The Secret (DVD, 2006, Extended Edition)

Not really a movie or documentary, The Secret is more of a video seminar, a presentation featuring a series of authors, philosophers, doctors, quantum physicists, entrepreneurs, and spiritual practitioners expounding on the powers of The Secret (probably the most well-known of the presenters is Jack Canfield, author of Chicken Soup for the Soul and The Success Principles). What is The Secret, exactly? "That principle can be summed up in three simple words: thoughts become things," proclaims writer Mike Dooley, author of Notes from the Universe. Put it another way, it’s The Power of Positive Thinking and how it can be applied to attracting more money, better health, and relationships; in short, happiness. (There is a rundown of topics on the DVD Chapters menu).

Most of the material here is given in a straightforward manner, with the presenters simply talking into the camera to address the audience directly, which is good because it avoids the trap of pretense. On the other hand, the quick edits between presenters (would it hurt to let them say more than one sentence at a time?) don't help because it reduces many of their points to palatable sound bites and aphorisms. To many viewers, this may make the program come across as a series of nice ideas not rooted in reality. Plus it's somewhat spurious to claim that The Secret was well understood and practiced by specific individuals like Plato or Shakespeare (it's well known that some of the historical figures noted didn't exactly live happy or even prosperous lives, despite their achievements). But still, the primary message is one of positivity and hope for everyone. So what to make of it? In the end, programs like this generally find an audience that is open to the message, and many will probably find it to be a source of inspiration. Others will approach it with a good deal of skepticism or dismiss it as another way of marketing happiness the masses. It simply won’t resonate with everyone, but if it resonates with you, you're likely to enjoy it and get a lot out of it.

'The Secret' has been a much hyped book and DVD, so I was very curious about what the big deal was. It turns out it was very engaging and held my attention throughout. I found the theory and philosophy incorporates in an easy to understand both scientific and spiritual ideas in how to improve our lives and our attitudes toward life. Surprisingly, after one viewing it has affected how I view my life and life in general.
Critics have said that it is too materialistic and lacks social conscience. But there is no reason the concepts couldn't be used in areas such as personal health, relationships, spiritual growth and social activism. Another criticism is that it ignores the need for hard work for success. Actually, hard work will continue. But now the hard work becomes enjoyable and more in tune with our inner wishes and needs.
All-in-all a must see DVD for those interested in further success and self-improvement.

How long did I wait until I finally bought this DVD? Too long! The Secret DVD is a very effective presentation of the basics of what is popularly called the Law of Attraction. It is broken down into ten chapters, and a talented cast of some of the best and brightest stars in the field of personal development are educating and inspiring the viewer, as well as relating their own personal experiences using The Secret. There are simply too many moments of greatness to mention here in this review. I found the last three chapters to be the ones I watched again and again because they basically sum up the whole idea. In addition, Bob Proctor gives a summary of his own as part of the special features on the disc. The direction, cinematography, sound and editing of 'The Secret' are top notch and perfectly compliment the lessons in every way; it is technically superb as well as an educational masterpiece.

As a student of New Though principles for years now, my personal experience with using the Law of Attraction has been amazing. 'The Secret' DVD is a great introduction to the basics and should definitely inspire viewers to practice what is presented. This is not 'pie-in-the-sky' or 'happy thoughts', but a system that requires a reframing of your mind state. Skeptics will balk because it doesn't fit with preconceived ideas about the nature of existence and reality as it is popularly understood.

To further expand upon what is introduced in the film, may I suggest that you read 'The Science of Success' by Wallace D. Wattles. This book is solid gold and will help in so many ways to augment and expand upon the teachings in this DVD. Rhonda Byrne has credited the book as her inspiration for this movie.

I can't imagine anyone that wouldn't benefit from watching this DVD, although it is a matter of being ready for what is offered, accepting the ideas with an open mind and then being willing to take action after watching it. You can and will change your life with the Law of Attraction if you believe it and live it every day. Watching 'The Secret' DVD is a perfect first step in the right direction. Let your journey begin here and take you wherever you desire!

One day a friend told me: "You must watch this video... It's a documentary that will give you a great insight about how to understand and live your life better. I recommend you setting aside 2 hours of uninterrupted time, sit down with your wife and watch this. It will change your life".
I always liked self improvement books but rarely read them claiming that "I don't have time for it". When I finally decided to buy this DVD I thought that would be a good opportunity to "read a book" in 2 hours. And so I did it with my wife.
I purchased this DVD on 03/02/08 and today is 04/26/08. I started to apply "The Secret" right away and I decided to write this review because TODAY I received a phone call from a friend that lives in another state and I talk to her maybe once or twice a year. She was offering me a job on the area that I want with the same salary that I earn now, but with possibilities of improvement. Just to mention I actually hate my job now and lately I have to work more and more, and get paid less and less.
I don't want anyone to only believe my story but just watch this video and decide by yourself. My life already changed in many aspects and now that I see that it's happening in less than 2 months, I'm amazed myself.
I'm also reading the book and everyday I apply some of the knowledges from this easy to master Secret. Please do it to yourself because it doesn't take any time or money to live a better life.

'The Secret' appears to have split the population into those who believe in the power of the mind and the 'law of attraction' and those who don't. Ultimately of course that's a personal decision for you.

The actual film is not a movie as such; it's more of a documentary and is made up of contributions from self-help thinkers, philosophers and scientists and also contains a high number of acted out scenes to illustrate the points. Bob Proctor, Bob Doyle, Jack Canfield and Joe Vitale are particularly notable contributors.

I have to say that 'The Secret' has a great accompanying soundtrack and is very well packaged and put together. You'd think that the core message of the law of attraction would be boring after a while, but the film breaks this down and applies it to various lifestyle issues such as relationships, money and health.

There will be many people who will think some of the contents here are highly controversial e.g. bringing ill health upon yourself through negative thinking, but it is generally agreed from medical experiments that through the 'placebo effect' the human mind can indeed have a very powerful impact on the state and condition of the human body.
I am sure that millions of males will tell you that Angelina Jolie didn't turn up on their doors... no matter how hard they fantastised !... You do need to work towards your goals; and a clear compelling vision with a good positive attitude are essential first steps. This film will help you put those in place.
Overall 'The Secret' is thought provoking and you should at least give it a run on your DVD player to make up your own mind about it.