The Dream Is Alive (IMAX)

A great documentary to the shuttle program which was ended way before its time. Beautiful images and sound compliment the wonders of space travel and human invention.

Space exploration has often returned to Earth incredible images not just from the heavens but of the Earth itself. So the pairing of out of this world images with IMAX seems like an ideal match and indeed space themed documentaries have long been a staple of IMAX's output. First premiering in 1985, The Dream Is Alive presents highlights from a year of NASA Space Shuttle missions and does so with IMAX's usual flair.Having being made at the height of the Space Shuttle program in 1984, The Dream Is Alive is in some respects an interesting historical document for those interested in the history of space exploration. There's interesting behind the scenes footage of the shuttle program including the replacing of the shuttle's all important heat tiles (which would play a role in the tragic demise of the Columbia nearly two decades later) and the escape system astronauts would have (but thankfully never) used in the event of an emergency on the launch pad. There's also of course footage from a number of shuttle missions including footage of the now late Sally Ride as well as a number of including the dramatic recovery of the Solar Max satellite.What this really captures more than anything else is the pre-Challenger atmosphere that surrounded the shuttle program including its early successes and the optimism that surrounded it. The tragedy of Challenger and the eventual disappointments of the shuttle program had yet to happen. There's something rather both odd and touching about the narration of Walter Cronkite, himself a major proponent and enthusiast of space exploration, at the end talking about how people would soon be living in space and how children would one day be born there. Close to thirty years later with the shuttle program over, the ISS soaring over our heads and the recent disasters of both NASA and Virgin space vehicles, the dream is alive but it seems as far away as ever.Of course being IMAX, the visuals are all important. Filmed over the course of a number of different shuttle missions, The Dream Is Alive presents some incredible footage from those missions. There's dramatic sequences of the aforementioned satellite releases and captures ranging from Solar Max to the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) satellite. There's also some incredible point of view footage such as the opening sequence which gives the viewer the impression of what it's like to be inside the shuttle as it's landing and the aforementioned launch pad escape system. Perhaps the most dramatic footage though is of the Earth itself seen from space, bringing to mind the later IMAX space documentary Blue Planet.Overall then, The Dream Is Alive remains a memorable addition to the IMAX space documentaries. While it has of course dated in its optimistic hopes for the shuttle program, it nevertheless presents a stirring picture of the shuttle program at its height. Thanks to the IMAX footage, it also remains a visual feast as well even on the small screen. For those interested or fascinated by space exploration, this is a must-see.

Expected it to be 3D cinema but very disappointed it is not

Back in the early 1980s when this film was shot, it was hideously expensive to make films for IMAX theatres, hence the short duration of this film. (It's less than 40 minutes long.) The film does translate well to a flat screen, and the picture and sound quality on the DVD are impressive, though you do get a fish-eye effect in some shots.The film itself is basically a propaganda piece for NASA funded by the Lockheed Corporation. It was probably pitched around the beginning of the shuttle program, evidenced by Walter Kronkite's half-wonderous, half-harassed narration. It's a very simplistic overview of shuttle flights and does not give any history of space flight. It pre-dates the Challenger accident, and the Challenger shuttle is featured in it, along with two of the astronauts who were killed on 28 Jan 1986 (Judith Resnik and Dick Scobee).Despite the film's short length and simplicity (I think the target audience is actually the 8-12 crowd), it does feature incredible shots of the earth from orbit, fascinating shots from inside the shuttle of weightless astronauts playing, working, and sleeping, and of course, the requisite triumphant launch shots. All in all, a good way to waste 35 minutes.

This is the second or so IMAX film I remember seeing. I think I saw it in 1986, soon after the Challenger disaster, although the film is dated 1985 (Challenger was lost on 28 January 1986.) Remember when they used to show these movies in big inflatable bubble-buildings at the State Fair?The beautiful scenes of Earth from space, narration by the immortal Walter Cronkite, inspirational music, and scenes with astronauts Resnick and Scobee, later lost with Challenger, make this everything that I think an IMAX movie should be - awe-inspiring, a little patriotic, and flat-out spectacular. This film always brings tears to my eyes and reminds me that the American spirit that made the space program possible can be used to accomplish remarkable things.Technical note: I expected unbelievably fine image quality from a DVD of an IMAX movie but the master used to make this DVD was not completely pristine. About the same quality as a regular 35mm movie.

We have this on VHS. It's a great DVD, but not very long. We saw it first on an IMAX screen, which is the best! But it's nice to have. Good if you're interested in learning about the original space program.

"The Dream is Alive" does not do well in the transition to the small screen. Its pretty footage of the shuttle in flight is inevitably less impressive, and it does not have enough substance to make up for the loss of spectacle.The film is largely a puff-piece for the shuttle program sponsored by Lockheed and NASA. Its simple boosterism (so to speak) is a bit embarassing after the Challenger, the Columbia, and the growing consensus that the Shuttle program was a blind alley at best, a white elephant at worst.Some other IMAX films on DVD make up for the loss of spectacle by adding substance, but "The Dream is Alive" has no added features or commentary. It's also quite short. Even for fans of the Space Shuttle itself, other IMAX films such as "Space Station" will provide better value for money.

We ordered this DVD to replace a VHS tape we had purchased at the National Air and Space Museum ~ 20 years ago. It arrived as promised and was perfect! It has been watched numerous times by ourselves, children and grandchildren, bringing back memories and making new ones!

Disappointed, all 3 dvds I bought for grandchildren will not play on uk players. Not clear enough message re this on selling site!!!

Have only played it once so far but it appears to be in good order for a 2nd hand DVD.