I learned something about myself recently, and perhaps it explained a little about why I am the way I am. I’ve mentioned in some of my earlier reviews that I am interested in… well, just about everything. There are very few subjects that don’t hold some fascination for me (well, perhaps except for sports, I have absolutely no interest in sports…) But whether it be the entertainment industry, how things are made, or subjects of a historical nature, I just can’t get enough. Recently while I was working at my new job, several of us were asked to take a test that would determine what our strengths were, each of these strengths listed as a single word. In my case, two of my strengths were Input and Learner. I guess I just have a fascination with learning and gathering as much knowledge as I possibly can, it’s not so much the subjects as it is the idea of learning. (So if you ever wanna start a Trivial Pursuit Team, I’m the guy you want on your team!)

That said, it should come as no surprise that the little bit of television I actually watch tends to come from A&E, The History Channel and The Discovery Channel. Even better is when these studios opt to release some of their shows on DVD. Such is the case with The History Channel series, “The Universe.” The recently released DVD contains 14 episodes of some of the most eye-opening content I have ever seen on the subject of the Universe. From the theories of its origins to the planets that inhabit it, there is virtually no star unturned in its determination to cover the vast expanse.

Each episode focuses on a particular subject, making sure that all the planets are looked at as well as those that exist outside of our own galaxy. Through the combined use of footage from the Hubble Telescope and theoretical CGI, the makers of “The Universe” take us on a magnificent visual tour. Watching the series, I was reminded of being a teenager and pondering the vastness of ‘space’ (without the use of any chemical input – I was just weird). One of the most dizzying thoughts I used to have centered on the size of the Universe. I simply could not imagine it being without limit. It was incomprehensible that there wasn’t an ‘end.’ But even if there were, what was outside of it, and then what, and then what… it sent my brain into overload.

While “The Universe” did not answer every question I ever had about the subject, it certainly answered many I never knew I had. It expounded on the fact that the Universe was still expanding as it gets older (an action I used to think was only relegated to my waistline) and what the possibilities were if it continued to do so. DVD sets like these are always worth much more than their weight in gold. With two children in the household, I’m thrilled that I have DVDs to share with them that aren’t ‘Power Rangers.’ This series is as enthralling as it is entertaining.

There are no special features to be found on this set, but to be honest, with the amount of materials available in the series itself you really don’t need them.

Extras: None
Specifications: Full Screen
Studio: A&E Television
Release Date: 11/20/2007
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give The Universe: Season 1 an A.