Cosmos

[Nortilus]

Just started watching the Carl Sagan Cosmos Series and I'm finding quiet well done for something in the 70s. I usually like my documentaries on science up to date, but this seems like a great introduction into the greater universe for anyone interested. Spoken in plain simple English.
(Edit: Sorry, produced in the 70s, airing in 1980. Still wasn't born when this originally aired :P)

[astroron]

Josh, a Carl Sagen Fan here :D
I watched the original series in 1988-89 and have the full updated 2000 version which I watch a couple of times a year:D
Never fails to give me great enjoyment:thumbsup:
Cheers

[Suzy]

Josh, Carl was one of the first (if not, first) to bring Astronomy into the lounge rooms of people with the Cosmos series. He appealed to so many people with his presentaton style and voice that we took to him like a duck to water. He was the first Astronomer on tv at the time (80's) that I ever recalled. We have a lot to thank him for. Miss you Carl.

From a quick google I see the 7 disc dvd box set is selling at the ABC Shop online for $149. Ouch. Still hasn't come down in price.

[GeoffW1]

Hi,

It turned me on to cosmology too. He was one of the first to popularise science, and I read a lot of his books as a consequence.

I did get a bit tired of watching the noble Sagan schnoz in profile, but remember wondering where I could buy a nice looking jacket like his :lol:
Mostly the science though :D

Cheers

[NeilW]

There's a store in Adelaide that has it for $39.95 at the moment.

[Nortilus]

The series that got me hooked on documentaries would have to be BBC Space hosted by Sam Neill. Since then I have always kept an eye out for documentaries and acquired them. BBC seem to put out the most visually spectacular ones.

[Suzy]

Really? You got hooked on the Sam Neil doco series? :eyepop:
I mean no disrespect Josh, but you are the only one I know that didn't fall asleep through it :shrug: :lol: When all three of us watched that show, everytime, we all fell fast asleep :zzz2::zzz2::zzz2: (nearly at REM level too I'm thinking), and same with others I know. I'm glad you enjoyed it though.;) It's just that yours is the first positive comment I've seen, so was a little bit surprised. :lol:

[Nortilus]

It was probably one of the first series of documentaries that I saw that began my obsession with documentaries. Didn't say it was my favorite, but I can assure you that there are a lot more worse ones out there.

[Esseth]

Yeah it's a classic, i am waiting for a copy to be delivered currently.

Also reading "Demon haunted world - Science as a candle in the dark" by him as well.

[Nortilus]

I know Carl Sagan was and is an inspiration to a lot of people, but the person who has really affected my views on things, especially after watching his documentaries is Richard Dawkins. I hope to be able to find a few of his books in the cheap section soon so I can grab them and get some solid reading done. I really think he is the Sagan of today, just with a lot more balls.

[shelltree]

Cosmos is amazing, it calms me, it inspires me, it makes me smile, it makes me think, it makes me want to make a different, to learn and to know. The way Carl portrays things in such a poetic manner makes my heart explode. Tis the only way I can think of describing it.

When I first started watching Cosmos I was absolutely blown away, it has to be my favourite astronomy related series and I always find I get the "Heaven and Hell" theme in my head, like now ;) Currently reading Contact and I also bought the book on Cosmos and The Dragons of Eden.

AND The Greatest Show on Earth by Richard Dawkins :D I love Mr. Dawkins, he is so raw and real, he puts forward his thoughts and beliefs so strongly that you can't ignore it but it's almost elloquent as well.

Josh, if you haven't already, check out this series for The Royal Institution Christmas Lectures for Children, first started by Michael Faraday

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHoxZF3ZgTo

And a discussion session between Richard Dawkins and Lawrence Krauss...perfect :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLctxRf7duU

[Colin_Fraser]

I saw the original TV series in the 80's and have since purchased the DVD.
Carl Sagan was amazing. His voice alone was hypnotic. Watch it couple of times a year.

[Nortilus]

Shelley, Contact the movie is one of my favorites, maybe oneday i'll read the book. I have already seen the Dawkins - Krauss clip but will definitely check the other one out. Thanks for the heads up :D

Edit: Went to watch it, realised I have already seen it too :P

[NeilW]

If you're quick, JB Hi-Fi have it fairly cheap until 17/01/11...

http://www.jbhifionline.com.au/dvd/dvd-genres/special-interest-documentary/cosmos-carl-sagan-7-dvd-set/281833

[Esseth]

You will have to be really quick, as they told me that they have sold out completely as the distributor has deleted it... meaning no more copies.

I had to grab mine from Ebay

[Irish stargazer]

Just bought the last copy from the ABC shop in Southland. Pricey, but its a collectors item and will be watched many times.

[Esseth]

Mine just arrived today in the post :D

Happy days.

[HolyWars]

Awesome series :) I also read the book a while ago and am currently reading Pale Blue Dot :thumbsup:

[Nortilus]

Im about 5 episodes in and so far seems interesting and still in line with todays thinking. I wonder however what Carl would think of what is known today. Im sure he would be very excited...

[Nortilus]

I think I have worked out why Carl Sagan talks the way he does...He's from New York and didnt want to sound like Fran Dresher from the Nanny...hahahaha