Modern Marvels (1993)

Episode Overview

Necessity might be hailed as the mother of invention, but that's not always the case. Some peculiar machines are created purely for show, while others offer a peek into what the future—or even the past—might hold. Join us as we explore devices that boast impressive capabilities but minimal practicality, raising two key questions: What exactly are they, and how can I get one? An Alaskan navigates the waters around Juneau in his self-made submarine, while a California firm surprises beachgoers with their fully submersible "shark boats." We'll also encounter a life-saving robot designed for bicep curls, tackle a mountain using a modern Batman-style rope ascender, marvel at a forty-foot fire vortex dubbed the Flame Tornado, and traverse the backcountry on a snowboard-motorcycle hybrid inspired by a shopping cart.