Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon

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Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon

2005

40m

Documentary

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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.

Critics Consensus

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Audience Member

My first IMAX experience. Splendid.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/30/23

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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

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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

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Audience Member

30 minutes on our Natural Satellite

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/06/23

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Audience Member

Soundtrack was the best thing

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

01/31/23

Full Review

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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

Space Station

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Galapagos

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Deep Sea

91%

79%

Deep Sea

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NASCAR

60%

87%

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At the Max

100%

90%

At the Max

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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)