Timothy Ferris narrates and presents what I believe to be one of the great scientific documentaries of all time; a movie that presents and talks about the notions of why the universe is, how it might've gotten started, and what some of the key notions and thoughts are by leading scientists in the field of cosmology.
Like all other documentaries you need to have a kind of interest in the subject to really appreciate it, but even if you're just mildly curious as to how scientists approach the question of existence, then you'll probably find yourself entertained.
The film is presented much in same vein of Carl Sagan's Cosmos TV series, and James Burke's Connections (which came out at the same time) and other similar productions which strive to inform and educate the viewer. Though somewhat dated in terms of when it was made the field of cosmology (at least from what I understand) hasn't progressed a great deal further than when the theories in the this film were presented. So, in that regard, it's still very much a timely film.
The true heart of this film is that it doesn't take a purely hard scientific stance on what is known and believed by the scientific community, but reveals the heart and soul of science by discussing the very nature of existance: It also touches on faith and why that element (or feeling) is itself (after a fashion) neccesary to conduct science of anykind. The film presents not only hard scientific facts, but feelings, notions and opinions of what the scientists themselves think and believe. This is what good films do.
The one drawback to this film, as with the supermajority of scientific documentaries meant for public consumption, is that there's little in the way explanation of the math that goes into research like this. But beyond that I really do cherish this film, and covet my VHS copy. I can only hope that someday it will see the light of day on DVD.
I'll also add that Timothy Ferris did another mini series on intelligent life on other planets. That's not so much a followup to "Creation of the Universe," but some of the same questions asked in this film are asked in that film, and in that way it is a kind of sequel.
Do yourself a favor and find a copy of this outstanding film :-)
