Product Details

• Actors: Steven Hawking, Benedict Cumberbatch
• Directors: Darlow Smithson Productions Limited
• Format: Anamorphic, Color, NTSC, Widescreen
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Studio: Discovery - Gaiam
• DVD Release Date: January 4, 2011
• Run Time: 135 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (59 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0047HXMMU
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,825 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Stephen Hawking's Universe is an epic new kind of cosmology series, a Planet Earth of the heavens. Over eight, spell-binding hours, an animated Stephen In Into the Universe with Stephen Hawking, the world's most famous living scientist explores the greatest mysteries of the cosmos. In three landmark instalments
he reveals the wonders of the universe as never seen before. Definitive, provocative, surprising, and beautiful, Into the Universe with Stephen Hawking is a
fascinating look through the mind's eye of one of the finest brains on the planet.

3 Episodes/ 45 min each - 1- Aliens: "Are We Alone?" An eye-popping journey from the moons of Jupiter to a galaxy perhaps not so far, far away in search of alien life. We'll see what aliens might look like, question what it means to be alive, and calculate the odds of making 'contact'. 2- Time Travel: "Is Time Travel Possible?" Hawking explores the world's favorite scientific 'what if?' warping the very fabric of time and space as he goes. From killing your grandfather to riding a black hole, see how time travel may actually come true. 3- The Story of Everything: The world's most famous living scientist presents the wonders of the universe, revealing the splendor and majesty of the cosmos as never seen before. See how the universe began, how it creates stars, black holes and life -- and how everything will end.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

82 of 83 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent jumping point for further learning. January 22, 2011

By Raquor

Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a fantastic mini-series from one of the brightest minds of our time. It invokes a lot of interesting thoughts concerning where science and technology may take us in the future. Somewhat sobering to realize what has happened to Stephen Hawking throughout his life and yet he still has a fantastic outlook on life.

Hopefully this series will be used in science classes throughout the globe rather than the old film strips I endured as a child. It serves as a great jump off point for further learning, creating a real passion for learning more about the subject matter presented.

This mini-series consists of 3 segments:
Aliens:
This segment takes an interesting look at whether life might exist outside of our planet and what forms it would take. It has a well reasoned approach to theorizing if life could potentially exist elsewhere. The most intriguing part is actually trying to imagine life that doesn't need to resemble anything we are currently familiar with. The segment is made all the more amazing after the recent discovery of life in a pool of arsenic.

Time Travel:
This is also fairly interesting in the way that Hawking presents his arguments for Time Travel and the possible uses we might make of the ability to do so. I don't want to say too much as it would give away his interesting take on the subject matter. Not necessarily what you might expect to hear from a scientist.

Everything:
This is the largest portion of the mini-series and by far the most interesting as Hawking explains what is essentially his expertise. He explains the effects of gravity on the formation of everything and how it all might someday end. He also takes a peek at the potential for our species to further ourselves and extend our existence beyond that of our humble Earth.

43 of 45 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars As he says: check this out... February 15, 2011

By Marcio M. Bueno

Format:DVD

As he says..."Check this out". I am enthusiastic about the universe, and I own most of the documentaries on this subject,and so far I Can tell you this one, is one of the best.
Stephen Hawking, is truly one of the brightest minds since Albert Einstein. In this excellent series, he uses his genius brain to explain some of the most interesting themes such as alien life, origins, and time travel. I particularly like time travel the most.
You'll be surprised to learn that time travel is not only possible, but even is happening right here, right now on earth.
Every subject is explained with a simplicity and a good sense of humor (Stephen is a surprisingly good-humored person), which does not let you get bored. The images are fantastic in high definition. The best thing, of course is the privilege of seeing one of most intelligent mind in action . THANK YOU PROFESSOR HAWKING FOR THE RARE OPPORTUNITY.

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Thoughtful series on Hawking's view of the Universe January 29, 2011

By MAH

Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is excellent series of three episodes by Hawking on his analysis and conclusions about the universe - aliens, time travel, and the development of the universe. His style is not flamboyant; the visuals try to make up for this but are repetitive in some instances.

However, his logical approach to these topics, analysis of current research and thought, and his own opinions and comments make this series well worth viewing a number of times.