The Genius Of Charles Darwin (2008/Documentary Mini-Series/Athena DVD)
Picture: C+
Sound: C+ Extras: B Episodes: B+
So why the war on Science and the Theory of
Evolution? If you don’t want to believe
in something, just say no and move on, but some ideas threaten certain groups
and that becomes one of the many interesting aspects of the recent British
documentary mini-series The Genius Of
Charles Darwin. Scholar and
Professor Richard Dawkins hosts (and co-created) this exceptional look at the
science and controversy that has not been examined thoroughly for too
long. As you watch, you realize one of
the strategies has been censorship (in the U.S. in particular) by a deadly
combination of rogue corporations, private money and political government
interests that are beyond careless and irresponsible about everything.
Most of the program is focused on the science and presents
the scientific models with exceptional clarity and function most anyone can
understand. This is done in three shows:
Life, Darwin & Everything, The Fifth Ape and God Strikes Back, with the backlash against progress by the scared,
ignorant and an elite few who don’t want others to be able to think for
themselves especially being covered in the latter.
Now to play devil’s advocate, Dawkins does get himself
into some philosophical trouble when he cannot distinguish truth from fact,
which actually leaves him open to attack against his otherwise solid Darwin arguments. There are also some very funny moments I will
not ruin, but you will enjoy when you see them.
This is must-see viewing for anyone who likes to think for themselves
and not be conned by others.
As for the fraud that is known as Intelligent Design, it is one of the most cowardly ideas I have
ever heard of, never has the guts to identify the single deity creator and is a
sham that epitomizes everything that has gone wrong with education since
conservatives worldwide have been attacking the idea since Darwin arrived and
the education system since the 1960s. No
matter what you believe, you should always be challenged and The Genius Of Charles Darwin reminds us
the importance of why; especially if recent events have not convinced you.
The anamorphically enhanced 1.78 X 1 image is pretty goods
throughout, but has just enough motion blur and detail issues to hold it back,
while the Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo is just fine and is a new, well recorded
soundtrack. Even location sound is
rarely an issue, so the combination is very watchable. Extras include a small booklet inside the
case (try not to miss it) with some great facts and pictures, a bonus DVD with
four hours of more interview footage with six of the subjects seen throughout
the program, text bio of Darwin, Three
Tales From The Galapagos Island bonus special and The Evolution Of An Idea offering contributors to Darwin’s
theories.
This is a solid set worth your time.
- Nicholas Sheffo
