1/5 Going downhill fast
  by R. R. Morris (Easton, Pa USA)
This is a kiddy show going bad. Better off watching Bill Nye the Sciencs Guy, or "Standard Deviants". Anything truly worthwhile can be learned in less than 3 minutes of the show. I regret buying this season. No way for the third season.

4/5 Edutainment at its best
  by J. Salzenstein (Boston, MA)
The History Channel knows science, and they're good at making complex systems and ideas easy to understand - and approachable - for the everyday observer. The Universe, Complete Season Two on Blu-ray is no exception. This four-disc set features all 18 episodes, nearly 15 hours of content, including covering topics like Dark Matter, Exoplanets, Cosmic Collisions, Supernovas, and more. And while episodes are only loosely tied together by the fact that the subjects covered are part of - or take place in - our universe, it doesn't seem overly odd or disjointed- especially for the younger viewers.

Fantastic phenomena and alien worlds are re-created through extremely realistic computer animation, which is shockingly detailed and stunningly beautiful. The visuals take viewers inside wonders that man has only viewed from afar, giving a close-up look at the fascinating inner workings of the cosmos around us.

The series also includes documentary style interviews with experts in the field, as well as footage from both past and current scientific exploration programs and an introduction to some of the tools and devices these scientists use to explore the universe. A nice contrast to the computer re-creations, this live-action documentary aspect of the series does a good job of providing balance, grounding the concepts and reminding viewers that there are actual people working to find answers and discover new information about the space around us- it's not simply Star Trek.

Whether used as an educational tool or simply for entertainment value, The Universe - Season Two on Blu-ray is interesting and enthralling.

Special Features

There aren't a lot of "extras" on The Universe, but given the nature of the series - and the fact that it is a television series - that's not surprising. There is one Bonus Feature, a featurette called Backyard Astronomers, which explores the world of amateur star-gazers- men and women who spend their spare time learning about - and exploring - the universe... from their backyards.

The biggest benefit to the Blu-ray release lies in the presentation - true widescreen and HD.

And of course the subject matter itself.

4/5 Great series
  by Gabriela Veronez Chaytor (São Paulo (Brazl))
Another hit in my eyes. I love all things space and sci-fi and even though some things in here might be wrong or unproven, it is very entertaining and you will learn something from every episode.

2/5 A far cry from season 1
  by Michael Barsella
Consisted largely of several re-hashed scenes from other shows and Season 1. If Season 1 were 4.5/5.0, Season 2 is 2.5/5.0. I have higher hopes for Season 3.

4/5 Tremendous series, but still some room for improvement
  by Alexander M. Walker (Chicago, IL USA)
The History Channel has an unfortunate though deserved reputation for showing way too many specials on World War II. If it involves Nazis, Stalin or the Luftwaffe you better believe the History Channel has picked it apart from every possible angle - which is why their programming that strays from those subjects comes like a breath of fresh air. The Universe, a show covering various galactic anomalies and phenomena, uses 3D composite models and animations to provide a visual context for lessons from leaders in the field of astronomy and astrophysics. The show's scope knows no bounds, so strap in for brilliant educational ride.

Assuming you believe the universe, as we know it, is older than 4,000-6,000 years old, there's so much about the great beyond that bears explaining. The show explores a commonly held belief one week while shedding light on cosmic occurrences you never knew existed (but will find enrapturing) the next. Each of the 18 episodes tackles a different topic; from "Alien Planets" to the harrowing prospects of "Cosmic Apocalypse" the show's ability to hold your attention never fails. To think that the discovery of a new earth is close to a reality should intrigue even the most diehard skeptics, especially in this field which seems to generate more questions than answers. Or maybe you're more interested in the future of space travel or colonization? Black holes? Or, my personal favorite title "Biggest Things in Space"? Come on, if you aren't slightly interested in the biggest things in that final frontier then you just can't be pleased. The History Channel has a really great thing going with this series and the second season keeps the pace with a nice supply of educational installments.

The one misstep of The Universe would seem to be some of the less than convincing "authorities" brought in on the subject. While each and every one of them may have a brilliant mind, hearing the opinion of what appears to be a college astronomy major sitting on some large rocks doesn't exactly fill the audience with confidence that every piece of information is to be taken at its word. The show has plenty of interesting things to say, but they really ought to have found slightly more credible sources (or at least had the sources they used appear professional) to put any contrarian arguments to rest. It's not a total failure on the show's part, but with so many astronomy experts out there it seems unnecessary to settle - even if they were just trying to inject a little bit of youth into the proceedings; the injection isn't necessary though. To think that an audience would take slight at a show exploring some of the deepest darkest secrets of our universe for not featuring a variety of ages amongst the experts just seems ridiculous. Just like any piece on World War II, the better is the most informed - age be damned.

On Blu-ray the 3D models achieve mixed appearances. In some instances the graphics look phenomenal and elevate the show to its proper scale. Other times, the renderings just don't quite meet the 1080p demands and a bit of pixilation becomes visible. Unlike a special effects slathered feature, this shortcoming isn't as damaging in a series of lectures on space; sure we notice, but the images are complementary to the words, not vice versa. Instead of being upset with the show for sometimes failing graphically, it's easier to marvel at the visual aids provided for such riveting material. As you might expect, the audio isn't really a factor that varies from episode to episode. The speech tracks are all equalized and crystal clear so you won't have to fidget with your remote.

Blu-ray Extra Features:

A singular featurette casts a spotlight on the grass root community of the astronomy field: "Backyard Astronomers". You might not be so moved as to go out and buy a telescope for your home, but the featurette is as interesting and compelling as the rest of the season and well worth your time.