Search - The Universe: Collector's Edition Megaset on DVD

Working my way through it slowly...

Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 04/04/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

""The Universe: Collector's Edition Megaset"
(History Channel/A&E)
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I bought this massive, 14-DVD set while in search of video materials to stimulate the the curiosity of a five-year old whose school has been doing a lot of space-related reading and discussion. I wanted to find materials that could build on what she's already learned, and would be exciting but not too complicated or disturbing. Based on other reviews, I have high hopes for this collection, although I think it may not work (yet) for this young, budding scientist. I plan to review the episodes as I view them, so the review you see here so far is not a complete one. More like a review blog, I guess.

Anyway, the series that this "mega-set" collects are as follows:
"The Universe: The Complete Season One"
"The Universe: The Complete Season Two"
"The Planets"
"How the Earth Was Made"

And here are my reviews:

THE UNIVERSE, SEASON ONE: THE SUN
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Informative, but sensationalistic. Although many of the visual metaphors help illustrate complex phenomena -- billiard balls used to show how atomic particles interact, for example -- they are also confusing and misleading in many ways. The real problem, however, is in the overly dramatized, alarmist framing of the narration. One of those oily-voiced announcers, the kind that record political attack ads, tells us over and over of the "deadly" threat of the sun's "terrible power", computer graphics show the Earth buffeted by "explosions" of solar energy; at one point an actual shotgun is pointed at a beachball-sized model of the earth and is fired repeatedly, until the ball is destroyed. Yes, solar radiation can disrupt modern telecommunications, but is all the violent hype necessary to explain this? I learned a lot from this episode, but I wouldn't show it to a young child; it's simply too disturbing and confusing.

More to come. Stay tuned."

Perfect for those who enjoy The Universe Series

JuneBug | Indiana | 09/15/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I got this set for my 8 year old grandson. He is fascinated by the science. When he visits, he will ask to see one of these discs. I find them interesting as well and I think they're great for all ages. Those who have a curious mind will enjoy the series."

Fantastic

J. Davey | Maine | 10/14/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When my daughter and I first found The Universe on the History Channel, we knew it was a set we would have to own. We have been enjoying this set very much and all get so engrossed in each episode that the house could burn down around us. I would recommend it to anyone and feel it is appropriate for all age groups."

Great for science minded kids

Spkssftly | Honolulu | 02/05/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I purchased this for my 6yr old son, and he loves it. He's been very into all things space related for a few years now, and this fits the bill perfectly. In our area, we have "furlough Fridays" with no school due to budget cuts. On those days off, we work on some math, then watch an episode of "The Universe" and write about what he's learned. He loves the DVD's, and has picked up lot's of interesting facts... it's even led to an interest in studying the periodic table since they talk about the chemical make-up of different atmospheres, and how the Sun lives it's life. This is a great jumping off point for people and kids just getting into learning about Astronomy and Physics."