The Ascent of Man

The first four episodes are excellent and very thoughtful. Some of the later episodes, retelling familiar stories about major scientific discoveries, aren't quite as interesting, although always containing worthwhile details and an essayistic approach. But the episode going from quantum theory to Auschwitz is affecting, the one on genetics suggestively proposes that man invents sex as much as sex invents man, and the last episode is a powerful reflection on science and civilisation. Great stuff.

Seminal but now rather dated history of mankind, the episodes are very hit-and-miss and don't seem to follow any kind of chronological or even consistent pattern. Bronowski's lengthy speeches range from heartfelt and compelling to over-indulgant and tedious, and viewing in 2012 you can't help but spot a number of outdated theories that make you question many of the other claims made. Worth a watch but there are definitely better documentaries on the subject(s) these days.

Bronowski is superb; effortlessly engaging the audience in an absolute dialog unlike any performer I've seen before. Puts the pieces of the puzzle together better than all my years of education. Magnificent.

Outstanding. Although some of the science may be a bit dated by now, this is one of the most fascinatingly intellectual mini-series ever produced... so much so that I'm not even totally sure I grok the whole thing. Also effective as art, due to the wonderfully '70s aesthetic and excellent musical score. Dunno if it's still possible to see this other than on aging old videotapes, but worth seeing at almost any price