eosmusashi I loved this series, being a big fan of the Cosmos series my feeling is that Brian Cox has the best of Sagan's ability to explain and transmit the excitement and joy of astronomy and physics, he keeps it interesting, exciting and simple to us all non-scholars of complicated astrophysics. I found very interesting that he made huge references to the Cosmos series, he sure is a big fan of Sagan's work and he passes that with a more modern twist and the use of nice CGI. Overall a great documentary and a nice addition to other Universe related films, the locations filmed are amazing and Professor Cox's way of talking is mesmerizing.

Christian In the same scope as Carl Sagan's Cosmos (1980), although not quite as comprehensive, Brian Cox's Wonders of the Universe (2011) along with Wonders of the Solar System (2010) attempt to place humankind in the scale of the universe and explore some of physical science's more meaningful discoveries. Cox actually gives homage to science vulgarization pioneer, Sagan, in Wonders of the Universe which I will review here. Although Cox does not tackle subjects like time travel in a daring and direct way like Sagan, he is an eager, likable, scientist who engages and teaches with appropriate awe and metaphors.This time Cox is aided by breathtaking HD cinematography, coupled with the technical prowess of eye-candy CGI and post-production, but the soul-searching subject remains as the core of the text to leave us in admiration, wonder and understandably a little perplexed. He explains the content and the context well and builds the viewer's knowledge along the way.The series as a whole is a success and perhaps bridges the 30-year gap since Sagan's landmark 13-part series. Episode 1 "Destiny" defines time and describes the beginning and the end of the universe in a near- complete and cathartic way. It explains entropy, puts our existence in perspective and sets the stage for further topics and questions of the series. The second episode "Stardust" deals with chemistry from its origin to the complex carbon-based human beings that we are and the wondrously diverse world around us. It explains stellar evolution and the births and deaths of stars. It shows how everything is connected and creates a case for the continuous recycling of matter in the Universe.Episode 3 "Falling" examines gravity, but is the lesser of the series. It does not fall completely short, but is bogged down by two experiments (weightlessness - or so-called zero g - airplane and g force accelerator) and less compelling screenplay and source material. "Messengers" ends the series on a high note and looks at light as a property, but also as a code for the history and intricacies of the universe. It also relates space and time, the Big Bang and present day quite harmoniously. It demystifies myths, shows infra-red, radio and micro waves as extensions of the light spectrum smoothly, examines the importance and apparition of eyes in evolution and leaves us with a sense of unity with the universe and ongoing inquisitiveness into our nature.All in all, the series succeeds in promoting science, awakening curiosity and giving deeper meaning to things we may take for granted. It is beautiful and thoughtful. It lacks perhaps some of the detailed observations a more science savvy audience may expect, but it gives an accessible solid foundation for one to build further knowledge and explore on his own.Wonders of Life (2013) will complete the "Wonders Of" series in a BBC co-production with China's CCTV. Also, Sagan's widow and co-writer will be involved in a new Fox version of Cosmos called "Cosmos: A Space-Time Odyssey" to be aired in 2014.May science live long and prosper.

Debajyoti Bose Professor Brian Cox takes up the charge of exploring our planet and explain the motions of the Universe and everything that it is made of, thus explaining gracefully with simulated and beautiful depictions of our place in this planet and the Universe at large. One has to keep in mind, this is not a nerd show which will highlight all pro-level science talk. Men like Brian Cox, Neil Tyson are science communicator and popularizer. The main purpose of this show is to bring young minds who fear science in this wonderful fascination and its justifications,and to make them understand how profound are the immutable laws of physics and other sciences, when it comes to the grandest of stages i.e. life of the stars. The show did that quiet splendidly. So if solar system and galaxies have been your fascination, but you were always afraid of the big science formulas and terms, this is your chance to get hold of them, and understand the beauty they have and represent.

Eddie Burdak Fascinating subject. But instead of having a bright Astronomer do the presentation we get a particle physicist instead? :( Going off to some of the most exotic places on Earth - generally to do some seriously poor metaphor and generally loose the plot.There are some excellent bits in the middle but there really is some serious doggy pooh to wade through to get there.Professor Brina Cox has serious problems in presenting. From misunderstanding gravity (and calling it a force) to failing to comprehend that time is a man made construct and the universe doesn't care what time it is. And to try and claim during free fall he's experiencing zero gravity when he is still in the gravity field of the Earth - just free falling - well that's was just very poorly done and explained.But the worse, the absolute worse moment for me has to be when he talks about Einstein's equations of relativity and he Cox wants to make a contribution that would result in a change in those formulations - an improvement in the equations First thing to do Bri is pack up your Projector and Holiday slides and for good sake stop looking down at the camera and the audience - and actually learn to make a clear concise non confusing presentation.Poor effort BBC - poor Effort