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Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon

Play trailer Poster for Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 2005 40m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
88% Tomatometer 32 Reviews 76% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
Buzz Aldrin described the lunar surface as "magnificent desolation." He is one of only 12 astronauts who have walked on the moon. This docudrama chronicles the historic flights and moonwalks of these men, using interviews, archival footage, celebrity voice-overs including Tom Hanks, Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman, and simulations and re-enactments to create a virtually shared experience of having walked on the moon. The film also explores the state of the space program and its future.
Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon

What to Know

Critics Consensus

This inspirational 3D IMAX film approximates for audiences what it is like to set steps on the moon.

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Critics Reviews

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Joe Leydon Variety Oct 6, 2005
Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon is an earnest but insubstantial Imax 3-D spectacle that, even at 40 minutes, seems unduly padded. Go to Full Review Anita Gates New York Times Sep 23, 2005
3/5
The illusion is impressive but incomplete, and therefore mildly disappointing. But I cannot deny having felt a little nervous when 'we' were standing too close to the edge at the Grand Canyon-like Hadley Rille. So clearly I am a liar. Go to Full Review David Hiltbrand Philadelphia Inquirer Sep 23, 2005
2/4
One of the astronauts describes his excitement during the lunar mission as 'like a kid playing in a sandbox.' Unfortunately, that could also sum up the film's visual content. Go to Full Review Mike McGranaghan Aisle Seat Nov 10, 2007
3.5/4
This is a mesmerizing film that serves as a reminder of just how amazing our country's space exploration has been. Go to Full Review Jim Lane Sacramento News & Review May 12, 2006
4/5
It's a stirring and persuasive plug for resuming in-person space exploration -- and it's a lot of fun besides. Go to Full Review Ross Anthony Hollywood Report Card Apr 27, 2006
2.5/4
Overall, the production successfully maneuvers through 2D and 3D nearby-space with a playful spirit of curiosity, experiment and wonder. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jun 2, 2014 Great IMAX film makes you feel that you're really on the moon. See more Feb 3, 2014 My first IMAX experience. Splendid. See more Oct 30, 2013 Great cinematography (NASA!) combine with excellent editing and script-writing for a powerful documentary. See more Jan 9, 2013 This was really good and should appeal to everyone who isn't a space nut. Really opened the doors for the kids and interested them into learning more about the Apollo program and space exploration. See more Feb 1, 2012 30 minutes on our Natural Satellite See more Dec 16, 2011 Soundtrack was the best thing See more Read all reviews
Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon

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Cast & Crew

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Mark Cowen

Director

Brandy Blackledge

Veronica Lugo

Aaron White

James Irwin

Chris Cowen

Associate Producer

Greg Foster

Supervising Producer

Gary Goetzman

Producer

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Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon

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Movie Info

Synopsis Buzz Aldrin described the lunar surface as "magnificent desolation." He is one of only 12 astronauts who have walked on the moon. This docudrama chronicles the historic flights and moonwalks of these men, using interviews, archival footage, celebrity voice-overs including Tom Hanks, Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman, and simulations and re-enactments to create a virtually shared experience of having walked on the moon. The film also explores the state of the space program and its future.
Director
Mark Cowen
Producer
Gary Goetzman, Tom Hanks, Mark Herzog, Hugh Murray
Distributor
IMAX Corporation
Production Co
IMAX Corporation
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 23, 2005, Original
Release Date (DVD)
Nov 6, 2007
Box Office (Gross USA)
$34.1M
Runtime
40m
Aspect Ratio
IMAX (1.43:1)
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