Rating: 
Summary: A Must for Every DVD Collection
Review: If you can buy only one DVD this year, "Apollo 13" should be your choice.Despite the fact that a vast number of the audience knows the outcome of this movie before it even begins, the film is an excellent example of suspense-building artistry and movie-making craft. Director Ron Howard, an amazing cast and an incredible crew (with superb digital work by Digital Domain), have created a work of art that will glue you to your chair, make you laugh, make you cry, and convince you that, yes, the geeky-looking guy with a pocket protector and horn-rimmed glasses may indeed be a "steely-eyed missile man" or better yet... a true hero. The special effects in this movie must be mentioned, yet it is difficult to know how to express just how awesome they are. They are perfection, to put it simply. Not overdone or intrusive, but still beautifully executed and seamlessly integrated into the story. One other note: I watched "Apollo 13" all the way through twice (on VHS) without ever even wondering how they managed the weightlessness. The effects are *that* good and the story is *that* compelling. If the incredible story, flawless cinematography and special effects, beautiful score and awesome cast aren't enough (and they are for me!), the extras on the DVD version make this a must-have for every DVD owner. With two full-length audio commentary tracks (one by director Ron Howard, the other by Marilyn and Jim Lovell), and an hour-long documentary detailing not only the making of the movie, but interviews with the real Apollo 13 crew and mission controllers, plus extra production notes (and the usual trailer), there are easily 7 hours of entertainment on this one DVD. For those who remember the agony of awaiting their return as well as those to whom this story is brand new, there is something for everyone in this love letter to the Apollo program and to the heroic men for whom the entire world stopped some 30 years ago.
Rating: 
Summary: The greatest triumphant failure in history? Close.
Review: After reading the book, (all true fans should, by the way) this movie, as most do, seems to slide into the slightly thin side. In fact, the movie-makers didn't have time or space to detail all that befell the flight, spending time instead on scene-setting and character-building. A shame, for what you have here is a professionally-done retelling of a tale which too many of us don't know. The events of the film sum up much that was good and bad about American attitudes towards the Space Race, and usually manages to steer clear of jingoism. Wonderful, wonderful music from James Horner supplements a solid cast, of whom Ed Harris gets most praise for his portrayal of Gene Kranz, a flight director who just won't give up. Not the real thing, then, but an incredible simulation.
Rating:
Summary: Worth it just for the the commentry by Jim & Marilyn Lovell
Review: I have been a big fan of Apollo 13 ever since it was in the cinemas. Like most people I always wondered what sections are true and what sections were added in by Ron Howard. When you turn on the commentry by the Lovells it makes it feel as if Captain James Lovell is in the room with you explaining the movie. He explains what sections are true and which were artistic license. Even if you are not a fan of this movie or own the VHS version it is worth buying just for the commentry by Jim and Marilyn Lovell.
Rating:
Summary: Phenomenal DVD Package
Review: Apollo 13 is an excellent movie about a fascinating story. However, many times, when one sees a movie of a historical account like this, one wonders how accurate the movie is. Well, have no fear. This DVD supplies commentary by Jim Lovell, and his wife Marylin, who tell you what was actually said, happened, didn't happen both during the mission and at home, how they reacted to different situations, how the actors portrayed them, and what moments were created by the director or exaggerrated. Plus, Jim Lovell explains aspects of space travel, mission training, what the astronauts were doing in key situations, etc. It is like a personal documentary that verifies the movie. Throw in a "making of" documentary with NASA footage, interviews, etc., plus other DVD goodies like 5.1 digital dolby, filmmaker commentary, trailer, etc. and it simply represents everything I expect from a DVD as a DVD owner.
Rating:
Summary: All DVDs should be made this way!
Review: This is by far Ron Howard's best work. Not only was the filming done in as realistic manner as possible, but terrific editing work leave the film devoid of empty spots. Each scene meaningfully contributes to the story, and each shot. In addition to first-rate direction, there are many strong performances in this film, chief of which is Ed Harris's protrayal as the unflappable Flight Director, Gene Krantz and Gary Sinise as left-behind astronaut Ken Mattingly. The rest of the cast is solid as well, but Harris and Sinise shine. The film took great pains to be accurate in the recreation of the setting, as did "Titanic", but far exceeded "Titanic" in the accuracy of its execution. There were a couple of places where license was taken (such as the vantage point Mattingly had during the launch; noone would have benn allowed anywhere near that location), but were noted by Ron Howard in his commentary. This DVD is the complete package and includes a lot of stuff that will aid in understanding both the mission and the movie: "The Lost Moon" a 'making of' feature; running commentary by Ron Howard on how the movie was made; running commentary by Jim Lovell on what actually happened during the mission; and a the theatrical trailer. All DVDs should have these features, as it really enhanced the total experience of the film. It also makes releases that lack such features pale by comparison. If you have any interest in the space program at all, this is a <must have>!
Rating:
Summary: AWSOME
Review: A great movie that is why iam buying i
Rating:
Summary: Apollo 13 is one of the best movies ever made...
Review: The suspense of this true drama is enticing even though the ending is an historical legend. I never cease to be amazed by the intensity of this film. It will grip you like no other, and must be a part of your collection, so that it can be viewed again and again. Fine performances by an all star cast, awesome cinematography, and the reality based script are only a few of the reasons this film is a classic.
Rating:
Summary: This movie really took me there!!
Review: Ron Howard did a excellent job directing this movie. Tom Hanks and Ed Harris was great as usual. I can relate to the time the events actually took place. I watched this movie on DVD with a home theater system, the sounds are so life like. This movie is a must for your collection.
Rating:
Summary: Great effects
Review: Need to say? The effects are simply gorgeous, and the DVD extras are great. Got 30 bucks? Buy this DVD instead of anything
Rating:
Summary: BEST DVD EVER
Review: If you read all of the other reviews, you know how great this movie is. So, why do you need the DVD? Put simply, this is the best DVD ever created. It has a wonderful, anamorphic picture, amazing surround sound, TONS OF EXTRAS - including 2 commentary tracks that explore the movie from two different points of view - etc., etc., etc.... If this was the only DVD movie you could ever see or own, the cost of the player would still be worth it! Jeremy
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