Big History [DVD + Digital]

History aims to alter our understanding of the universe with Big History, i.e., the look at our world spun into a web that has been stretched for over 13.7 billion years of history. Therefore, Big History discards the traditional timeline that has been stretched for a few thousands of years into the past. To alter the understanding of viewers, History uses what they call eight thresholds, moments that have irreversibly changed our world.These thresholds, which are clearly articulated in Disc 3, are:1. The Big Bang;2. The birth of the stars;3. The creation of the complex elements;4. The formation of the earth;5. The beginning of life;6. The rise of collective learning among humans;7. The farming revolution;8. The modern revolution.The hidden link among these eight thresholds is the spread of power and information over space and time.Big History ends Disc 3 by speculating over the rise and nature of the next big threshold:1. Will human beings be able to successfully colonize other planets?2. Can technology overtake humans?3. Will human beings discover intelligent life elsewhere?4. Will intelligent life discover the existence of humans on earth and / or elsewhere?5. Will a catastrophic event coming from outside the planet earth dramatically change its course?6. Will a new worldwide disaster on earth take central stage?7. Will human beings cause a catastrophic event on earth?These possible thresholds are not mutually exclusive.Discs 1 and 2 complement the understanding of Disc 3 by looking at specific connections crisscrossing through time and space. Examples are the role of the domesticated horse in the spread of some languages or the role of salt in the rise of civilizations.In summary, Big History encourages viewers to rethink anew what they have been taught and / or have discovered on their own.

I enjoy seeing the way big trends in history connect and accentuate one another. This series held my attention from beginning to end. It renewed my appreciation for the larger context in which we find ourselves embedded. I would have given it a fifth star if it had not come down on the tired old side of some controversial claims. The man-the-hunter theory of language came across as uncritical fact. The need-to-see-water-at-a-distance theory is far from a universally accepted explanation for blingophilia among experts. The Clovis-first theory of American prehistory is thoroughly debunked. On the plus side, the critical roles of salt, horses, silver and coffee in the course of human civilization are nicely laid out. The show's treatment of the importance of water and gravity are entertaining. I like to watch stuff that gets me thinking big even when it has big mistakes. I will drink a toast to the people who created this engaging documentary with a bottle of Samuel Adams Rebel Rider. Bottoms up!

This series should have been better. The subject matter is fascinating. Bryan Cranston is a great talent as the voice of the show. However, we have to suffer through almost reality-show production values. Gaudy, unnecessary animations. Filler voice overs that repeat the exact same thing after a commercial break (which are super annoying if you are streaming or Tivo'ing). And the BIG DRAMATIC MUSIC that is the hallmark of The History Channel's BIG IMPORTANT TOPICS shows. In general I feel like I was being yelled at. This show is basically the Classical Thunder of science shows. Compare to the touching, subtle and awe-inspiring production values of the new Cosmos and frankly this show is just embarrassing. I might actually (gasp) be forced to read the books!

Interesting information for adults and kids, BUT… it seems like literally half of any episode is them hyping Big History. We get it. It's big history, and the show is Big History, and if you're trying to make sure somebody clicking through the channels on a TV sticks around after a commercial break, it'd make sense.But when watching a DVD, it becomes extremely tedious. I want to watch about big history, not hear about how amazing the narrator thinks Big History (the series) is.Overall, a good show. But it kind of drives me nuts in that regard.

This is one of those science series for which the History Channel is so famous. It's just interesting viewing as well as prime entertainment. As much as I enjoy the entire series, the last disc containing the 2-hour "Big History of Everything" is the best of them all, and I've noticed lately that this episode is being played on its own more and more on H2 as a stand-alone presentation. I recommend this DVD for all history and science nuts!

Great overview of how one event or resource can shape cultures and civilization. This is an overview type experience and great introduction for diving deeper. It is not intended to be a doctoral dissertation, so ignore the negative reviews that expect that. I can see this as a great way to help people who see history as just dates and wars how much more fascinating it can be through a big view lens.

This is a gift for my brother. I read the book from cover to cover awhile ago. My search began when I wanted to know what happened since the beginning of the universe until the present. It may not be appreciated by someone who does not believe in evolution or the Big Bang theory. I am not sure about those theories but I was not offended by it.

These are awesome! 20 min long - perfect for the attention span of high school kids. More importantly, they are interesting and relevant! Cell phone linked to the Titanic and the creation of the universe? Horses are why we wear pants? Love them!

Wonderful graphics. Well told, easy to understand.

two thumbs up