Cosmos - The Complete Collection (DVD, 2002, 7-Disc Set)

Cosmos (the series) is fundamentally about how us humans have sought to understand the workings of the universe. It does not overload the viewer with details, but rather describes "the big picture."

This DVD set is a true classic for young and old. Great for all ages, children and adults. It has won numerous awards: three Emmy's, a Hugo, a Peabody --- and was the most watched PBS special on TV for about 10 years.

The DVD set offers all 13 episodes with music and visuals, that takes the viewer on a journey of space and time. Each episode is fresh and readily understandable. Completely packed with historical re-enactments, facts and theories complete with on location commentaries, the series helps contextualize science and people who made the great discoveries. Some of it ( quite honestly) is kind of dated, but most of the core science facts really hasn't changed. I must admitt the "spaceship of imagination" is kind of a bit corny though.

I still remember seeing Carl Sagan on TV in the early 1980's. His unique vision to make science understandable and exciting, is still with me today. And again in 1993, when I met him after a lecture that he gave, I had brief conversation (yes I was floating). He was a professor with an extraordinary gift for teaching and inspiration. Eloquent,entertaining, informative,charismatic and intelligent.Although many have painted a darker side of this gifted man since his death, I still think he was a natural communicator,brilliant writer as well as a tremendous astronomer.

Carl Sagan, both in DVD or in book, had the ability to mix history and science through different locations in the world. He had the ability to capture the brilliant beauty that surrounds us. This series could definately be the best general science series ever broadcast on TV.An if the episodes seem a bit took long, well there is always scene selection !