Plot: What’s it about?
Great re-telling of one of the landmark events of the 20th century. Ron Howard directs an all star cast led by Tom Hanks (Jim Lovell), Bill Paxton (Fred Haise) and Gary Sinise (Ken Mattingly). It’s 1970, we had already walked on the moon, and it was believed that interest in the space program was fading. We were still sending astronats into space, and at great cost. It wasn’t even for sure if the mission of Apollo 13 would even happen. As we all know, it did. Hanks brings about yet another great character to add to his list. This movie is entertaining, but more yet—it’s all true!
A bad fuse or valve is the cause for the whole ordeal, but watching the movie is a great experience. This is in, my opinion, Ron Howard’s best film. A great supporting cast with Kevin Bacon, Ed Harris and Kathleen Quinlan make this movie one to see…over and over again!
Video: How does it look?
Part of Universal’s “Collector’s Edition” series, this disc is 16:9 enhanced. I would love to see this on a HDTV! A good majority of the movie, obviously, takes place in space, and looks great! Yet another argument for anamorphic enhancement.
Audio: How does it sound?
Another great movie for audio. From all the directional effects of things blowing up and rockets going off, to the great soundtrack by James Horner (Titanic). No speaker goes unused. A great movie for sound.
Supplements: What are the extras?
I haven’t even been able to see (or hear) everything that this disc has. Two audio commentaries, a one hour documentary and the movie itself account for over ten hours worth of material! Along with the usual Universal Production Notes and Cast bios…awesome. Worth the pricetag!
