A few weeks ago, a friend asked if I would review an animated DVD called Unlocking the Mystery of Life. I really didn't want to; I felt and still do feel grossly under-qualified to discuss the issue that this DVD dealt with. However, almost begrudgingly, and because I knew how important the topic was, I agreed.

Unlocking the Mystery of Life is the story of contemporary scientists who are advancing a powerful, but controversial, idea — the theory of "intelligent design." It is a theory based upon compelling biochemical evidence. Unlocking the Mystery of Life starts by describing Charles Darwin's trip to the Galapagos Islands and how it influenced him to write his On the Origin of Species describing natural selection as an explanation for evolution.

With interviews with scientists that question the traditional evolutionary thought, that are brought to life with state-of-the-art computer animation and microscopic photography of living systems. The viewer is transported into the interior of the living cell to explore systems and machines that bear the unmistakable hallmarks of design. Amazing animation footage of the bacterial flagellum provides the viewer with a detailed tour of "the most efficient machine in the universe."

This DVD, quotes both Darwin and Michael Behe, both of which were/are evolutionists. Behe wrote Darwin's Black Box, which was published in 1996. In 2005, Behe told the New Yorker,

He hadn't meant to imply that irreducibly complex systems "by definition" cannot evolve gradually. He also says, "I quite agree that my argument against Darwinism does not add up to a logical proof."

It may be necessary to view this DVD several times to get past being amazed by what the producers did and actually listen to the logic of the arguments being made. A teacher could spend months trying to convey how genes are transcribed and translated, a task achieved by the producers in minutes using three-dimensional computer-generated graphics. Anyone planning on using this DVD in biology classes should do their lecturing on transcription and translation first if they want students to be listening. After seeing it, students will have a firm grasp on the topic.

Unlocking the Mystery of Life gives a clear and fair explanation of Darwin's ideas, which must be understood first if one is to understand why they do not account for what we see in nature. Concepts like irreducible complexity, molecular machines and the amazing information content of cells are masterfully presented. Unlocking the Mystery of Life represents a powerful educational tool in the arsenal of those seeking to promote clear thinking when addressing questions about the origin of life.

In short, no matter what your view is on evolution and intelligent design, this is a DVD that everyone should view. I highly recommend this 65-minute DVD.

Five out of five stars