Brainwave DVD Review

An engaging and illuminating series exploring the mystery of the human mind, Brainwave makes its DVD debut from Athena on September 17, 2013. Launched by the Rubin Museum of Art in 2008 and now in its sixth edition, Brainwave pairs celebrities from many walks of life—actors, musicians, comedians, composers, filmmakers, choreographers, artists, and authors—with leading neuroscientists and other experts to explore how the human mind works. The series has not aired on television, and this collection features some of the most interesting participants, including superstar chef Mario Batali, author R.L. Stine (Goosebumps series), Oscar® nominee Debra Winger, comedian Lewis Black, and influential punk rocker Henry Rollins. The program features discussions on a wide range of topics, including happiness, anger, fear, and dreams.  The DVD 3-disc set includes ten episodes of the popular program, 16-page viewer’s guide, and more ($59.99, AcornOnline.com).

Each year, some of the hottest tickets in New York City are for a series of conversations called Brainwave. In provocative, far-reaching, unscripted conversations, the best and brightest explore memory and perception, creativity and consciousness, happiness, fear, illusions, and dreams. The scientists are as entertaining as the artists, and the artists are as inquisitive as the scientists. This selection of filmed talks also includes bestselling authors Amy Tan (The Joy Luck Club) and Eric Weiner (The Geography of Bliss); experimental performance artist Laurie Anderson; choreographer Mark Morris; and meditation teacher Loch Kelly.

Opened in 2004, the Rubin Museum of Art is one of New York City’s newest and most innovative presenters of exhibitions and programs related to Himalayan art and culture and their relevance to contemporary life.

Episode 1: The Geography of Bliss: Emma Seppala and Eric Weiner

Episode 2: How Did the Universe Get Its Spots? Laurie Anderson and Janna Levin

Episode 3: The Science of Rage: Lewis Black and Robert Allan

Episode 4: Do You Get Goosebumps, Too? R.L. Stine and Joseph LeDoux

Episode 5: Disgust: Mario Batali and Paul Rozin

Episode 6: How Can I Feel Peace of Mind? Loch Kelly and Zoran Josipovic

Episode 7: Why Does Movement Move Us? With Mark Morris and Bevil Conway

Episode 8: The Assassin of My Dreams: Henry Rollins and David Eagleman

Episode 9: Do Dreams Come True? Debra Winger and Robert Stickgold

Episode 10: Creativity in the Dreaming Brain: Amy Tan and Deirdre Barrett

BONUS FEATURES: 16-page booklet with an article on different cultures’ views on dreams, milestones in neuroscience, information about the Rubin Museum of Art, and profiles of the participants

Street Date: Sept. 17, 2013                          SRP: $59.99                           UPC: 054961201495

DVD 3-Disc Set – 10 episodes - Approx. 562 min. – Documentary – SDH subtitles            Contains coarse language 

My Thoughts

 The human mind is one of the most fascinating mysteries. There is still so much about it that science can't explain. Brainwave takes you on an exploration of our brains, touching on many subjects including emotions and dreaming. The show pairs celebrities with leading neuroscientists to try to figure out just want makes these creative minds tick. There were some amazing participants, including one of my favorite childhood authors, R.L Stine. They try to see just want invokes his spooky ideas. Other celebrities touch on compelling topics such as disgust, peace of mind, and rage. While of course, R.L. Stine was my favorite, I also enjoyed the episode with Amy Tan. She is new to me as a celebrity but they talked about the possibility of dreams foretelling the future and this definitely caught my interest. A few of the episodes were a little long-winded, but for the most part I enjoyed all of them.  This series is definitely captivating and really gets you thinking.

If you love the mystery of the mind as much as I do or you are a poet at heart, than this is the box set for you. These shows haven't aired on television, so if you want to catch these fabulous stars have to say, you'll have to get the DVD. You can order Brainwave for only $59.99 at Acorn Media.


***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. I did receive a sample of the product to try in order to write a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not influenced in any way. ***