Review: In the Shadow of the Moon: When the Whole World Looked Up (on DVD)

In the Shadow of the Moon: When the Whole World Looked Up
[DVD 629.454 In]

This is an absolutely marvelous documentary, presented by Ron Howard, in 2008, that covers the Apollo space program. Featuring dozens and dozens of exclusive interviews with astronauts and others involved in America’s efforts to land a man on the Moon. Interspersed with the contemporary interviews are numerous examples of archival footage from the space race. The whole is expertly pieced together with unifying music and superb pacing.

If you’re at all interested in space exploration, and this critical period in American history (1968-1972), you’ll love this film. I’ve seen it aired on television a few times, but this DVD set from the libraries includes several “special features”, including filmmaker commentaries, a short piece on the music score for this film, and over 60 minutes of additional interview footage which didn’t make it to the television airings of the documentaries. For space enthusiasts and anyone interested in inspirational stories of scientific underdogs battling long odds.

[If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try the feature film Apollo 13.] [ Internet Movie Database entry for this film ]

Recommended by Scott C.
Bennett Martin Public Library

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