Product Details

• Actors: Norman Pace, Geoffrey Marcy, Stuart Kauffman (II), Timothy Ferris, Paul Horowitz
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, Full Screen, Widescreen, NTSC
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround)
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Pbs Home Video
• DVD Release Date: November 14, 2000
• Run Time: 117 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 0780631323
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #99,702 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• For more information about "Life Beyond Earth" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The question of whether we are alone in the universe has intrigued humanity for centuries, and journalist Timothy Ferris presents an extensive look at the quandary in this fascinating and beautifully produced program from PBS. Ferris, as an engaging and inquisitive host, begins by discussing the development of life and the theory of evolution, as what we know about life on Earth could indicate whether it's possible for life to have developed elsewhere. Showing how scientists would expect life to exist elsewhere, Ferris then devotes his attention in a section entitled "Is Anybody Listening" to explain how radio telescopes are being used in hopes of making contact with intelligent beings beyond our own solar system. Throughout this documentary Ferris finds creative ways to make fairly complicated material easily understandable, and his offbeat approach to serious science is always entertaining and often fascinating. Experts such as scientist and bestselling author Stephen Jay Gould appear briefly in interviews to offer their insights, but for the most part the presentation is astoundingly visual. Ferris wisely opts to show something rather than merely talk about it, and the DVD is filled with startling and beautiful special effects as well as gorgeous footage shot both on Earth and in space. This is an excellent documentary that also happens to be a pleasure to watch. --Robert J. McNamara

Product Description

What does the great beyond hold? Is there extraterrestrial life on other planets? Join Timothy Ferris as he journeys into the unknown, exploring why many scientists believe there is life in the cosmos and how they're searching to make contact. Uncover scientific discoveries that will send chills down your spine and make your mind tingle with excitement. Find out if we really do have fellow travelers among the stars.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stimulating and brilliant!, September 7, 2002

By 

Michael Valdivielso (Alexandria, VA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Life Beyond Earth [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Timothy Ferris is both a intelligent and humorous guide in our journey through the two parts of this tape. In the first part, the first 60 minutes, he explores how life developed on Earth and if there can be life on other worlds. On the second, he examines how man became intelligent, if intelligence could develop on other worlds and how to communicate with that alien intelligence. Lovely special effects, a great musical sore, interviews with scientists and just plain common sense makes the tape a MUST for any library. From PBS it has nothing that might upset the kiddies, so let them view it also!

"The long twilight of human loneliness may come to an end within our lifetime." - Timothy Ferris.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great work with a tough topic., May 1, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Life Beyond Earth (DVD)

Yes there is or no there isn't. Either way, the logic is presented flawlessly for both arguments.
Are there other civilizations out there? Odds are yes.
Will we ever find them? Odds are no.
Life on our world was a bilion to one shot, but there are billions upon billions of other worlds.
This is the perfect film to learn how to present an argument. Support your facts, lead your listener to the conclusion you want. But don't push.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting and informative, July 18, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Life Beyond Earth (DVD)

Having worked on this project I may be a little biased, but I really enjoyed the Carl Sagan-lite approach that Ferris takes with his subject matter, as well as the truly beautiful visuals in this documentary shot entirely in film and high-definition television. I can only imagine that it will be equally stunning on DVD. I found this film to be a good primer on the real possibilities of the existence of life in our solar system and beyond.