Science Current Events

Top Science News

Follow us on Twitter

Science Resources

Earth Science

Space Science

Life Science

Fields of Scientific Study

Medical Topics and Fields

Cancer Research

Nanotechnology Articles

RSS Feeds

Fields of Scientific Study

Definitions of The Fields of Scientific Study

Add Brightsurf to your Web Site

The Universe Seasons 1-3 [Blu-ray]

View Larger Image

The Universe Seasons 1-3 [Blu-ray] | Blu-ray

Starring: Universe
Directed By: Douglas J. Cohen;Luke Ellis

List Price:

~~$179.95~~

Price:

$92.99

You Save:

$86.96 (48%)

Available:

Usually ships in 24 hours

Binding:

Blu-ray

Rating:

NR (Not Rated)

Run Time:

2115 minutes

Format:

Color, Widescreen

Studio:

A&E HOME VIDEO

Number of Discs:

10

Aspect Ratio:

1.33:1

Release Date:

September 29, 2009

Sales Rank:

6,771th

FEATURES

UNIVERSE, THE: SEASONS 1-3 BLU-RAY (BLU-RAY DISC)

EDITORIAL REVIEWS

Product Description
We once thought of ourselves to be at the center of the world, now we know that we are just a small spec in a giant universe. Immerse yourself in an astonishing exploration of space with the first three seasons of this epic series from HISTORYTM. Shot in HD with stunning footage from NASA and packed with state-of-the-art CGI graphics THE UNIVERSE takes viewers on a visually arresting journey across the galaxy to bring the beauty and mysteries of the cosmos a little closer to home. Delve into the cataclysmic events that set the stage for life, and visit sites where Earth s birthing process is still in evidence. Relive astronomical triumphs, from the first crude lenses that were able to magnify celestial bodies to probes that blaze to the most distant planets. See the hottest events in the sky, from colliding celestial bodies to collapsing suns. And venture into the uncharted territory of outer space through the visions, studies, and predictions of scientists and explorers on this journey of cosmic discovery, amazement, and adventure. Now available on stunning Blu-ray, THE UNIVERSE MEGASET includes all 43 original episodes of the first three seasons of this epic series plus the feature-length documentary Beyond the Big Band on 10 discs.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.0 based on 2 reviews)

The Universe great deal! by Gustavo Vega Vazquez (Mexico)

4 Stars
October 28, 2009
Is a great documental with excellents graphics, well explained maybe too long in some repetitive episode. It could be better with subtitles and other languages like Spanish.

3 great seasons of a delightfully educational show by Alexander M. Walker (Chicago, IL USA)

4 Stars
October 24, 2009
The Universe offers hope that the History Channel's weekly programming can reach beyond age old conflicts and historical happenings to give the cable viewing public something new. Specials on Hitler and Mussolini can have daunting titles like "The Dark Wages of War" or "The Uncertain Age of Holocaust", but do these really compare to titles like "Secrets of the Sun", "The Most Dangerous Place in the Universe", "Supernovas", "Cosmic Apocalypse" and, who can resist a title like this, "Sex in Space". David X. Cohen, producer of Futurama, once postulated that adding the word "space" to any word makes it funnier and better. The Universe benefits from and proves this theory simultaneously. The Complete Season One The premier season of the series stays mainly within the confines of our solar system and offers an episode on each of the planets, the sun, the moon and a few other topics. The season is at its best when it takes on a single planet and examines it from every angle and nothing else. For that matter, the episodes that handle two or more planets ("The Outer Planets") also have their moments, but when they lump in Pluto, Neptune and Uranus just to save space in the season you feel like you're getting gypped on the full treatment the planet deserves. Except for Pluto...which is apparently lucky to have been included at all, poor guy. The Complete Season Two Each of the 18 episodes tackles a different topic; from "Alien Planets" to the harrowing prospects of "Cosmic Apocalypse" the show's ability to hold your attention never fails. To think that the discovery of a new earth is close to a reality should intrigue even the most diehard skeptics, especially in this field which seems to generate more questions than answers. Or maybe you're more interested in the future of space travel or colonization? Black holes? Or, my personal favorite title "Biggest Things in Space"? Come on, if you aren't slightly interested in the biggest things in that final frontier then you just can't be pleased. The History Channel has a really great thing going with this series and the second season keeps the pace with a nice supply of educational installments. The Complete Season Three The third season reels itself back in terms of the number of episodes going from the second season's 18 to a mere 12 - so to keep up the pace of this superior series they gave us a season of great and above par episodes. "Sex in Space", it's long been considered the final frontier for anyone who ever found their way into the Mile High Club and then wanted something more. But really, who hasn't thought of it? Well, after this episode it'll be hard to stop thinking about it...don't judge. The focus of The Universe shifts to a much more theoretical bend with episodes like "Parallel Universes", "Light Speed" and "Edge of Space". The topics will fascinate you and get you thinking in a way that the past seasons didn't quite manage. The one misstep of The Universe would seem to be some of the less than convincing "authorities" brought in on the subject. While each and every one of them may have a brilliant mind, hearing the opinion of what appears to be a college astronomy major sitting on some large rocks doesn't exactly fill the audience with confidence that every piece of information is to be taken at its word. The show has plenty of interesting things to say, but they really ought to have found slightly more credible sources (or at least had the sources they used appear professional) to put any contrarian arguments to rest. It's not a total failure on the show's part, but with so many astronomy experts out there it seems unnecessary to settle - even if they were just trying to inject a little bit of youth into the proceedings; the injection isn't necessary though. To think that an audience would take slight at a show exploring some of the deepest darkest secrets of our universe for not featuring a variety of ages amongst the experts just seems ridiculous. Just like any piece on World War II, the better is the most informed - age be damned. On Blu-ray the 3D models achieve mixed appearances. In some instances the graphics look phenomenal and elevate the show to its proper scale. Other times, the renderings just don't quite meet the 1080p demands and a bit of pixilation becomes visible. Unlike a special effects slathered feature, this shortcoming isn't as damaging in a series of lectures on space; sure we notice, but the images are complementary to the words, not vice versa. Instead of being upset with the show for sometimes failing graphically, it's easier to marvel at the visual aids provided for such riveting material. There's an almost indiscernible boost in quality in CGI used for the 3D models but it's there and it promises good things for the series' future endeavors in explaining and exploring concepts for which we have no actual footage. Blu-ray Bonus Features: The first season's extra feature is an in-depth documentary about the big bang. It's a fascinating subject that warrants hours and hours of examination, but you'll have to settle for one. For season two, a singular featurette casts a spotlight on the grass root community of the astronomy field: "Backyard Astronomers". You might not be so moved as to go out and buy a telescope for your home, but the featurette is as interesting and compelling as the rest of the season and well worth your time. Season three's offerings aren't quite so feature-based but instead offers a little cache that they've affectionately titled "Universe Facts". It's exactly what it sounds like, but what's better is the photo gallery which is absolutely mindblowing.

SIMILAR PRODUCTS

	National Geographic: Journey to the Edge of the Universe [Blu-ray] Starring: Alec Baldwin, Sean Pertwee Directed By: Yavar Abbas Also With: Yavar Abbas (Producer), Benedict Jackson (Editor), Nigel Henbest (Writer) National Geographic presents the first accurate non-stop voyage from Earth to the edge of the Universe using a single, unbroken shot through the use of spectacular CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery) technology. Building on images taken from the Hubble telescope, Journey to the Edge of the Universe explores the science and history behind the distant celestial bodies in the solar system. This spectacular, epic voyage across the cosmos, takes us from the Earth, past the Moon and our neighboring...
	National Geographic: Ultimate High-Definition Collection [Blu-ray] Starring: National Geographic Treat your senses to the stunning, high-definition imagery of National Geographic's Ultimate High-Definition Collection, a six-disc set that will transport you to the center of the most remarkable action and breathtaking scenery known to man. Venture underwater and meet California's blue whales, soar across sweeping landscapes, and meet the most magnificent creatures of Africa's savannahs. From the mountain peaks and oceans that play host to extreme sport enthusiasts to the celestial...
	Mother Earth Blu-ray 5-Pack (IMAX) [Blu-ray] Starring: Narration Directed By: Various Directors This 5- disc Mother Earth Blu-ray edition will take you on an amazing journey of beauty and wonder as never experienced before. Filmed on location throughout the globe for large formated IMAX theaters, the imagery of these 5 discs is unlike anything you have seen before. With the exceptional clarity and sound that only IMAX can deliver. Each title is independently produced to provide viewers with an up close and personal experience with our Mother Earth. Providing an understanding of our...
	How the Earth Was Made [Blu-ray] Starring: Edward Herrmann Directed By: Peter Chin From a seething ocean of radioactive, molten rock to a refuge for life as we know it, Earth has undergone a staggering series of cataclysmic transformations in its long and epic history. Assailed relentlessly for millions of years by meteorites, our once toxic and hostile planet has been covered in water and in ice, and seen the rise and sundering of continents, the creation of an atmosphere, and, ultimately, the beginning of life. HOW THE EARTH WAS MADE plots the twisting course of...
	Water Life (3pc) [Blu-ray] Starring: N/a Directed By: Cin-TV Take an unprecedented visual journey into Planet Water. Water Life captures extraordinary locations and intimate animal behavior never before seen on film. Two years in the making, this groundbreaking series takes viewers on an unprecedented visual journey to aquatic ecosystems on five continents to reveal how water shapes and sculpts the landscape and provides food and refuge for an astonishing array of species. This epic series tells water's story as never before to engage...

© 2009 BrightSurf.com