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Imax: Mission to Mir
Warner Bros. // Unrated // October 2, 2001
List Price: $19.99 [Buy now and save at Amazon]
The Movie:
Filmmakers have used the large-format IMAX cameras around the world to transport viewers into the middle of jungles, deserts and other environments that people usually don't get a chance to venture into that often. The obvious next step was to send IMAX filming into space; several movies (including "The Dream Is Alive") have allowed cameras up into space to capture the majesty of space and the astounding sight of Earth from out in the cosmos.
"Mission To Mir" continues upon the format's exploration of space. This time, it focuses on American and Russian astronauts who joined together on the famed Mir space station. Cinematographer James Neihouse (who was also the cinematographer for "Dream Is Alive" and director of "Destiny In Space") captured the footage on the ground, but left things up to the astronauts to capture the goings-on in the space station.
The majority of the film revolves around astronaut Shannon Lucid's stay on the station, which was unexpectedly extended when there were technical problems. The film could have been more heavily involved in this situation, but it smartly balances out the meeting of the minds and friendships that develop between the astronauts of two different nations. This may sound a bit cheesy, but I really found it very inspiring to watch and hear more about the groups working together in the middle of space.
Some of the IMAX films, whether in space or not, do occasionally feel a little dry and slow, but "Mission To Mir" was engaging not only visually, but it also provided an interesting story as we journeyed with the astronauts into space.
The DVD
VIDEO: As with the great majority of IMAX titles, Warner Brothers has presented "Mission To Mir" in 1.33:1 full_frame. Of the several Warner IMAX titles that I've had the pleasure of viewing, "Mission To Mir" stands out as the best in terms of image quality. Sharpness and detail are exceptional and the picture often offers a strong amount of depth to the image.
Although the majority of the presentation looked superb, there were unfortunately still a few minor problems that popped up. I didn't see any print flaws, but there were some minor instances of edge enhancement. I didn't see any pixelation or other problems, though and I don't think that the few very minor flaws that the presentation exhibits will distract viewers. The film was not particularly colorful, but colors did appear accurate and natural. A very nice transfer and the best of Warner's IMAX efforts that I've seen so far.
SOUND: Being that this is the most recently produced of the group of space-related IMAX titles that Warner has produced for DVD (it was released in 1997), I was hoping for an especially strong audio experience and was definitely not let down in the least. IMAX films in general provide remarkable sound experiences; I really don't think I've ever met an IMAX film whose soundtrack I didn't enjoy.
Yet, although I wouldn't rank this among the most remarkable IMAX sound experience, it certainly stood out as a bold example of the large format's often breathtaking sound use. Surrounds are put into constant use throughout the entire documentary, whether for an extremely generous amount of ambient sounds and details or the film's score. The rocket launches that are shown in the film deliver exactly the kind of sound experience home theater fans desire from such sequences; a strong amount of surround use and some very strong low bass.
Audio quality was fantastic; the music came through with remarkable richness, power and warmth, while sounds were captured clearly - from the most delicate to the most thunderous. Dialogue was also clearly captured and always easily understood. This is a terrific Dolby Digital 5.1 presentation that really has a few demo-worthy moments.
MENUS:: Static film-themed menus are included, but the score does play in the background.
EXTRAS:: A 5-minute "making-of" documentary that left me wanting more, but was decently informative as is, as well as an IMAX trailer.
Final Thoughts: One of the most enjoyable IMAX pictures I've seen in a while, "Mission To Mir" provided both awe-inspiring visuals and an inspirational story. The DVD really brings the experience wonderfully to the home theater, providing exceptional audio and video quality. Recommended.
Filmmakers have used the large-format IMAX cameras around the world to transport viewers into the middle of jungles, deserts and other environments that people usually don't get a chance to venture into that often. The obvious next step was to send IMAX filming into space; several movies (including "The Dream Is Alive") have allowed cameras up into space to capture the majesty of space and the astounding sight of Earth from out in the cosmos.
"Mission To Mir" continues upon the format's exploration of space. This time, it focuses on American and Russian astronauts who joined together on the famed Mir space station. Cinematographer James Neihouse (who was also the cinematographer for "Dream Is Alive" and director of "Destiny In Space") captured the footage on the ground, but left things up to the astronauts to capture the goings-on in the space station.
The majority of the film revolves around astronaut Shannon Lucid's stay on the station, which was unexpectedly extended when there were technical problems. The film could have been more heavily involved in this situation, but it smartly balances out the meeting of the minds and friendships that develop between the astronauts of two different nations. This may sound a bit cheesy, but I really found it very inspiring to watch and hear more about the groups working together in the middle of space.
Some of the IMAX films, whether in space or not, do occasionally feel a little dry and slow, but "Mission To Mir" was engaging not only visually, but it also provided an interesting story as we journeyed with the astronauts into space.
The DVD
VIDEO: As with the great majority of IMAX titles, Warner Brothers has presented "Mission To Mir" in 1.33:1 full_frame. Of the several Warner IMAX titles that I've had the pleasure of viewing, "Mission To Mir" stands out as the best in terms of image quality. Sharpness and detail are exceptional and the picture often offers a strong amount of depth to the image.
Although the majority of the presentation looked superb, there were unfortunately still a few minor problems that popped up. I didn't see any print flaws, but there were some minor instances of edge enhancement. I didn't see any pixelation or other problems, though and I don't think that the few very minor flaws that the presentation exhibits will distract viewers. The film was not particularly colorful, but colors did appear accurate and natural. A very nice transfer and the best of Warner's IMAX efforts that I've seen so far.
SOUND: Being that this is the most recently produced of the group of space-related IMAX titles that Warner has produced for DVD (it was released in 1997), I was hoping for an especially strong audio experience and was definitely not let down in the least. IMAX films in general provide remarkable sound experiences; I really don't think I've ever met an IMAX film whose soundtrack I didn't enjoy.
Yet, although I wouldn't rank this among the most remarkable IMAX sound experience, it certainly stood out as a bold example of the large format's often breathtaking sound use. Surrounds are put into constant use throughout the entire documentary, whether for an extremely generous amount of ambient sounds and details or the film's score. The rocket launches that are shown in the film deliver exactly the kind of sound experience home theater fans desire from such sequences; a strong amount of surround use and some very strong low bass.
Audio quality was fantastic; the music came through with remarkable richness, power and warmth, while sounds were captured clearly - from the most delicate to the most thunderous. Dialogue was also clearly captured and always easily understood. This is a terrific Dolby Digital 5.1 presentation that really has a few demo-worthy moments.
MENUS:: Static film-themed menus are included, but the score does play in the background.
EXTRAS:: A 5-minute "making-of" documentary that left me wanting more, but was decently informative as is, as well as an IMAX trailer.
Final Thoughts: One of the most enjoyable IMAX pictures I've seen in a while, "Mission To Mir" provided both awe-inspiring visuals and an inspirational story. The DVD really brings the experience wonderfully to the home theater, providing exceptional audio and video quality. Recommended.
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