Secrets Of The Samurai Sword (NOVA/WGBH)
Picture: C+ Sound: C+ Extras: C- Episode: B
In one of
the more intriguing installments of the PBS/WGBH hit TV documentary Science
series NOVA, Secrets Of The Samurai Sword demystifies the legend of the popular
weapon, then shows us many new reasons to be impressed and amazed with their
construction and why the science of it all could seem like magic. Covering 600 years in less than 60 minutes,
the show examines their then-advanced construction by old men long gone who
knew something close enough to science to create these winning tools/weapons.
The
original designers may not have known what carbon was, but by trial; and error,
through fire and hard work by had (much the way they are made today) did not
know what carbon was. However, it made
the difference between a blade that was potent and one that was brittle. We get the scientific breakdown as usual, but
the show is always able to do this without being cold or clinical, keeping
things always interesting. This
installment is highly recommended.
The
letterboxed 1.78 X 1 image should have been anamorphically enhanced including
and especially in the feature film clips later used in this HD-originated
production. Still, it looks as good as
any DVD in the series to date. The Dolby
Digital 2.0 Stereo is also a new recording and shows. DVD-ROM printable learning material,
descriptive video services and weblink are the only extras.
- Nicholas Sheffo
