Fabric of the Cosmos plays more like an amalgamation of blockbuster science fiction films than a four-hour Nova series airing on PBS. Rife with educational program quality special effects, the series is a decent visual journey elevated by mind-bending discussion of staggering concepts. For the layman, Fabric makes the profound accessible, even if an overwhelmed headache is the result.
Physicist and author of the book that serves as the source material, Brian Greene challenges us from the onset. In his professional opinion, (which, one has to admit, carries a little clout; he is a Columbia Professor researching superstring theory with a Ph. D from Oxford University), Greene proposes that our perception of time and space is skewed. Without ever leaving the realm of accepted science, he discusses how time, commonly seen as linear from past to present to future, may not be so straightforward. He dives into parallel universes and plausibility that there are other yous out there.
While these concepts are usually reserved for the works of Spielberg or Scott, Greene takes them on as they exist in the real world, assuming there is one. The strength of the series is that he shows, in terms and metaphors anyone can wrap their head around, the science behind the science fiction.
DVD BONUS FEATURES:
In keeping with PBS’ standards of accessibility, there is a Descriptive Video for the Visually Impaired. There are also other formats to buy the series on, including options that include a softcover copy of the source book. Other than that, you’ll just have to make do with the four incredible chapters of this series. And it will be more than enough to process.
"Nova: Fabric of the Cosmos" is on sale November 22, 2011 and is not rated. Documentary, Education, Television. Written by Brian Greene. Starring Brian Greene.
