Courtesy: PBS
PBS’ Space, Time and The Universe is a must have box set for any higher level college physics instructor. This four disc set encompasses the complete NOVA presentation of The Elegant Universe and The Fabric of the Cosmos. The two presentations are taken from author and scientist Brian Greene’s books by the same name. Greene even hosts both programs, making the program even more interesting. This is a major bonus in that rather than hear from a bunch of academics (which does happen in both presentations), audiences get to hear from Greene himself in his own words. Audiences that have yet to see either feature yet will understand why in watching these two programs for themselves. The transition from episode to episode helps to make the overall presentation even easier on audiences. Add in ergonomic packaging, and audiences get in Space, Time and the Universe, a set that any science nut will appreciate.
Space, Time and The Universe is a success for PBS’ NOVA series right off the bat because of the inclusion of author and scientist Brian Greene. Greene is joined by a number of others within the science field. But he is the real star of the four-disc set. He brings the concepts discussed in the set’s four discs as much into layman’s terms as possible without overly dumbing them down. String Theory and the concept of parallel universes dominate the set’s first pair of discs. It is tied into Einstein’s search for Unified Theory and the possibility that the Big Bang was in fact not a singular event, but one of many events brought on by the intersection of parallel universes. Both sides of these concepts are discussed by Greene and his fellow scientists. And those that can pay attention will find everything discussed quite interesting.
The second pair of discs included in Space, Time and The Universe expands on the String Theory by going into discussions on teleportation, multiple galaxies and much more. Having this pair of discs accompany the prior pair was entirely fitting. Just as String Theory has increasingly become mainstream thought, so have the concepts of teleportation and multiple galaxies and universes. They are no longer just fodder for science fiction fans and TV shows. Most enlightening from this half of the set is the reality of what would be required for teleportation to be a reality. In simple terms it explains that as of right now, teleportation isn’t humanly feasible. As with the presentation of The Elegant Universe (contained on the first pair of discs in this set), this and other concepts are presented in a way that is just enough for those with the slightest of interest in science to understand and appreciate.
The general presentation of both halves of Space, Time and The Universe makes the whole a DVD worthy of any college level physics class. The explanations behind the topics discussed are simplified just enough to be at viewers’ level. Greene and the other scientists and academics interviewed talk to viewers on their level rather than talking at them or even down to them. This makes it much easier for the intended viewers to remain engaged in both features. It’s the most important part of the set’s success. There is one other aspect of this set that viewers will appreciate. It is the set’s packaging. PBS has packaged all four discs in a safe and ergonomic fashion. Each disc contained inside the case is given its own spot on either side of two inserts. This is increasingly becoming the standard across the board for multi-disc boxes both on DVD and Blu-ray. Not only does it protect the discs from becoming scratched, but it also conserves space on a person’s DVD rack. In an age in which less is more, this is a solid positive for this set. And combined with the features’ overall presentation, it all makes Space, Time and The Universe enjoyable for any science lover of any level, whether student, professor or even novice. It’s available online now via the PBS online store at http://www.shoppbs.org/product/index.jsp?productId=13262334&cp=&sr=1&kw=space+time+and+the+universe&origkw=Space%2C+Time+and+The+Universe&parentPage=search.
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