from an alien world.

Special DVD features include: materials and activities for educators; a link to the NOVA Web site; scene selections; closed captions; and described video for the visually impaired.

Description

Go inside mission control and explore Mars with rovers Spirit & Opportunity.

Through unprecedented access, Welcome to Mars presents a compelling inside story of triumph, technical ingenuity, and emotional drama packed with stunning images from an alien world.

Special DVD features include: materials and activities for educators; a link to the NOVA Web site; scene selections; closed captions; and described video for the visually impaired.

On one DVD5 disc. Region coding: All regions. Audio: Dolby stereo. Screen format: Letterboxed.

Customer Reviews:

May not be .......2007-05-16

I ordered this DVD for my grandson, who is nine and who is fascinated with space. He studies the planets like most boys his age study baseball scores, and although he loves baseball, he loves the solar system more. We had seen "Roving Mars" at the Omni Theatre, so when he won third place in his [...]ade science fair, I wanted to reward him with a copy of the "Roving Mars" DVD. But alas, it was not out on DVD, so I had to settle on "Nova." Not a bad settle, though. This video gives the historical and scientific account of the mission that leads to the finale that is covered in "Roving Mars." Designed for less scientific audiences, it is terrific for all ages. Not only did we learn new information, but also we both enjoyed it immensely. He has watched it several times since his first viewing, making it great bargain!

I still am waiting for "Roving Mars," as I want to add that one to his collection as well. Sure beats the heck out of anything Hollywood puts out!

Too little depth. Read the Steve Squyres book instead........2007-01-06

I liked the video because it contains real footage of the actual events that transpired when the rovers landed, but it's way too short and in too little depth. If it had been longer, then maybe it would have been good.

For anyone who has followed the MER mission or watched the webcasts on NASA tv, there is way too little that is new in this DVD. I recommend instead to read the Steve Squyres book, Roving Mars which is well written and details the MER project and the history leading up to this mission.

Walk on another world.......2006-09-12

The twin cameras mounted on the mast of the Mars rovers are spaced about the same distance as human eyes, and the same height as a person standing on the sandy desert. In this strange and alien place, you can walk in the wheel tracks of the first mobile explorers ever to venture onto the surface of another planet -- where every photo could contain a fossil or rock layer that holds the secrets of another planet's history. The engineering and scientific effort to achieve this is one of the greatest feats of our civilization, and surely one of the greatest thrills for anyone who has ever wondered about other worlds. Both rovers are still exploring, and new photos arrive every day. Personally, I can think of nothing more pleasant to enjoy with my morning coffee than a survey of the cold, hostile images of Mars -- free for anybody with an internet connection. Poet or engineer -- don't miss a chance to see your first up-close view of the red planet! -- Auralgo

a little pre-mature ?.......2005-09-05

Whilst writing this in September of 2005, I read reports of spectacular feats by the Mars rovers, climbing to unpresidented mountain heights and beaming back the most awesome panoramic veiws ever seen of Mars. I therefore cannot help thinking, why was this dvd released before the mission is complete, so as to include all this fantastic film from Mars ? Would it not have been more prudent to wait, and have the pick of Mars footage, or will there just be a 'directors cut' later ? I think I'll wait for the missions' conclusion before rushing out to buy a 'Mars rover' dvd.

DVD:

DVD

DVD

DVD

Wind River

The Sopranos: Series 1

The Art Of Piano - Great Pianists Of The 20th Century [2000]

DVD: Lighting Bolts of Destruction

The Lovejoy Collection - Vol. 3