Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey

This is a revival/follow-up to the 1980s Cosmos series created and hosted by Carl Sagan. This series was hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson, astrophysicist and curator of the Hayden Planetarium in NY, written by Sagan's widow Ann Druyan, who had collaborated with Sagan on the original series, and produced by the creator of Family Guy, Seth McFarlane. There are many similarities and many differences between that series and this one. Like the original series, this one covers many different topics in science, focusing on Astronomy, but covering chemistry, physics, biology, and more. Each episode deals with a different topic, and usually tells the story of one or more scientists that contributed to the field being discussed. The series did not focus on just the "big" names like Newton and Einstein but discussed other scientists and mathematicians like Halley, Hooke, Keppler, etc. In the original series, the stories of the historical figures were told using human actors, but in this series, many of the stories were told using animation and voice actors. I was not a fan of the animations when I first watched the show, but upon a subsequent viewing, they did not really bother me. And, of course, the CGI graphics are orders of magnitude better than what could be accomplished in the original series. For those who get the Blu-Ray, the A/V quality is fantastic. The visuals are fantastic (both the real and the CGI) and the sound is very good. The extras include an audio commentary on the first episode, with Druyan, producer Mitchell Cannold, producer/director Brannon Braga, producer Jason Clark and animation producer Kara Vallow, a 40-minute comic-con panel discussion, a 41-minute making-of documentary, a 35-minute portion of a dedication to Sagan at the Library of Congress, and interactive cosmic calendar. Like Sagan before him, Tyson is able to explain complicated topics in very simple terms without sounding like he is talking down to the audience. Of course, the audience for this series was much larger than that of the original series airing on Fox versus PBS. Even though the series aired at a time when science has been caught in the middle of the idiotic political divide the country has been marred in, for the most the show ignored all that and just presented the scientific fact and ignored science deniers. The one exception is the episode on climate change, which distilled the problem and the cause to to very simplistic terms without hyperbole, and included a clip of an interview from back in the 1960s in which an old guy who is certainly not a part of a "woke" mob and proving that scientists knew that the amount of greenhouse gasses being pumped into the atmosphere back then was a problem. And there were clips from the original Cosmos series in which Sagan described the concerns and what the possible consequences could be (and then showed how many of those consequences have started coming to pass). One thing I wish the show would have done a bit better is explain the scale of the cosmic calendar (e.g., that 1 month corresponded to approximately 1.2 billion years, 1 day corresponded to approximately 40 million years, and 1 second corresponded to approximately 440 years) so that when Tyson said that something took place at midnight on December 31st, people did not actually think he meant something happened midnight on some random December 31st, but instead meant about 3600 - 4000 years ago. Probably the best moment of the series is when they did a CGI zoom out starting on Earth through the solar system to the galaxy level to the famous "pale blue dot" narrative by Carl Sagan. Overall, the series is wonderful and definitely in my must-watch category.

I will openly admit, Neil Degrasse Tyson is no Carl Sagan. The original Cosmos was one of the single greatest series every produced for television and a large part of that was due to Carl Sagan. He was just an exceptional speaker and his excitement for astronomy was infectious. That opening 15 minutes of the first episode was simply breathtaking. Here are 2 of my favorite statements made during that opening: “The Cosmos is all that is or was or ever will be. Our contemplations of the Cosmos stir us -- there is a tingling in the spine, a catch in the voice, a faint sensation, as if a distant memory, of falling from a great height. We know we are approaching the greatest of mysteries.” "in a ship of the imagination, unfettered by ordinary limits of speed and size, drawn by the music of cosmic harmonies. It can take us anywhere in space and time. Perfect as a snowflake, organic as a dandelion seed, it will carry us to worlds of dreams and worlds of facts. Come with me. . . ." It wasn't the background or some amazing CGI that made that opening so powerful, it was Carl Sagan's passion and his ability to convey that passion though his incredible speaking ability. I am a HUGE fan of Neil Degrasse Tyson, but he just doesn't convey that same sense of passion that Sagan did. He has a much more monotone method of speaking so you really didn't get that same level of passion or excitement that the original series gave you. That being said, this updated version of Cosmos was still brilliant and Neil Degrasse Tyson did a great job with the series. We have learned so much more since the original Cosmos aired so there was a legitimate need for this updated version. This series was just hugely entertaining, incredibly interesting, and the updated graphics/CGI were absolutely mind bending. These kinds of programs get kids interested in astronomy and this updated version of Cosmos was just a massive success all the way around. The people behind this series, many of which were behind the original series, should be very proud of their accomplishment. Just an outstanding job all the way around. The bottom line - I immediately purchased this as soon as it was made available and have watched it multiple times since then. I am a space junkie and an amateur backyard astronomer and I can never get enough quality space documentaries. This really is a brilliant series all the way around and I can't possibly give it a higher recommendation. I know Sagan would have been 100% satisfied with this updated version and that is really the best compliment I can give this series. In all honesty, this series should be part of every public schools science curriculum. Yes, its that good! 5 Stars.

For those of us that watched the original Cosmos, this has been a long time coming. It is one of the most important programs of the first part of this century. I realize that is a pretty bold statement, but it is easily justified. Cosmos is science for the non-scientific. It is the single best tool I have seen for explaining the wonders and marvels of our universe to the lay person. If you are a scientifically adept person with an average college education, this may, at first, appear to be too simple for you. However, the way in which the ideas and facts are presented will reinforce what you already know. It is a program for all. If you are scientifically ignorant (not a crime, and certainly fixable), you really need to watch this. Bold and brilliant. The show tackles not just the universe and astronomy, but biology, botany, geography, anthropology, and of course a lot of history. How did our planet form? Why does our solar system orbit the center of our galaxy? How did people actual create the current species of dogs that exist today? These and hundreds of other questions are explained in beautiful, amazing graphics that would have been impossible even ten years ago. Do you want to know why the sky is blue or how light, in general works, know is your chance to not only understand, but to understand to the point where you can actually educate others. Relevant and necessary. Like the original series, Cosmos explains our universe. However, it has been updated to to showcase the latest scientific discoveries and cleverly juxtaposes current knowledge with the history of a particular subject. Nothing is old or out-dated. It is new and fresh. Cosmos is also a much needed reprieve from all of the crazy fictional pseudo-science that has been propagating all forms of media over the past few decades. From alien autopsies to young flat earth "scholars," we have been bombarded with imbeciles on a global level. Cosmos takes real science and brings it into peoples' homes. And then there is Neil Degrasse Tyson. One of the things that made the late Carl Sagan a hero to much of the world was his ability to take the complex and explain it. Sagan was also brilliant at debunking crazy ideas that were nothing more that fabricated nonsense. Neil Degrasse Tyson carries on that role and does a more than admirable job of it. Speaking with authority from years of experience and education, he exemplifies how today's scientific community needs to act. There has been a major disconnect between the scientific community and the rest of the world. Cosmos reconnects us all. Reality has a new spokesperson. This is a must for every DVD collection. In fact, I would say it is a must for every household in America, Period!

The most fantastic show! Eloquent and soundly expressive of scientific principles. There are a number of things that can be said about this show and so it shall be said. The Good We start where it began so many years ago and there is a timeline of extraordinary progress from that point. This Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey is in many ways an extension of the original series. The personal journey of Carl Sagan was turned over to the Odyssey of hard facts as we know them today. Neil deGrasse Tyson takes the torch from Carl Sagan to expand our understanding of science and the people throughout human history who practiced its guiding principles. We explore stars, earths of the past and the future, the natures of time, light, sound, speeds, spectrum, evolution, the microscopic and microcosmic. Every base is touched here and the ideals of a freedom to question authority. Science is the measure of how free we are and Neil gives us a narrative of a bright human future. The Bad (Minor) There is some repetition that ate into the show. Such as repeating the idea of a cosmic calendar in numerous episodes. Though these repetitions are viewed in the industry as necessary for communicating to those who didn't start watching the show on the episode that explained the item or concept initially. Though this aspect of the show is akin to picking nits. The (Not Really) Bad? Throughout the whole show there have been a series of animated sequences that people have said is unimpressive and in some respects they are right. However this should not be a reason to dislike the show, sense the content is still solid. The animations as they are were a economy measure for the show and indeed the overall budget was tight. In the original Cosmos there were actors and extravagant film stages, with costumes, makeup stylists and the overall works of a well funded documentary film in those days. Some people are asking why that wasn't done in this reboot. Short answer - Money. Summery There is more to say about this show but the overall meaning of the show is the idea of science. Science is the pursuit of the truth. A means to understanding the Cosmos on a human level of understanding. There maybe things that are unknowable but these things could in time be exposed to us, via the geniuses that rise among us or the sudden accidental discovery of some new quirk of nature. The show is good at sweeping up our emotions and exposing our buried curiosity. This has always been the primary objective of Cosmos: To inspire us to curiosity and discovery of the nature of the Cosmos. Through this endeavor of discovery we also discover ourselves.

The discs come in a plastic snap case. They play fine. The series is terrific. Cosmos (2014) with Neil deGrasse Tyson builds on the original Cosmos (1980) with Carl Sagan. I’ve seen Neil Tyson in other shows and he’s great. CAUTION: The discs I bought for the Carl Sagan 1980 Cosmos won’t play on U.S. players. I bought the discs on Amazon and there weren’t any warnings, saying the discs weren’t Region 1. That’s why I gave the original Cosmos three stars on Amazon. I had to play the series on a computer that recognizes all regions. If you love astronomy I recommend the History channel’s The Universe (2007-2012) series, which I bought on discs, although the folding cardboard and plastic contraption the discs came in doesn’t hold the discs very well. If you like good space fiction you might like some of the following. I spent a month on a space race binge. First I read Space by James A. Michener. Then I watched two movies, The Right Stuff (1983) and Apollo 13 (1995), and then two great series, From the Earth to the Moon (1998) and The Astronauts Wives Club (2015). They’re a great combination. If you like any of these you might also like Manhattan (2014-2015), Granite Flats (2013-2015) or Taken (2002). All three series are set during WWII or shortly after. They are about secret government programs. Manhattan is about making the first atomic bomb, like the movie Fat Man and Little Boy (1989). Taken is about UFOs and alien visitors, sort of a fictionalized version of Project Blue Book. And Granite Flats is about the experimental drug program MKUltra (the CIA mind control program). All of the above series have great story arcs. They start and finish strong and have great middles. One difference is the smoking and drinking. There is smoking and drinking in almost every scene in Manhattan, which was set during the era when soldiers received packs of cigarettes with their meal rations. Ever been around a chain smoker? In Taken there’s a scene where Crawford says his doctor prescribed cigarettes for hypertension. Imagine that. I don’t remember any smoking in Granite Flats, but that might just be my poor memory. If the above series don’t sound interesting here are a few of the series I really enjoyed watching more than once. I love good miniseries like Band of Brothers (2001), Frank Herbert’s Dune (2000), Into the West (2005), Lonesome Dove (1989), Pride and Prejudice (1995), Taken (2002) and The 10th Kingdom (2000) because they have beginnings, middles and endings, like a good novel. Other shows I’ve really enjoyed include Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009), Breaking Bad (2008-2013), Cowboy Bebop (1998), Downton Abbey (2010-2015), Firefly (2002), Game of Thrones (2011-2019), The IT Crowd (2006-2013), Jericho (2006-2008), Lost (2004-2010), Merlin (2008-2012), Rome (2005-2007), Spartacus: Gods of the Arena (2011), Spartacus: Blood and Sand (2010), Stargate: SG-1 (1997-2007), Stargate: Atlantis (2004-2009), Star Trek The Original Series (1966-1969) and Star Trek Voyager (1995-2001). I didn’t list any contemporary series I’m following that don’t have an end date yet, not conducive to binge watching from beginning to finish, or the hundreds of other fantasy and science fiction shows I’ve watched. If you like reading try some of my favorite fantasy and sci-fi authors: Richard Adams, Palo Bacigulupi, Suzanne Collins, Abe Evergreen, Diana Gabaldon, Hugh Howey, George Martin, Brandon Sanderson, John Scalzi, and Andy Weir.

I remember being a very young kid and catching the original Cosmos hosted by Carl Sagan. I was just stunned by it and it opened up my imagination to a whole new world. It started a fascination with the Universe and the nature of the human mind that has stayed with me well until adulthood. I often would watch the Sagan series again, even now. I do miss Carl Sagan and type this as I look up at a framed poster I have of him in my office. He touched so many lives and opened up so many minds. Neil Degrasse Tyson has this same gift to explain the wonders of the universe. I have long been a Tyson fan after hearing him speak. Then once he published, "A Death by Black Hole," I became a super fan of his. I often thought he reminded me a bit of Sagan by reading his writings and listening to him speak. When I found out Cosmos was going to be remade with Tyson as host, I was overjoyed. This remake was long over due and I am glad that one of my other favorite people, Seth MacFarlane, had a hand in this recreation. Upon watching the series, I got a little choked up seeing Carl's face return to the screen. From then on my eyes were glued to the screen as Tyson took us on another journey via the Space Ship of the Imagination. The series was wonderfully done and explained hard to grasp concepts in an amazingly simple yet effective way. I knew halfway through the series I would purchase this as soon as it came out. I have shared the series with my 7 year old niece and it seems to have the same spellbinding effect on her that the original did on me. I couldn't have asked for anything better.

Tyson is great, the production is great. The visuals are stunning, but the only negative is that the broadcast had commercials every ten minutes. It should have been broadcasted on PBS as the original COSMOS was but since Seth Macfarlane has ties to FOX, I guess he shopped it there first. This kind of brings it more into commercial television which lessens the amount of minutes of the broadcast. I am hoping the DVD makes up with extended episode minutes. Glad to see that Ann Druyan was again an integral part of the production. It's difficult not to make a comparison to Sagan here, but I really tried not to. Although many of the general themes are the same as the original, the presentation and visuals are quite different and much more elaborate. I had been concerned initially that the use of CGI would compete as it so often does in mainstream movies these days, but they compliment this series rather than take over in my opinion. Tyson and Sagan are different, but both are World Science teachers and both respected. Tyson has the knowledge, insight into the topics discussed as well as charisma and the childlike wonder we all loved in Sagan. Sagan can't be replaced, but keep an open mind here if you had like myself watched the original Cosmos. I enjoyed the animations that really brought some of the scientists stories to life, especially Newton, Faraday just to name a few. Also the topic of the Cosmic Perspective, Hall of Extinction, and again the Cosmic Calendar, gave a good reminder of just how short our lives are compared to the billions of years of cosmic events. Tyson has a whole new generation of fans and he is as great of a teacher and Mentor as Sagan :)

Watching Carl Sagan's Cosmos is what helped driving me towards science. Sagan's original series was a masterpiece. It is still a classic although many aspects of science have developed further. This is understandable and the reason why science is humanity's most powerful and successful activity. Tyson's (and Druyan's) Cosmos is also a masterpiece. Using very interesting stories about a number of scientists, supported by modern CGI and incredible videography, the standard for future shows of this nature has been raised. What is more important, the treatment drives home many of the fascinating aspects of science, its discoveries, its role, its importance, the human factor, and of course the constant conflict with snake-oil salespeople who realize their role in life is diminished by its discoveries and, thus, attack its findings defensively. I am convinced the new Cosmos is already spurring the scientists of the future. If I could meet the producers of the series, I would tell them: "Thank you. Thank you very much for the work you have done for science and rational thought. Thank you for keeping the candle lit, for it is still dark around here." As I look over many of the reviews I see way too many snake-oil salespeople and know-nothings that attack this work for no other reason than it removes the curtains from their make-believe fantasies. While I understand the source for their defensiveness, I wonder how deeply they have actually thought about the importance of science, rational thinking, and evidence-supported wisdom. For one, if they are so anti-science what are they doing online, using the tools and fruits of science? To willingly participate in modern lifestyle and yet attack the reason for what makes that lifestyle possible is not just hypocritical, it is delusional. It is like claiming to be a vegetarian while ordering a medium-rare Filet Mignon at a steakhouse. How about being truthful to yourselves? You may fool yourself, but you're not fooling us. Thank Science!

Una de mis series favoritas Tristemente no tiene el audio en español y tampoco está más en Disney+

un must! da avere e riguardare più volte. un degno seguito della serie originale. non ho idea di come sia in italiano ma la versione orignale è narrata benissimo.

L’avevo già visto su Netflix stupendo!!! L’ho comprato per riguardarlo con le mie nipotine di 7 e 9 anni

The images are fab and the story is told very well. Reveals some great info you may not have heard before.

This series make it to the top of the best science documentaries. Very well explained, covers everything from atoms to the creation of the universe, with everything in between, including life. Very entertaining. There's a mixture of absolutely awesome graphics that are worthy of Hollywood films and other crude animation that resemble old documentaires, almost as if there were two graphics teams working on different episodes. I didn't mind that though, the subject matter was always very interesting. The documentary takes a few manipulative socio-political-drama side roads though, for example it tries to link extinction events with human activity to hyper-press the panic button on climate change, and takes a somewhat political stance on species evolution, leaving the impression they might not have much esteem for the audience's intelligence. That's not needed, even if they address contemporary social issues, those side roads really reduce its appeal as a scientific documentary, I would have much preferred a much more balanced, neutral approach to those elements without the dramas and leave the socio-political stuff to other shows. Luckily, there are plenty of good and balanced scientific episodes.