This morning, I want to recommend a dazzling movie with multiple dimensions, alternative realities, and cool computer generated special effects. All that, and it’s for free.
Its called Elegant Universe, and it’s a documentary from PBS that explains the implications and status of efforts to find a unifying model that can explain the physical reality of our universe. It starts with string theory, and moves beyond it into the world of branes discussed in the book Warped Passages.
This stuff is much better than the old kryptonite Clark Kent stuff of Superman, or the old yo-ho-ho of the latest pirate movie. Elegant Universe is better because it’s far out and mind-blowing, but there’s a good chance it could be for real.
It’s also available for free. I got the first two episodes of Elegant Universe from Netflix, and had many of the common problems of a DVD that skips and frets due to abuse from renters. I didn’t want to wait for the third episode, however, and so I discovered that Elegant Universe is available for free download from PBS.
You’ve got nothing to lose. Now, go and expand your vision of reality.
I second the recommendation. This is a great DVD for kids and adults alike — although it is really, really, boosterish about string theory.
I agree, Carla. A bit more skepticism on the part of string theory is definitely called for. I don’t look at this movie as a truth-telling resource, however, so much as an idea-expanding resource. Keep in mind, you don’t have to get the DVD… just go on over to PBS via the link provided in the article above.
I think I caught this on TV a while ago. It was pretty good. I’m downloading them now to watch again. Thanks!