L'empire du système solaire

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.

I was reborn..!!

What locales, what angles, what direction, what music, what theories, what mysteries...!! An amazingly well written series. Some of the episodes are, of course, much better than others. Especially, the Empires of the sun and the thin blue line were amazing.

Cox takes you from one extreme to another while nourishing one's hunger for cosmos and other worlds. His analogies and examples are very engaging and simple. The way the whole episodes reaches a pin-pointed theme at the end is very fulfilling. Apart from that, the amazing screen-shots one can get from roaming around from one exquisite part of earth to another are simply stunning.

I have seen a lot of hatred for the presenter but it is ill-meant. Brian Cox does seem lost at times, but that is because he gets so immersed into whatever mystery he is explaining, that he himself moves to some other level. His passion and love for explaining such intricate details (whole world's Gold is no more than 3 Olympic pools) is amazing. And, the way he relates such esoteric topics to real life was simply superb.

This series is the most reinvigorating series I have ever witnessed. Cox's Wonders of the Universe is equally engaging (but not of the same level and it does get repetitive at times...but still worth a watch). I feel bad though, as its new season isn't coming anytime soon.

Many reviewers I believe are entirely missing the point of this documentary series, people complain about the lack of complexity and detail. It is very clear that Brian has an immense passion for what he is talking about and wishes to share that passion, to show those who had no prior interest in science what it is all about.

If you are looking for an array of fun little facts about the solar system then this isn't for you, I can recommend "The Universe" documentary series for that. If you are already a fan of science and enjoy watching other similar documentaries then chances are you won't learn a great deal, but again that isn't the point.

Brian is trying to show that there is more to science than learning facts and is attempting to illustrate the wonderous side of science. Many it seems are utterly unable to handle anything that isn't loaded with CGI and facts. But for those who can enjoy a humble and passionate series presented by a humble and passionate presenter, I would recommend this series to.

Granted Brian Cox is no Carl Sagan and this series is no 'Cosmos' it can definitely do what it sets out to do which is to inspire those capable of holding a child-like sense of wonder and a passion for deeper thinking.

This series will encourage the curious minds to think deeper about things and won't attempt to overload you by repeatedly shouting interesting space facts at you.