Mysteries of the Universe Season 1 - DVD

Content: At least since the outstanding success of The Voyage of the Penguins, which he scored for the American version, Morgan Freeman is always popular as a narrator or presenter for documentaries. No wonder really, as Freeman's warm voice and charismatic presence have a thoroughly engaging effect on viewers. Anyone who has seen the English language version of The Journey of the Penguins just compared to the German theatrical version will understand what is meant.

So now Morgan Freeman is also leading us through a new Discovery Channel docu-series. In Mysteries of the Universe, he addresses all the topics that have fascinated humans since time immemorial, such as questions about the origin of all life, whether we are alone in the universe, whether it is possible to travel through time, or whether there might not be an omnipotent creator above everything we can now explain scientifically. Freeman usually introduces each episode with experiences from his life that directly relate to the question at the heart of the episode.

These are then illuminated through interviews with various experts, archival footage, and some computer animation. What makes the whole thing so interesting and worth watching is that not only one point of view is explained here, but different theses are discussed, most of which contradict each other or simply approach the subject from different points of view. Especially the big bang theory divides science like hardly any other topic. It is interesting that despite all the facts and findings, much of it is simply theory in the end. For the respective scientists, they are mostly almost irrefutable findings, but - and this makes the series very clear - we actually have to admit to ourselves that we only know for sure that we actually still know damn little.

However, the developments that have been made in the fields of astrophysics, astrobiology, quantum mechanics, astronomy or with regard to string theory are impressive and simply fascinating - no matter whether you are a layman or have already studied the subject more intensively. Mysteries of the Universe also explains somewhat more complex and difficult topics very clearly, but at the same time also penetrates deeply enough into the matter to not be called superficial.

Not the makers have forgotten the entertainment value, which should have such a series to appeal to a wider audience. So there are always humorous moments and a touch of self-irony. For example, when some scientists despair of presenting their theories briefly and succinctly and, above all, understandably and have to restart more often than not, it's hard for the viewer to stifle a broad grin.

So if you are interested in the mysteries of the universe, like to discuss the connection or contrasts between science and religion and simply like to be well entertained with great pictures and interesting facts, you should definitely grab this double DVD. Recommended!

Image + Sound: Both the interview footage and the animations are very well done visually. Here the picture is clean and pleasingly sharp, giving the viewer some really great shots. Only when the series falls back on archival footage can minor weaknesses be spotted, depending on the age of the source material. But since it is mostly only a few seconds, these weaknesses are not further negative weight. The sound is also fully in line with what can be expected from a documentary series. In addition to the interviews and the music, there are also smaller surround effects here and there, which provide a little dynamic to the action. It should also be mentioned that the DVD only has the German voice-over version to offer.

Extras: Bonus material there is unfortunately not.

Conclusion: Mysteries of the Universe is a very entertaining docu-series that delves into the mysteries that surround our world with great images and also a little tongue-in-cheek humor. The DVD is on a good technical level, the lack of bonus material is due to the high information content of the series in such only little negative weight. Absolutely recommendable!

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp