NEW YORK -- Although the spate of news stories about its possible hazards may not exactly have been the publicity that the makers of this new Imax effort was looking for, it will no doubt spur interest in this chronicle of the Soviet space station and the American-Russian partnership that has been forged aboard it. Since space is always a big draw for young audiences, "Mission to Mir" should do excellent business, particularly in the many science museums in which it will be playing.
"Mission to Mir" ("Mir is the Russian word for" peace") presents a behind-the-scenes look at recent missions that included American astronauts, including Shannon Lucid, who set a record for the longest time an American has spent in space. It chronicles many aspects of the experience -- including the astronauts' training in Star City, a Russian housing complex for cosmonauts -- and there is also footage of a Soyuz rocket lift-off, filmed at a previously secret and unseen launch site. The film offers a brief, sketchy historical perspective on the American and Russian space programs, with Lucid providing personalized narration describing her experiences.
The astronauts themselves filmed the Imax footage aboard Mir, including a comprehensive look at the space station (it certainly doesn't look like the sturdiest thing you've ever seen); there are also breathtaking views of Earth as filmed from space, which alone make the film worth the price of admission.
The film has its flaws, including too many cutesy shots of the astronauts socializing or enjoying barbecue, etc. And the soundtrack, which includes such pop songs as "Hotel California" and "Rescue Me", leans a little too heavily toward obvious musical commentary. But "Mission to Mir" is ultimately an entertaining and informative look at a subject that is literally out of this world.
MISSION TO MIR
An Imax and Lockheed Martin release
Filmed in space by the astronauts
Credits: Director (Russia): Ivan Galin; Producers: Toni Myers, Graeme Ferguson; Executive producers: Andrew Gellis, Jonathan Barker; Director of photography: James Neihouse; Editor: Jane Morrison; Music: Mickey Erbe, Maribeth Solomon. Color/stereo; Running time:40 minutes...
"Mission to Mir" ("Mir is the Russian word for" peace") presents a behind-the-scenes look at recent missions that included American astronauts, including Shannon Lucid, who set a record for the longest time an American has spent in space. It chronicles many aspects of the experience -- including the astronauts' training in Star City, a Russian housing complex for cosmonauts -- and there is also footage of a Soyuz rocket lift-off, filmed at a previously secret and unseen launch site. The film offers a brief, sketchy historical perspective on the American and Russian space programs, with Lucid providing personalized narration describing her experiences.
The astronauts themselves filmed the Imax footage aboard Mir, including a comprehensive look at the space station (it certainly doesn't look like the sturdiest thing you've ever seen); there are also breathtaking views of Earth as filmed from space, which alone make the film worth the price of admission.
The film has its flaws, including too many cutesy shots of the astronauts socializing or enjoying barbecue, etc. And the soundtrack, which includes such pop songs as "Hotel California" and "Rescue Me", leans a little too heavily toward obvious musical commentary. But "Mission to Mir" is ultimately an entertaining and informative look at a subject that is literally out of this world.
MISSION TO MIR
An Imax and Lockheed Martin release
Filmed in space by the astronauts
Credits: Director (Russia): Ivan Galin; Producers: Toni Myers, Graeme Ferguson; Executive producers: Andrew Gellis, Jonathan Barker; Director of photography: James Neihouse; Editor: Jane Morrison; Music: Mickey Erbe, Maribeth Solomon. Color/stereo; Running time:40 minutes...
- 10/21/1997
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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