Product Description

One of the most ambitious and exciting scientific theories over posed one that may be the long-south Theory of everything gets a masterful and lavishly animated explanation that will excite scientists and non-scientists alike. Beginning will simple and clear explanations of major concepts of physics including gravity electromagnetism and relativity the Elegant Universe illuminates one of the most revolutionary theories in physics todayKnows as string theory or superstring theory this startling idea proposes that the fundamental ingredients of nature are inconceivably tiny strands of energy whose different modes of vibration underlie everything that happens in the universe. the theory attempts to unite the laws of the large general relativity and the laws of the small quantum mechanics breaking a conceptual logjam that has frustrated scientists for nearly a century.If string theory proves correct the universe we see obscures a reality that is for richer and more complex than anyone ever imagined a universe with numerous hidden dimensions a universe in which the fabric of space can rip and tear a universe that may be but one of many parallel universes.Join host Brain Greene professor of physics and mathematics at Columbia University and the bestselling author of the Elegant Universe for this exciting and in-depth exploration of this groundbreaking new theory.System Requirements: Running Time 180 MinFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: DOCUMENTARIES/MISC. Rating: NR UPC: 783421367791 Manufacturer No: WG36779

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #13851 in DVD
• Brand: WGBH BOSTON VIDEO
• Released on: 2004-01-20
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.77:1
• Formats: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD-Video, Letterboxed, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 2
• Dimensions: .30 pounds
• Running time: 180 minutes

Amazon.com
Based on Brian Greene's book, this three-part Nova program should do for physics what Cosmos did for astronomy. Greene hosts the program on the relative new concept of String Theory, a potential (and explosive) answer to the Holy Grail of science: a single, ultimate theory for everything. Part of Greene's (along with filmmakers Julia Cort and Joseph McMaster) genius is the ability to explain complex issues with ease thanks to a generous helping of graphics and humor. It starts with a perplexing anecdote: Einstein died trying to figure out if there could be an ultimate theory. His General Theory of Relativity brought order to the laws of large objects, but could not explain the chancier world of Quantum Mechanics (which deals with atomic particles). String Theory tries to marry the two. Greene and many colleagues give us a history of the quest and how String Theory was "discovered" in the 1980s. The formula has a lot of quirks, the most dazzling being the insistence there's 11 dimensions in the universe. Greene is not as natural as Cosmos creator/host Carl Sagan, but he is certainly friendly and encouraging (albeit it's quite odd for the host to be interviewed at various times in the program). Because it's a three-part show, there is some overlap at the start of hours 2 and 3. --Doug Thomas

Customer Reviews

If you're a scientist, you may be disappointed
I bought this DVD because of an unquenchable interest in Quantum Physics. As an engineering student who has taken three semesters of undergrad Physics and four semesters of Calculus, I was looking for more information about String Theory. I thought a NOVA produced documentary would be great because I've been a big fan of NOVA for as long as I can remember. Unfortunately, I found that this DVD misses the mark for someone looking for some real information and not just a glancing overview.

The DVD is mostly well done, though I find Dr Brian Greene too "zany" and informal for my tastes. From many articles I've read by and about him, he's apparently a leading professor and physicist but has a penchant for being silly. Nothing against him and those who like him, but that's not really my thing. I'd much rather just hear an entire program explained by Burt Ovrut personally.

As far as content, I feel like the DVD is lacking. A lot of really interesting concepts are brought up, and the history behind String Theory is fascinating, but there is absolutely no in depth information explaining anything. It's as though they're expecting the viewer to just watch and not question or ask for explanation. A great example is when Dr Greene describes the quantum sized world as "chaotic" and unlike the world we typically observe. Well, why is it? There was no explanation for why this is, or why it's important. There was a great CGI scene and background music to evoke the mood, but any real information wasn't there. Even more frustrating is that they don't describe what String Theory actually is at all. They keep saying over and over again that String Theory is the idea that all matter is made up of "little, tiny, vibrating strings". Well why is this? What does this solve for us? Where did this idea come from? Why is a vibrating string responsible for all matter in the universe? The audience, if they're curious, are left dangling to just accept this theory with no explanation at all for why this is so important. We get flashbacks to the history of the discovery, and then the "five theories" problem that mathematically equates to the same equation but in different terms, but absolutely none of the real information beyond a general "pub explanation" is shown to the viewer. It's like they assume the information is too hard to understand and explain, and they're scared they'll bore viewers. Instead they use ridiculous carnival-themed CGI scenes to explain gravity and black holes...Carl Sagan just used a bed sheet and a basketball in Cosmos.

Now, I do know that the vast majority of those watching this show likely have zero calculus or calculus-based physics under their belt, and that the show is not designed nor written specifically for scientists or physicists. That's fine, though. I've seen non-calculus based explanation for physics all the time, and when the information is complete, it's still fascinating. This DVD just seems incredibly scared to show the audience anything remotely thought provoking (and thusly interesting). A great example is when the idea of the equations for string theory come out with disparity, and Dr Greene shows this with a "1+1=2 but 1+1=1" example. Please.

I'm not going to say I don't recommend this DVD because those without several semesters of Physics and Calculus under their belt will likely find this DVD interesting and a good casual glance with no equations and is easy to follow. If you're like me, and interested in the Physics and Calculus of String Theory, there's a good chance you'll be disappointed at the lack of real information because all the information they present won't be new, because you will have already read the "casual glance" stuff long ago.

Though not really the same subject matter, I would suggest Cosmos by Carl Sagan over this DVD if you're interested in the Einsteinian theories of Relativity and time travel. Something about Sagan is just more enjoyable to watch and listen to, at least for me.

If you're the sort who downloads torrents, I'd suggest looking for a BBC production called "Parallel Universes". It's not available for purchase at all, but easy enough to find a torrent for. It's a one hour program about String Theory, has Burt Ovrut and Michael Duff and others also featured in The Elegant Universe, and even though it doesn't go into any more detail than The Elegant Universe I still enjoy watching it because it's presented in a way that I much prefer.

Great Explanation of Superstrings and More!
I am an engineer by education and experience. Like many engineers I am fascinated with the subject of quantum mechanics, superstrings, hidden dimensions, the quest for the theory of everything, parallel universes and more. Much of it isn't easy to understand, but it sure is fun!

For years I had been hearing about superstrings. I have read In Search of Schrödinger's Cat, Schrödinger's Kittens, books on Einstein's theories, and more. I have also read articles on these subjects, watched several amazing TV shows and movies. Some teased the idea of superstrings, but I never came away with a feeling that the concept had been explained properly.

Brian Green's book the Elegant Universe, and the subsequent PBS show does just that! It gives the best explanation of superstrings I have read (and seen) to date. Green also does a great job explaining parallel universes, hidden dimensions, quest for the ultimate theory and more.

The subject matter in the Elegant Universe is tricky to explain. Green has to do a balancing act to present the concepts in a way that are easy enough for the educated layman to understand, but complex enough to preserve their richness.

Fortunately, Green does an exceptional job at presenting the material. And, he does it with great insight, passion and humor!

My head hurt when he talked about some of the concepts such as 12 dimensions instead of the 4 we know about...but it was a good hurt. Overall a fantastic book and PBS show!

The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide to: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking

Awesome
I bought this to use to teach my high school students. The visual representations provided in this video are great for showing the students the world of quanta and string theory.