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Carl Sagan's "Cosmos" is nothing short of wonderful. If you have not already read the book, I highly recommend it. It covers the same material as the DVD's, but in a different manner. As for the DVD's, they are based upon Carl Sagan's television series of the same name, but with a number of updates added since the shows were first aired. Carl Sagan has a unique and brilliant way of breaking down some of the most complex concepts of science in a way that is understandable even to children. He also has a sincere fondness for all areas of science and the history of scientific study, and it is this enthusiasm and wonder that most impress and enlighten. His enthusiasm is contagious and you will find yourself glued to the screen as Mr. Sagan unlocks the wonders of the universe for you. Though the Cosmos series (and book) is most well known for its exploration of space and astronomy, it also delves into the wonders of the human body, our planet, and the scientists of our distant past as it traces the evolution of scientific understanding down through the ages. It is a shame that Mr. Sagan has since passed away, but we can take solace in the knowledge that his contributions will live on, enlightening generations to come. The DVD's, though somewhat dated in their level of special effects and general presentation, are highly recommended for both adults and children. There is no objectionable material that I can think of, but there is a great deal of knowledge and wonder to be gained. My wife and I both have science degrees, but we still found much to learn and enjoy with repeated viewings. These DVD's will bring hours upon hours of enjoyment for the whole family. **On an interesting side note, see if you don't agree that Mr. Sagan's voice was the inspiration for the Agent Smith character in "The Matrix" films. Hugo Weaving (the actor who played Agent Smith) certainly seems to be channeling Carl Sagan in his voice inflection and mannerisms...it's almost uncanny!Read full review
Well done NTSC DVD set! I also have the PAL DVD and VHS boxed set. Not sure why I bought the VHS boxing set both at the same time I purchased this NTSC DVD set, since VHS tapes are the antiquated gold standard in obsolete communication technologies. I guess, because of this, there are just some things in this universe that can't be explained. Be warned though, if you want to watch all thirteen episodes non stop, back to back, it will take approximately thirteen hours in real time, since all thirteen episodes are roughly one hour in length when belched back at the speed necessary to play back a one hour episode in a sixty minute time frame for best audio and picture quality. In other words kids, don't try cutting corners when viewing Cosmos by fast forwarding the DVDees to the end and then rewinding it back to the start, because the audio and picture quality just isn't there. I KNOW THIS because I TRIED THAT, and didn't learn anything that I didn't know before. Cosmos really makes me think hard about how we, the Earth, ever came into and continue to exist when completely surrounded by such a powerful, unforgiving, hostile environment that can pulverize us into nothingness when deadly gravitational load crush pressures, beyond that of human Sasquatch comprehension, can get out of hand. Highly Recommended!!!!!!Read full review
Cosmos (the series) is fundamentally about how us humans have sought to understand the workings of the universe. It does not overload the viewer with details, but rather describes "the big picture." This DVD set is a true classic for young and old. Great for all ages, children and adults. It has won numerous awards: three Emmy's, a Hugo, a Peabody --- and was the most watched PBS special on TV for about 10 years. The DVD set offers all 13 episodes with music and visuals, that takes the viewer on a journey of space and time. Each episode is fresh and readily understandable. Completely packed with historical re-enactments, facts and theories complete with on location commentaries, the series helps contextualize science and people who made the great discoveries. Some of it ( quite honestly) is kind of dated, but most of the core science facts really hasn't changed. I must admitt the "spaceship of imagination" is kind of a bit corny though. I still remember seeing Carl Sagan on TV in the early 1980's. His unique vision to make science understandable and exciting, is still with me today. And again in 1993, when I met him after a lecture that he gave, I had brief conversation (yes I was floating). He was a professor with an extraordinary gift for teaching and inspiration. Eloquent,entertaining, informative,charismatic and intelligent.Although many have painted a darker side of this gifted man since his death, I still think he was a natural communicator,brilliant writer as well as a tremendous astronomer. Carl Sagan, both in DVD or in book, had the ability to mix history and science through different locations in the world. He had the ability to capture the brilliant beauty that surrounds us. This series could definately be the best general science series ever broadcast on TV.An if the episodes seem a bit took long, well there is always scene selection !Read full review
The content of the series needs very few updates. The series encompasses many historical figures and promotes the scientific method. Carl Sagan does a great job of popularizing science without condemning or insulting. The series is a little dated in the fact that the camera quality is not the best, it's definitely not HD, but if you can get by that this series is very thought provoking, entertaining and educational. I strongly recommend this series to everyone and I'm very grateful for having seen this as a kid. It made more sense to me then most anything else, it's a resource of knowledge and it teaches the scientific approach to life in general, truly an enriching experience.
I have read some of the reviews for this series. I am certainly glad not everyone is trying to explain science to society. Carl Sagan could. I watched this series as a teen in the 70's. I had only 4 channels of TV to watch and on Sunday nights, I would watch Cosmos. Carl Sagan had a voice and intellect that would draw me in and make his topics so interesting. I see science shows today and realize that Cosmos certanily help them attain their status. Carl Sagan set the standards in general and also opened many people's minds to science which led them to science careers. He simply connected the dots for those of us who could not at the time. I would recommend this series to anyone interested in opening their minds to possiblities.