Wonders of the Universe Collection

UPC: 

2799493170

Video Title: 

Wonders of the Universe Collection

Producer/Distributor: 

NEW17 National Geographic

Disks: 

5

Length (min): 

455

Year Created: 

2010

Description and/or Review: 

MEMBER REVIEW: This is a compilation of videos on various celestial subjects. Disks 1-3 are separate programs, each complete in itself. Disks 4 & 5 are several parts of a 2009 series. Disk 1 from 2007 goes to the edge of the universe in steps though the solar system, through our galaxy, and beyond to the beginning of the universe using Hubble and other images. It is visually beautiful, but the prose is as purple as it can get. If you can get past that, and the really intense delivery by Alec Baldwin, it is an interesting view. Disk 2 has images of the moon from Kaguya, a Japanese HD satellite. The history of the moon landings is used to show new ideas and plans for further exploration, and highlighted with great HD shots of the lunar surface. This one is more normal in prose and delivery, and has material we Americans usually do not see. Disk 3 is the story of Spirit and Opportunity, two Mars rovers. Each has its own personality and adventures. They both lasted way longer than expected, and the stories are well told. Disk 3 has a bonus feature, "Is There Life on Mars?" It takes a somewhat humorous look at the question and how is has been depicted in film and lore. They look to the past and also present. Some present stuff is a bit outdated, but it is still interesting. Disk 4 is part 1 of a Travelers Guide to the Planets. Saturn is first and best, being nearest a good robotic exploration. Jupiter is next, and Mars last where they discuss the newest Mars robots, Spirit and Opportunity. It may be 2009, but there is still a lot of good information. Disk 5 is part 2 of a Travelers Guide to the Planets. Venus and Mercury are first. Pluto (no longer a planet) and beyond are second. Neptune and Uranus are third. These explorations are somewhat dated, but still quite interesting.

Format: 

DVD