Customer Reviews

Nova: In Search of Human Origins [VHS]

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

 

 

This video is nothing less then a classic - an EXTREMELY informative and entertaining look at the state of modern scientific evidence for the evolution and development of modern hominids, and their migration from Africa to Europe. Extraordinary integration with most high school biology curricula, and my family found it enjoyable/entertaining too. Only a person not interested in the subject matter could find things to criticize in this video collection.

I've used this series (mostly tapes one and two) for years when teaching a middle school unit on prehistory/archeology. Yes, it is outdated and many new discoveries have been made since. However it provides a wonderful introduction to the field of archeology/anthropology for the young student. They easily connect with Donald Johansen, and share his excitement for his finds. Students learn about scientific theories and research and this introdution may spark their drive to delve further into the field.

To let you know where I stand: I'm a University student; Episode 2 of this set was required to watch for a class class i'm taking. I would never think of watching the whole thing or buying the DVD if I wasn't doing anthro research. Anyways, I don't know what the reviewer who gave it one star is talking about--maybe instead of watching educational materials, he should watch Mission Impossible or a movie starring Jonny Depp--he'll be that much more entertained. And this I say to other students: beware implications of any research; most likely it is erroneous. This DVD set has errors and inconsistencies too, which nonetheless does not not give you a reason not to watch it. And yes, I enjoyed watching it.

The document is more a bunch of anectotic bla bla, full of not scientific adjectives. You will not find serious nor interesting science, rather a narcisist and boring story about the self claimed "incredible arquelogical" findings of the author.