7 | / 10 |
Users | 3.2 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 3.2 |
Travel through the galaxies and explore extraterrestrial phenomenon with this sweeping examination of the universe from The History Channel, which uses state-of-the-art computer technology to take viewers up close to distant planets and stars. Topics include black holes, comets, alien galaxies, star deaths, the moon, the interior of the sun and much more. All 13 episodes from the first season are included, plus the bonus episode "Beyond the Big Bang."
Narrator: Erik ThompsonDocumentary | 100% |
Nature | 80% |
History | 42% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080i
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.78:1
English: Dolby Digital 2.0
English: LPCM 2.0 (48kHz, 16-bit)
None
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Three-disc set (3 BDs)
Region free
Movie | 4.5 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 2.5 | |
Extras | 1.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
A terrific collection of thirteen episodes focusing on the history of our Universe as well as the past, present, and future of the planets that reside in it “The Universe: The Complete Season 1” arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of A&E Home Video.
No one knows how the Universe came to exist. No one knows how it will end. Some speculate that it was the Big Bang that gave birth to millions of stars and planets, including our own. Others are unsure. Some believe that it will be another cosmic event that will end everything the human race has been struggling to understand since the dawn of time. But how long before it happens? Billions of years according to some. Much, much less according to others.
A distant world
Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.78:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, and granted a 1080i transfer The Universe: The Complete Season 1 arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of A&E Home Video.
I assume that those of you with HD satellite or cable subscriptions have already seen at least one episode of this marvelous show. And you have to admit that even if you aren't particularly interested in astronomy The Universe boasts some mighty impressive visuals. As far as I am concerned this Blu-ray set does all of them justice. Contrast for example is incredibly strong allowing some of the more colorful scenes to reveal texture and detail that are absolutely breathtaking (Jupiter: The Giant Planet for example had me literally glued to the screen). The actual color-scheme on the other hand is probably amongst the best I have seen on a documentary. It is lush and incredibly rich truly transforming these well-crafted episodes into captivating short films that you won't tire looking at. As mentioned above clarity and detail are of superb quality and during some of the animated footage where stars burst and asteroids explode you will literally be immersed into a sea of colors with countless variations. The non-animated footage on the other hand where numerous interviews and lectures are offered is vibrant, detailed, and very pleasing and therefore it also makes for a terrific viewing experience. The actual quality of the prints provided by A&E Home Video is also as impressive. I looked for but did not spot a single scratch or speck (excluding of course some of the archival footage where the original source isn't in perfect condition). (Note: The three discs containing the 13 episodes of "The Universe" are Region-Free meaning that you will be able to play them on your PS3 or SA regardless of your geographical location).
UPDATE: It appears that there is a newer pressing of this release which does include an English LPCM 2.0 track.
The only audio track that you will find on this Blu-ray disc is: English Dolby Digital 2.0. It is somewhat disappointing that a PCM track of some sort isn't included here but in reality I really do not believe that there would be much of an upgrade if A&E Home Video were to include a PCM 5.1 mix. Aside from the ambient tunes that pop up here and there, as I mentioned earlier, the majority of the content is dialog driven. For me personally the wealth of information these series provide was much more important and I definitely did not notice the lack of a more elaborate soundtrack. Finally, I did not detect any hissing, drop-outs, or audio distortions to report here. Please note that optional English subtitles are not provided.
This 3BD collection does not offer any supplemental materials. On disc 3, however, you will find a full-blown documentary titled "Beyond The Big Bang" which goes into great detail explaining how the universe came to exist, how it currently evolves, and how it is likely to end. Some of the theories and speculations discussed by the scientists are simply mind-boggling and put into perspective a lot of what the human race has come to accept as "reality". The wilder theories are even more fascinating to ponder as some of them are so unbelievable that I would not be surprised if long after we are gone they turn out to be true. In any event, you have to see this documentary!
What a terrific show! I had seen some of the episodes prior to receiving this great looking set and had a good idea what to expect from it but being able to see all thirteen episodes without any commercial breaks is definitely something else. In fact, I was so perplexed by the terrific visuals and fascinating theories The Universe offers that a few nights ago I literally lost track of the time and ended up seeing the morning sun peaking through my window. Really, really terrific programming! As to the actual Blu-ray set I have only one minor complaint – the audio could have been a bit more elaborate. Highly Recommended.
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Ancient Mysteries Solved
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