With a view that is truly out of this world, Space Station - IMAX, which is narrated by Tom Cruise, provides a unique and entertaining look at the construction of the International Space Station.
The DVD does lose some of the IMAX experience, but the footage shown, which was shot by astronauts onboard the station, is still truly breathtaking.
It provides a look at their world, and a view of ours that many will never see – except through summer blockbuster special effects.
The documentary, which runs about an hour, begins with the concept of working in outer space and the difficulties involved in just reaching the station – such as a two day ride for three astronauts in a Russian rocket the size of a Voltzwagon Beetle.
In addition to some amazing shots of the planet, the film illustrates what it is like to live onboard the station and the different improvements that are being done in various stages.
It also shows how the various astronauts, living on board the station, entertain themselves – such as with Austin Powers jokes.
Cruise narrators each section of the documentary, and does a good job putting very scientific lingo into terms we can all understand.
In addition to shots of space and of Earth, the film stresses the importance of the various work being done on the station, and that its construction involves 16 different countries.
Picture of the space shuttle taken from the space station with Earth in the background
One astronaut even mentions how from the station you can see Earth, but not the various countries that make up the planet – which emphasizes the station is for the benefit of all the world and not a handful of countries.
It also discusses how the station, in future days, might be used to help plan further missions to other planets, help find cures to current diseases, and advance what we know about our own planet.<!--page-->
Space Station Main Menu
Although the filming is amazing to see, the one draw back is that it is not being watched on an IMAX screen. The filming is clear, but is probably more impressive on a larger screen television than on smaller screens.The DVD comes with some special features that add to the overall enjoyment of the film. They include how they filmed the documentary; interviews with the astronauts about why they felt it was important to make the film; and an audiovisual guided tour by two astronauts through the space station: Expedition 7 and STS-108. There is also a great still gallery featuring different angles from the station.
Space Station Special Features
Although you miss out on the IMAX experience, Space Station is still a great DVD to watch and it will keep your interest with its breathtaking camera work and close-up look at what it is like to be an astronaut.
I highly recommend the DVD to anyone wanting to get a unique look at our world that isn’t created on a CGI computer for a summer blockbuster movie.
Space Station – IMAX is available at Amazon and AmazonUK . Visit the film’s database for more information.
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