NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were ripped directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Criterion 2009 DVD and Blu-ray: The Criterion Re-issue DVD transfer is pictureboxed (see our full description of 'pictureboxing' in our Kind Hearts and Coronets review). The Criterion re-issue DVD captures below have been put in their own table to show the amount of pictureboxing (black bars circumventing the edge). Where this may benefit systems that produce overscan (ex. production cathode ray tubes) - it detracts from systems that do not require it. It seems an odd choice as the benefit of Blu-ray has taught purchasers the value of higher, over lower, resolution. The original 2000 DVD reports the film's image at a higher resolution than the re-issue although the older transfer does show more artifacts.

The Blu-ray looks good although maybe not benefit this particular film as much as others that Criterion have transferred. For All Mankind uses available news and archival footage in 16mm that can only improve detail to a certain level. The 1080P transfer exports the colors to the warmer end of the spectrum identifying reds to a far greater value than both DVDs. Grain is very present depending on the footage used. Both re-issue DVD and Blu-ray are described as being from a new, restored high-definition digital transfer, supervised and approved by producer-director Al Reinert.

The Blu-ray advances over the simultaneously released DVD with a DTS-HD Master 5.1 at 2859 kbps. It sounds a bit more robust in the launches. All editions offer optional English subtitles.

Extras on the new releases (DVD and Blu-ray) are duplicated - featurettes offered in HD on the Blu-ray - and they contain the same commentary from the original edition as well as Paintings From the Moon - a video program about astronaut Alan Bean’s artwork with optional commentary, accompanied by a gallery of 32 of his paintings (in a play-all function for the new editions). Also brought over from the 2000 DVD are NASA audio highlights and 2.5 minutes of liftoff footage, and optional on-screen identification of astronauts and mission control specialists. New, we get On Camera, a collection of 20-minutes of excerpted on-screen interviews with fifteen of the Apollo astronauts and a 32-minute, 6-part,  new documentary An Accidental Gift: The Making of “For All Mankind,” featuring interviews with Reinert, Apollo 12 and Skylab astronaut Alan Bean, and NASA archive specialists. There is also an included liner notes booklet featuring essays by film critic Terrence Rafferty and Reinert. It appears to have the exact same content but 28-pages on the DVD and only 24-pages on the Blu-ray.

My first viewing of Reinert's film was magical and it still holds much of that feeling years later - especially seeing it so 'big' in Blu-ray. This isn't La Grande Illusion but it definitely is worthy of a place in the Criterion collection. It's a wonderfully important film - especially when you recall such a time of pioneering exploration - an incredible moment in our short history.... and a pleasure to own in the best possible audio and visual medium for your home theater.     

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ON THE ORIGINAL DVD: This is one of those documentary films that is really hard not view with a certain amount of awe. It really puts you in your place when you start thinking about the miniscule problems that you 'think' you have in your life. This Criterion DVD is a favorite that has had some repeat viewing. Al Reinert's film probably documents the Apollo missions better than any film under 1 1/2 hours. It has archival 16mm footage interspersed with newer stock. This is an early Criterion DVD, and a solid choice for the collection. The extras are helpful in further appreciating through the viewing experience, as does the commentary.

Gary W. Tooze