The Universe - Season 1 (2007)
Flight 33 Productions/History Channel

Description

From the mysteries of our own solar system to those that surround unexplored galaxies; history and science collide in this ambitious investigation of the Universe.

Questions about the Universe have consumed man since the dawn of time. In the 50 years since humans made their first tentative explorations of space, we have increased our knowledge of the cosmos dramatically, using powerful telescopes, robotic probes, and manned missions. But only recently has computer technology allowed scientists to illustrate in stunning detail their awe-inspiring conclusions. THE UNIVERSE, a groundbreaking series from The History Channel, employs cutting-edge computer-generated imagery to bring distant planets and faraway stars up close, allowing viewers to gaze at black holes and comets, and witness the births and deaths of galaxies and solar systems.

Reviews

10 Entertainment Insiders

I know one things. After sitting down and watching this I have a hole new look at the people who study the universe and how that learn where we came from. They are amazing. Truly amazing.
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8.5 DVD Verdict | Brett Cullum

Overall the series does a great job of making the information accessible, yet sometimes they fall trap to the idea of making things too simplified. Some will find this off-putting, because they may feel talked down to. You have to keep in mind this is a show that is designed for all ages, and a wide segment of educational levels and backgrounds.
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8.3 The Digital Bits | Bill Hunt

Here's a documentary series that should thrill anyone who enjoys having their minds - and their horizons - expanded, not to mention all those who crave a good journey through the realms science in general and cutting-edge astronomy in particular.
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8.0 DVD Talk | John Sinnott

It succeeds where my science teachers failed. It looks at the planets, galaxies, and stars and makes them interesting. It presents some of the problems that scientists are currently studying and poses thought provoking questions about the subject matter.
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8.0 DVD Authority | Fusion3600

As you'd expect from The History Channel, the information is well researched and presented in a way that keeps the audience interested. This is accomplished through insightful expert interviews and as I mentioned above, some terrific visual materials.
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7.0 DVD Town | Christopher Long

Each episode introduces its subject of the week ("Saturn: Lord of the Rings!") then covers as much ground as possible on the central topic. The series balances nifty computer graphics with brief snippets of interviews with a variety of scientists.
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7.0 PopMatters.com

Indeed, the series is really at its best in the few episodes when it pulls back, and regards us and our little corner of our galaxy from a universal vantage. The births of stars, the origins of galaxies, black holes, supernovae, dark matter, all that - this is the series I signed up for.
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