NOVA: Kaboom!  (1997)

Theatrical Release Information:
NOVA: Kaboom!

An explosion only requires three parts: ignition, fuel and oxygen. With this simple formula, inventors have come up with a means to destroy the world. Nova traces the history of this chemical reaction in things from fireworks to the atom bomb. Nova: Kaboom! features Alfred Noble, the scientist who discovered and exploited nitroglycerin and later invented dynamite. Noble thought the arms race would end with with this "substance with such a horrific capacity for annihilation that wars would become impossible forever." In his wake, however, scientists pressed on, coming up with an even deadlier detonation. The PBS program also introduces pyrotechnicians from around the world, like Revered Ron Lancaster, a small time fireworks vendor, and the Loizeaux family, detonators for the rich and famous. Featuring high-speed photography, Nova takes the viewer into the heart of the quest for a bigger and better boom. ~ Sarah Ing, All Movie Guide