For All Mankind 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Criterion's release of "For All Mankind" on 4K UHD Blu-ray presents an exemplary restoration effort that brings the historic lunar landing and missions to life with unprecedented clarity and depth. The film, originally shot in 16 mm format using modified Mauer "data acquisition" cameras, is presented in both its original aspect ratio of 1.33:1 and the theatrical 1.85:1 ratio. The restoration, supervised by the late Al Reinert and approved before his death, utilizes a 4K transfer from the 35mm negative blowup of the original footage, capturing the pioneering essence and rawness of the moon missions with a level of detail that reinforces the documentary's authenticity and immediacy.

In terms of video quality, the 4K UHD presentation, enhanced with Dolby Vision HDR, showcases superior color reproduction and depth, making the cosmic visuals more vivid and immersive. Despite the inherent challenges of the source material, including varying levels of film grain and softness due to the 16mm origin, the restoration team has achieved a remarkable balance, improving density levels and fine-tuning grain structure, which results in tighter, more consistent imagery even in heavily grained sequences. This attention to detail extends to color grading as well, with HDR adding nuanced shades to the bright lunar surface and the deep blacks of space, creating a more dynamic visual experience without losing the footage's original character.

Choosing between the two aspect ratios offered is largely a matter of personal preference, with the 1.33:1 version providing a window into the astronauts' direct POV and the 1.85:1 offering a more conventional cinematic experience. Regardless of preference, both presentations are a testament to Criterion's dedication to preserving and honoring the film's historical significance and aesthetic integrity. The restoration not only respects the documentary's raw and genuine nature but also enhances it, making "For All Mankind" a more compelling document of human achievement for contemporary audiences.

The audio presentation of the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "For All Mankind" hews closely to its 2009 edition, delivering a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that offers an ambient, though not groundbreaking, auditory experience. Featuring the same mix without noticeable enhancements, this release relies heavily on the emotional and atmospheric heft carried by Brian Eno's score and the astronauts' narrations. These elements are well-preserved across versions, presenting a consistency that ensures the film's auditory legacy remains intact. Dialogue and sound effects, originating from a variety of archival sources, vary in fidelity – from crystal clear to noticeably dated, reflecting the technical limitations of the era's recordings.

Surround sound usage is conservative, with the mix primarily front-focused, maximizing clarity and focus for the dialogue and score. Significant uses of the surround channels are few but impactful, such as during the launch sequence or when incorporating audio from the Apollo 13 mission, creating moments of heightened immersion. Despite this restraint, the audio mix succeeds in enveloping the viewer within its historical narrative, subtly enhancing the visual journey through strategic employment of the rear channels to add depth to the soundscape.

Subtitles are thoughtfully provided in two formats: one that identifies individuals on screen, and another that combines these identifications with traditional SDH content for accessibility. Such inclusion underlines the release's dedication to enhancing viewer understanding and engagement with the film’s content. Although the audio experience remains largely unchanged from its previous release, it effectively supports the documentary’s aim to immerse and educate, serving as a faithful auditory companion to the visual splendor of "For All Mankind.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray extra presentation of "For All Mankind" offers an enriching and comprehensive suite that enhances the viewing experience significantly. The archival commentary by filmmaker Al Reinert and astronaut Eugene Cernan brings a personal, in-depth look into the Apollo missions, echoed across both 4K and Blu-ray formats. "An Accidental Gift" and "On Camera," along with "Paintings From the Moon," offer unique insights into the creative process and the astronauts' experiences, directly from those who lived them. The "NASA Audio Highlights" and "3, 2, 1…Blast Off!" provide poignant and thrilling snippets of history. Moreover, the inclusion of Alan Bean's art in HD, with his own commentary, adds an emotional, humanizing touch to the space exploration story. The disc's versatility is solidified with educational and nostalgic extras like the launch footage and insightful documentaries, making it an indispensable collection for both historians and enthusiasts alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Archival audio featuring filmmaker Al Reinert and astronaut Eugene Cernan.
• An Accidental Gift: A look into Al Reinert’s use of NASA’s film repository, featuring insights from various NASA personnel.
• On Camera: Al Reinert compiles on-camera interviews with Apollo astronauts, offering rare visual insights.
• Paintings From the Moon: A showcase of Alan Bean’s space-inspired paintings, with personal commentary.
• NASA Audio Highlights: A collection of iconic NASA mission sound bites, capturing pivotal moments in space history.
• 3, 2, 1… Blast Off!: Launch footage of NASA's major rocket boosters, highlighting the technological journey of the space program.
• Booklet: A 28-page companion featuring essays, illustrations, and technical credits.

In the realm of cinematic explorations of NASA's Apollo missions, Al Reinert’s 1989 film For All Mankind, masterfully presented in 4K UHD Blu-ray by Criterion, distinguishes itself not merely as a documentary but as a profound experience, revitalizing a monumental epoch in human history. The film, resonating deeply with emotions of pride and nostalgia, encapsulates the united fervor and optimism that enveloped America and the entire world during the race to the Moon. Reinert's homage is meticulously constructed through evocative archival footage, underscored by Brian Eno’s hypnotic soundtrack, creating an immersive narrative that transcends traditional documentary storytelling. The raw and meticulously refurbished visual elements, drawn from NASA’s own archives, imbue the film with an authenticity and clarity that bridge historical retrospect with visceral immediacy, allowing viewers to partake in the once-in-a-lifetime journey alongside Armstrong, Aldrin, and Collins.

This Criterion release, endowed with supplementary features including an archival audio commentary and on-screen interviews with Apollo astronauts, enhances the viewing experience by weaving a comprehensive tapestry of personal anecdotes and expert analyses. The innovative decision to leave the myriad voices in the archival footage unidentified initially fosters a collective identity for humanity's endeavor, though optional on-screen titles now offer viewers a guide through the historic voyage. The painstaking restoration abets in capturing the granular detail of the Moon’s surface and the grandeur of space exploration, overcoming the inherent limitations of the original film elements to present a visually arresting chronicle.

For All Mankind transcends its documentary genre to become a unique testament to human ambition and achievement. Its reissue in 4K UHD Blu-ray not only preserves the integrity and impact of the original film but elevates it, offering both newcomers and aficionados of space history a vicarious passage through time. As much an experience as it is an exposition, it invites contemplation on what was accomplished and dreams of future possibilities, making it a pivotal piece in both cinema and space exploration lore.

Al Reinert's "For All Mankind" transcends mere documentary filmmaking by delivering an unparalleled portrayal of the historic July 20, 1969, lunar landing. This film is not just a recount of events but an immersive experience that transports viewers back in time, capturing the essence and atmosphere of one of humanity's monumental achievements. The anticipation for the 4K UHD Blu-ray release is justified, as it promises to breathe new life into this masterpiece with its stunning 4K restoration. This release is not only a significant upgrade for film collectors but also sets a new standard for the presentation of documentaries, underscoring the importance of revisiting and upgrading these historical representations to the highest available quality.

The Criterion Collection's release of "For All Mankind" in 4K Ultra HD is a testament to their commitment to excellence. The film itself has long been hailed as one of the most accessible and mesmerizing documentaries on the Apollo moon missions, and this upgrade reinforces that standing. The superb Dolby Vision transfer offered in two aspect ratios, coupled with the original audio mix and an array of insightful bonus features—including the exceptional audio commentary by Al Reinert and Eugene Cernan—enhances the viewing experience significantly. This release is not just an asset for enthusiasts but serves as a compelling educational tool that will captivate generations, making it a must-watch and a must-own.

In conclusion, "For All Mankind" on 4K UHD Blu-ray is a monumental achievement in documentary film preservation and presentation. Through its unparalleled restoration, Criterion has yet again surpassed expectations, providing both long-time admirers and newcomers a definitive version of this pivotal film. Its breathtaking visuals, coupled with an enduring narrative and educational value, reinforce its status as a highly recommended addition to any collection. This release not only honors the legacy of the Apollo missions but also celebrates the technological advances in filmmaking, ensuring that the awe-inspiring story of mankind's journey to the moon continues to inspire awe and wonder in all who witness it.