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DVD Description
This superb four-disc collection brings together two fascinating documentary series presented by Professor Brian Cox.
Wonders of the Solar System
With incredible images and CGI footage this spellbinding series explains how the laws of physics carved natural wonders across the solar system. Witness giant ice fountains rising over 100km high; an ocean hidden beneath a frozen crust of ice; blood red storms twice the size of our planet, and immense volcanoes that could rip a planet apart.
Wonders of the Universe
Who are we? Why are we here? Where do we come from? These are among the most enduring and profound questions we can ask and it is an essential part of human nature to want to find the answers. Our journey began 13.7 billion years ago with the beginning of our universe and in this series Prof. Brian Cox tells the epic story of our universe and shows how it’s story is also our story.
Out-of-this-world voyages of discovery presented by Prof. Brian Cox. “Fantastic television, the BBC at its best.” Sunday Express
“A sense of wonder underscores every Cox sentence and it’s utterly contagious.” The Guardian
Wonders of the Solar System
With incredible images and CGI footage this spellbinding series explains how the laws of physics carved natural wonders across the solar system. Witness giant ice fountains rising over 100km high; an ocean hidden beneath a frozen crust of ice; blood red storms twice the size of our planet, and immense volcanoes that could rip a planet apart.
Wonders of the Universe
Who are we? Why are we here? Where do we come from? These are among the most enduring and profound questions we can ask and it is an essential part of human nature to want to find the answers. Our journey began 13.7 billion years ago with the beginning of our universe and in this series Prof. Brian Cox tells the epic story of our universe and shows how it’s story is also our story.
Out-of-this-world voyages of discovery presented by Prof. Brian Cox. “Fantastic television, the BBC at its best.” Sunday Express
“A sense of wonder underscores every Cox sentence and it’s utterly contagious.” The Guardian
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
127 of 129 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This collection combines the five programmes of the "Wonders of the Solar System" BBC television series in 2010 with the more recent four programmes of "Wonders of the Universe".
"Wonders of the Solar System" is not an attempt to match a series such as "The Planets" in its coverage of the solar system. Instead it features a limited collection of facts and objects ranging from the beautiful to the bizarre. One programme is devoted to the sun, with the emphasis on the visual treats afforded by a solar eclipse and the aurora borealis. One programme is devoted to atmospheres - particularly those of the Earth, Mars and the moon Titan - and another explains why some planets and moons have geological activity and others are "dead" worlds. Yet another programme explains the formation of the solar system and the final one looks at the existence of life. During these programmes Cox identified seven specific "wonders" - the sun, the rings of Saturn, the influence of a small moon on the rings, Titan (because of liquid on its surface), Io (because of geological activity), Europa (because there appears to be water beneath the surface), and finally the existence of human beings - against all the odds.
What makes it out of the ordinary is the wonderful CGI, exceptional astronomical photos, exotic locations on Earth, and the infectious enthusiasm of the presenter Brian Cox. And all these qualities re-appear in "Wonders of the Universe". This series was not without its critics. It has been claimed it has little serious science. This is true, but it misses the point. Professor Cox rightly described the series as a "cinematic experience". As for the science, there may not be much depth but the topics covered are very well done and explained very clearly. Everybody watching these DVDs, whether a child or a pensioner, will finish with some understanding of topics ranging from the life and death of the universe and the formation of the elements, to gravity and light. Just as important it is likely to have inspired enthusiasm and a sense of wonder. For that we must thank Brian Cox. The impact he has made with both "Wonders" series can be gauged by the fact he is being called by many "the David Attenborough of astrophysics". High praise indeed.
"Wonders of the Universe" did generate controversy when the first episode was shown. There were numerous complaints that the music was too loud, particularly when Brian Cox was talking. The producers accepted the criticism and reduced the volume for all four programmes in the series when the presenter was speaking. This was welcomed by not only those who dislike the amount of background music in shops and TV programmes, but also by the 8 million people in Britain with a hearing impairment sufficient for them to find difficulty in distinguishing easily between two different and simultaneous noises.
"Wonders" succeeds in doing what it sets out to do and succeeds triumphantly.
"Wonders of the Solar System" is not an attempt to match a series such as "The Planets" in its coverage of the solar system. Instead it features a limited collection of facts and objects ranging from the beautiful to the bizarre. One programme is devoted to the sun, with the emphasis on the visual treats afforded by a solar eclipse and the aurora borealis. One programme is devoted to atmospheres - particularly those of the Earth, Mars and the moon Titan - and another explains why some planets and moons have geological activity and others are "dead" worlds. Yet another programme explains the formation of the solar system and the final one looks at the existence of life. During these programmes Cox identified seven specific "wonders" - the sun, the rings of Saturn, the influence of a small moon on the rings, Titan (because of liquid on its surface), Io (because of geological activity), Europa (because there appears to be water beneath the surface), and finally the existence of human beings - against all the odds.
What makes it out of the ordinary is the wonderful CGI, exceptional astronomical photos, exotic locations on Earth, and the infectious enthusiasm of the presenter Brian Cox. And all these qualities re-appear in "Wonders of the Universe". This series was not without its critics. It has been claimed it has little serious science. This is true, but it misses the point. Professor Cox rightly described the series as a "cinematic experience". As for the science, there may not be much depth but the topics covered are very well done and explained very clearly. Everybody watching these DVDs, whether a child or a pensioner, will finish with some understanding of topics ranging from the life and death of the universe and the formation of the elements, to gravity and light. Just as important it is likely to have inspired enthusiasm and a sense of wonder. For that we must thank Brian Cox. The impact he has made with both "Wonders" series can be gauged by the fact he is being called by many "the David Attenborough of astrophysics". High praise indeed.
"Wonders of the Universe" did generate controversy when the first episode was shown. There were numerous complaints that the music was too loud, particularly when Brian Cox was talking. The producers accepted the criticism and reduced the volume for all four programmes in the series when the presenter was speaking. This was welcomed by not only those who dislike the amount of background music in shops and TV programmes, but also by the 8 million people in Britain with a hearing impairment sufficient for them to find difficulty in distinguishing easily between two different and simultaneous noises.
"Wonders" succeeds in doing what it sets out to do and succeeds triumphantly.
36 of 37 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
The Wonders Collection [DVD]
This could have been just another well made British doco on the universe. But then there was Professor Brian Cox.
Surely Cosmology, Astronomy and the Physical Science's answer to David Attenborough, this amazingly talented young man with the boy next door looks and charm (almost looks like an older version of Justin Bieber but better looking and more talented by far)who is surprisingly now 43 years old, a professor in Partical Physics through University of Manchester with involvement with CERN in France, holding an O.B.E. and a former keyboard player with D:Ream to boot. He has now fitted in like he belongs to presenting docos on science programs such as Horizon and this clever production in a relaxed, comfortably paced, intelligent and somewhat gentle androgynous style and with the use of clever analogies has made the makings of the universe seem oh so simple.
The visual presentation of the Wonders Collection is comparable to the larger production 'The Universe', but Professor Cox has a style that makes you feel you're sharing his presence in a discussion over a lazy Sunday afternoon afternoon tea...easy going, gently presented, almost begging you to enter the discussion. It is Professor Cox that makes this collection extra special and well worth buying. And if I seem excessively beholden to this young genius, please note I am over 60 and neither gay nor female. But I can appreciate the attractiveness and clever presenting style of this quite brilliant presenter.
This could have been just another well made British doco on the universe. But then there was Professor Brian Cox.
Surely Cosmology, Astronomy and the Physical Science's answer to David Attenborough, this amazingly talented young man with the boy next door looks and charm (almost looks like an older version of Justin Bieber but better looking and more talented by far)who is surprisingly now 43 years old, a professor in Partical Physics through University of Manchester with involvement with CERN in France, holding an O.B.E. and a former keyboard player with D:Ream to boot. He has now fitted in like he belongs to presenting docos on science programs such as Horizon and this clever production in a relaxed, comfortably paced, intelligent and somewhat gentle androgynous style and with the use of clever analogies has made the makings of the universe seem oh so simple.
The visual presentation of the Wonders Collection is comparable to the larger production 'The Universe', but Professor Cox has a style that makes you feel you're sharing his presence in a discussion over a lazy Sunday afternoon afternoon tea...easy going, gently presented, almost begging you to enter the discussion. It is Professor Cox that makes this collection extra special and well worth buying. And if I seem excessively beholden to this young genius, please note I am over 60 and neither gay nor female. But I can appreciate the attractiveness and clever presenting style of this quite brilliant presenter.
20 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Outside of the now rather dated 'Cosmos' TV series by Carl Sagan; this is simply the best collection of TV programmes about the universe and our place within it. These are both beautiful series and they offer an emotional; awe-inspiring journey firstly around our own solar system and then into the deepest recesses of space and time. What I really like about these programmes are how accessible they are to even the least scientific mind (such as my own). Why science isn't taught like this in schools I don't know...certainly I would have become more switched on if it had.
The BBC decided to tone down the wonderful musical score in the latest series; because some people had complained that it was a distraction. Admittedly, as another review here points out, people with hearing difficulties may well have struggled to hear Brian Cox over some of the music. But I also think the music absolutely adds to the emotional journey that you go on when watching this. It's a fantastic and fitting score to accompany a first-rate series. I'm now a big fan of Brian Cox and I've even started reading cosmology and physics books such as the brilliant "The Hidden Reality' by Brian Greene.
If you want your mind blown, then the Wonders Collection delivers in spades and is a good jumping-off point into further reading on this and similar subjects. 5 stars!
The BBC decided to tone down the wonderful musical score in the latest series; because some people had complained that it was a distraction. Admittedly, as another review here points out, people with hearing difficulties may well have struggled to hear Brian Cox over some of the music. But I also think the music absolutely adds to the emotional journey that you go on when watching this. It's a fantastic and fitting score to accompany a first-rate series. I'm now a big fan of Brian Cox and I've even started reading cosmology and physics books such as the brilliant "The Hidden Reality' by Brian Greene.
If you want your mind blown, then the Wonders Collection delivers in spades and is a good jumping-off point into further reading on this and similar subjects. 5 stars!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Out of this world
Bought this as a Mothers Day. My mother in law says the DVD is great & very informative. She highly recommends it to anyone who is interested in the solar system etc
Published 1 month ago by Mrs. Barbara A. Kyriakou
quality control
Why have the bbc gone down the 1080i path..?? 1080p is the way to be...!!! I know broadcasts on freeview and satelite are only 1080i
BUT, if you are going to release BLU-RAY... Read more
BUT, if you are going to release BLU-RAY... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Bard of Boisseuil
Better Than The Books!
I read the book 'Wonders of the Universe' last year and admit to becoming totally baffled by some of the stuff in it. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Phonics Fan
for school kids only
Once again we have a "scientific" show with no real science in it. Whilst some people may well be happy with their cinematic and emotional experience surely the BBC which can spend... Read more
Published 2 months ago by roughjock
Wonders collection
This was ordered just before Christmas on the 20th December and still managed to arrive with time to spare so I was impressed with the service, good price too!
Published 4 months ago by Mr. W. Stoddart
Fantastic and gripping
I bought this as a Christmas present for my 9 year old son and both of us have been glued to it. It says something for Prof Brian Cox that it appeals to children and adults alike,... Read more
Published 4 months ago by A Mum
Excellent
This dvd collention is brilliant and expands your mind, the concepts and ideas discussed are way out of this world! Would recommend
Published 4 months ago by Cazgeorge
The Wonders Collection
This is absolutely brilliant!!! Price is great too!! Came on time no complications at all. Bought one for my Husband and one for my Father in-law.
Published 4 months ago by Carly G
simply wondrous
was an avid viewer of both series on tv had to add them to my collection prof brian cox is just brilliant for someone like me who is fascinated by the solar system and the origins... Read more
Published 4 months ago by loubylou81
good deal
lf you've seen both series then this is a must educational keep sake. Been after this for a while its a bargin to get them together best deal we've found and fast... Read more
Published 4 months ago by sue manchester
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