Cosmos: A Personal Voyage
1980, PBS affiliate KCET
Hard to believe it's 40 years old: the late Carl Sagan's landmark science series still holds up solidly today. Sagan is an enthralling host, making some of the most arcane aspects of science easily-digested. His widow, Anne Druyan, has taken over the franchise, starting with a DVD re-release of the original series updated with new science information. She also spearheaded a re-boot of the series with astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson.
DKS 7/11/20
GRUMPY OLD FART-O-METER® Rating:
Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey
2014, Cosmos Studios et al
Astronomer Neil deGrasse Tyson hosts a twenty-first century reboot of Carl Sagan's landmark series, written and co-directed by Ann Druyan, and executive-produced by Ann Druyan, Brannon Braga (Star Trek) and Seth MacFarlane (The Orville), with MacFarlane providing considerable financial support. Although the science is captivating, unfortunately the special effects take center-stage, and the science is parsed out in disjointed vignettes delivered with just a bit too much "oh wow" drama.
DKS 7/11/20
GRUMPY OLD FART-O-METER® Rating:
Cosmos: Possible Worlds
2020, Cosmos Studios et al
Neil deGrasse Tyson returns to host a series based on Anne Druyan's new novel of the same name, once again written and co-directed by Ann Druyan, and executive-produced by Ann Druyan, Brannon Braga and Seth MacFarlane. Originally scheduled to air in 2019, the series' production was suspended while accusations of Tyson's sexual harassment were investigated; Tyson was cleared, and production resumed.
DKS 7/11/20