Rating: 
Summary: Expensive But Only Superficially Attractive
Review: This DVD is nearly twice as expensive as the outstanding "Nova-To The Moon" DVD, yet it falls far short of what a true documentary should be. My main complaint is the liberty Producer/Director Al Reinert takes editing video and especially audio into single sequences when they clearly come from multiple sources. The effect is jarring and unpleasant, in direct contrast to the new age musical noodling of Brian Eno. Yes, the cinematography is great, but it is certainly no better than other commonly available documentaries, as it is after all almost 100 percent 30 year old NASA footage, which is largely common to all the available documentaries. I do grasp the concept of artistic license, but my issue here is that Reinert takes license when there is nothing to be gained. The most obnoxious single moment for me is the Apollo 13 'Houston, We've had a problem..." audio, which has added sound effects not found in the original (common through the film) and edits bits of the Apollo 13 dialogue together with the Apollo 12 lightning strike problems during launch, which in his mind, I suppose added drama, but in my mind distorts the truth and fails to tell the story of either of the two emergencies well. When unnecessary compilation and editing like this continues through the film it makes for a very muddled, less factual, film that the materiel deserves. Some reviewers have praised the film for conveying the 'feeling' of going to the moon well. I don't really dispute that, I just think that a documentary can be factually accurate and have information accurately presented (like in the Nova special) and still be captivating. In fact I think it would be more captivating. The DVD does have some strong points, that are unique though. One that is useful is the ability to turn on subtitles of astronaut names and selected flight controller names (although mistakes are made here too, they are generally minor). My favorite feature of the DVD by far is a section in which Al Bean (Apollo 12) describes and explains many of his Apollo paintings, which is absolutely fascinating. This alone gave the review three stars. Overall, there are many better choices of Apollo documentaries available, especially considering the outlandish cost of the DVD. Many critics liked this film. I guess all that means is that many critics prefer a stylized, or 'Hollywood,' form of documentary.
Rating: 
Summary: FLY ME TO THE MOON!
Review: This dvd MUST be watched with headphones on to enjoy the full impact of the blend between Brian Eno's space music score and the stunning video footage. If you're looking for a great lunar FLOATER type visual/audio experience, then BUY this dvd. If you're looking for a documentary, just the facts, type dvd and you are bothered by specific moonwalker voice-overs that don't fit with specific moonwalker video, then go buy another (like NOVA To The Moon). You also get a chapter (+/- 15-20 min. worth) where astronaut/artist Alan Bean describes each of his wonderful artworks. This is GREAT! I also enjoyed the interview with Gene Cernan (a very thoughtful man). Well worth the price.
Rating:
Summary: A great film about the Apollo missions!
Review: This review is for the Criterion Collection DVD edition of the film. This film is a documentary and is well compiled. Consisting almost entirely of stock footage of the missions, it has audio interviews with the astronauts and mission control technicians. The film has a superb score by Brian Eno. One particular piece of music in the film, also heard on the main menu of the DVD has been resued for two other films: Traffic (2000) and 28 Days Later(2002). Much of the footage taken in space is high resolution and very well preserved as it was stored at the NASA film archives in liquid nitrogen. The special features on the DVD are audio commentary by the Director Al Reinart and Apollo 17 astronaut Gene Cernan. There is subtitle identification of the astronauts and NASA employees when they appear on screen. There are Audio and Video highlights from several NASA missions. My favorite is the soundbyte of the apollo 8 astronauts when they gave a radio address by reading parts of the Bible on Christmas day. There are also paintings by Apollo 12 astronaut Alan Bean and interviews with him describing some of his paintings. For anybody interested in the space program, this DVD is a musy buy!
Rating:
Summary: Breathtaking, Romantic,"Special Effects Wonder"
Review: To think we watch films that cost over $100,000,000 to make in the year 2000, and the best special effects ever recorded on film were made in the 1960's! As a big science and Astronomy fan, all the Star Trek,s Independance Days, Armageddons added together don't touch this, not to mention the future, philosophical commentary by Men from 1960. The Picture Quality is 11/10, sound 4.5/5. "Deep Thoughts" Gives a whole new meaning to racism, why wasn't a flag with the picture of the earth also erected? Any women 24 to 32 who found the romance in this film are welcome to respond.
Rating:
Summary: Humans on the Moon, from the Astronauts Perspective.
Review: We learn about the trials and tribulations of the rushed journey to get Humans on the Moon before the Soviets.
As each Astronaut recollects his experience in the Gemini and or Apollo Projects, we are treated to clear film footage, both Color and B+W.
Everything is exciting, from the scary spacewalks 300 miles above the Earth by the Gemini Crew to the color film of the Moon Buggy, to the installation of the American Flags on the Moon.
The Music by Todd Rundgren, or is it Brian Eno, enhances the viewing experience.
I have watched this DVD quite often and found something new everytime. This is a must see for all, and try to find the flying glove.
Rating:
Summary: For the space enthusiast's heart--not the head!
Review: What makes this a unique addition to the collection of the "space junkie" is that it is a nostalgic look at the Apollo space program. If you are looking for a documentary full of facts, then buy Nova's "To the Moon" or the Discovery Channel's "Blast Off." Deke Slayton's "Moonshot" is also another good documentary on the early space program. What makes this unique is that it allows the knowledgable/obsessed Apollo fan the opportunity to look at these early images of Apollo (and Gemini) footage from the perspective of an artist. Though the film of Ed White's EVA has come under scrutiny due to the fact that it was before Apollo, yet the footage has been enhanced so that it looks sharper and clearer than the original. The footage that has been pieced together contains images that are obscure and commentary that is rare and personal, reflecting the personalities of the men who made these remarkable voyages. It is truly a delight to hear of Pete Conrad's explanation of why he made his "historic" first words when he became the third man on the moon, or to hear Charlie Duke sharing his dream that he had while on the lunar surface. Al Reinhardt is a dramatic director, not a documentary director and this is evident in this work. Apollo buffs are probably aware that he directed two episodes for the HBO miniseries, "From the Earth to the Moon," depicting the Apollo 8 and Apollo 11 missions. I believe that this is a must see series for the space enthusiast as well, for this miniseries depicts the Apollo program at its worst and best, the men and women who made it happen and does so in the best movie traditions. For All Mankind is a movie event that does what the astronauts had such a difficult time expressing: by watching these men in flight and on the moon, one can get a better experience of what it felt like to go to the moon. Unfortunately, these men were scientists, test pilots and engineers. They were not poets or dreamers, they were the doers of our world and these modern day "Renaissance Men" were not able to share the emotion that many of us would have experienced in their boots. I tip my helmet to Al Reinhardt for giving us a glimpse of what it felt like to go there.
Rating:
Summary: For the space enthusiast's heart--not the head!
Review: What makes this a unique addition to the collection of the "space junkie" is that it is a nostalgic look at the Apollo space program. If you are looking for a documentary full of facts, then buy Nova's "To the Moon" or the Discovery Channel's "Blast Off." Deke Slayton's "Moonshot" is also another good documentary on the early space program. What makes this unique is that it allows the knowledgable/obsessed Apollo fan the opportunity to look at these early images of Apollo (and Gemini) footage from the perspective of an artist. Though the film of Ed White's EVA has come under scrutiny due to the fact that it was before Apollo, yet the footage has been enhanced so that it looks sharper and clearer than the original. The footage that has been pieced together contains images that are obscure and commentary that is rare and personal, reflecting the personalities of the men who made these remarkable voyages. It is truly a delight to hear of Pete Conrad's explanation of why he made his "historic" first words when he became the third man on the moon, or to hear Charlie Duke sharing his dream that he had while on the lunar surface. Al Reinhardt is a dramatic director, not a documentary director and this is evident in this work. Apollo buffs are probably aware that he directed two episodes for the HBO miniseries, "From the Earth to the Moon," depicting the Apollo 8 and Apollo 11 missions. I believe that this is a must see series for the space enthusiast as well, for this miniseries depicts the Apollo program at its worst and best, the men and women who made it happen and does so in the best movie traditions. For All Mankind is a movie event that does what the astronauts had such a difficult time expressing: by watching these men in flight and on the moon, one can get a better experience of what it felt like to go to the moon. Unfortunately, these men were scientists, test pilots and engineers. They were not poets or dreamers, they were the doers of our world and these modern day "Renaissance Men" were not able to share the emotion that many of us would have experienced in their boots. I tip my helmet to Al Reinhardt for giving us a glimpse of what it felt like to go there.
Rating:
Summary: For the space enthusiast's heart--not the head!
Review: What makes this a unique addition to the collection of the "space junkie" is that it is a nostalgic look at the Apollo space program. If you are looking for a documentary full of facts, then buy Nova's "To the Moon" or the Discovery Channel's "Blast Off." Deke Slayton's "Moonshot" is also another good documentary on the early space program. What makes this unique is that it allows the knowledgable/obsessed Apollo fan the opportunity to look at these early images of Apollo (and Gemini) footage from the perspective of an artist. Though the film of Ed White's EVA has come under scrutiny due to the fact that it was before Apollo, yet the footage has been enhanced so that it looks sharper and clearer than the original. The footage that has been pieced together contains images that are obscure and commentary that is rare and personal, reflecting the personalities of the men who made these remarkable voyages. It is truly a delight to hear of Pete Conrad's explanation of why he made his "historic" first words when he became the third man on the moon, or to hear Charlie Duke sharing his dream that he had while on the lunar surface. Al Reinhardt is a dramatic director, not a documentary director and this is evident in this work. Apollo buffs are probably aware that he directed two episodes for the HBO miniseries, "From the Earth to the Moon," depicting the Apollo 8 and Apollo 11 missions. I believe that this is a must see series for the space enthusiast as well, for this miniseries depicts the Apollo program at its worst and best, the men and women who made it happen and does so in the best movie traditions. For All Mankind is a movie event that does what the astronauts had such a difficult time expressing: by watching these men in flight and on the moon, one can get a better experience of what it felt like to go to the moon. Unfortunately, these men were scientists, test pilots and engineers. They were not poets or dreamers, they were the doers of our world and these modern day "Renaissance Men" were not able to share the emotion that many of us would have experienced in their boots. I tip my helmet to Al Reinhardt for giving us a glimpse of what it felt like to go there.
Rating:
Summary: A great DVD, lovingly done.
Review: While the sequence of events protrayed on film jumps around a bit, I strongly recommend this DVD to anyone who is a space fan. The DVD is loaded with extra features, astronaut Id (useful when you cannot reconize who is on the screen), full lenght commentary as an extra audio track, and more goodies. The transfer is excellent. The 5.1 audio is great and the video is crisp and clean. I recomment it to you.
Rating:
Summary: For those who want to know more than facts and figures.
Review: Without a doubt the best effort by a documentary/film maker tocapture the real essence of the thoughts & feelings of the men ofthe Apollo missions. The documentary is presented composite style, with all missions and recollections presented as one - and the stunning lunarscapes from Apollos 16 and 17 are intertwined with Ed White's Gemini spacewalk, the Apollo 11 landing and Dave Scott's hammer and feather experiment on Apollo 15. The music by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois enhances the film further and the soundtrack for this film is also worth the purchase.
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