By : John Latchem | Posted: 01 Jul 2009
jlatchem@questex.com

Image
Documentary
$24.98 two-DVD set, $29.98 Blu-ray
Not rated.

“Mythbusters” meets The Matrix in the Discovery Channel series “Time Warp,” in which some episodes are more fascinating than others.

Scientist Jeff Lieberman and high-speed-camera expert Matt Kearney use their specialized photography to slow the world down for a multitude of activities.

The segments range from examinations of mundane parlor tricks, such as putting breath mints in soda, to dangerous stunts, such as fire breathing or juggling chainsaws. Some episodes focus on athletic activities, letting the participants break down their mechanics to see where they can improve in the future.

The result is an amazing revelation of physics in action that most people wouldn’t even know is occurring. The detail is astonishing. Baseballs flatten against bats that quiver on impact. Martial artists attack stone slabs with their arms, causing fantastic distortions of flesh. At this level of slow motion, about 10,000 frames per second, one can actually see the formation of shockwaves.

The photographic nature of the program makes Blu-ray the ideal presentation for the material, bringing out all the little bubbles and ripples in stunning clarity.

The set includes all 20 episodes from the first season, plus the original pilot.
 

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