Newton’s Dark Secrets (Nova)

 

Picture: C+     Sound: C+     Extras: C-     Episode: B-

 

 

Sir Isaac Newton was so ahead of his time, that he was off figuring out secrets of the universe no one could have begun to guess at.  Gravity, Calculus, the invention of the telescope and more, for instance, are at the top of the list.  He eventually was partly recognized, but he made that time short-lived because of ridicule, so his later studies (known and little known) went underground.  The Nova installment Newton’s Dark Secrets adds some more unusual journeys into considering the end of the world happening in 2060 based on his research of the final chapters of The Bible and the outlawed practice of alchemy.

 

Running the usual near-hour in length, the aside continues as Newton actually becomes involved with The Church Of England and starts to secretly disagree with the concept of The Divine Trinity.  However, this is not a religious show, but one that shows his searching into faith, alchemy and nature as new avenues he went down to figure out other undiscovered secrets of the world.  The result is a solid show, as usual for Nova.

 

The letterboxed 16 X 9/1.78 X 1 image is not bad, though one wishes (once again that) it were anamorphic.  With that said, it is newly shot and always interesting to watch with its models and digital graphics showing how the scientists involved trace all their theories through.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo has no surrounds, but is a recent recording with good fidelity.  Extras are the usual WGBH weblink, DVD-ROM printable educational materials, descriptive video services in this case and closed captions, but that is all.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo