Rating: 
Summary: Amazing television but get the region 2 version
Review: I just want to point out to possible purchasers of this DVD some of the differences between the region 1 and 2 versions - it seems most people already know what a great tv series it was anyway.Having seen an episode or two of the series when it was on tv in the UK I bought this DVD - however I was disappointed by several aspects and sent it back, replacing it with the UK version. The episodes seem to be different from the UK version - much of the segments describing early space exploration involving russian scientists is cut. This leads to an imbalance (in my opinion!) as it seems from the region 1 DVD that the US did all the exploring - are subtitles un-American? The narration is also much less patronising on the UK edition. The region 2 set is dual layer, so 2 discs and not 4 and hence much cheaper too.... The series itself is still worth the 5 stars though, but do get the region 2 set from the UK Amazon.co.uk
Rating:
Summary: Beautifully Imaginative and Captivating
Review: I purchased this series on DVD a few days ago (haven't received it yet) but I have owned the same box collection on VHS for over a year now. The series is outstanding; I never tire of it. In fact one video entitled "The Giants" is my favorite. I have seen that one (it deals with the outer planets) so many times that I have seriously worn out the VHS tape (hence my purchase of it on DVD). The series describes both the Russian and American space ventures from the time of sputnik to the Cassini mission. The computer animation is superb, and the narration is very good (Karen Stone is good but for some strange reason I prefer Richard Chamberlain...the one who narrated "The Astronomers" series). The series is not so technical and leans a little too much on the historical aspect of space exploration but it still does a good job of explaining what we have learned in the past 4 or 5 decades of space science in layman's terms. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone interested in learning about the solar system. Just make sure you get the DVD set because like myself you will very quickly wear out the VHS version.
Rating:
Summary: Very Interesting documentary
Review: If you at all interested in the planets and the universe, this DVD collection is a must. It is very informative and the visuals are outstanding. Though the information presented is rather basic, anyone from a novice to an avid hobbyist will find this entertaining. The only down side, in my opinion, what that the narritor they chose for this release was somewhat uninspired. I think the orginal British narritor was much better. Overall, this is a great set and a must own for those who have ever looked to the skies with wonder and excitemnt.
Rating: 
Summary: Inane and unscientific
Review: Spacecraft whoosh by with Star-Trek like sound effects. Computer generated animation is indiscriminately mixed with actual satellite imagery without being identified as such. The episode entitled "Terra Firma" is about every planet except Earth! And the narration by Karen Stone (the A&E network host, not to be confused with Sharon Stone the actress) is dull and lifeless. If you're ignorant of astronomy and are easily impressed you might find this series interesting (if somewhat misleading). Otherwise, it's painful to watch.
Rating:
Summary: Astronomy at its best
Review: The BBC always does a wonderful job with its documentaries. The series on the planets is just awesome. A must have, must see for the true astronomy buff. The DVDs contain many breathtaking pictures of the solar system and gripping accounts of all the space flights undertaken so far. The accompanying music is just marvelous. You need to watch this to see for yourself. Highly recommended...
Rating: 
Summary: Informative but old
Review: The information is interesting, but the editing is old school cheese. I had just finished watching the Blue Planet before starting this set, and this set pales in comparison. Granted, the Blue Planet is not about space, but the style, editing, narration, and imagery were ALL way beyond the Planets. I would try something newer if I knew...
Rating:
Summary: Informative but old
Review: The information is interesting, but the editing is old school cheese. I had just finished watching the Blue Planet before starting this set, and this set pales in comparison. Granted, the Blue Planet is not about space, but the style, editing, narration, and imagery were ALL way beyond the Planets. I would try something newer if I knew...
Rating:
Summary: Not enough information, and too old
Review: There is actually very little science in this series. Though it is fascinating to see footage from the first probes sent beyond Earth's orbit, there is not enough detail about the subject. For instance, there is no illustration of the distances between the planets, or their relative sizes. Though Cosmos is much older, it is still a much better introduction and to the joy and wonder of astronomy.
Rating:
Summary: Count on A&E for a fantastic DVD release
Review: These are the stories Carl Sagan never told you. It was truly eye opening to hear about the space race with equal time given to the Russian space program(not to mention excellent footage!) The attention to detail is first rate! Control room and launch pad footage are mixed seamlessly with CGI simulation. The end result is a completely engrossing story with hollywood style punctuation. One of the more endearing aspects is the addition of background sound to old footage. You'll be watching a clip of an observatory in the 1920s and hear things clatter or rustle at just the right moment. The sound is so subtle I didn't catch it until the 4th or 5th episode. Compared to a typical series-on-DVD price... You can't afford to pass this one up.
Rating:
Summary: Spectacular
Review: This DVD has become the benchmark in my collection for all genres. The content is rich, imagery and direction - wonderfull. The menus are a treat and easy to understand, and the overabundance of languages make this piece a favourite in my multi cultured family.
Most nights, i fall asleep with this DVD playing, i cannot get sick of it.
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