Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

The joyful confection is coated in a sparkly gloss, bright enough to gleam from the darkest, most cynical corners.

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

I came across this on DVD set from my public library. Narrated by Bryan Cranston and discussing the history of our universe and us, it is a can't-miss for this scientist. In my casual time (I am retired now) I have often looked at today's technology, like cars, cell phones, flat screen TVs, computers, space exploration ... things like that and wondered "What random sequence of events and discoveries were responsible for these things to happen?" And a related question, "What if one of the discoveries had not come about how different would our world and its technology be today?"This series (or film, the DVD set has several 21-minute episodes plus one 90-minute movie of all this) seeks to tie up history this way. It makes the point often that we usually think of history in a linear manner but "Big History" is more like a web showing all the connections and interconnections. In fact, the narration mentioning "Big History" so often it became annoying and a bit distracting.But it does serve a good purpose, explaining things like how the horse shaped not only much of history but also the spread of language. And the 8 thresholds, from the Big Bang to what we have today, then speculates on what the 9th threshold might be? Aliens? An asteroid that destroys most life? A global nuclear war that does it? So, as a scientist myself, I found the series (film?) a fascinating glimpse into all of the history of the universe, the Big Bang, the various unlikely "accidents" that led to the Earth becoming a place that could support life, life and evolution on Earth. But much of it is all educated "speculation", and in fact in the past year or so many theoretical Physicists are now saying they don't believe there ever was a Big Bang at all. The series (film?) takes a specific agnostic point of view, that everything that happened and continues to happen is simply by blind cosmic luck. But maybe God really does exist, maybe He really did create the universe and the conditions for life to arise. Maybe He really did create an Adam and an Eve that are responsible for human life? There is much we still don't know and if anything this program makes us realize that even more.

Some would say this show bites off more than it can chew - it attempts to explain the entire history of the universe from the big bang to present day and how this all relates to our history and livelihood. To understand the fundamental principles presented here you need good foundational science knowledge. It glosses over plenty of details, undoubtedly to cater to a wider audience and keep scenes moving. But for all the glossing this show presents some impressively forward thinking concepts. How this series synthesizes knowledge for the viewer and 'connects the dots' so to speak makes for highly interesting historical narrative.Big history focuses on the 'thresholds' matter and life itself went through to lead to our existence today. There are a number they go through and most every piece provides enlightening insight to how seemingly insignificant events had profound impacts on our evolution and history.At the end of the day this show presents a simplified saga on the history of our everchanging universe and how it all relates to us.This is a vital topic every kid and adult should learn about. For those who don't know this series is made by the same people behind the 'Big History' academic project, funded partly by Bill Gates.I give the series a 10/10 simply for how well it presents (and for actually presenting) the profound subject of our dynamic, ever changing and highly interconnected universe.

I wish someday TV producers would assume their viewers might just possess an educational level past the grade 5 level.There is indeed some basic value to the content of Big History. But, shamefully, it seems written for children. Why is the sound background so unimaginative and overbearing ? The loud and "fancy" sound effects only disrupt the viewing experience. Despite any interest I might have in the material, I have to switch to other channels.You might perhaps learn from PBS documentaries how to properly present a subject.I don't expect the same quality as PBS from you, but, at the very least please have the decency of respecting your viewers intelligence.Gilles Violette

One has to remember how much The History Channel has changed over the years. From real history to Swamp Diving reality shows. This show thankfully isn't that shallow. It definitely has enough facts to keep the watcher immersed but this obviously will vary from episode to episode.Certain episodes can push the limits of their statements just to add to the danger factor as a previous post pointed out where a flight pilot was saying something along the lines of how gravity is the enemy of flight. Might have been a simple switch up by the production team but gravity is a constant and doesn't change. If one enemy had to be put on flight, it would be weather which is dynamic and changing.To summarize, it's above average compared to the crap The History Channel airs nowadays. It will keep you interested and you will learn a few things about human history. Some episodes even leave you wanting for more. Haven't felt that way about a History Channel Production in a very long time.My Rating: Solid *6.5/10* I would've given it a seven if all the facts were actually checked to make sure they're correct. Hope I helped you decide if you'll invest many of your free hours in this show.