As a primer on up-to-date scientific theory about the nature of the universe and our place in it, Cosmic Voyage is visually sumptuous and just plain fun. Shot in the mind-blowing IMAX process, this combined live-action and computer-generated production has (even in video format) an immensity of scope befitting its grand subject. Beginning, lyrically if unexpectedly, in Italy's magnificent Venice, Cosmic Voyage draws inspiration from airborne perspectives on the city's famed network of canals and streets, leading to further appreciations of dense systems in nature. From the subnuclear to the physical limits of the known universe, Cosmic Voyage explores a resonance between all things while making sense of such inscrutable phenomena as the birth of stars and planets, black holes, supernovas, etc. The marvels of cosmology are rarely so accessible as this.

Are we ever going to leave this rock we call Earth? National Geographic's Destination Space looks at our prospects for space exploration and colonization, starting with Apollo 11 and reporting on 30 years of research and missions.....This literally uplifting video is followed by a shorter but even more hopeful program: A View of Mars. Interviews with NASA administrator Daniel S. Goldin and other boosters, more slick computer graphics, and footage from prior Mars missions make the prospect of imminent exploration and not-too-distant human arrival real and exciting. Even cynics will find themselves ready to pack after viewing

Though its missions may now seem routine, NASA's space shuttle is one of the most complex machines ever designed, and this video from the Discovery Channel provides a stunning look at man's most advanced flying machine. The history of the shuttle's development, as well as the brilliant innovations that made its flights possible, are explained clearly in a narration delivered by actor Gary Sinise, and the statistics presented about the vehicle (more than 9,000 tons of satellites put into orbit along with more than 230 astronauts) are impressive. But the real stars of this production are the amazing visuals provided by footage shot during shuttle missions and blastoffs as well as during training sessions for crew members.....This is not only a highly informative documentary, but one that is a joy to watch.

Take off on a spellbinding mission into the unknown frontiers where real estate developers, scientist, amateur rockateers and government officials are all in a race to open new avenues into space. Astonishing revelations expose the dreams of those considered mavericks, those whose visions of intergalactic travel and colonization may become reality.