As much of a nut for entertainment I might be, I’ve also got quite the thirst for knowledge. I loved school and had a particular interest in history. Narrowing it down a bit more, I was fascinated by space travel. Because of this particular obsession, it probably comes as no surprise that I can watch films like “Apollo 13” or the mini-series “From the Earth to the Moon” over and over again (as time allows). But somehow the excitement I feel when I see these Hollywood versions is quite different than what I feel when I watch the real thing. I generally peruse the History Channel when I can because I know I will always find so programming. If I happen flip on one of their shows about the Space Race, I might as well put away the remote. This is why I was ecstatic when I saw that A&E was going to release 4 of their documentaries on a 2-disc DVD release. This is one of the best sets I’ve seen in a while, as while there is some carryover of information between the shows, its kept to a minimum.

The first one, “Failure is Not an Option”, is narrated by Scott Glenn and features Gene Kranz gas he gives us an extremely detailed look behind the scenes of the history of NASA. Now some of you might recognize his name, I know I did immediately. Ed Harris played Kranz in the aforementioned film, “Apollo 13” where the quote, “Not on my watch…” became legendary. This documentary is quite long, and takes up the first disc of the set. Though the entire history of NASA would be impossible to cover in just one show, this one hits a lot of the highlights.

This documentary also has the set’s only extra feature, which is a commentary by Kranz, along with writer/producer/po-director Rushmore DeNooyer, and editor/co-producer Tony Bacon.

The other three documentaries are much shorter and can be found on Disc 2. One of the most fascinating to me was “Code Name: Project Orion.” In it we are given a look at what the government wanted to do in terms of space travel back in the 1950s. Granted, some of the ideas they had back then were slightly over imaginative, but without them we probably wouldn’t have gotten to where we are. I watch this one in conjunction with some of the documentary footage available on the Disney Treasures Collection “Tomorrowland” and was simply riveted the theories these scientists entertained.

“Modern Marvels: Apollo 13“ gives us the real story behind the near-tragedy of the ill-fated mission, while “Modern Marvels: The Space Shuttle” offers an extremely detailed look a the history of the aircraft and touches briefly on the Challenger disaster.

I’ve mentioned in other reviews that having documentaries available on DVD is a must for any household, especially those with children. No matter the subject, anytime a child has the opportunity to learn it is a positive thing. Just make sure you watch with them so YOU can be available to answer questions. Plus it gives them the feeling that you have a true interest in their education, which you most certainly should.

Extras: Four Programs: Failure Is Not an Option, Code Name: Project Orion, Modern Marvels: Apollo 13, Modern Marvels: The Space Shuttle, Commentary by NASA Mission Control Flight Director Gene Kranz, Writer/Producer/Co-Director Rushmore DeNooyer, and Editor/Co-Producer Tony Bacon on Failure Is Not an Option, Photo Gallery
Specifications: Full Screen
Studio: A&E / History Channel
Release Date: 5/25/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give Race to the Moon an A.