American Experience: Chasing the Moon DVD

Chasing The Moon (2019) is a film by Robert Stone and is part of the American Experience series on PBS. It shows what went into the race to the moon during the Space Race. It has no narration whatsoever. This is a good thing for a program such as this because it allows things to play out naturally. You get to take in the sights and sounds of the time period surrounding the Space Race, everything from Mercury to Gemini to Apollo. It is a treasure trove of historic and in some cases rarely or never-before-seen footage. Many familiar faces appear throughout. I think Chasing The Moon is just as good as the Discovery Channel's When We Left Earth (2008).This is a 3-DVD set. The total runtime is just under 6 hours. It also includes about 25 minutes of special features, including an interview with Robert Stone and a behind the scenes with the film crew.Highly recommended.

As an adolescent during the 60's, my high school and college years, and a techie, I was a "space nut" at that time and this film brought back many fond memories I have of that era. It was an exciting "ride" in a world somewhat different than today. It was nice to revisit such an optimistic if also troubled time!

Excellent series that looks fantastic on blu-ray.

If you are looking for a down-the-middle, NASA-footage-only documentary, look elsewhere because this isn't it. There is a lot of "filler" (i.e. the potential black astronaut who didn't get to be one, the German/Nazi background of Wernher von Braun). But if you are like me, you know the other stories by heart, so this takes in a wider view of the space program.To me, it's an interesting time capsule of the 1960s. I was a child then, fascinated by space and our steps to get there. This warts-and-all approach shows how we went from beeping balls in orbit to putting humans on the moon. It also shows how much American life changed from the start of the space program to the moon landings. You can see how the technology of NASA and the technology of television advanced side by side.

This program captures the essence of the excitement of the Space Race while not rehashing the frequently regurgitated clichés to which many other documentaries fall prey. Combined with the companion book of the same name its a great way to introduce 21st century generations to one of humanity's greatest adventures. The comments of Apollo 8 astronauts Frank Borman and Bill Anders are particularly insightful.

Some things that were there on the PBS showing weren't included on the the DVD? Especially the return flight! Still enjoyed it...

Part 1 is is a bit sluggish at times but after that things start to hum. Despite watching numerous videos centering on the space race, I learned something new while watching this set. It made for enjoyable and enlightening viewing. The only quibble I had is a minor one. Dividing the group into six sections would have heightened the tension, especially in disc one. Still, it is a fine accomplishment and worthwhile purchase.

Much behind the scenes material. Very interesting comparison of USA and Russia going head to head in the Space Race. Lots of good stuff and several oops moments too. kind of like "The Right Stuff" with the real astronauts and real launches. Fabulous history lesson and very entertaining. The day it arrived, I ended up binge watching all three parts for around 6 hours. Added to my collection of NASA and Space movies.

Er had in de webshop duidelijk moeten staan dat deze DVD niet in Europa afgespeeld kan worden.Deze DVD was alleen geschikt voor Region-A, dus niet voor Region-B (=Europa).

A refreshing departure from your typical talking heads style of documentary.Explains the relevance of the space race in the context of what was happening in the 1960s. What is presented is not a longing for a bygone age nor is it a slanderous exposure of dirty laundry. It’s an exploration of what it was like to be there by the people who were there.

A must have for any Space enthusiast

Great series, but unless you have a multi-region BLU-RAY player then this won’t play. Only discovered this months too late to ask for a refund.

Deze blu-ray blijkt niet te werken in mijn regio, dus daar heb ik niets aan!