Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #104120 in DVD
• Released on: 2000-02-22
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 51 minutes

Customer Reviews

The Planets Epoch 2000 From the Horses Mouth
As the person who created this video I want to clear up some incorrect information circulating about it. First, the animation. Much of it is dated, but this is not only the story of the solar system, but of our attempt to learn of its mysteries. Second, the audio. I have read reviews that the audio is analog and only 2 channel. That is incorrect. I was in the THX certified dubbing bay, when the transfer from Tomita's original 4 channel quadraphonic was made. Everything was done in the digital domain. As for the viewer who complained that Patrick Stewart's voice was too loud for her taste, I recommend she turn down the center channel on which his voice is isolated. This is a true Dolby 5.1 mix done by one of the finest mixers in the world, Bob Michaels of The Enterprise. These are the facts. So called experts, you have been advised.

The best of Art and Science combined
This production uses not only the best in CGI technology to show how the planets most be, but it also includes the latest information and photographs from NASA. The music and the scenes are very well mixed. The magnificent interpretation of "The Planets" by Isao Tomita is fully enjoyable thanks to the digitally remastered recording of his quadraphonic version. But, most of all, the superb narration by Patrick Stewart is what makes this masterpiece go far beyond of what you can expect in just a beautiful documentary film.

Do Not Engage! Do Not Make It So! Resistance Is Not Futile!
Even though Patrick Stewart could make the phone book sound like Shakespeare, even he cannot save this DVD. While informationally rich, the sci-fi quality computer generated graphics (such as those found on Mr. Stewart's former TV gig) are SORELY lacking. Instead, the viewer is given a few NASA simulations which are good, and far too many 50's-era spacey illustrations--which are not.

To go to the trouble of having sci-fi's most famous face (& scalp!) involved in this project, one would have hoped for comparable graphics. Stellar Cartography, anyone?...