Everyone who was old enough to remember the first moon landing on July 20, 1969 has those images ingrained in their memory. And for those who were not even born at the time, the coverage has been rebroadcast over and over again for this historic event in human history. But this DVD contains many things American viewers might not have seen.
The viewers in the United States were treated to a different coverage than those in the United Kingdom, and for the first time American viewers are able to see and hear what the television audiences saw in 1969.
From the pre-flight breakfast to the exit from the moon, all aspects of the flight are covered, including some special features that American audiences most likely don’t even know about. The British correspondent takes viewers to several locations to give them an up-close-and-personal experience. It is almost like flight school, but without the air sickness.
The July 16,1969 liftoff was captured by both cameras on the ground as well as those in high flying airplanes to view the Saturn V rocket as far as possible before it entered outer space. Even for viewers who have seen this event, this will most likely bring back a feeling of excitement again.
Special Reports by Science Reporter James Burke
The special reports included in the broadcasts include a look at the escape tube which, in case of an emergency before liftoff, the astronauts would jump into and ride down to an underground region. There at the blast escape room, the astronauts could secure themselves and wait while the catastrophe concluded above. They had food and water for 24 hours, in case the entire supply of fuel in the rocket exploded above the ground.
The BBC science reporter James Burke also takes viewers on a tour of the command module, which, by any standards, is small for three grown men. The control panels are shown and the correspondent explains the duties of the different astronauts.
Next is a tour of the specially outfitted plane known today as “the vomit comet” because it can simulate zero gravity. Burke, complete with camera crew, takes this ride and experiences floating in the air, something that home viewers will probably never experience.
And the spacesuit is shown in all its glory so viewers can see exactly what it is that the astronauts wear and how much is involved in their specialized suite. Burke wears and demonstrates the suite which is basically a spaceship in itself.
Bonus Features on the DVD
A bonus feature on the BBC is a short episode from the long-running astronomy show, The Sky at Night, hosted by Patrick Moore. There is also a biography of Sir Patrick Moore.
- Rating: NR (Not Rated)
- Studio: Acorn Media
- Run Time: 118 minutes
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