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Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon

Play trailer Poster for Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon Released Sep 23, 2005 40m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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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

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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

View All (32) Critics Reviews
Joe Leydon Variety Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon is an earnest but insubstantial Imax 3-D spectacle that, even at 40 minutes, seems unduly padded. Oct 6, 2005 Full Review Anita Gates New York Times 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. Rated: 3/5 Sep 23, 2005 Full Review David Hiltbrand Philadelphia Inquirer 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. Rated: 2/4 Sep 23, 2005 Full Review Mike McGranaghan Aisle Seat This is a mesmerizing film that serves as a reminder of just how amazing our country's space exploration has been. Rated: 3.5/4 Nov 10, 2007 Full Review Jim Lane Sacramento News & Review It's a stirring and persuasive plug for resuming in-person space exploration -- and it's a lot of fun besides. Rated: 4/5 May 12, 2006 Full Review Ross Anthony Hollywood Report Card Overall, the production successfully maneuvers through 2D and 3D nearby-space with a playful spirit of curiosity, experiment and wonder. Rated: 2.5/4 Apr 27, 2006 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (49) audience reviews
Audience Member Great IMAX film makes you feel that you're really on the moon. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/12/23 Full Review Audience Member My first IMAX experience. Splendid. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/30/23 Full Review Audience Member Great cinematography (NASA!) combine with excellent editing and script-writing for a powerful documentary. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/25/23 Full Review Audience Member 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. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/24/23 Full Review Audience Member 30 minutes on our Natural Satellite Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/06/23 Full Review Audience Member Soundtrack was the best thing Rated 2 out of 5 stars 01/31/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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)