The Day the Universe Changed

I gladly join this small cult of those shocked that this Citizen Kane of documentaries is not available readily on DVD. I had the rare opportunity to catch this series around 1987 or so, and have never seen anything so entertaining and enlightening since (including his Connections series). James Burke intricately plots out the grand scheme that reveals what's behind the world today. I remember being so thrilled with his way of showing how an accident, or leap of imagination, or curious side effect, spawned a major component of our modern world. I couldn't wait for next week's episode.

My star rating of 10 is rare for me to give anything. It should be required viewing.

This popular award winning series is now available in North America for Home viewing from Documentary-Video.com and will be released on Amazon in the next few months. The Day the Univere Changed was the highest rated series on public television the year it aired. Other awards from: "Booklist Nonprint Editor's Choice", "National Educationlal Film & Video Festival" and "Chicago International Film Festival". Presented by veteran BBC historian and science reported this series explores influences of discoveries and shared knowledge on the perception of the Universe and man's place in it. This is my favorite educational series and I'm glad I can finally enjoy it at home.

It's been years since I've been able to see this wonderful documentary. It is as beautiful and intelligent as it is elegant. The only unfortunate thing is that I can't find a copy for myself. This should be required viewing in high-schools across America. The ideas found within this program are profound and the day I watched "The Universe Changed" was the day I changed. It is also available as an excellent book which I have but it would be nice to find on DVD as this is one those things I'd love to pass on to future generations. If you ever notice it on coming on TV, do yourself a favor and watch it. BRILLIANT ! !

This documentary series blew my mind. I learned so many things about scientific discoveries -- plus it was very well directed with seamless cuts between historical recreation and Burke in the modern time explaining it all. I did tape it on VHS but the tapes are lost. I always wondered why I didn't see this title all over the place in video stores. Everyone owes it to themselves to witness this fascinating glimpse into human discovery and the way that our universe changes with each significant breakthrough in medicine, science and technology over the ages. I still have such vivid memories of this show from 21 years ago. The discovery of ether as an anesthetic was particularly surprising -- US doctors partying with it and discovering they were "painless." Burke on board a modern Navy vessel talking about war technology and sonar, and in another episode, Isaac Newton drops balls from a balcony and Burke catches them in the modern time. I'm searching for this on DVD. Must have.

I have watched this series over again on tape to the point of destruction and look forward to someday owning a fresh DVD copy.

It is, as my title says, a revelation in the art of bringing an interesting way to learn to the masses. Much like Carl Sagan, James Burke neither complicates nor dumbs down the story of how our view of things is made up of what we know RIGHT NOW.

I agree that it should be made part of high-school classes but I fear that Burke's rather staid sense of humor would turn off groups. Best watched alone with complete attention.

Do not pass up an opportunity to see this remarkable mind-expanding series.