Educational Media Reviews Online

This video attempts to provide a complete and popular (i.e. non-mathematical) survey of quantum physics from Schrödinger to the present day including quantum computation, wave/particle duality, entanglement, superposition, the EPR Paradox, Schrödinger’s Cat, the double slit experiment, and the “noisy observer effect”, all in 52 minutes. And that is precisely the problem. As the DVD case notes state, these topics “flash by like mile markers on this high-speed journey to the realm of quantum teleportation, quantum cryptography, and quantum computing.”

Unfortunately, the mile markers are flashing by too quickly for anyone not already familiar with these advanced and often puzzling principles and will be oversimplified for anyone who is conversant with quantum theories. Hence, it is difficult to establish an audience for this video.

There is a dizzying array of 18 quantum scientists narrating the video, making it difficult to concentrate on what they are saying, especially since most of them seem intent on speaking as fast as possible. The first three quarters of the video uses rapid cuts and dazzling graphics to the point that it seemed more like a music video than an instructional one. This reviewer is sympathetic to attempts to appeal to student culture, but the extremely fast cuts were unwatchable and incomprehensible at times.

A great deal of effort was spent in developing some truly clever illustrations of these principles, using both live action and animation. If each mini-segment could have been slowed down to half its speed and expanded to provide a more thorough explanation, then each segment on its own could have been excellent. Just from the credits at the end of the video, a large production team clearly spent a lot of time making the video.

Ironically, the best segment of the entire video is at the very end where it slows down significantly and focuses on quantum computing and its possible applications that could transform our science and our society. Instructors interested in a good, simple introduction to quantum computing might want to preview this last portion to see if it would be suitable for their needs. Public performance rights are included.