Space

When it comes to making good, informative and visually stunning documenters, the BBC stand head and shoulders above the rest. Shows like `Space' and `Walking with Dinosaurs' may not be hard-science, but they are good-science and understandable. I have a scientific education, but I still love shows like this. It helps you to understand things by placing them in a visually captivating way.

If you want hard facts and hard science, go watch `The open university', if you want to understand what's going on without needing a PhD in Astrophysics, watch `Space'.

This DVD explains in a very graphic way, and in layman terms, the universe from its inception with the so-called Big Bang through to the future.

Some of the conclusions drawn, and indeed the questions left unanswered, are slightly disturbing - the Sun will explode eventually, and Earth will disappear. It's all detailed 'how and why'. Black holes are a very real threat, and there are lots of them in just our galaxy - their power is put into such perspective by Sam Neill that it's mind-boggling.

But the real beauty of 'Space' is that its presentation conveys a lot more understanding about how insignificant our little planet is in the 'whole scheme of things' - for instance, there are a million stars in the universe for every grain of sand on Earth. Distances become meaningless. Fascinating stuff.

And for those interested in a broad philosophy, the series also hints at a new approach to the meaning of life. Or at least it will give you more to think about.

The computer simulations here are first class, taking you on an adventurous ride through the universe, and the documentary on the 'making of' is very good. Sam Neill is excellent, and is obviously engrossed in his subject.

'Space' will leave you awestruck.

This is the sort of tabloid "science" program that devotes more screen time to special effects, spectacle and catastrophism than education. Any single episode of "Nova" contains more hard science than this entire series. I'm surprised there wasn't a chapter on horoscopes.

Also called "Hyperspace", this three hour BBC astronomy documentary, hosted by Sam Neill, consists of six self-contained topical programs, each one about 30 minutes in length: (1) Star Stuff, (2)Staying Alive, (3) Black Holes, (4) Are We Alone...?, (5) New Worlds, and (6) Boldly Go.

The photography, visual effects, and computer graphics are stunning. And the sound effects and music are appropriately cosmic. All of which combine to create a production that entertains, and encourages interest in space exploration.

That said, "Space" did not tell me anything I did not already know. There's very little in the documentary that has not been described or explained elsewhere. For adults who keep up with advances in astronomy, these six programs provide only a rehash of current knowledge, in layman's terms.

Overall, "Space" is a technically well-made program, suited especially to kids, as well as to adults who are new to astronomy.

This whole new series is brilliant! There really is no other way to describe this series. Sam Neill really does host this series well and the graphics are really good, for instance when the diagrams showing how stars super nova at the end of their lives you will be really impressed by the amount of detail in the computer animation. I really recommend this show for anyone who is interested in space or who has ever wondered the answer to the question 'where do we really come from?' The whole series will not be a let down to anyone who watches it!