DVD’s to GO: New release remembers 1969 lunar landing

It may be hard to believe but, in six days, mankind will mark the 40th anniversary of one of our greatest achievements.

On July 20, 1969, the astronauts of Apollo 11 touched down on the moon's surface and Neil Armstrong took that "one small step" that became "a giant leap" for all of us.

The 1989 documentary "For All Mankind" gave audiences the closest inside view of the remarkable Apollo series of missions and the chance to hear the thoughts of the men who flew those missions and walked on the moon.

Now, this breathtaking movie makes its way to DVD and Blu-ray in time for the anniversary.

The film presents vivid and stunning views of Earth and the lunar surface, taken from footage filmed by the astronauts themselves and housed for years in NASA's vaults.

We also hear from several of those who piloted the spaceships and those lucky enough to land—and walk on—the lunar surface.

You'll hear the communication between Mission Control and the astronauts, follow the extensive preparations for the flights and share in the unexpected moments that became highlights of the journeys.

Apollo 11's Armstrong, Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin are all included through archival footage, as is Apollo 13's Jim Lovell, who offers a chilling play by play, so to speak, of his ill-fated mission. Despite knowing how the situation turned out (and have a superior Hollywood film to remind us) it is nearly impossible to watch the footage of the struggle to save the astronaut's lives as they orbit in the cold blackness of space and not feel your palms sweat and your stomach tighten.

"For All Mankind" is a thrilling and spectacular tribute to the tenacity, brilliance and faith of all those who saw the moon and made up their minds we should walk its surface.

The Blu-ray format disc is from the always superior Criterion Collection and has extras, including off-camera interviews, which will, along with state-of-the-art visuals, heighten your enjoyment.

Gather the family or your space-loving friends and remember this astounding real life adventure.

This film has no rating, but contains no objectionable material.

Joe's rating: Four stars.

CLIPS

» As you can tell, the recent flow of new releases has been pretty hit-and-miss (more miss than hit, actually). So consider checking out Season Two of the excellent AMC original series "Mad Men," which arrived in a boxed set this week.

This drama about the personal and professional lives of the movers and shakers in a New York advertising firm during the 1960s is consistently fascinating and absorbing.

» Also, the humorous detective series "Monk," with Emmy, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild award-winner Tony Shaloub as the agoraphobic detective, releases its first three seasons of episodes in a boxed set.

Joe Barber's entertainment reports and reviews can be heard Fridays through Sundays on the WTOP-FM Radio Network (103.5, 103.9, 107.7 & Wtop.com.)