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Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D (2005)

tomatometer

88

Average Rating: 7.2/10
Reviews Counted: 32
Fresh: 28 | Rotten: 4

This inspirational 3D IMAX film approximates for audiences what it is like to set steps on the moon.

77

Average Rating: 6.8/10
Critic Reviews: 13
Fresh: 10 | Rotten: 3

This inspirational 3D IMAX film approximates for audiences what it is like to set steps on the moon.

audience

71

liked it
Average Rating: 3.6/5
User Ratings: 1,657

My Rating

Movie Info

Twelve men who belong to one of the world's most exclusive fraternities -- people who've walked on the surface of the moon -- are paid homage in this documentary. Using newsreel footage, rare NASA photographs, and digitally animated re-creations, Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon examines the Apollo missions between 1969 and 1972 which put astronauts on the moon. In addition to explaining the technological know-how necessary to take our fliers to the moon, the film shares the thoughts

Nov 6, 2007

$32.5M

Imax Corporation

All Critics (32) | Top Critics (13) | Fresh (29) | Rotten (5) | DVD (3)

Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon is an earnest but insubstantial Imax 3-D spectacle that, even at 40 minutes, seems unduly padded.

October 6, 2005 Full Review Source: Variety | Comment (1)
Variety
Top Critic IconTop Critic

The illusion is impressive but incomplete, and therefore mildly disappointing. But I cannot deny having felt a little nervous when 'we' were standing too close to the edge at the Grand Canyon-like Hadley Rille. So clearly I am a liar.

September 23, 2005 Full Review Source: New York Times | Comment
New York Times
Top Critic IconTop Critic

One of the astronauts describes his excitement during the lunar mission as 'like a kid playing in a sandbox.' Unfortunately, that could also sum up the film's visual content.

September 23, 2005 Comment (1)
Philadelphia Inquirer
Top Critic IconTop Critic

Adults will be more than passably entertained by this short, patriotic feature, and kids will be entranced.

September 23, 2005 Comment
New York Post
Top Critic IconTop Critic

Playful, inspirational.

September 23, 2005 Full Review Source: New York Daily News | Comment
New York Daily News
Top Critic IconTop Critic

Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D promises to put viewers on the lunar surface, and through previously unreleased photos and footage from NASA's archives, along with CGI and re-enactments, it pulls off the illusion.

September 23, 2005 Comment
Hollywood Reporter
Top Critic IconTop Critic

IMAX movie about the moon landings now available on DVD for the first time.

December 5, 2007 Full Review Source: Sci-Fi Movie Page | Comment

This is a mesmerizing film that serves as a reminder of just how amazing our country's space exploration has been.

November 10, 2007 Full Review Source: Aisle Seat | Comment
Aisle Seat

It's a stirring and persuasive plug for resuming in-person space exploration -- and it's a lot of fun besides.

May 12, 2006 Full Review Source: Sacramento News & Review | Comment
Sacramento News & Review

Overall, the production successfully maneuvers through 2D and 3D nearby-space with a playful spirit of curiosity, experiment and wonder.

April 27, 2006 Full Review Source: Hollywood Report Card | Comment
Hollywood Report Card

Go see Magnificent Desolation on the giant IMAX screen and Tom Hanks will moon-rock your world.

January 19, 2006 Comment

"Magnificent," indeed.

November 23, 2005 Full Review | Comment
Quad City Times (Davenport, IA)

In a cinematic era in which seemingly any feat or place can be generated for the screen, it's what these men said -- in mundane exchanges and insightful retrospection -- that stirs one most.

October 29, 2005 Full Review Source: Boxoffice Magazine | Comment
Boxoffice Magazine

condensing the moon program into roughly 60 minutes is a pretty impressive feat. Giving you the feeling of actually being part of it is even more impressive

October 28, 2005 Full Review Source: Filmcritic.com | Comment
Filmcritic.com

Tom Hanks' folksy narration could be intended to bury as much as praise the space program: Apollo missions belonged to an era of American optimism unlikely to be revisited.

October 14, 2005 Full Review Source: Urban Cinefile | Comment
Urban Cinefile

As contrived as its title, Magnificent Desolation has the look and feel of a NASA fundraiser.

October 10, 2005 Full Review Source: Film Journal International | Comment
Film Journal International

Offers the most realistic approximation of a moon visit that Earthbound mortals have ever seen.

September 23, 2005 Full Review Source: Seattle Times | Comment
Seattle Times

The movie's very realistic 3-D simulations and cleverly collated archival footage give filmgoers the best idea yet of what it's like to set foot on gray lunar soil.

September 23, 2005 Full Review Source: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle | Comment
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

The film is fascinating history and unabashedly inspirational.

September 23, 2005 Full Review Source: Kansas City Star | Comment
Kansas City Star
More Critic Reviews

Audience Reviews for Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D

Caught this on a recent trip to the Kennedy Space Center, so there's nothing like being there to enhance your experience! This IMAX documentary is one of a series of excellent films made about one of humankind's great adventures: The moon missions. It takes you from the origins through a lot of footage from the later

August 23, 2010
Rostron2
Mark K

Super Reviewer

Amazingly made, superbly edited and it is always fascinating. Interesting scenarios, great narration. Excellent.

July 26, 2009
jam233
James Higgins

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Foreign Titles

  • Mission Mond (DE)
  • Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon (UK)
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