When you're shopping for movies TV on DVD, the usual problem is finding substantial films without buying a multi-season box. This PBS set tackles that by grouping four distinct documentaries around history, science, and big questions. The catch is the condition: three discs are brand new and sealed, while the fourth is open but described as like new. So the real decision is whether that open disc matters.
Quick verdict
For $35.95, you get four PBS movies on DVD: Apollo's Daring Mission, The Question of God, Command Control, and The Trials of J. Robert Oppenheimer. Three are new and sealed. The Oppenheimer film is the only one that's open, though the listing calls it in like-new condition. If you need every disc sealed, that's the limitation. If you just want to watch, the set is a convenient way to get four films in one package.
Who it suits
This set fits someone who likes public television documentaries about history, science, and social issues. The movies are in English with English subtitles, in NTSC format, and Region 1 coded, so they're aimed at U.S. and Canadian DVD players. The 16:9 aspect ratio also suits widescreen displays. And with an NR rating, the set doesn't carry a formal parental rating.
What stands out from the listed details
Each disc covers a different kind of subject. Apollo's Daring Mission looks at the risks of spaceflight. Command Control deals with nuclear weapons and the systems designed to prevent accidents. The Question of God takes on belief and meaning. The Trials of J. Robert Oppenheimer examines the physicist's Cold War security hearing. That range lets you go from space history to moral philosophy without switching releases. All four come in a tall DVD case, and the technical specs are consistent: English audio, English subtitles, NTSC, and 16:9.
Meaningful trade-offs
The clear trade-off is the condition of The Trials of J. Robert Oppenheimer. It's not sealed, so if you're buying a gift or expecting a freshly shrink-wrapped set, that may give you pause. The other three discs are brand new and in original packaging. The open disc is described as still in prime condition to watch, so the concern is really about the package, not the playback.
Set of 4 PBS Movies DVD
The listing presents this as one set with three discs sealed and one open like new. The strength is the variety of films and the condition of most of the set. The weakness is that the unsealed Oppenheimer disc could be a problem if packaging matters to you. The discs are NTSC, Region 1, and include English subtitles, with a 16:9 aspect ratio and a tall DVD case. If those match your player setup, the set offers four distinct documentaries in one purchase.
Bottom line
Choose this PBS movies DVD set if you're comfortable with an open disc and you want a varied documentary lineup. The listed price is $35.95 for four films, and the range-space exploration, Cold War history, and philosophy-is the main draw. If the open Oppenheimer disc is a non-issue for you, this is a simple way to add four thoughtful titles to your collection.
