"Apollo 11" - review

Stupefaction in 70 millimeter!

Being born on July 20th, 1969 guaranteed that I'd be a fervent fan of NASA for my entire life.  I've eagerly read about all the amazing accomplishments prior to and after Apollo 11 landed on the moon and and have always thrilled at that singular, history-making moment when humankind took its first bold steps into the cosmos.  I've watched multiple documentaries multiple times and relished the familiar and yet still inspiring footage again and again.  I thought I had seen it all, and I've never been SO happy to be proved wrong!

Launch pad 39A at Cape Canaveral, Florida on July 16th, 1969.

The crawler which carried the Saturn V to 39A at nearly 1 mph!

"Apollo 11" is the new benchmark in American space documentaries, and I'm still reeling from the initial viewing.  Produced, directed and edited by Todd Douglas Miller, the film is an astounding visual and sonic experience.  The never seen and newly restored archival 70mm footage is colossal and breathtaking.  The images are of such clarity and depth that you feel as if you are actually part of the scene.  I was so awestruck by the detail in every shot that I struggled to believe they were real.  

Michael Collins - Command Module Pilot

Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin - Lunar Module Pilot

Neil Armstrong - Mission Commander

The journey begins!

It is this immersion that makes "Apollo 11" feel so vibrant, arresting and powerful despite the fact that this particular mission has been so thoroughly documented and presented so many times in the five decades since.  As the world watched in unison and celebrated one of the greatest achievements in human history, we can now look back upon that glorious time with a newfound perspective that is as grandiose at it is bittersweet.  While we have left our home planet for the first time, we have still not left behind our fear and ignorance.

You feel like you're standing right there, looking up in awe.

Thousands gathered to witness history with their own eyes.

The propulsive sound and spectacle of the launch is incredible!

Even Mission Control couldn't resist watching from their stations.

As America and the rest of the world continues to grapple with the myriad problems of life on Earth, "Apollo 11" reminds us that there is always the opportunity for discovery, knowledge and glory in the stars.  While such adventures may not directly benefit individual lives, they can still provide inspiration, hope and wonder.  Having struggled myself with fluctuating fortunes throughout my life, it is with a grateful relief that I can take a break from my seemingly trivial challenges and bask in the immensity of the universe and our infinitesimal place within it.

The new footage from space is eye-goggling!

The immortal moment.

Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin fly Eagle back into orbit.

Michael Collins approaches to dock.

Successful splashdown!

The most important reunion!