Movie Review: In the Shadow of the Moon

Rated PG for documentary violence, minor language and incidental smoking, yes incidental smoking not the other kind.
Reviewed by Karl Scott

If asked, what was the most significant event for mankind during my lifetime, I would not hesitate to name the first moon landing. Now available on DVD is the 2007 documentary In the Shadow of the Moon.

Released at film festivals in 2007, it went into limited release in September then disappeared. Now on DVD it is a must see. It tells the entire history of the Apollo space program highlighting the first moon landing and the Apollo 13 near disaster. It is inspiring, touching and important.

The film features many of the still living astronauts who were involved in the program. Chief among them are Buzz Aldrin (the first man “off” the moon) and the Apollo 11 command module pilot Michael Collins. Watching Buzz step foot on the moon and hearing of his final act just before stepping on the surface is a delight.

Conspicuous by his absence is the reclusive first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong. Although NA made it to the Disneyland reopening of Space Mountain (closed from 4/10/03 to 7/15/05 for extensive refurbishment), he declined to make an appearance in this documentary. Shame. The men telling their stories are the only humans ever to travel away from Earth to another celestial body. At this point unless we go back to the moon or on to Mars they will be the last of an elite group.

The documentary covers not just the Apollo program but also the times surrounding the era as well. An appearance by Neil Armstrong’s parents on the quiz show I’ve Got a Secret (1952 to 1967 version) turns out to be wonderfully prophetic. Other commercials and news items from the time period are also included.

Oh, the stories they tell. Watching this group of explorers, all now well into their 70’s and beyond, would be worth the viewing if that’s all there was on the DVD. Most still have a twinkle in their eye and are openly awe inspired by their experiences.

Well directed by David Sington and with an introduction by Director Ron Howard (Apollo 13) this is a documentary not to be missed. For those who were living during the era and remember first hand the events, this documentary is a great walk down memory lane for both the good and tragic moments of the Apollo program. The DVD is generally available for under $15. Blast Off.

Rated 4.0 out of 4.0 A-OK’s