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Author
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Topic: Apollo 11 (Neon/CNN Films documentary)
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Blackarrow
Member Posts: 3471
From: Belfast, United Kingdom
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 07-01-2019 04:39 PM
  
I saw "Apollo 11" today on a cinema screen and, quite simply, it was breathtaking. I don't mind admitting I shed a few tears, partly because I remember it all so clearly, and partly because the blend of images, sound and music was just about perfect. I never thought I would see such a beautifully-produced documentary about Apollo 11.I have no criticisms of the film — I understand the inclusion of those classic scenes of staging, and it was glorious seeing them in high definition on a huge screen. The inclusion of Apollo 17 splashdown footage is a bit more of a stretch, but understandable given the fact that the splashdown of Apollo 11 was not filmed. I am thankful the makers didn't succumb to the temptation of showing Buzz Aldrin descending the ladder and trying to pass it off as Neil Armstrong - one of my pet hates. Robert, since you were one of the expert advisers, may I ask about the following: - There is footage of Apollo 11 climbing through a thin layer of cloud and its shadow darting off to the horizon. It is a stunning sequence. Was it considered for inclusion?
- Why was the restored TV showing Armstrong's first steps not included? I would agree that the movie footage (although poorly focused) is much clearer, but the TV footage has obvious iconic value.
- Footage exists of the Apollo 11 SM burning up and the CM re-entering the atmosphere. Were they considered for inclusion?
The precise way a film like this is put together is a matter for the filmmaker. I might have done some things differently, but that's not the point. Was this film a success? Absolutely. It is a wonderful, spectacular tribute to the success of Apollo 11, and it was particularly gratifying that the workforce who made it all possible was generously acknowledged. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 48558
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-01-2019 05:20 PM
Geoffrey, glad you enjoyed the film!With regards to scene selection, I think Todd's (director) desire was to show as much of the 70mm footage as possible, which sometimes meant foregoing other film sources within the constraints of the 90-minute run time. The team did review all of the available footage before editing the film together. As for the TV coverage of Armstrong's first steps, it is in the film, shown on the front screen in Mission Control. Todd chose to stay with the 16mm footage though, for the reason you cite: the TV is iconic, whereas the 16mm of the same is not as often seen. |
Kite
Member Posts: 1037
From: Northampton UK
Registered: Nov 2009
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posted 07-02-2019 04:59 AM
I too watched the film last night at a new cinema at Rushden Lakes on the IMAX screen. Absolutely loved it and like you Geoffrey I remember the event so well and this film did not disappoint at all. It brought everything back so vividly. The excitement still built even though we all knew the outcome. On a personal note I feel so privileged to have met so many of the participants which at that time I would never have thought possible.
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Blackarrow
Member Posts: 3471
From: Belfast, United Kingdom
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 07-02-2019 07:05 AM
Robert, thanks for the insight. The 70mm film really makes this special, so I understand the desire to give it priority.One other point: I was mesmerized by the combination of images and music when the John Stewart song "Mother Country" was playing. To be honest, I had never heard of John Stewart and at first I thought it was Johnny Cash, but it was a very powerful segment. I'm sure it must mean even more to American viewers, but it certainly had the little hairs on the back of my foreign neck standing to attention. |
Ian Limbrey
Member Posts: 170
From: England
Registered: Nov 2012
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posted 07-02-2019 11:43 AM
Like you Kite, meeting these guys in the UK was amazing and an unexpected experience. I had a boss who worked for Dave Scott after he had left NASA (circa 1980) and my boss used to play first team cricket foe Essex in the mid 70s. I mentioned my boss's name to Dave immediately when I met him and got this amazing connection with him but all Dave appeared to want to talk about was cricket rather than his Apollo 15 mission, absolutely incredible! |
Kite
Member Posts: 1037
From: Northampton UK
Registered: Nov 2009
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posted 07-02-2019 02:05 PM
Wow Ian, an American understanding cricket! As you say, absolutely incredible. |
Mike Dixon
Member Posts: 1625
From: Kew, Victoria, Australia
Registered: May 2003
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posted 07-02-2019 04:45 PM
Some Americans call it a blood sport given the ball density. My Seattle born wife is a total convert. |
AlanLawrie
Member Posts: 102
From: hitchin, herts, UK
Registered: Oct 2003
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posted 07-03-2019 11:09 AM
I saw the film twice at the local IMAX and, as they've extended the showings for another couple of weeks, I'll probably go again. Both showings were completely full and they added late night screenings at 10:20pm. Incidentally next Tuesday at the local cinema there is a choice of Apollo films. As well as the Apollo 11 film there is the premier of the Armstrong film together with a live Q&A.I have a few questions on the Apollo 11 film if I may? Which NARA facility was the 70mm film found in? Was it coincidence that Theo filmed Moonwalk 1 (Apollo 11) in 70mm as well as other film makers filming from Apollo 8 to 13 in the same format or was it some coordinated effort? What percentage of the Apollo 11 film was from Theo's Moonwalk 1 (either the released film or out-takes) and what from "the other film makers"? Moonwalk 1 was released on DVD around 10 years ago (as I recall made from the only surviving print) and is due for BR release this month. Are either (or both) formats taken from 70mm film? Was the film used in Moonwalk 1 found at NARA or only unused out-takes (in addition to the film from other film makers)? Is the full range of 70mm film from Apollo 8 to 13 going to be made available to the public eg BR? As I recall the Apollo 11 film shows Duke saying "we copy you down" but not the "bunch of guys about to turn blue" part. I vaguely recall hearing that the camera man ran out of film between the two sentences. Was that the case? By the way, the BBC has an Apollo 11 DVD box coming out which contains many extras, not the least of which, are the two programmes broadcast on the 10th anniversary in 1979 which I believe have never been re-broadcast again or available since 1979. |
ea757grrl
Member Posts: 777
From: South Carolina
Registered: Jul 2006
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posted 07-03-2019 12:16 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Blackarrow:
...it was a very powerful segment. I'm sure it must mean even more to American viewers, but it certainly had the little hairs on the back of my foreign neck standing to attention.
That whole sequence is a masterpiece of music editing, scene selection and just plain artistry, and it's electric. My personal favorite moment is when you see USS Hornet right when the lyrics go "...and would you look at her! Oh, she never looked finer or went better than today!" Every time I see that, I grin. I don't know if that was an intentional editing decision, but...oh, it's perfect. (Especially since that was one of Hornet's finest moments.) It's part of the beautiful genius of this movie - that, and even though I know a few of the clips I'm seeing weren't from Apollo 11, it's minimal and it doesn't spoil the effect. The story is allowed to tell itself, and the suspense you feel at the tense moments is earned. It's magnificent filmmaking, and even though I already knew the story of Apollo 11 like the back of my hand, I feel like I've rediscovered it somehow. |
mprender
Member Posts: 23
From: Winston Salem North Carolina
Registered: Apr 2015
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posted 07-03-2019 02:17 PM
From The Digital Bits website... Now then... you may recall our enthusiasm for the recent Apollo 11 documentary, which we've reviewed on Blu-ray here at The Bits. I've just learned that iTunes now has it available for sale digitally in full 4K with HDR. (Thanks to Bits reader Glen O. for the heads-up!) Which means, just as I suspected, there IS a 4K master ready. And I have a strong feeling that not only will there be a 4K Ultra HD release of the film later this year ('cause reasons)... I also have a feeling it will be announced in the next 2-3 weeks, because the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing is on July 20th. So fingers crossed. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 48558
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 07-03-2019 02:21 PM
quote:
Originally posted by AlanLawrie:
Which NARA facility was the 70mm film found in?
The film was found in NARA II in College Park, Maryland. quote:
...or was it some coordinated effort?
It was a coordinated effort that began within NASA and then grew into a documentary project by MGM, which after being canceled was again resumed by NASA with Theo Kamecke directing. quote:
What percentage of the Apollo 11 film was from Theo's Moonwalk 1 (either the released film or out-takes) and what from "the other film makers"?
We have not worked out a percentage (we probably should) but Kamecke used the work of the other filmmakers (primarily two cameramen) in creating "Moonwalk One" as well. Kamecke's major contribution to the filming effort were the shots within Mission Control during the Apollo 11 mission. quote:
Are either (or both) formats taken from 70mm film?
No, neither. And the "Moonwalk One" Blu-ray is just a straight transfer from the earlier DVD. Our film archivist, Stephen Slater, worked on the DVD and would like to do a re-cut of "Moonwalk One" with the full frame 70mm footage, but that is a project still in the future. quote:
Was the film used in Moonwalk 1 found at NARA or only unused out-takes (in addition to the film from other film makers)?
All of the film shot for "Moonwalk One," whether used or not, and the other 70mm film shot by other filmmakers was part of the archive found and scanned. quote:
Is the full range of 70mm film from Apollo 8 to 13 going to be made available to the public eg BR?
All of the scanned film will be turned over to NARA in 8K and 4K formats. It will then be up to others to release other films or compilations for public consumption. The National Archives will have the digital archive in hand and ready for others to use sometime in 2020. quote:
Was that the case?
The camera operator turned off the camera between the two lines being delivered. quote:
By the way, the BBC has an Apollo 11 DVD box coming out which contains many extras...
Just to clarify for others, the BBC project is separate from "Apollo 11" (the documentary). |
AlanLawrie
Member Posts: 102
From: hitchin, herts, UK
Registered: Oct 2003
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posted 07-03-2019 06:07 PM
Many thanks Robert for your comprehensive reply. |
Blackarrow
Member Posts: 3471
From: Belfast, United Kingdom
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 07-04-2019 03:50 PM
For the first time in 42 years, I went back to the cinema today for a second viewing of a film, three days after my first viewing of "Apollo 11." The thrill was undiminished. Surely the Oscars beckon...For the record, the last film I saw twice in the cinema within a few days was in 1977, a little sci-fi melodrama called "Star Wars." Anyone heard of it? |
Space Cadet Carl
Member Posts: 290
From: Lake Orion, MI
Registered: Feb 2006
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posted 07-08-2019 08:23 AM
There's a couple seconds of 70mm footage of the bottom portion of the Saturn V leaving the pad, where you can see the first ten feet of cooler exhaust coming from the F-1's before you see any of the more brilliant exhaust. Anyone that's seen that few seconds of footage in the film mentions how surreal that looks. I explain that RP-1 was essentially kerosene and people are just amazed. |
SpaceDust
Member Posts: 122
From: Louisville, KY
Registered: Mar 2006
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posted 07-08-2019 10:03 AM
From the University of Louisville's Gheens Science Hall & Rauch Planetarium website for July 20, 2019. What better way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing than by watching the critically acclaimed movie, "Apollo 11" at the planetarium. The free screenings are at 4:30 PM and 7 PM. No reservations or tickets - admission and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. |
Ted
Member Posts: 32
From: UK
Registered: Sep 2014
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posted 07-08-2019 03:57 PM
Very much enjoyed it. Loads of footage I've never seen before, and lots of the familiar footage is shown from different angles. The perspective of the film is refreshing too.Along with "In the Shadow of the Moon" and "Last Man on the Moon," it's brilliant. Highly recommended. |
canyon42
Member Posts: 241
From: Ohio
Registered: Mar 2006
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posted 07-11-2019 07:16 PM
Saw the film at the Air Force museum this morning, but it was the shortened IMAX version. It was good but only half the length of the full film, so now I'm curious what was missing! |
OLDIE
Member Posts: 328
From: Portsmouth, England
Registered: Sep 2004
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posted 07-12-2019 03:32 AM
I saw the film in a cinema yesterday. Having watched the TV programme "8 Days to the Moon and Back" on the previous day, I wondered how the two would compare. Whilst the TV programme was interesting, the film was AWESOME!I particularly liked the inclusion of "camera in the crowd" and aerial helicopter crowd shots. They gave the impression that you were actually there in the midst of that wonderful day. The soundtrack perfectly matched the scenes and it was great to see not only Robert Pearlman, but also collectSPACE mentioned in the final credits. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 48558
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 08-22-2019 11:12 PM
quote:
Originally posted by GACspaceguy:
When it releases how do we get the cool poster?
Neon has now released the "Apollo 11" poster for sale. The cinematic event 50 years in the making. 27" x 40" Theatrical One-Sheet Poster for Apollo 11. |
astro-nut
Member Posts: 1025
From: Washington, IL
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 08-25-2019 02:55 PM
I, too, purchased this DVD at Barnes & Nobles. Have not watched it yet, but will along with the others. |
David C
Member Posts: 1348
From: Lausanne
Registered: Apr 2012
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posted 08-25-2019 03:01 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Robert Pearlman:
...questions about the source of the brief scene showing the ignition of the S-IVB at the start of the TLI scene — and that is from Apollo 9.
Sorry if this has already been answered Robert, but where was the Apollo 9 S-IVB ignition footage taken from? |
David C
Member Posts: 1348
From: Lausanne
Registered: Apr 2012
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posted 08-26-2019 03:46 AM
Answer, S-IVB filmed with a DAC from Gumdrop at about 004:46 MET at the start of their fourth rev. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 48558
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 10-24-2019 12:52 PM
"Apollo 11" has received its first awards season nominations: - Best Documentary nominee at the Independent Filmmakers Project (IFP) Gotham Awards, Dec. 2, 2019;
- Feature Documentary, Best Editing and Best Music Score nominee at the International Documentary Association (IDA) Documentary Awards, Dec. 7, 2019
- Best Documentary Feature, Best Director, Best Editing, Best Score, Best Archival Documentary and Best Science/Nature Documentary nominee at the Critics' Choice Documentary Awards, Nov. 10, 2019.
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Space Cadet Carl
Member Posts: 290
From: Lake Orion, MI
Registered: Feb 2006
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posted 10-24-2019 01:31 PM
All nominations well deserved. I've shown the Blu-Ray version to a few people and they're amazed by how sharp that unearthed 70mm film footage is and also the brilliant "you are there" presentation. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 48558
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 11-10-2019 08:28 PM
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) announced the winners of the fourth annual Critics' Choice Documentary Awards tonight (Nov. 10) and "Apollo 11" was the big winner! "Apollo 11" took home the evening's most prestigious award for Best Documentary Feature as well as Best Editing for Todd Douglas Miller, Best Score for Matt Morton, Best Archival Documentary, and Best Science/Nature Documentary. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 48558
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 11-19-2019 06:05 PM
"Apollo 11" has been nominated for Outstanding Producer of Documentary Motion Pictures by the Producers Guild of America (PGA). The Producers Guild Awards honor excellence in motion picture and television productions, as well as the most notable names in the industry shaping the producing profession. The Guild's awards have been established as a bellwether for the Academy Awards, as PGA winners often predict the winners at the Oscars.The winners will be honored at the Producers Guild's Awards ceremony January 18, 2020 at the Hollywood Palladium. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 48558
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 11-22-2019 12:16 PM
"Apollo 11" has been nominated for Best Documentary at the Film Independent Spirit Awards. The 2020 Spirit Awards take place February 8, 2020, broadcast live on IFC. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 48558
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 11-22-2019 01:41 PM
Great news! NEON is re-releasing "Apollo 11": The cinematic event 50 years in the making returns to select IMAX theaters for one week only, starting December 6. |
Dwight
Member Posts: 603
From: Germany
Registered: Dec 2003
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posted 11-25-2019 06:48 PM
This is outstanding news. It is so heartening to see friends of mine who have worked so hard on this film be rewarded with its huge success. |
Philip
Member Posts: 6149
From: Brussels, Belgium
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 11-26-2019 02:06 AM
Will this become available on Blu-ray? |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 48558
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 11-26-2019 04:00 AM
"Apollo 11" was released on Blu-ray by Universal Pictures in the U.S. (Region A/1) in May (with a digital 4K copy) and in the UK (all Regions) by Dogwoof in 4K/UHD in November. |
1202 Alarm
Member Posts: 465
From: Switzerland & France
Registered: Nov 2003
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posted 11-26-2019 04:59 AM
Got my Blu-Ray (Euro region, with English and French soundtracks) last week, ordered from Amazon.fr (the 4K version is also in stock). |
Dwight
Member Posts: 603
From: Germany
Registered: Dec 2003
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posted 11-26-2019 04:58 PM
I got my Blu-ray from the USA. I can't play it on my 55" screen as it is Region A, but I am a strong believer in supporting colleagues who have put their heart and soul into a project. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 48558
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 12-16-2019 05:48 PM
"Apollo 11" has been shortlisted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for Best Documentary Feature!"Apollo 11" is one of 15 films that will advance in the Documentary Feature category for the 92nd Academy Awards. One hundred fifty-nine (159) films were submitted in the category. Members of the Documentary Branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees. Nominations voting begins on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020 and concludes on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020. Nominations for the 92nd Academy Awards will be announced on Monday, Jan. 13, 2020. |
Blackarrow
Member Posts: 3471
From: Belfast, United Kingdom
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 12-16-2019 08:03 PM
I think the other nominees will have to be pretty up-and-walking good to beat "Apollo 11." |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 48558
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 01-07-2020 04:26 AM
"Apollo 11" has been nominated for Best Documentary by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).The 73rd EE British Academy Film Awards will be held on Feb. 2, 2020 at the Royal Albert Hall in London. |
DChudwin
Member Posts: 1120
From: Lincolnshire IL USA
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 01-13-2020 02:39 PM
Shocked to hear that "Apollo 11" was not nominated for Best Documentary in the Oscar race. |
Blackarrow
Member Posts: 3471
From: Belfast, United Kingdom
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 01-13-2020 04:39 PM
Yes, that is shocking. I can't wait to learn what unwatchable dross gets the big prize. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 48558
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 01-13-2020 05:36 PM
While it would have been great to have been nominated, that is not a reason to put down the other films in the category. All have been highly praised and the one I have had a chance to see thus far ("American Factory") was excellent. |
Blackarrow
Member Posts: 3471
From: Belfast, United Kingdom
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 01-13-2020 05:51 PM
What can I say? I back my team. The other teams all suck. Which of us has never said that? Whichever documentary wins, I won't be going to the cinema twice to watch it. |
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