NOVA - Physics: The Elegant Universe and Beyond

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Starring: Michael B. Green
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Type: DVD
Directed By: Joseph McMaster
Studio: WGBH Boston
Release Date: 2006-02-28
Running Time: 412 minutes
Number of Items: 4
The Elegant Universe Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for the Ultimate Theory Join host Brian Greene, professor of physics and mathematics at Columbia University and the best-selling author of The Elegant Universe, for an in-depth exploration of the groundbreaking new string theory that will excite scientists and non-scientists alike. If string theory proves correct, the universe we see obscures a reality that is far richer and more complex than anyone ever imagined--a universe with numerous hidden dimensions, a universe in which the fabric of space can rip and tear, a universe that may be but one of many parallel universes

Beginning with simple and clear explanations of major concepts of physics, including gravity, electromagnetism, and relativity, The Elegant Universe illuminates how string theory proposes that the fundamental ingredients of nature are inconceivably tiny strands of energy, whose different modes of vibration underlie everything that happens in the universe. If proven correct, this theory of "everything" would unite the laws of the large--general relativity--and the laws of the small--quantum mechanics--breaking a conceptual logjam that has frustrated scientists for nearly a century.

Einstein’s Big Idea Everyone's heard of it, but what does E=mc2 really mean? With brilliant period recreations, discover how an obscure patent clerk, Albert Einstein, came up with his shattering 1905 discovery that the realms of matter and energy are inescapably linked. Starring Aidan McArdle (Ella Enchanted) as Einstein, and Shirley Henderson (Bridget Jones’s Diary) as Einstein's first wife, Mileva Maric.

Einstein Revealed Journey into the mind of a genius in this penetrating profile of the world’s most renowned physicist, who contributed more than any other to our modern vision of physical reality. Andrew Sachs (Fawlty Towers) stars as Albert Einstein.

An innovative concept of the universe!
This set of care and zealously programs is to reveal and inform the great audience (who's not particularly with these concepts) the process of decantation since Newton's gravitational theory, passing through Einstein and the quantum mechanics and the big bang theory about a new concept originally based on a set of transcendental and illuminating mathematical concepts of Euler, carefully analysed and conveyed in order to try unsolved questions between the unification of the electromagnetic theory, gravitational theory and the concepts of two energies located on the atomic level.

The string theory has been this outcome.. This new conception is still developing itself but counts with many aspects worthy to remark, and exposed with didactic clarity with easy to follow complex and abstracts ideas.

Absolutely recommended

If you're a scientist, you may be disappointed
I bought this DVD because of an unquenchable interest in Quantum Physics. As an engineering student who has taken three semesters of undergrad Physics and four semesters of Calculus, I was looking for more information about String Theory. I thought a NOVA produced documentary would be great because I've been a big fan of NOVA for as long as I can remember. Unfortunately, I found that this DVD misses the mark for someone looking for some real information and not just a glancing overview.

The DVD is mostly well done, though I find Dr Brian Greene too "zany" and informal for my tastes. From many articles I've read by and about him, he's apparently a leading professor and physicist but has a penchant for being silly. Nothing against him and those who like him, but that's not really my thing. I'd much rather just hear an entire program explained by Burt Ovrut personally.

As far as content, I feel like the DVD is lacking. A lot of really interesting concepts are brought up, and the history behind String Theory is fascinating, but there is absolutely no in depth information explaining anything. It's as though they're expecting the viewer to just watch and not question or ask for explanation. A great example is when Dr Greene describes the quantum sized world as "chaotic" and unlike the world we typically observe. Well, why is it? There was no explanation for why this is, or why it's important. There was a great CGI scene and background music to evoke the mood, but any real information wasn't there. Even more frustrating is that they don't describe what String Theory actually is at all. They keep saying over and over again that String Theory is the idea that all matter is made up of "little, tiny, vibrating strings". Well why is this? What does this solve for us? Where did this idea come from? Why is a vibrating string responsible for all matter in the universe? The audience, if they're curious, are left dangling to just accept this theory with no explanation at all for why this is so important. We get flashbacks to the history of the discovery, and then the "five theories" problem that mathematically equates to the same equation but in different terms, but absolutely none of the real information beyond a general "pub explanation" is shown to the viewer. It's like they assume the information is too hard to understand and explain, and they're scared they'll bore viewers. Instead they use ridiculous carnival-themed CGI scenes to explain gravity and black holes...Carl Sagan just used a bed sheet and a basketball in Cosmos.

Now, I do know that the vast majority of those watching this show likely have zero calculus or calculus-based physics under their belt, and that the show is not designed nor written specifically for scientists or physicists. That's fine, though. I've seen non-calculus based explanation for physics all the time, and when the information is complete, it's still fascinating. This DVD just seems incredibly scared to show the audience anything remotely thought provoking (and thusly interesting). A great example is when the idea of the equations for string theory come out with disparity, and Dr Greene shows this with a "1+1=2 but 1+1=1" example. Please.

I'm not going to say I don't recommend this DVD because those without several semesters of Physics and Calculus under their belt will likely find this DVD interesting and a good casual glance with no equations and is easy to follow. If you're like me, and interested in the Physics and Calculus of String Theory, there's a good chance you'll be disappointed at the lack of real information because all the information they present won't be new, because you will have already read the "casual glance" stuff long ago.

Though not really the same subject matter, I would suggest Cosmos by Carl Sagan over this DVD if you're interested in the Einsteinian theories of Relativity and time travel. Something about Sagan is just more enjoyable to watch and listen to, at least for me.

If you're the sort who downloads torrents, I'd suggest looking for a BBC production called "Parallel Universes". It's not available for purchase at all, but easy enough to find a torrent for. It's a one hour program about String Theory, has Burt Ovrut and Michael Duff and others also featured in The Elegant Universe, and even though it doesn't go into any more detail than The Elegant Universe I still enjoy watching it because it's presented in a way that I much prefer.

Great Explanation of Superstrings and More!
I am an engineer by education and experience. Like many engineers I am fascinated with the subject of quantum mechanics, superstrings, hidden dimensions, the quest for the theory of everything, parallel universes and more. Much of it isn't easy to understand, but it sure is fun!

For years I had been hearing about superstrings. I have read In Search of Schrödinger's Cat, Schrödinger's Kittens, books on Einstein's theories, and more. I have also read articles on these subjects, watched several amazing TV shows and movies. Some teased the idea of superstrings, but I never came away with a feeling that the concept had been explained properly.

Brian Green's book the Elegant Universe, and the subsequent PBS show does just that! It gives the best explanation of superstrings I have read (and seen) to date. Green also does a great job explaining parallel universes, hidden dimensions, quest for the ultimate theory and more.

The subject matter in the Elegant Universe is tricky to explain. Green has to do a balancing act to present the concepts in a way that are easy enough for the educated layman to understand, but complex enough to preserve their richness.

Fortunately, Green does an exceptional job at presenting the material. And, he does it with great insight, passion and humor!

My head hurt when he talked about some of the concepts such as 12 dimensions instead of the 4 we know about...but it was a good hurt. Overall a fantastic book and PBS show!

The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide to: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking

Awesome
I bought this to use to teach my high school students. The visual representations provided in this video are great for showing the students the world of quanta and string theory.

Fantastic
I am pleased to give The Elegant Universe by Bryan Green my highest possible endorsement. This is an exposition of String Theory which is clear, to the point, and as accurate as our present state of knowledge allows. It presents the cutting edge of science, in general, and physics, in particular, in easily understood language which is well suited for the lay public. The show presents science in non-mathematical terms which is easily comprehended by anyone who displays natural curiosity, and who wants to understand more about the Universe in which we live. My background is that of a teacher of Physics, Honors Physics, and AP Physics in an urban high school and as an adjunct professor of physics for two universities. My praise for this exposition by Dr. Green is unbounded. He has produced a show that opens the world of science (and that which may become science) to the non-scientist - a tremendous service to our society.