Customer Reviews

NOVA: Welcome To Mars

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I liked the video because it contains real footage of the actual events that transpired when the rovers landed, but it's way too short and in too little depth. If it had been longer, then maybe it would have been good.

For anyone who has followed the MER mission or watched the webcasts on NASA tv, there is way too little that is new in this DVD. I recommend instead to read the Steve Squyres book, Roving Mars which is well written and details the MER project and the history leading up to this mission.

The twin cameras mounted on the mast of the Mars rovers are spaced about the same distance as human eyes, and the same height as a person standing on the sandy desert. In this strange and alien place, you can walk in the wheel tracks of the first mobile explorers ever to venture onto the surface of another planet -- where every photo could contain a fossil or rock layer that holds the secrets of another planet's history. The engineering and scientific effort to achieve this is one of the greatest feats of our civilization, and surely one of the greatest thrills for anyone who has ever wondered about other worlds. Both rovers are still exploring, and new photos arrive every day. Personally, I can think of nothing more pleasant to enjoy with my morning coffee than a survey of the cold, hostile images of Mars -- free for anybody with an internet connection. Poet or engineer -- don't miss a chance to see your first up-close view of the red planet! -- Auralgo

Great to view back-to-back with Mars: Dead or Alive.

I don't see why PBS charges so much for their Nova dvds-I'm not rich and can't afford their prices. I got this used like the few other Novas I own...

I have always held a fascination for Mars, as have many people. This is a great documentary to get your taste buds watered up for the Mars exploration. Despite being a science fiction writer, I am still blown away by the progress of technology and what they were able to do with the Mars rovers.

There were many trials and tribulations with the Mars mission, but they ended up with far more data than they thought that they would get. This documentary is by no means a complete resource but it is great to pop on and watch to peak your interest. If you are interested in more information, you will probably want to explore some other sources.

NOVA: Welcome To Mars (2005)was a four star film by NOVA and is recommended for all fans of planetary science and NASA. This film should be watched serially after watching Mars, Dead or Alive as it continues where that film leaves off providing excellent documentation of the mars rover missions once they "landed" and started their exploration of the Martian surface.

Welcome to Mars documents "proof" of the existance of free standing water on the early surface of Mars. It also documents how scientists and engineers work together to change a dream into hardware and reality, while providing useful scientific and cost effective data.

My hat is off to this new generation of government workers at NASA and their great efforts to explore Mars and prepare the way for manned expeditions sometime in the future.

I ordered this DVD for my grandson, who is nine and who is fascinated with space. He studies the planets like most boys his age study baseball scores, and although he loves baseball, he loves the solar system more. We had seen "Roving Mars" at the Omni Theatre, so when he won third place in his [...]ade science fair, I wanted to reward him with a copy of the "Roving Mars" DVD. But alas, it was not out on DVD, so I had to settle on "Nova." Not a bad settle, though. This video gives the historical and scientific account of the mission that leads to the finale that is covered in "Roving Mars." Designed for less scientific audiences, it is terrific for all ages. Not only did we learn new information, but also we both enjoyed it immensely. He has watched it several times since his first viewing, making it great bargain!

I still am waiting for "Roving Mars," as I want to add that one to his collection as well. Sure beats the heck out of anything Hollywood puts out!

Whilst writing this in September of 2005, I read reports of spectacular feats by the Mars rovers, climbing to unpresidented mountain heights and beaming back the most awesome panoramic veiws ever seen of Mars. I therefore cannot help thinking, why was this dvd released before the mission is complete, so as to include all this fantastic film from Mars ? Would it not have been more prudent to wait, and have the pick of Mars footage, or will there just be a 'directors cut' later ? I think I'll wait for the missions' conclusion before rushing out to buy a 'Mars rover' dvd.