NOVA

NOVA: Secrets of the Mind

The award-winning NOVA series brings the complications surrounding brain distortion and how it affects people who suffer from it. V.S. Ramachandran leads the viewer through a discovery of neuroscience that involves misperception of the human mind research that has been done to correct it.System Requirements:Running Time 60 Mins.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: DOCUMENTARIES/MISC. Rating: NR UPC: 783421349698 Manufacturer No: WG34969

NOVA - Physics: The Elegant Universe and Beyond

Based on Brian Greene's book, this three-part Nova program should do for physics what Cosmos did for astronomy. Greene hosts the program on the relative new concept of String Theory, a potential (and explosive) answer to the Holy Grail of science: a single, ultimate theory for everything. Part of Greene's (along with filmmakers Julia Cort and Joseph McMaster) genius is the ability to explain complex issues with ease thanks to a generous helping of graphics and humor. It starts with a perplexing anecdote: Einstein died trying to figure out if there could be an ultimate theory. His General Theory of Relativity brought order to the laws of large objects, but could not explain the chancier world of Quantum Mechanics (which deals with atomic particles). String Theory tries to marry the two. Greene and many colleagues give us a history of the quest and how String Theory was "discovered" in the 1980s. The formula has a lot of quirks, the most dazzling being the insistence there's 11 dimensions in the universe. Greene is not as natural as Cosmos creator/host Carl Sagan, but he is certainly friendly and encouraging (albeit it's quite odd for the host to be interviewed at various times in the program). Because it's a three-part show, there is some overlap at the start of hours 2 and 3. --Doug Thomas

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.

NOVA: Solar Energy - Saved by the Sun

In Saved by the Sun NOVA poses the burning question: Can solar power help save the Earth from the ravages of global warming? In the face of steeply rising oil prices and political turmoil in the Middle East there s new urgency and enthusiasm for finding ways to make solar power more efficient and affordable. From individuals installing solar panels on their roofs to industrial-scale projects in the Mojave desert featuring massive arrays of mirrors solar power is gaining ground in the US. And in Germany the world s leading developer of solar power is on track to produce 30 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020. Breakthroughs in nanotechnology could make solar s future even brighter. NOVA presents a provocative mix of scientist economists and ordinary citizens who are all pushing the envelope of solar power s untapped potential.Special DVD features include: materials and activities for educators; a link to the NOVA Web site; scene selections; closed captions; and described video for the visually impaired.On one DVD5 disc. Region coding: All regions. Audio: Dolby stereo. Screen format: Letterboxed.System Requirements:Running Time: 56 minFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: DOCUMENTARIES/MISC. UPC: 783421417090 Manufacturer No: WG41709

NOVA - World in the Balance: The Population Paradox

It took all of human history until 1800 for the world's population to reach its first billion. Now we add a new billion nearly every dozen years. Over the next half century, 98 percent of that growth will take place in our planet's poorest regions. And as the global total swells to nearly 9 billion by 2050, the social and environmental strains will be enormous.

Through vivid personal stories, The People Paradox reveals many startling trends. In Japan, Europe and Russia, birth rates are shrinking and the population is aging. But in parts of India and Africa, more than half of the still growing population is under 25. The surprising conclusion: world population is now careening in two dramatically different directions.

The second hour, China Revs Up, is an insider's look at China's booming economy and its growing impact on the environment. What will happen as China follows America's affluent lifestyle and begins to rival the U.S. as the world's biggest polluter?

In this groundbreaking, worldwide investigation of humanity's future, NOVA shows how decisions made now will change the fate of everyone over the next fifty years.

Special DVD features include: materials and activities for educators; a link to the NOVA Web site; scene selections; closed captions; and described video for the visually impaired.

On one DVD5 disc. Region coding: All regions. Audio: Dolby stereo. Screen format: Letterboxed.

NOVA - The Elegant Universe

Based on Brian Greene's book, this three-part Nova program should do for physics what Cosmos did for astronomy. Greene hosts the program on the relative new concept of String Theory, a potential (and explosive) answer to the Holy Grail of science: a single, ultimate theory for everything. Part of Greene's (along with filmmakers Julia Cort and Joseph McMaster) genius is the ability to explain complex issues with ease thanks to a generous helping of graphics and humor. It starts with a perplexing anecdote: Einstein died trying to figure out if there could be an ultimate theory. His General Theory of Relativity brought order to the laws of large objects, but could not explain the chancier world of Quantum Mechanics (which deals with atomic particles). String Theory tries to marry the two. Greene and many colleagues give us a history of the quest and how String Theory was "discovered" in the 1980s. The formula has a lot of quirks, the most dazzling being the insistence there's 11 dimensions in the universe. Greene is not as natural as Cosmos creator/host Carl Sagan, but he is certainly friendly and encouraging (albeit it's quite odd for the host to be interviewed at various times in the program). Because it's a three-part show, there is some overlap at the start of hours 2 and 3. --Doug Thomas

One of the most ambitious and exciting scientific theories over posed one that may be the long-south Theory of everything gets a masterful and lavishly animated explanation that will excite scientists and non-scientists alike. Beginning will simple and clear explanations of major concepts of physics including gravity electromagnetism and relativity the Elegant Universe illuminates one of the most revolutionary theories in physics todayKnows as string theory or superstring theory this startling idea 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. the theory attempts to 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.If string theory proves correct the universe we see obscures a reality that is for 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.Join host Brain Greene professor of physics and mathematics at Columbia University and the bestselling author of the Elegant Universe for this exciting and in-depth exploration of this groundbreaking new theory.System Requirements: Running Time 180 MinFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: DOCUMENTARIES/MISC. Rating: NR UPC: 783421367791 Manufacturer No: WG36779

NOVA - Cracking the Code of Life

Does it amaze you that yeast is your very close relative? That you possess roughly the same number of genes as a mouse? That you are 99.9% genetically identical to every other human? ABC Nightline correspondent Robert Krulwich lends a lighthearted touch to genetic science in this provocative two-hour NOVA special that takes you inside the amazing complex and contentious race to decode the human genome.The Human Genome Project was born in 1990 when an international consortium of labs set out to sequence all 3 billion letters of our DNA predicting they d finish by 2005. Halfway through their schedule controversial scientist and entrepreneur J. Craig Venter threw the genome world into turmoil when he announced his for-profit company Celera could finish the job in just two years. Francis Collins leader of the publicly-funded effort and MIT s Eric Lander were among the scientists who answered Venter s challenge. The result made history and laid the foundation for a remarkable future.Armed with this powerful information medical pioneers are in the midst of astonishing breakthroughs that will change medicine as we know it. Will you get cancer arthritis or Alzheimer s? The answer lies in your genetic code--but the question is: Do you want to know? And will these new discoveries eventually lead to cures?System Requirements:Running Time: 120 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: DOCUMENTARIES/MISC. Rating: NR UPC: 783421333291 Manufacturer No: WG33329

The work of geneticists who have labored for years to map human DNA is the subject of this offbeat yet highly informative documentary from the PBS series Nova. Host Robert Krulwich, a correspondent for ABC Nightline, visits with scientists who explain, in terms understandable to laymen, the enormous challenges faced and overcome by scientists working on the Human Genome Project. The value of the research effort is underscored with visits to families affected by inherited diseases that could someday be eradicated, and even legal matters such as research patents and potential privacy issues are also covered intelligently. The race between government researchers and private biotech firms is detailed, and at appropriate times host Krulwich is able to inject some good-natured humor into this excellent documentary. --Robert J. McNamara

NOVA - Origins

Who would have predicted that a hot spot left over from the Big Bang would eventually lead to our galaxy the solar system the Earth -- and to us? Origins explore how the universe and our planet began amid chaos and eventually gave birth to the first stirrings of life.Join cutting edge scientists on a voyage deep into the Earth with a space probe designed to capture the earliest observable snapshot of the Big Bang. Then watch as astronomers test an ingenious new way to detect distant planets that may harbor life and discover that every atom in our bodies and practically every bit of matter in the earth was made in the heart of stars.Hosted by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson (shown) Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History Origins Presents Starling new findings that attempt to explain just how Earth life and the universe all began.System Requirements: Running Time 240 MinFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: DOCUMENTARIES/MISC. Rating: NR UPC: 783421380394 Manufacturer No: WG38039

Origins is a spectacular four-part miniseries, first presented on PBS's Nova, about the beginnings of the universe, our solar system, life on Earth, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life on other planets. It is not a stretch to say that Origins, among all television documentaries about the evolving cosmos, offers the most breathtaking dramatic visual representation of Earth's tumultuous history, and the clearest, step-by-step explanation of the formation of planets, the development of water and living organisms, and the forces that shape other parts of our galaxy and beyond.

Hosted by the engaging Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, Origins consists of four one-hour episodes. The first focuses on the initial billion years of Earth history, research into the emergence of water (which appeared surprisingly early, as it turns out, and could have been delivered by comets) and the birth of the moon. The second show concerns hardy, single-cell organisms on Earth developing, in some quite inhospitable places, into complex life forms, while the third covers the Big Bang and the final installment looks at theories involving extraterrestrial life. If the topics sound familiar, their presentation is always fresh, dynamic, and thoroughly accessible. Watching Origins would be a great, context-providing preface to the study of a number of niche subjects, including geology, physics, biology, and much else. An invaluable production. --Tom Keogh

NOVA: Secrets of the Samurai Sword

For over a thousand years the Samurai sword has dominated the battlefields of Japan instilled fear and terror into every enemy it faced and evoked a spiritual way of life that continues even today. With unparalleled access NOVA travels deep into Japan s ancient foundries follows the craft of the traditional sword-smiths and attends Samurai fighting school to reveal the art and science behind making what many call the perfect sword.System Requirements:Running Time: 56 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: TELEVISION/WGBH BOSTON Rating: NR UPC: 783421419193 Manufacturer No: WG41919

NOVA: Secret of the Wild Child

This documentary takes a look at a young girl named Genie who was completely secluded from the outside world by her parents. The program focuses on her rehabilitation at the hands of expert doctors.System Requirements:Running Time: 60 Mins.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: DOCUMENTARIES/MISC. Rating: NR UPC: 783421359895 Manufacturer No: WG35989

NOVA: Einstein's Big Idea

Everyone's heard of it but what does E=mc2 -- the world s most famous equation -- really mean? And why did it change the world?With brilliant period recreations NOVA dramatizes how an obscure young patent clerk Albert Einstein came up with his shattering 1905 discovery that the realms of matter and energy are inescapably linked. An accessible suspenseful epic Einstein's Big Idea reveals the roots of his astonishing breakthrough in the human stories of men and women whose innovative thinking across four centuries helped lead to E=mc2 and ultimately unleashed the power of the atom.Here are stories rich with achievement and failure feuds and duplicity love and rivalry politics and revenge: Michael Faraday the penniless blacksmith s son who fought the ridicule of the scientific establishment; Antoine Lavoisier the cool-headed experimenter who fell victim to the guillotine; and Lise Meitner the physicist who weathered Nazi persecution and personal betrayal on her path to discovering the splitting of the atom.As one discovery builds on the next Einstein's Big Idea shows how Einstein's saga began with the personal lives of these pioneers and their years of persistence ingenuity sacrifice and heroic struggle against the odds.The film stars Aidan McArdle (Ella Enchanted) as Einstein and Shirley Henderson (Bridget Jones and Harry Potter) as Einstein's first wife Mileva Maric.Special DVD features include: materials and activities for educators; a link to the NOVA Web site; scene selections; closed captions; and described video for the visually impaired.On one DVD5 disc. Region coding: All regions. Audio: Dolby stereo. Screen format: Letterboxed.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: DOCUMENTARIES/MISC. UPC: 783421388895 Manufacturer No: WG38889