Review: 'Apollo 11 First Steps Edition' Documentary
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- Last Updated: Sunday, 14 July 2019 15:47
- Written by Lupe R Haas
In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of NASA's Apollo 11 mission, the critically acclaimed APOLLO 11: FIRST STEPS EDITION reconstructs the preparation, liftoff, landing and return of Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins after their historic landing on the moon. This documentary includes never-before-seen 70mm footage and audio recordings including footage from the astronaut's cameras.
What was most impressive about watching the documentary on the 7-story IMAX screen at the California Science Center was the birds-eye view of the launch on the giant screen. The liftoff looked like lava rushing out of the rocket thrusters accompanied by the sound of the engines that rattled both your senses and seat. Not even the spectators seen in the film were as close as Miller's found footage.
Miller discovered tons of 70mm reels in the NASA and the National Archives (NARA) along with footage shot on 16mm and 35mm film stock. Watching the old school 70mm film projected onto the 7-story IMAX screen was the best movie-going experience to date. While it looked dated, the quality was astonishing.
The inclusion of mission control footage also captured the mood from inside NASA but Miller also presented the excitement from spectator's view and their reactions are priceless. It definitely gave you the sense as if you were there.
APOLLO 11 provides a complete experience of the momentous occasion, and while some of us were not born yet, this documentary certainly makes you feel like you were there.
if you're in Los Angeles, the documentary will be playing at the California Science Center beginning July 15.