Error is inevitable in all human endeavors, but when the undertakings are engineering feats of enormous proportions, the smallest mistakes may have devastating consequences. From the Exxon Valdez disaster to a nuclear meltdown at a secret government facility, to the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina, MODERN MARVELS chronicles over 40 of history s most devastating catastrophes and reveals the lessons learned from each one.In 18 thrilling episodes, HISTORY CHANNEL dramatizes the world s most notorious engineering failures, using state-of-the-art special effects to investigate not only what went wrong, but what can be learned from these spectacular disasters. The catastrophes recounted led to the creation of Superfund sites for the cleanup of toxic waste; improved safety standards for cars, planes, and ships; and new techniques for building roads, bridges, and buildings that will withstand nature s most destructive forces.Dark clouds with silver linings, MODERN MARVELS: ENGINEERING DISASTERS presents the tragic, yet invaluable, handmaidens of technological progress.
J**E
This redefines what is possible
The stories that redefined what is possible
C**R
Outstanding resource
I'm an engineer who's involved in failure investigations, and I found this series of video presentations to be outstanding, frankly far exceeding my expectations and hopes, given that it comes from the History Channel rather than a technical organization.A diverse range of types of systems and failures is included, the graphics and historical footage are very useful, experts are routinely consulted to explain each failure, and appropriate lessons are drawn from the failures in terms of both technical and human factors.No, the presentations aren't perfect. Sometimes the explanations are oversimplified, important details are omitted, and terminology is incorrect. But overall, the strengths of this series still dwarf these weaknesses.I know of no comparable resource, and the best endorsement I can make is to note that I've started incorporating these videos into the continuing education program in my engineering firm. They're good enough that professionals can benefit from them. Yet, at the same time, they're also accessible for interested laypeople, which is no small accomplishment.Last but not least, the price is a bargain. Grab this before it's no longer available!
C**I
Very interesting and inexpensive collection
Finally, what I was waiting for: a large collection of case studies (18 episodes in total; at least two disasters in every episode - sometimes as many as six) taken from a large variety of engineering areas. As a chemical engineer and as an instructor, I found this collection very interesting, full of different "case studies" and lessons to learn in a very amusing way.The episodes includes:- New Orleans: Hurricane Katrina.- The fire at Las Vegas MGM Hotel.- The collapse of Seattle's Lacey V. Murrow Floating Bridge.- The flaw that grounded the first commercial jet.- An entire lake and the surrounding land are sucked into a Louisiana salt mine.- Exxon Valdez incident.- The Ford Explorer/Firestone rollovers.- The fire on the Piper Alpha offshore oirlig.- Computer errors that brought the world to the brink of accidental nuclear war.- The explosion of a jet-fuel plant in Nevada.- The Union Carbide explosion in India.- A devastating flood in China that killed 145,000 people.- Denver baggage system nightmare.- Patrior missile failure- etc.The only drawbacks are that the DVDs come with no closed captions and no subtitles. Thanks HC.
I**S
Lots of good information and some surprises
Modern Marvels Engineering Disasters: 5 dvd set in thin cases that slide into a box - excellent information on very well known and some little known disasters. I found very interesting. A little pricey but for over 800 minutes you get your money's worth.
B**N
Absolutely fascinating!
This is the engineer-nerd's version of the true-crime specials. Well thought-out narration and meaningful and well-edited interviews provide valuable insight into imperfections or wanton neglects turned disasters.
C**Y
Better Than I Hoped
This has been one of my best DVD purchases; I highly recommend it.I bought this for my boyfriend who is an engineer and he loves it, and so do I. I was very surprised and intrigued with the variety of engineering disasters that were presented along with the footage. Some of the best ones I've seen so far were the salt mines (the footage of the barges being sucked towards the whirlpool was unbelievable), the Love Canal, and many of the oil rig disasters. I also learned that underground salt deposits make great natural propane storage tanks.In each episode there are multiple stories not just one or two; it is definitely worth the money.
W**R
Engineering Students
Our Son is a Engineering student. Our family (both sides) are Engineers....all types. This collection is a great educational buy
E**.
Worth it
Saw it years ago & wanted to get it 1 of the best sets
U**R
Best ever
Greatest collection of man made disasters ever. Worth the higher price. Five disasters per episode, great info no time wasted on commercial break catch ups. Ex: The love canal toxic waste dump, MGM grand hotel fire, coconut grove, salt mine disaster.
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