Video: How Does the Disc Look?

Yes, there are limitations as to just how razor-sharp 8mm and 16mm documentary footage can look, but leave it to Criterion to give it their best shot. I could nitpick for days about intricate flaws in the source material here, but this majestic Criterion Blu-ray Disc proves quickly why that kind of attitude simply doesn't hold any water: Criterion presented For All Mankind here in simply the most pristine capacity it possibly can. The 1.33:1 1080p presentation of the movie was overseen by Al Reinert, and results are, if nothing else, an enormous increase over the film's Criterion DVD release. Colors are stunning, black levels are consistent and punchy, and while there's an unavoidable fuzziness to much of the footage here, it definitely looks clearer to me than I've ever seen before. Will this one absolutely stun 1080p geeks? Maybe not. But I'll say this: It's one for the time capsule, nevertheless.

Audio: How Does the Disc Sound?

The DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio sound mix here is also something to really revel in. In Cliff Stephenson's review of the film's first Criterion DVD release, he mentioned that he thought the interplay between production-audio documentary sound and the utilization of grander, more enveloping effects (music, mostly) didn't exactly make for smooth sailing, but this writer found the experience of the film's aural capacity totally engaging. It's a documentary, so, sure - some dialogue is muffled (it happens). But some sound effects come through like gangbusters (I found myself gripping my armrest in a G-Force frenzy whenever one of those rockets would take off), and there's an atmospheric wonder to Brian Eno's music soundtrack that really brings the film to life - and it gives the surround channels a lovely workout. Again, this mix won't push the limits of your system, but I dare you to present a more appropriate mix for this picture.

English subtitles are included.