Roving Mars
Walt Disney Home Entertainment
Buy now from CalgaryMovies DVD Store!

For centuries human beings have contemplated Earth's nearest planetary neighbor, Mars, dreaming impossible dreams of exploring its surface and divining its mysteries. Now the impossible has become possible. The Mars mission, which sent two intrepid, death-defying explorers--Spirit and Opportunity, the mars rovers--to the Red Planet was documented. Through the eyes of these remarkable robots, viewers can now see Mars in a way that no one ever has. This important expedition accomplished far more than the simple transmission of thousands of Martian images. The rovers actually discovered traces of ice within the rocks of Mars. The discovery marked clear proof that water once ran on the surface--a giant leap forward in answering that most haunting of questions: Is there life on Mars?

Space is a pretty cool place but in recent years our love for the final frontier has waned a somewhat as we opt instead to focus more issues that are a little closer to home. You know, things like the environment, famine and those darned silly wars. With the Cold War over, there's no reason for countries to race one another in petty global versions of "My Dad's Better Than Your Dad" peacock strutting.

But just because space exploration isn't on the front pages very often anymore, it doesn't mean that NASA still isn't busy looking further into solar system. Now that the moon is conquered, the next logical step is Mars. Originally made for IMAX screens, George Butler's Roving Mars is a visual marvel – even if it boils down to a piece of corporate propaganda.

Like most any IMAX film, Roving Mars looks spectacular. The machines and technology required to not only send two robots to another planet but to explore it as well come to life with tremendous clarity and detail.

The story is also told with surprising clarity. When you're talking to a bunch of engineers, often you can get caught up in a jargon-fest. But not here. Instead the focus is on plain speak and the emotion involved in the complex mission.

If Roving Mars is tainted in any way, it's through the credits where Lockheed Martin is given credit. So rather than this being a biased but somewhat balanced look at the mission, there's a slightly tainted infomercial feel to it.

Video: How's it look?
Well, it was an IMAX film so the source material doesn't get any better. Disney does the film justice providing a beautiful transfer in both widescreen (1.78:1 aspect ratio) and full screen formats.

Audio: How's it sound?
You've got 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround. Need you ask for more. Well, maybe 7.1, but this is still pretty sweet.

Extras: What additional goodies are included?

• Mars and Beyond predates the Cold War space race and is a fun nostalgic glimpse into early visions of space travel as told through the eyes of Disney. This disc includes the entire short film that runs a little under an hour.
• "Mars: Past, Present and Future" looks at some of the history of our fascination with Mars as well as the emotions that went into the mission.  Its running time is just under 25 minutes.
• French and Spanish subtitles.

Closing Thoughts
Space is cool again, even if it is brought to you a sponsor. Although it may not justify the billions needed to get people to Mars, Roving Mars brings the world closer to our own with unparalleled beauty. This is a fun disc with solid and relevant extras.


Review brought to you by our friend Ryan @ Movie-Views.com