Movie:
The Dream is Alive, originally released in the IMAX format in 1985, is narrated Walter Cronkite, written by Toni Myers, and directed by Graeme Ferguson. The film consists mainly of footage shot in space by astronauts. The film was meant as a public service, presented by both the National Air and Space Museum and the Lockheed Corporation, and filmed with the cooperation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

The Dream is Alive offers viewers a rare and exciting glimpse of what its like to be an astronaut. The film takes a look at astronaut training, shuttle launches, satellite repairs, shuttle landings, and shuttle retrieval. One of the highlights of the film is a tour of the inside of the orbiter, along with descriptions of what various areas of the shuttle are used for. The film concludes with footage and narration about the first satellite repair performed in space.

I've only seen a handful of IMAX films prior to this one and all of them I've seen on my home theater system, as there isn't an IMAX theater around where I live. The Dream is Alive, though, is one of the best, as it is genuinely interesting, informative, and entertaining. I recommend viewing this film and Blue Planet together, as they compliment each other nicely.

Picture:
The Dream is Alive is presented in 1.33:1, which is the closest aspect ratio to the original IMAX presentation. The transfer is terrific, hampered only by some grain, a few specks, and a slight bit of excessive edge enhancement. Colors and contrast are excellent with terrific detail.

Sound:
The Dream is Alive features a remastered Dolby Digital 5.1 track in English or French. Simply put, the 5.1 track is awesome – surrounds are active from the beginning and are used frequently throughout. You get not one, but two, terrific space shuttle launches that sound absolutely terrific. Dialogue throughout the film is crisp and clean with no distortion that I could detect. Optional subtitles are available in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Extras:
The only extra is the IMAX trailer.

Summary:
Fans of other IMAX films, or those interested in seeing life as an astronaut both in training and in the shuttle, should definitely see The Dream is Alive. The film, courtesy of Warner, is presented with terrific picture and breathtaking sound. Though virtually no extras are included, the relatively low MSRP makes this an easy purchase if you're interested. Recommended!