The Day the Universe Changed

I gladly join this small cult of those shocked that this Citizen Kane of documentaries is not available readily on DVD. I had the rare opportunity to catch this series around 1987 or so, and have never seen anything so entertaining and enlightening since (including his Connections series). James Burke intricately plots out the grand scheme that reveals what's behind the world today. I remember being so thrilled with his way of showing how an accident, or leap of imagination, or curious side effect, spawned a major component of our modern world. I couldn't wait for next week's episode.

My star rating of 10 is rare for me to give anything. It should be required viewing.

It's been years since I've been able to see this wonderful documentary. It is as beautiful and intelligent as it is elegant. The only unfortunate thing is that I can't find a copy for myself. This should be required viewing in high-schools across America. The ideas found within this program are profound and the day I watched "The Universe Changed" was the day I changed. It is also available as an excellent book which I have but it would be nice to find on DVD as this is one those things I'd love to pass on to future generations. If you ever notice it on coming on TV, do yourself a favor and watch it. BRILLIANT ! !

I have watched this series over again on tape to the point of destruction and look forward to someday owning a fresh DVD copy.

It is, as my title says, a revelation in the art of bringing an interesting way to learn to the masses. Much like Carl Sagan, James Burke neither complicates nor dumbs down the story of how our view of things is made up of what we know RIGHT NOW.

I agree that it should be made part of high-school classes but I fear that Burke's rather staid sense of humor would turn off groups. Best watched alone with complete attention.

Do not pass up an opportunity to see this remarkable mind-expanding series.

I cannot for the world understand why the BBC has not released this in a version that does not cost $750.00 USD. They know just how rampantly popular almost anything they ship across the pond is devoured.

Incredibly thought provoking. Watching the original connections and TDTUC back to back will give you enough food for thought to pull a life sentence in solitary confinement.

I could almost call this a crime against society that TDTUC is not available at an affordable price.

Especially Amazing now that these series are, ahem...., a few years old to see just how prophetic they were.

This documentary by James Burke, who also directed the excellent series "Connections", is one of the finest documentaries ever made, period. The series provides an overview of human discovery, from both a philosophical and technological point of view. The series' interaction of realizations throughout history affords insights that simple chronological tabulations overlook entirely.

If you ever get the chance to see this series, do not miss it. It is an absolute shame that this series and the "Connections" series are not available to schools and individuals alike.