Die Wunder unseres Sonnensystems

Our family loves this series, and it offers something for all ages. Professor Brian Cox is remarkably youthful in his presentations and appearance, and his fresh approach is accessible and exciting to watch. Brian has a wonderful way of bringing together modern and classic topics of astronomy to produce a truly breathtaking experience. In Episode 1, Empire of the Sun, Brian discusses the elements of the Solar Wind, its vast expanse, and the how our magnetic field protects us from these high energy particles. Then there's a tremendous visual and narrative the clearly explains the Northern Lights. And Brian is constantly traveling the globe to experience first hand these wonders. When Brian is viewing a full solar eclipse, he presents the event in the context of the everyone around him witnessing this remarkable event. When the sky goes dark, I could actually see what it was like for these folks, and minutes later, when the sun begins to reappear, you can really feel the emotional outburst of the crowd. Each episode is dramatically and skillfully crafted for an unbelievable experience. Not since the days of Carl Sagan and Cosmos have we enjoyed these wonders.

I wrote this review because I wasn't satisfied with what was already written. Other reviewers mentioned many "flaws" with this program which I believe are actually essential strengths which set this documentary apart.

For instance, other reviewers mention the show's "distracting" scene changes. However, if you really listen to what is being said, as opposed to simply looking at where the host is standing, the scene changes are essential to the show's format. The strength of this program is that every astronomical concept is immediately compared to an Earth based equivalent or analogy. This format really clarifies what is being said and provides the viewer a deeper appreciation for the show's content.

In summary, if you are looking for a show which describes the solar system in an intuitive way, as opposed to the history lecture format of many other shows, check it out! Sure the host's voice takes a little time to get used to, but the shows content is worth it.

This show legitimately changed my life when I first watched it. I finally understood what the point of physics lessons at school were. But more than that, it set a fire within me to learn more, not just about astronomy but about all science. I became interested in biology, history, culture, psychology all because I'd watched this series. After watching it I realised the enormous gaps in my knowledge about how the world and the universe work. Although I know I will never completely fill those gaps, trying to do so gives my life purpose and brings me no end of pleasure.

Brain Cox is a wonderful science presenter who makes it easy to grasp the basics of very complex ideas. The visuals are gorgeous and the soundtrack is a perfect match for them. I can't thank the BBC enough for creating this series.

i haven't logged into IMDb for years but i thought i'd make a special exception to say how far off the mark i felt you (cinemapassion) were with you're wonders.. review. i think that you completely missed the point, you have reviewed it from a standpoint pointing out things that were missing from it but not really ever understanding what the program was. it seems you've reviewed it as if this were an essay or a report on new discoveries in the solar system which it isn't, it's a bbc production telling the vast majority of people in Britain a bit of information they probably didn't know about the solar system (our solar system which is why it didn't mention neighboring solar systems).

in summary:

1- most bbc factual entertainment programs are only commissioned for 5 shows which is why there is only a limited number of things covered, also brian cox chose to write what he wanted to make a program about, it's your subjectivity which is the problem if you were't happy with what you learned, and if you already knew it why bother watching the program?

2- the lack of graphics was probably due to budgetary constraints or a creative choice, there wasn't really any massive need for more graphics and the fact things were shot on location (i feel was a good thing), was to show the massive similarities there are even on alien worlds!

3- again it is your subjectivity which is the problem, i personally like brian cox, i think he's quite funny.

4- i personally didn't have a problem with the editing, it was a documentary ON TV so why would images stay on the screen for prolonged times for someone to study them, read a book or watch it on DVD and discover the wonders of the pause button.

5- that's just a mean comment and not objective critical analysis of the program, maybe a poor attempt at humour?

in detail-

1- there is some repetition but mainly between episodes or you may be confused with what the function of an introduction and credits are.

in David attenborough documentaries the information is much more easy to grasp and doesn't require massive knowledge of physics and other subjects the majority of Britain has not much grasp of, that is why if you want to learn about the science become a scientist, not watch a bbc TV program.

i've already covered why he didn't cover what you wanted him to cover so i will also point out that you didn't make the television program which is probably another reason why he didn't cover everything you wanted him to cover.

and why didn't he cover any complex physics... (BBC PRIME TIME)

2- well you've explained to yourself that it is because of the similarities why he travelled to look at similarities between alien worlds so again; your subjectivity = the problem and if you want to continue to complain about the lack of graphics why don't you go live in tron?

3- this reader feels the reviewer may be a jilted ex the way they continue to attack the presenter and has still no grasp of the function of an informative program as opposed to a space probe.

4- & 5- not a book, jilted lover.

something on the oort cloud would have been good though..

Brian Cox is the kind of man who can incite excitement in adults, change career paths of the young, and generally engage and include people of all levels of intelligence. His rock star credentials have clearly allowed him to transcend stereotypical geekiness, and purvey complex matters in simplistic formats. Maybe he is a genius? A man who clearly has a highly active brain in both the areas of arts and science. It is just such a guy that the country needs as it seeks to transform itself from a Nation of number crunching Accountants to a re-establishing Nation of scientists, engineers and innovators. He is clearly a reminder of what we once were and what this great Nation once spawned, and more importantly he has answered some of the biggest questions that have shadowed mankind since the creation of time.