Favorite Videos, Movies, TV Shows About Nuclear/ Radioactive Topics
If reading isn’t your style, visual media is always an engaging way to absorb information. I have spent a fair amount of time scouring On Demand and YouTube for information on these subjects. Most focus on the dire consequences of nuclear power, as that is a lot more interesting to watch than explaining how a light water graphite-moderated reactor works. But, still, if you want to engage in more content around this topic, here are my top 5.
5. “Nuclear Explosions Compilation High Quality” by Dom Productions on YouTube- Just a small sampling of atomic bomb tests that were filmed over the years. All sources come from atomcentral.com, where a restoration expert named Peter Kuran fixes up the tapes and showcases them on the website. Witnessing the absolute power that these weapons have is both mesmerizing and horrifying. Well worth a watch if you can handle the repeated booms.
4. “The Babushkas of Chernobyl” by Holly Morris on Prime Video- The Exclusion Zone from the Chernobyl disaster is 30 kilometers from the reactor itself. Many people living in towns and villages were forced to flee their homes due to the unending threat of radiation. But there are some people who have defied the official government ruling and have returned to their homes located in the Exclusion Zone. Some have been named ‘babushkas,’ grandmothers who wish to be where they have always been, despite the potential dangers. A story of resilience and bravery, it is a fascinating watch to learn more about the real people who were affected by the Chernobyl disaster.
3. “A Brief History of: The Demon Core (Short Documentary)” by Plainly Difficult on YouTube- Plainly Difficult (John) has uploaded many videos regarding nuclear accidents. An underrated channel, I think this is the perfect video to begin exploring his stuff. This one hunk of plutonium is responsible for two deaths, hence its name. The circumstance behind both incidents is a harrowing tale, and John summarized it succinctly and with grace.
2. “I Got Access to Chernobyl’s Deadliest Area” by Kyle Hill on YouTube- Not many people get access to inside the New Safe Containment. The largest moving structure, this giant arch covers Reactor No. 4 at Chernobyl and the old Sarcophagus. He goes to places most people will never be able to see, coming along with a team of scientists. Accompanied by the constant screams of Geiger counters, Hill still promotes the positives that nuclear power can do for the world, if only we learn from our mistakes.
1. “Chernobyl” by Craig Mazin on HBO- To the surprise of no one, this award-winning production is a must-watch. While not completely accurate to the 1986 disaster, it still captures and shows the reality of the disaster. Incredible acting, enthralling soundtrack, beautiful scenery, and despite its faults on some factual points, the cultural impact this mini-series has had speaks for itself.
