5.0 out of 5 stars
very good information, May 23, 2010
This review is from: Sightings (CD-ROM)
hi i just bought this from amazon a few
days ago i bought this CD rom many years ago when
it first came out i bought this copy because i lost
my old copy and i have to say from viewing it when it first
came out i think the quality is very good while
it is old and not up to today standards i would say
it still holds its own even after all these years
if you can pick up a copy while there avalible
i was looking for this cd rom for the last 2 years
on the web and could not find it so pick it up while they last
Richard
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2.0 out of 5 stars
So-so CD-ROM, June 22, 2007
This review is from: Sightings (CD-ROM)
"SIGHTINGS: THE UFO ENCYCLOPEDIA" (aka "UFOPEDIA") is a CD-ROM for the computer based on the successful 1990's TV series, "Sightings". The disc is a comprehensive information database on the UFO / alien phenomenon and was released in 1998. It should be mentioned that while the disc does cover a lot of data, most of the data summaries are brief. Some of the experts that were interviewed on the TV series are featured on the disc, such as Stanton Friedman.
The disc features an introduction of the history of the phenomenon that includes audio narration and pictures. A timeline is also included in one of the overviews. An animation is included that simulates being taken inside of a secret military base complete with rooms full of aliens and technology as well as video monitors that can be clicked on for more information. This would all be slick if the art and animation were better. As it is, it's acceptable, at best. However, in defense of the producers, it should be noted that this CD-ROM was made in the late 1990's and technology for CD-ROMs has been improved since then.
The disc is separated into four main categories (all clickable on the main menu) with subcategories in each. In no particular order:
1) Alien Life: Overview; Life In The Universe (different alien lifeforms); Abduction; and Mutilation (animal and human).
2) UFOs: Overview; Myths and Legends; Types of UFOs; Crop Circles; Sightings; Hoaxes; Other Evidence (implants, ancient symbols, etc.)
3) Government: Overview; Cover-Ups; Secret Bases; UFO Documents; Alien Technology?
4) Database: A - Z encyclopedia (various UFO-related terms, people, places, and events); Local Database (featuring many brief written descriptions of UFO sightings and alien encouters worldwide that are searchable via maps, time of day, types of sightings, etc.); On-Line Database (unfortunately, this linked feature is no longer available; the website is gone)
GOOD: Lots of informative data; good general overview of phenomenon; narration by Sightings host Tim White reminds you of TV show; some video; the searchable database of UFO sightings is worth the price alone; generally entertaining
BAD: Most information is too brief; artwork looks unprofessional and is not accurate according to eyewitness accounts (aliens look too muscular and different from accounts); not enough video (mostly still pictures with audio narration); video quality is choppy and grainy-looking; misspellings of words throughout documents; overall viewpoint seems too skeptical (especially, since the show usually wasn't that skeptical); inclusion of some terms which have nothing to do with UFOs (such as "dowsing"); a few audio hiccups in narration; Tim White's narration doesn't sound as professional as his narration on the show; video and audio parts of disc only work with an old version of Quicktime (which most people don't have anymore and may not be compatible with newer computers), although on an older computer you can download the older version of Quicktime by following instructions on the disc; sometimes navigation back to the menu you were on is overly difficult.
OVERALL: The quality of the CD-ROM is uneven. It seems that parts of the disc are professionally produced, while other parts are sloppily put together. The overly skeptical nature of the disc is the worst thing about it, in my opinion. The best part of the disc is the "Local Database" of searchable worldwide UFO reports (this part does NOT need the old version of Quicktime for access). The government UFO documents are also interesting, but ultimately, don't bring any shocking revelations. Less importantly, I have to wonder why the CD has two different names (one on the cover and one on the disc)? Could the producers not make up their minds about the title?
If you're a "Sightings" fan (like me) or are new to the UFO phenomenon, you probably will want this (if you can buy it cheap). However, if you've seen the show (which was far better than this disc) or any paranormal documentary show in the past ten or fifteen years, you won't find anything new here. It has all been covered before. Overall, this CD-ROM is ambitious, but, ultimately disappointing. I would give it only 2 or 2 1/2 stars out of 5 - a rating of "Fair".
(*Note - It appears that this CD-ROM is a rare item. If you want it, you should probably buy it while it is offered or you may not get another chance.)
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