DVD Review: Apollo 11: A Night to Remember: James Burke, Sir Patrick Moore, Paul Vanezis: Movies & TV

Jul04

DVD Review: Apollo 11: A Night to Remember: James Burke, Sir Patrick Moore, Paul Vanezis: Movies & TV

Posted by admin | on 4 July, 10:44 AM

Product Description

Relive the excitement and awe of the first moon landing

Unearthing rare archival footage from the BBC, this two-hour documentary compiles the sights, sounds, and electrifying drama of humanity’s first footsteps on the moon. Astronomer Sir Patrick Moore and veteran newsmen cover events as they happened from the launchpad in Cape Kennedy, mission control in Houston, and the BBC desk in London.

Follow Apollo 11 astronauts from their preflight breakfast on July 16, 1969, to their splashdown in the Pacific eight days later. Share the suspense of countdown, the thunder of blastoff, the epic 218,096-mile flight–and, of course, Neil Armstrong’s “one giant leap for mankind.” Interspersed with this live coverage, BBC reporter James Burke provides helpful–and sometimes hilarious–demonstrations of spaceflight technology, including donning a space suit, touring the Apollo capsule, and experiencing zero gravity.

Now, relive what has been called “the greatest media event of all time,” delivered in the BBC’s inimitable style.

A BOOSTER-ROCKET BLAST FROM THE PAST–& to the moon.,

By Harold Wolf “Doc” (Wells, IN United States) -
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

This DVD is a nostalgic retro-space event for those of an age to remember the moment. It sticks, like Kennedy’s assassination, and the 9-11 terrorist attack. Take quick advantage of ordering this DVD and have it on-hand for the 40th anniversary of the moon walk.

WHY THIS VERSION?
The BBC put together this special, largely made up of actual footage of the mission’s days from July, 1969. Houston space command video was sent around the world, so the US views are included. What’s also added is the British coverage, the BBC presentation, of what they referred to as the height of American technology. Thus, THE BEST OF BOTH WORLD, both sides of the Atlantic.

The BBC coverage begins where the US TV network coverage started, at lift off, July 16, 1969. It carries on to the 20th when “The Eagle has landed” and to the Eastern Daylight Saving time, almost at midnight, for “That’s one small step…”. For the first 2 1/2 hours of Monday the 21st, Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong walked the moon (Mike Collins orbited the moon in the command module). The significant footage is on this DVD, including film from the Lunar Module (LM) camera that was not viewable live back in 1969. The special ends with splashdown on the 24th, but little of that part of the mission, after the moon walk, is included in this DVD.

It is exciting, fun, and almost as suspenseful, to again watch the coverage, as it was 40 years ago. Better for this reviewer, because at the time I was a poor college student without color TV. It brings back the pride and astonishment of the early activity at Cape Kennedy (now reverted back to the original name of Cape Canaveral) and Houston Mission Control.

Presented by Sir Patrick Moore, noted astronomer and BBC personality, it provides educational/scientific insight into the events of the late 1960s. Also provided is FUNNY, factual, and colorful features from the BBC coverage in 1969 through James Burke, reporter, who’s segments included the astronaut’s escape slide, a weightless simulation, and an explanation of the space suit, during which Burke disrobes one piece at a time, down to the scientifically produced underwear, highly absorbent (for you know what) which “works like baby nappies.” In this bit, Burke looks something like Buzz Lightyear, action figure from “Toy Story.”

BONUS or SPECIAL FEATURES are:
_____”The Sky at Night” a segment from Sir Moore’s monthly BBC program which has aired since April, 1957. This part aired September 27, 1960 and shows photos of the far side of the moon taken from the Russian Lunik 3 moon photo launch in October, 1959. Interesting conclusions were made then, prior to the American’s actual moon landing in 1969.
_____Sir Patrick Moore Biography
_____SUBTITLES for the feature AND for the biography.

Fantastic for schools and teachers. Awesome for those old enough to remember watching the live nighttime TV coverage in the USA.
Search Apollo 11: A Night to Remember: James Burke, Sir Patrick Moore, Paul Vanezis: Movies & TV from AmAzon

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