Interstellar Empires

Interstellar Empires

2017, Technology  -   16 Comments
6.33
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Ratings: 6.33/10 from 57 users.

If a superpower were to rule over the entirety of the universe, they would quickly find themselves drowning in logistical nightmares. What challenges might arise in that reality, and how could they be conquered or avoided altogether? That hypothetical scenario forms the basis of Interstellar Empires, an entertaining and informative documentary from science and futurism filmmaker Isaac Arthur.

Arthur openly admits that these concepts have been grappled with before in works of popular science fiction, including Frank Herbert's game changing opus Dune. His film debates the logistics of the seemingly far-fetched ideas presented in novels and video games, digs into their minutia, and provides a dizzying whirl of fascinating tangents along the way.

The task of keeping order in every galaxy would prove cumbersome to say the least. For instance, if chaos were to ensue on the other side of the universe, it could take a million years to hear the call for help and dispatch a fleet of spacecraft to deal with it. Effective governing would be inconceivable without advances in speed of light travel and the expansion of an average person's life span.

The film moves breathlessly as one perplexing concern inspires the next. If a life span could be extended far beyond our current expectations, how would it affect the character and function of the universe? The film considers a number of factors that might come into play, including concepts related to overpopulation, disease control, and the likelihood that a governing body would take a democratic form.

Arthur explains how many of today's technologies and accepted scientific theories could provide the seeds for this imagined future. His narration is constant, dense with insight, and often shifts between the playful and the studious. The film is also populated by stunningly imaginative graphics, a plethora of appropriate stock footage, and a stirring ambient underscore.

Above all else, Interstellar Empires inspires continued rumination on the possibilities of a universe far most immense than any of us can grasp. To the film's credit, it doesn't wallow in apocalyptic fantasy like so many of the "what-if" scenarios that are presented to us today. Instead, it offers the hope that anything is possible.

Directed by: Isaac Arthur

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sock
sock
4 years ago

thank christ for CC had to mute the narrator... seriously wtf

vikehiga
vikehiga
5 years ago

This guy's speech impediment is annoying, why must he be the narrator its narcissism to think that just because you can talk about the subject, you should use YOUR voice.

He is an arrogant **** too, he thinks he "does not have an accent" when he has a thick southern drawl AND a speech impediment.

What a shame, all these interesting subjects, ruined by a terrible voice. If someone did these subjects with a proper voice actor - they would SMASH this his channel.

(the clean version, mod)

John Galt
John Galt
6 years ago

It's sad that the speech challenge is so important, but it IS. With every voic in the world to choose and choosing this one makes one thing that many, many other less-than-optimal choices must have been made. Presentation is SO important with a whole Internet of choices available.

mark
mark
6 years ago

complete fantasy,,

John D
John D
6 years ago

Oh my God....this retard’s speech impediment made it nearly impossible to watch.....????

keith
keith
6 years ago

Such a bad narrator. Very hard to understand this person.

Phillip Kalaveras
Phillip Kalaveras
6 years ago

I'm sorry dude but something about you is akin to fingernails on a chalkboard.

Fred
Fred
6 years ago

Bwian Bwon, the guy has a speech impediment, and if you have trouble to understand him, I would say the issue is more on your side...

Stevan
Stevan
6 years ago

@David
Maybe watch a couple of his vids before commenting,most people dont know any real math behind sci fi technology nor the reasons why it wont work,you have a whole series dedicated to faster than light travel and why its probably impossible,you obviously don't understand the size of the universe if you think a galaxy spanning empire can get from one side of the galaxy to another,the distance is thousands if not milions of light years,thats years that you'd have to travel at the speed of light,while a ship that would travel at 20-30% of the speed of light would obviously be slower,but it would also require so much energy,and would generate so much heat that it would be like ridding on a sun.
Watch a few videos and dont comment stupid shit

David
David
6 years ago

The whole movie is based on the premise the advanced civilisations wouldn't have advanced travelling technology. It assumes that it would take civilisations 100 of years to travel to the furthest parts of their empire which is redicilous considering their an advanced civilisation. The pronunciation of the letter R is really off putting as well.

Bwian bwon
Bwian bwon
6 years ago

I Don't believe that this is a human being narrating. I believe that it's a computer in learning mode.
It's very off-putting. I could not continue watching. Sorry, Mr. Computer Narrator.
If you are human (Mr. Narrator)??? ...Please see a speech therapist or a voice coach.

Charles
Charles
6 years ago

BEST Speech Impediment in This Galaxy, By Far! Or should I say Bye Fawl!

Joshua
Joshua
6 years ago

Star War's syndrome.

Phil
Phil
6 years ago

Liked the film. Well done