NOVA - Physics: The Elegant Universe and Beyond (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)As a warning to other potential purchasers, please note that this is not a new program "Beyond" the original "The Elegant Universe" but just a repackaging with 2 other programs.
I thought the first DVD was great, and was just about to purchase this one because it sounded like a new program continuing where the first left off, but in fact it is EXACTLY the same program! I got the details from WGBH.org and here they are :-
THE ELEGANT UNIVERSE AND BEYOND is a compliation of three different NOVA programs that have already aired. They are listed below with synopses on each one:
1) The Elegant Universe (WG36779)
Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for the Ultimate Theory Join host Brian Greene, professor of physics and mathematics at Columbia University and the best-selling author of The Elegant Universe, for an in-depth exploration of the groundbreaking new string theory that will excite scientists and non-scientists alike. If string theory proves correct, the universe we see obscures a reality that is far richer and more complex than anyone ever imagined--a universe with numerous hidden dimensions, a universe in which the fabric of space can rip and tear, a universe that may be but one of many parallel universes
2) Einstein's Big Idea (WG38889)
Everyone's heard of it, but what does E=mc2 really mean? With brilliant period recreations, discover how an obscure patent clerk, Albert Einstein, came up with his shattering 1905 discovery that the realms of matter and energy are inescapably linked. Starring Aidan McArdle (Ella
Enchanted) as Einstein, and Shirley Henderson (Bridget Jones's Diary) as Einstein's first wife, Mileva Maric.
3) Einstein Revealed (WG26479)
Journey into the mind of a genius in this penetrating profile of the world's most renowned physicist, who contributed more than any other to our modern vision of physical reality. Andrew Sachs (Fawlty Towers) stars as Albert Einstein.
I Hope this helps prevent anyone wasting their money buying the same program twice.

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The Elegant Universe Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for the Ultimate Theory Join host Brian Greene, professor of physics and mathematics at Columbia University and the best-selling author of The Elegant Universe, for an in-depth exploration of the groundbreaking new string theory that will excite scientists and non-scientists alike. If string theory proves correct, the universe we see obscures a reality that is far richer and more complex than anyone ever imagined--a universe with numerous hidden dimensions, a universe in which the fabric of space can rip and tear, a universe that may be but one of many parallel universesBeginning with simple and clear explanations of major concepts of physics, including gravity, electromagnetism, and relativity, The Elegant Universe illuminates how string theory proposes that the fundamental ingredients of nature are inconceivably tiny strands of energy, whose different modes of vibration underlie everything that happens in the universe. If proven correct, this theory of "everything" would unite the laws of the large--general relativity--and the laws of the small--quantum mechanics--breaking a conceptual logjam that has frustrated scientists for nearly a century.Einstein's Big Idea Everyone's heard of it, but what does E=mc2 really mean? With brilliant period recreations, discover how an obscure patent clerk, Albert Einstein, came up with his shattering 1905 discovery that the realms of matter and energy are inescapably linked. Starring Aidan McArdle (Ella Enchanted) as Einstein, and Shirley Henderson (Bridget Jones's Diary) as Einstein's first wife, Mileva Maric.Einstein Revealed Journey into the mind of a genius in this penetrating profile of the world's most renowned physicist, who contributed more than any other to our modern vision of physical reality. Andrew Sachs (Fawlty Towers) stars as Albert Einstein.

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Clifford: The Big Red Dog - Growing Up With Clifford (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)Now that John Ritter has passed (RIP) and no new episodes are being made, this series continues its trot to DVD. Lionsgate is handling the releases now, under the "Scholastic Clifford the Big Red Dog" banner.
"Growing Up With Clifford" contains the usual eight "Clifford" stories, with the them of learning about growing and handling responsibilities. The stories are "Blanket Blues," "Food for Thought," "When I Grow Up," "Fishing Lessons," "Dog for a Day," "Nothing to Fur but Fur Itself," "Another Fine Mess" and "Vaz Goes Down the Tubes."
There are a couple of halfway decent special features. You get three "Speckle" stories and a feature that shows how to draw some of the characters, such as Clifford, Emily Elizabeth, T-Bone and Cleo.

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Curious George: Back to School Review

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(More customer reviews)I just finished watching this new DVD of every childs favorite monkey Curious George.
The DVD has an episode about when George gets invited to be a guess in Kindergarten, there is another episode about a maze in Rankings Farm, Hundley teaching Sharky to behave so she can stay in her apartment complex and George of course has to come to the rescue, Professor Wiseman can't BAKE, so George seeks the help of Cheef Pasketi. It's a wonderful DVD that encourages children to use logic, seek help, try new things, use their imagination and invent new things! A must have DVD for any young child.
My kids both 3 right now love this pbs kids series, and I would encourage any parent to allow their children to watch Curious George.

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Sid the Science Kid: Weather Kid Sid Review

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(More customer reviews)I think Sid the Science Kid is an adorable show as do my boys, so I knew they would enjoy this one. It is a show about a kindergarten class that uses science to learn. There are four friends, each different and unique, but all best friends. This DVD is especially neat because it is all about weather, which is a hard subject to explain to kids, at least to my 3 year old! The episodes cover rain and clouds, using sunscreen and the sun, snow and cold temperatures, and wind! Sid has some great adventures in these episodes and the show really does explain science in a way for young kids to understand. There is also lots of singing involved, which is quite cute! Overall, I would recommend this DVD to any parent looking for ways to help their children understand why rain is okay, what clouds really are (no not cotton candy!), why sunscreen is important, how cold weather can be fun, and how wind can be fun (flying kites!)


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The Paper Chase: Season Two Review

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(More customer reviews)Several years after its initial run on CBS, THE PAPER CHASE was revived on the Showtime cable channel. John Houseman returned in the role of Professor Kingsfield, along with James Stephens as Hart, Tom Fitzsimmons as Ford and James Keane as Bell. The characters of Logan and Anderson disappeared and were replaced by an assortment of new faces, most notably Jane Kaczmarek as Hart's girlfriend.
Those who never saw the episodes produced for Showtime in the early 80's are probably wondering how they compare to the first-year CBS segments. Actually the producers did an excellent job of continuing the series in the same spirit while making logical changes to mirror the progress of the students as they advanced through law school. The biggest surprise (or disappointment) about the episodes produced for cable is that while they were quite well done, the stories weren't significantly more dramatic or insightful than those done for CBS. One would have thought that the writers, freed from the constraints of network television, would have become more bold and produced some truly daring and thought-provoking scripts. Unfortunately, they more often than not focused on the romantic relationships of the characters (been there, done that) rather than exploring some of the more intriguing aspects of law and legal education.
The good news, though, is that when the Showtime productions were good, they were outstanding. A couple of the second season episodes, in fact, stand as two of the all-time best of the series. "Hart Goes Home" is an excellent story about Hart making a trip back to Minnesota for his sister's wedding, only to find that he can't escape his responsibilities back at school. Equally great is "My Dinner With Kingsfield", in which the professor gets stranded at Hart's apartment during a storm. The episode features some marvelous dialogue and gives new and fascinating insight into the two main characters.
As for Shout Factory's DVD presentation of the second year, the set is nicely packaged and the picture quality is excellent. The box states that four of the episodes are "edited" because the original Showtime presentations could not be "sourced". However, I compared the running times of the four segments with recordings made from the old Showtime airings, and the length is just the same, so I'm not exactly sure what is missing or altered. In any case, it's great to see THE PAPER CHASE - THE SECOND YEAR finally out on DVD. It's a superb drama and a welcome addition to anyone's collection of classic TV.


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Poldark, Series 1 (2010) Review

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(More customer reviews)I challenge anyone to watch this series and not be moved, amused, intrigued, and glued to the screen. Faithful retellings of Winston Graham's unforgettable characters, coupled with a setting that makes me feel as though I am in Cornwall in reality, make this production of POLDARK an absolutely unmissable story. I chanced upon the series years ago (I wish PBS would rerun it) and had the forethought to tape some, but not all, of the episodes. The quality of my tapes, however, is not exceptional, and I've been hoping the DVD would come along.
Robin Ellis as Ross Poldark, Angharad Rees as Demelza, Jill Townsend as Elizabeth, Ralph Bates as Warleggan, and others make this fully-fledged epic of Cornish history and the people who made that history come alive in a story at once part soap opera, part action adventure, and all wonderful. Demelza is fiery, vulnerable, intense, steadfast in her love for Ross; Ross is headstrong, volatile, proud, but highly intelligent; Warleggan is everyone's imagined perfect villain, who actually had promise at one time but now is eaten away by jealousy. Jud Paynter, played with wicked, hilarious understanding by Paul Curran, was one of the most memorable side characters in the production; he has me laughing on the floor at nearly every appearance. The interweaving of all the lives in this tale - Ross, a member of landed gentry who has the odd trait many of the overlords don't - compassion for the working class - is so intricately done that it is hard to believe they aren't the actual characters. The accents are just right (it is almost worthy of a college course to try to unravel what Jud is saying sometimes) and the heartfelt performances by everyone in the cast are amazing. This series is at the top of my list of BBC productions, and instilled a need in me to absorb every book in the series as well (many times by now). I felt almost related to the people onscreen.
If you enjoy English period histories, superbly acted and staged, I cannot recommend anything higher than this series. I am looking forward to it coming on DVD. Even dated, it rings true and fresh. Now I want to go to Cornwall.

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As seen on Masterpiece Theatre "Romantic adventure, complete with raging ambition, terrible betrayals, frustrated loves, daring deeds, and a marvelously dashing hero" —The New York TimesHailed as a British Gone with the Wind, Poldark created a sensation on PBS's Masterpiece Theatre with its dashing, romantic hero and his infamous exploits. Based on the novels by Winston Graham, this classic miniseries demonstrates the enduring appeal of a gripping storyline and unforgettable characters.Returning to Cornwall after the American Revolution, Capt. Ross Poldark (Robin Ellis, The Good Soldier) finds his life at home has fallen apart. His estate is in disarray. His former flame, Elizabeth (Jill Townsend, Cimarron Strip), is engaged to his cousin. And his family's copper mines have become targets for the Poldarks' bitter rivals. Duels, smuggling, and attempted murders unfold as Ross strives to resurrect his fortunes and find true love. This spellbinding saga dramatizes the deep rifts in British society on the brink of industrialization, played out against the rocky, ruggedly beautiful Cornish coast. 16 episodes; approx. 821 min.; 4:3 full screen; color; British drama; not rated; SDH subtitles

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