| 
Amazon.com
Originally broadcast in April
and May of 1998, the epic miniseries From the Earth to the Moon was HBO's most
expensive production to date, with a budget of $68 million. Hosted by executive
producer Tom Hanks, the miniseries tackles the daunting challenge of chronicling
the entire history of NASA's Apollo space program from 1961 to 1972. For the most
part, it's a rousing success. Some passages are flatly chronological, awkwardly
wedging an abundance of factual detail into a routine dramatic structure. But
each episode is devoted to a crucial aspect of the Apollo program. The cumulative
effect is a deep and thorough appreciation of NASA's monumental achievement. With
the help of a superlative cast, consistent writing, and a stable of talented directors,
Hanks has shared his infectious enthusiasm for space exploration and the inspiring
power of conquering the final frontier.
NASA's complete participation
in the production lends to its total authenticity, right down to the use of NASA
equipment, launch locations, and even spacecraft. The re-creation of the lunar
landscape is almost as impressive as the real thing and is further enhanced by
the use of helium balloons to lighten the actors playing moon-walking astronauts.
(These and other backstage details are revealed in the "making of" featurette,
along with a wealth of supplemental materials, on a bonus disc in the miniseries'
DVD package.) With a fictional, Walter Cronkite-like TV reporter (Lane Smith)
serving as the dramatic link for all 12 episodes, this ambitious production may
not be a great work of art. But as a generous and definitive example of nonfiction
drama, it's full of the same kind of awe, inspiration, and humanity that led to
"one giant leap" in the all-too-short history of 20th-century space
exploration. --Jeff Shannon
|
