Rating: 
Summary: Very good, but imperfect
Review: I found this video to be well presented and interesting. I knew everything in the video already and more, and it is this that which brings the 4 star review. By this I mean...
The section on the replication of DNA is woefully lacking in details. There are more molecular machines involved in the translational process and including these would have made the view more awe inspiring.
Also, the video gives the impression that protein sequences are absolutely incapable of any change without being destroyed. This is both inaccurate and dangerous in reality. If proteins were all truely this sensitive, than any change in a codon has a good chance of messing up a potentially important function.
The reality is that proteins are beautiful machines which it seems can withstand minor variation in some of their amino acids (some more than others), but beautiful machines designed to function in the real world, a world where DNA is exposed to environments that can cause variations in it code. For this task, proteins and the entire DNA to RNA to protein system is perfectly designed.
I certainly recommend this video as it will inspire you with what it shows, and what it shows is just the tip of the iceberg...
I also suggest looking at the Icons of evolution documentary.
Rating: 
Summary: High Production Value, Very Little Science
Review: I saw this film in a college genetics class, and found it very disappointing! While the computer graphics are fabulous, and nearly everyone in the film is a biologist, the film is very weak. They make lots of persuasive claims, b ut have absolutely nothing, that's NOTHING to back any of it up. Anyone can suggest the presence of a designer, but as yet it is completely untestable, and CANNOT be passed off as science. This is a flimsy attempt to bring creationist theory into a scientific arena, and anyone who thinks that this film is based on science is not a critical thinker!!
Rating: 
Summary: Thoroughly impressive
Review: I was thoroughly impressed with this video. The production values are very high, and the arguments are well-reasoned and presented by professional scientists with good credentials. I have never seen a stronger case for why evolution as the origin of species, rather than being rejected for religious reasons, should be considered suspect because there is scientific evidence that contradicts it. It presents evidence that Darwin himself said would disprove his own theory: namely, evidence of irreducible complexity, of biological structures that provide no benefit to natural selection when developing in the slow increments that appear over the course of evolution. It also presents the concept of intelligent design--describing the principles by which we recognize evidence of intelligence, as in distinguishing between natural rock formations and those formed by humans, or in patterns sought by the SETI program--and applies the concept to DNA. Ultimately the video makes no claims to the existence of God, but only observes that it is reasonable to conclude that the universe is the product of intelligent design rather than random chance. This video will not convince those who for personal reasons refuse to believe in the existence of a divine creator: they will call it "creationism masquerading as science" without even attempting to refute the arguments, as one Amazon reviewer has already done. However, for those who turn to science to understand the universe as it is rather than to explain it to their liking, I believe that it makes a compelling argument that, at the very least, creationism and good science are not mutually exclusive.
Rating:
Summary: Valid Questions, Bunk Answers
Review: I was very upset as a resident of California (which recognizes creationism as an anthropological or philosophical study, rather that a scientific one) that this video was shown by my college professor (of a public school) in an intro to biology class. I intend to investigate further on the constitutionality of this -- as well as contact the school dean and my city council.
Anyhow, this video addresses important flaws in Darwin's age-old natural selection theory. The "holes" this documentary reveals are valid questions which should offer a great challenge to the field of evolutionary biology.
But this video takes Darwin's arguments, puts them under the harshest scrutiny, and then proposes a so-called "alternative" theory that wouldn't survive the scrutiny of a four year old.
Why is creationism bunk? First off, it is a cop out. The ancient Egyptians explained every natural phenomena through pagan creatures and spirits (why does the sun rise? Well the phoenix rises to light the day and rests to darken the night!). Had we not challenged these mythological beliefs, science would have taken a stand still thousands of years ago.
Secondly, creationism and the "argument from design" commit huge logical fallacies that simply cannot be overcome. If the universe is so vastly complex, as is life on this planet, then it must have been "designed". Tell me then, this "designer" -- with his capacity to fathom and create such complexity must too have a designer, no? The argument from design must take further steps to explain this -- and the theory itself then becomes completely unsatisfying. Many people would simply say that this "designer" is the 'uncaused cause' -- the mover of things who does not need a mover. That theory might be worth something, but explain why the universe itself is not the
"uncaused cause"....
Basically, these intelligent design theories are coined by a group of insecure, aging, second-rate scientists who are angry that they don't have the answers. They therefore invent some answer that cannot possibly be challenged, because it is beyond the realm of human investigation. Well to them I would like to say: YOUR theory - YOU carry the burden of proof. Quit shaming science with your superstitions.
Rating:
Summary: Exellent case is presented for Intelligent Design
Review: Interviewing many leading scientist's involved with life origins research, and using 3D graphics of the workings of the cell, this video outlines a scientific case for "Intelligent Design". It is proposed in the video that although Darwinian evolution (via natural selection) is a real and observable process, there are limits to the kinds of things that it can explain in light of recent discoveries in biology e.g. structures that are "irreducibly complex", and the origin of information stored in DNA. By analyzing the "bacterial flagellum" with 3D animation, and with interviews with biologists who study it -- the video details the amazing complexity of the system both in function, construction, and information.
Both religiously neutral and scientifically responsible, this video gives a refreshing new point of view on life origins research.
Rating:
Summary: Exellent case is presented for Intelligent Design
Review: Interviewing many leading scientist's involved with life origins research, and using 3D graphics of the workings of the cell, this video outlines a scientific case for "Intelligent Design". It is proposed in the video that although Darwinian evolution (via natural selection) is a real and observable process, there are limits to the kinds of things that it can explain in light of recent discoveries in biology e.g. structures that are "irreducibly complex", and the origin of information stored in DNA. By analyzing the "bacterial flagellum" with 3D animation, and with interviews with biologists who study it -- the video details the amazing complexity of the system both in function, construction, and information.
Both religiously neutral and scientifically responsible, this video gives a refreshing new point of view on life origins research.
Rating:
Summary: First Rate Presentation
Review: Not only a valuable discussion about Intelligent design, but also a greatly informative presentation about Irreducible Complexity.
Top notch production without being dumbed down; Ockham would be proud!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Guide for All Who Are Interested
Review: The "Unlocking the Mystery of Life" DVD is not only very well done but it contains factual and important information for anyone who is interested in the debate over origins. The film reveals some of the deep interworkings of the cell and various body systems. For anyone who is actively involved in the debate it is a must have. For those who are just starting to research the deabte the content is well explained and should not leave anyone in the dark. As a biology student, and a speaker on Creation vs. Evolution, I recommend "Unlocking the Mystery of Life" to everyone!
Rating:
Summary: Not bad
Review: The CD provides enlightening information about the presumptions of atheistic dogma, especially naturalism. Wonderful footage of the Galapagos islands, interesting discussion about problems with current theories of sub molecular evolution, with most of the important questions addressed if one listens carefully enough.
Not conclusive, but quite useful.
Rating:
Summary: Finally scientists are nearing the truth
Review: The fact that the gathering of these different disciplines including an evolutionary biologist, geneticists, and the creator of the theory of chemical evolution proves that these people are authorities in their field. Being that they held true these natural theories and explored every possible explanation since the beginning of science shows how much these foolish theories do not satisfy the scientific mind. I am a scientist and all the other negative comments given before this one hold no weight. You people who disagree with this theory of intelligent design gave no proof of your comments for you do not know what you are saying. Truly I say that no real scientist theorizes without backing up their thoughts with proof. This is universally known.
I believed this video to be a monumentus move towards the mystery of life. And yes these guys know what they are talking about. One of them is the creator of the most held true theory yet of chemical evolution. Then he ended up questioning his own ideas. The scientists in this video had a very well-thought argument with great insight and proof which no natural theory could ever satisfy. Isn't that what we as scientists today seek? Satisfaction by truth?
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