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Film Review: ‘Journey to Space’

An informative and inspiring look at past and future frontiers in space travel.

By Justin Chang

Justin Chang

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Eyes will be duly popped and imaginations stirred by “Journey to Space,” a valedictory tribute to NASA’s past accomplishments that offers a sneak preview of the agency’s exciting next frontier. Balancing rich footage from previous shuttle missions with a fascinating survey of forthcoming innovations (including but not limited to tools that will enable a human landing on Mars in the next 25 years), writer-director Mark Krenzien’s informative and inspiring documentary has grossed more than $10 million since its February release, and should continue to benefit from a resurgence of public interest in space travel — aided in no small part by “The Martian’s” hit status — as it makes its way along the giant-screen circuit.

A famous opening quote from Carl Sagan — “We began as wanderers, and are wanderers still” — sets an appropriate tone of limitless possibility for a picture that suggests humankind will never run out of new worlds to explore. But before it peers ahead into the future, “Journey to Space” offers a fond look backward with a sort of cinematic obituary for the 30-year space shuttle program (1981-2011), complete with shots of the shuttle Endeavour being flown to its final destination at the California Science Center (requiring some tricky maneuvering through the busy streets of Los Angeles). With its 42-minute running time, the film can only skim the surface of the program’s accomplishments, including the 40-plus flights it took to construct the Intl. Space Station and the various missions to repair the Hubble Telescope, the subject of 2010’s excellent Imax doc “Hubble 3D.”

Older audiences who have seen that film and others, including “Space Station” (2002), will be familiar with the sort of “Look Ma, no gravity!” archival footage presented here, in which astronauts from different flights are shown experiencing the pleasures and challenges of weightlessness (kids will have fun grasping at lollipops floating outward from the screen during one of many goofy astronaut hangouts). The film emphasizes the international camaraderie that enabled U.S. space shuttles to dock with the Russian station Mir in the ’90s, glossing over the many difficulties and hazards of post-Cold War space collaboration in service of a general spirit of teamwork and optimism that, it’s implied, will drive us toward ever richer and more surprising vistas to come.

We get a tantalizing look at those vistas in the film’s second half, as well as the pioneering technologies that will enable astronauts to reach them. These include Orion, a new craft designed for long-term, deep-space exploration, and Olympus, an inflatable habitat that will serve as an expanded work and living area for those on board. Even the smaller innovations, such as a study to improve space-suit mobility (juxtaposed with footage of clunkily clad astronauts falling over on the moon’s surface in 1968), provide an absorbing glimpse into the minds of engineers tasked with visioning and troubleshooting our way forward. The film culminates in much informed speculation about the likelihood of a manned mission to Mars in the 2030s, teased by rover-captured photos of the red planet’s surface.

The appeal of “Journey to Space,” then, is as much a matter of information as presentation. The images of space — a closeup of sun flares, a shot of a nebula — are impressive as advertised but never feel like the main attraction, and the film overall would be not be much less absorbing in 2D, or on a smaller screen. Patrick Stewart handles the narration duties with practiced gravitas.

Reviewed at California Science Center, Los Angeles, Oct. 27, 2015. Running time: 42 MIN.

Production: (Documentary) A K2 Films and Giant Screen Films release of a Boeing and Toyota presentation. Produced by Don Kempf, Mark Kresser, Andy Wood. Executive producer, Bob Kresser. Co-producer, Ed Capelle.
Crew: Directed, written by Mark Krenzien. Camera (color, Imax, 3D), Sean MacLeod Phillips; editor, Dale Beldin; music, Cody Westheimer; art director, Richard Bergeron; sound designer/supervising sound editor/re-recording mixer, Brian Eimer; effects supervisor, Rick Gordon; visual effects supervisor, Mathieu Boucher; visual effects executive producer, Mario Couturier; line producer, Neal Allen; associate producer, Andrew Nethery; 3D conversion, James Manke.
With: Lindsay Aitchison, Serena Aunon, Chris Ferguson. Narrator: Patrick Stewart.

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‘journey to space’: film review.

A giant-screen tribute to space travel of recent vintage and programs targeting the next frontier, Mars.

By Sheri Linden

Sheri Linden

Senior Copy Editor/Film Critic

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A timely companion piece to box-office champ The Martian , Mark Krenzien’s inspirational capsule history of recent space travel could easily serve as a recruitment tool for future missions. Looking back fondly at the U.S. shuttle program, and ahead to red-planet exploration, the film celebrates rocket science as an expression of basic human curiosity, not to mention ingenuity.

In part because it lacks the sustained sensory immersion that makes many nature-themed Imax films transporting, Journey to Space 3D never quite achieves liftoff. Still, its info and images offer plenty to wow family audiences, budding scientists especially. (For a multimedia educational experience, the film is paired with a hands-on exhibit at the California Science Center in Los Angeles.)

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Journey to space, common sense media reviewers.

Stunning visuals in short docu about modern space program.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Celebrates international efforts to explore deep s

Promotes exploration of deep space and the United

Real-life heroes are dedicated to their missions a

A mention of the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger dis

One use of "damn."

With funding from Boeing and Toyota, the documenta

Educational Value

Celebrates international efforts to explore deep space, focusing on NASA. Details the Space Shuttle program, which ended in 2011, then moves forward to introduce new machines and concepts that will carry out missions to Mars and beyond.

Positive Messages

Promotes exploration of deep space and the United States space program, NASA. Lauds the sense of adventure, intelligence, and courage of astronauts who participate in the program.

Positive Role Models

Real-life heroes are dedicated to their missions and the importance of their work and are willing to sacrifice years of their lives to accomplish their goals. Gives equal time to the role of women in the 21st-century program, who prove to be as competent, driven, and smart as the men with whom they work. Some ethnic diversity.

Violence & Scariness

A mention of the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

With funding from Boeing and Toyota, the documentary serves to promote and commend the American space program in its efforts to explore deep space.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Journey to Space is a 45-minute documentary, funded by Boeing and Toyota, that was originally released on IMAX screens. The mission of this film is to update audiences, and young people in particular, on the status of the U.S. Space Program in 2015 and to inspire interest in and excitement about further exploration. Awe-inspiring visuals of rocketry, astronauts (male and female) working in zero gravity, and the vast expanse of our planet's exploration thus far are combined with discussion and animated projections of what is still to be accomplished. The film covers NASA's Space Shuttle Project, which ended in 2011, and moves forward to the present where plans for missions to Mars and the launching of the SLS (Space Launch System) are currently underway. A mention of the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger disaster is the only possibly disturbing moment. There is one "damn." Technical information is delivered in an accessible manner so that middle graders and up should be able to grasp the material. Fine for families to enjoy together. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

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What's the Story?

Patrick Stewart 's resonant voice narrates JOURNEY TO SPACE, which details the accomplishments of NASA's Space Shuttle Project (which ended in 2011), the International Space Station (in full operational mode with 15 countries working together), and the aspirations of men and women currently involved in new explorations of Mars and beyond. Both male and female astronauts enthusiastically describe their tasks and their experiences. The film introduces three specific missions and the machines that will enable them. Orion is a spacecraft designed to take humans into deep space and bring them back again. It's projected that a trip to Mars on Orion will take two and a half years. Olympus is an inflatable transport carrier that will house astronauts for long periods of time. The Space Launch System is a giant rocket that will transport both Orion and Olympus to deep space. Lofty goals and a wondrous vision of an enhanced future guide the movie and the program itself.

Is It Any Good?

What was the stuff of science fiction only decades ago, and is now in the realm of possibility, is enthusiastically shared by astronauts and scientists in this short, visually inspiring film. In the 21st century, controversy about funding the U.S. Space Program in light of pressing national and international needs has forced the program into the background. This film is an effort to renew interest in and excitement about the possibilities of space exploration, especially for kids. Given the well-established need for more women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), it's significant that female astronauts Lindsay Aitchison and Serena Aunon are featured here. Due to the preponderance of technological information delivered, the film is most accessible for middle grades and up.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about different aims of documentary films: to entertain, to inform, and/or to persuade. How does this film capture each of the three intentions? Which category(s) does it fit best?

Have you ever thought about how space exploration might affect our planet's future? List some possible positive outcomes that may result.

How did movies such as the Star Wars and Star Trek adventures, imagined by creators who were not professional scientists or engineers, anticipate what has become real in Journey to Space ? What does that tell you about the human capacity to imagine?

Movie Details

In theaters : February 13, 2015
On DVD or streaming : June 7, 2016
Cast : Patrick Stewart
Director : Mark Krenzien
Studio : Shout! Factory
Genre : Documentary
Topics : STEM , Science and Nature , Space and Aliens
Run time : 45 minutes
MPAA rating : NR
Last updated : June 19, 2023

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The 10 Best Movies About the Space Race, According to IMDb

These highly-rated films will take you back to one of the most fruitful scientific periods in human history.

The golden years of space exploration were inspiring , where barriers once thought unbreakable were swept away, and technological progress seemed unstoppable. Space missions have slowed down dramatically in recent decades, though figures like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos hope to send people to Mars and beyond in the coming years.

Events like the moon landing are so taken for granted now that it's hard to imagine how groundbreaking they were at the time. The best films about the space race capture both the wonder and danger of the missions, the success, and the darker side, helping to make these milestones feel vivid once again.

10 'Gagarin: First in Space' (2013)

IMDb Score: 6.5/10

Gagarin: First in Space is a biographical drama directed starring Yaroslav Zhalnin as Yuri Gagarin , the first human to journey into outer space. It follows Gagarin's life from his childhood in rural Russia to his cosmonaut training and his historic flight aboard the Vostok spacecraft on April 12, 1961.

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It's interesting to offer a Soviet perspective on the space race, though it has also been criticized for bias and for ignoring Gagarin's life after the groundbreaking voyage. Nevertheless, Zhalnin's solid performance holds the project together.

9 'The Challenger Disaster' (2013)

IMDb Score: 7.2/10

The Challenger Disaster examines the events leading up to the tragic explosion of the Challenger in 1986, which killed all seven crew members on board. Through the eyes of Richard Feynman , the Nobel Prize-winning physicist who served on the Rogers Commission investigating the incident, the film provides insight into the bureaucratic and political forces that contributed to the disaster.

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William Hurt delivers a masterful performance as Feynman, capturing his genius and frustration. The film primarily draws on Feynman's own writing, making for a poignant depiction of a darker chapter in space exploration.

8 'Spacewalk' (2017)

This historical drama tells the true story of cosmonauts Alexei Leonov ( Evgeny Mironov ) and Pavel Belyayev ( Konstantin Khabensky ), who made history in 1965 by performing the first-ever spacewalk. It's similar to Apollo 13 , looking at both the technical side of the mission and the Cold War political dimension.

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The special effects can't compete with Hollywood blockbusters, but the story itself is tense and engaging. The cosmonauts face several harrowing challenges, like glitches with the ship and problems with their oxygen tanks. Mironov and Khabensky ably capture the stress and intensity of the deadly situation.

7 'Apollo 10 1/2' (2022)

Richard Linklater 's most recent movie is this rotoscoped coming-of-age story, loosely based on his childhood, about a kid ( Milo Coy ) in 1969 who is inspired by the moon landing. It weaves together facts and fiction, docudrama and fantasy, and is sweet throughout.

Perhaps more than any other movie, it captures the magic of those first milestones of space exploration when walking on the moon seemed more like science fiction than a real possibility. It helps to put the viewer in the mind of those who saw the moon landing as it happened.

6 'First Man' (2018)

IMDb Score: 7.3/10

Damien Chazelle took something of a left turn after Whiplash and La La Land to direct First Man , a Neil Armstrong biopic starring Ryan Gosling . It follows Armstrong's journey from being a test pilot to becoming the first person to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission. It stands out because it focuses on Armstrong's personal challenges more than the technical side of the mission, including the loss of fellow astronauts and the pressure of public scrutiny.

Gosling is great in the role, turning in a flawed, nuanced portrayal of this American hero. The real highlight, though, may be Claire Foy as Armstrong's wife, Janet Armstrong , who shoulders the burden of her husband's absence and the possibility that he may not return from his mission.

5 'Apollo 13' (1995)

IMDb Score: 7.7/10

Probably the most famous space movie, Ron Howard 's Apollo 13 depicts the true story of the 1970 Apollo 13 mission, which experienced a catastrophic malfunction, leaving the crew stranded in space and fighting for survival. Tom Hanks , Kevin Bacon , and Bill Paxton play the three astronauts at the heart of the ill-fated mission.

The film captures the tense and emotional moments of the mission and the heroic efforts made by the astronauts and the mission control team to bring them safely back to Earth. The special effects were impressive for their time, creating a believable, frightening vision of a mission in crisis.

4 'The Right Stuff' (1983)

IMDb Score: 7.8/10

Based on Tom Wolfe 's book of the same name, The Right Stuff dramatizes the early years of the US space program, particularly the Mercury Seven astronauts, who were the first Americans to be sent into space. The cast, led by Sam Shepard , Scott Glenn , and Ed Harris , are all committed and believable. Their performances more than hold up today.

The film showcases the daring of these men as they push the limits of technology and risk their lives to advance scientific knowledge. Roger Ebert was a huge fan of it. He called it an "experimental epic" and ranked it alongside classics such as The Godfather and Apocalypse Now .

3 'October Sky' (1999)

October Sky is based on the true story of Homer Hickam , a coal miner's son who becomes inspired by the launch of Sputnik 1 and sets out to build his own rockets, despite opposition from his father and the skepticism of his small West Virginia town.

It was a breakout role for star Jake Gyllenhaal . Chris Cooper also impresses as Homer's father, who initially dismisses his son's dreams. Laura Dern rounds out the cast as Homer's sympathetic teacher who recognizes his potential. The result is a heartwarming story of perseverance.

2 'Hidden Figures' (2016)

Hidden Figures centers on three African-American women who played pivotal roles in the early years of NASA's space program during the 1960s: Katherine G. Johnson ( Taraji P. Henson ), Dorothy Vaughan ( Octavia Spencer ), and Mary Jackson ( Janelle Monáe ).

They were mathematicians for the space agency, who identified crucial flaws in some systems and ultimately did a better job than the computers brought in to replace them. The film packs killer performances, gorgeous cinematography, and a brilliant score by Hans Zimmer .

1 'For All Mankind' (1989)

IMDb Score: 8.1/10

For All Mankind is a sweeping documentary chronicling NASA's Apollo program. The film, directed by Al Reinert , uses footage from various NASA missions, including interviews with the astronauts, to tell the story of humanity's journey to the moon.

It's an awe-inspiring portrait of the bravery, skill, and determination of the astronauts and NASA personnel who made the Apollo program possible. It's worth watching just for the footage shot by the astronauts themselves, which had been archived by NASA and not shown to the public. For All Mankind remains a beautiful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together to pursue a common goal.

KEEP READING: Triple Threat: 10 Filmmakers Who Wrote, Directed, and Produced Their Own Movies

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Journey to space.

2015 Directed by Mark Krenzien

Next stop ... Mars!

A sweeping overview of humanity’s accomplishments in space, as well as our ongoing activities and future plans.

Patrick Stewart Christian Gardner Gabrielle Gardner

Director Director

Mark Krenzien

Producers Producers

Don Kempf Andy Wood Rick Gordon Mark Kresser Andrew Nethery

Executive Producer Exec. Producer

Robert Kresser

Writer Writer

Editor editor.

Dale Beldin

Cinematography Cinematography

Sean MacLeod Phillips

Art Direction Art Direction

Richard Bergeron

Composer Composer

Cody Westheimer

Sound Sound

Brian Eimer Michael Bonini Alex Fowles

K2 Films Giant Screen Films

Releases by Date

Theatrical limited

13 Feb 2015

Releases by country.

42 mins More at IMDb TMDb Report this page

Popular reviews

Review by George O’Mahony

“Our infatuation with space exploration is as limitless as space itself”

Today, I was able to have my second IMAX experience sooner than I expected; in the National Air & Space Museum in Washington, D.C., there is an IMAX cinema that shows nature documentaries with runtimes of only 30-40 minutes — varying subject matters, but thanks to the top notch audio and visual quality in the theatre, each film gives you a remarkable and unforgettable experience. When we walked into the museum, my friend pointed this theatre out to me and I was immediately uninterested in every other attraction in that massive building; furthermore, I was unable to convince two other people to go to an AMC with me yesterday so…

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A brief history of the origins of space exploration, moves over to the fascinating future ahead of us, with its closest promises of a manned trip to Mars.

Back in Planetariet here in Copenhagen, with a new batch of films on the playlist. Journey to Space was the first one my wife and I went to see, and I must say it ranks among the best ones I've seen in there. A fascinating subject, well told and with interesting, funny, and informative shots. I wasn't completely sold on the dubbing however, adn if I get another go at it, it will be with head phones, and the original audio track, narrated by Patrick Stewart.

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Journey to Space (4K UHD Review)

Reviewed by: Bill Hunt
Review Date: May 10, 2016
Format: Blu-ray Disc

Release Date(s)

Film/Program Grade: B+
Video Grade: A-
Audio Grade: A
Extras Grade: C+

Journey to Space (4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc)

[Editor’s Note: As Ultra HD Blu-ray is a new format, much is yet to be settled in terms of establishing a proper display calibration baseline for evaluating UHD content. What follows is our best attempt to offer specific impressions on the format’s A/V quality improvements given those constraints. Note that the display used for this review is Samsung’s UN65JS9500, which is compliant with the full HDR10/Rec.2020 “Ultra HD Premium” specification, driven by Samsung’s UBD-K8500 Ultra HD Blu-ray player.]

Directed by Mark Krenzien and narrated by actor Patrick Stewart, Journey to Space is a large format documentary film that was originally produced for exhibition in IMAX theaters. It documents NASA’s latest efforts in the manned exploration of space. Throughout the course of the film’s 42 minutes, we meet some of the key people working to make this exploration a reality, including NASA astronauts Chris Ferguson (who flew on the final Space Shuttle mission) and Serena Auñón (who is currently preparing for future SLS/Orion missions), and NASA project manager Lindsay Aitchison (who’s working to develop an advanced space suit for use on the surface of Mars). As the documentary progresses, we get a great look back at the Space Shuttle program, as well as a look at the construction of (and life aboard) the International Space Station, and we get a good peek at the development of NASA’s next-generation spacecraft and systems that are designed to take astronauts back to the Moon, to deep space destinations, and on to Mars. We also learn about some of the NewSpace companies helping in this effort (including Bigelow, which is developing an inflatable habitat module that could house astronauts during a flight to Mars), we see astronauts training for an asteroid mission in NASA’s underwater NEEMO laboratory (off the Florida Keys), and we’re offered a glimpse at what a possible manned NASA Mars mission might look like (sometime in the 2030s, if all goes well). Journey to Space is a fine and entertaining tribute to what NASA has accomplished so far... and what it hopes to accomplish next.

Interestingly, Shout! Factory’s UHD disc offers you a choice between two 4K viewing options, depending on your display capabilities – one with High Dynamic Range and one without. What’s great about this is that it allows you to compare the two… and see just what a big difference HDR makes. The image quality on both is excellent. The footage seen in Journey to Space was shot in many native resolutions and formats, including 65mm/15perf IMAX film, 4K, 5.5K and 6K digital (via Red Dragon), 10K and 8K digital still images (including Hubble Space Telescope imagery and astronaut time-lapse photography of the Earth from ISS), and regular 1080p HD footage. The IMAX film was scanned digitally at a stunning 11K resolution (10928 x 8192) and includes much newly shot footage, as well as clips from previous IMAX space productions (like Hubble , Space Station 3D , Mission to Mir , Destiny in Space , and The Dream Is Alive ). The added resolution does tend to reveal subtle differences in clarity and age-related issues in the older IMAX footage, but the quality remains high. The final film is presented in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio, so the ultra high resolution imagery fills the screen, with the occasional bit of regular HD imagery window-boxed over a themed background (in the included Blu-ray 3D version, this window floats nicely in front of the background, though the effect is lost in 2D). The overall presentation is fantastic, with much eye-candy here for space enthusiasts. I was particularly struck by the IMAX footage of the launch of Shuttle Atlantis on the final mission of the Space Shuttle program (STS-135). As the vehicle clears the pad, you can actually see the Tyvek plastic covers on the Shuttle’s RCS thruster ports shredding and falling away around the orbiter (as they’re meant to do) – something I’ve never noticed before, even in HD launch video. Of course, there’s lots of footage of the Earth as seen from orbit, and footage shot aboard the ISS, as well as new CG imagery depicting early plans for a future manned Mars mission. The HDR adds just that additional measure of realistic visual pop to elements like shinny metallic space station modules, the subtle shadings of the Earth’s surface and atmosphere, and other footage. Note that audio is available on the 4K disc in a great English Dolby Atmos (core 7.1 Dolby TrueHD) mix that delivers terrific dynamic range, with bass that will shake the room during the launch sequences. This is a documentary, or course, so don’t expect a lively surround mix, but there are some nice placement effects and the Atmos height channels are put to good use, especially during those shuttle launch sequences. There’s also French and Spanish 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio options for those who may need them. Subtitles are included in English SDH only.

The 4K disc also includes a short Behind the Scenes featurette (4K – 5:03), a video image Gallery (4K – 1:30) and trailers for Journey to Space and the five other IMAX films that are coming to 4K from Shout! (also in 4K, including The Last Reef , Wonders of the Arctic , Rocky Mountain Express , Humpback Whales , and Flight of the Butterflies – click on the title links for oure reviews of each). There’s also a Blu-ray 3D disc in the packaging that includes both 2D and 3D presentations on the same disc, plus the same extras.

[Editor’s Note: Given that nearly all 4K releases are multi-disc sets, with the extras often included on separate BD discs, our extras grades for these 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray reviews will reflect the bonus content across all discs in the set.]

Journey to Space represents Shout! Factory’s first offering on the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray format and, while it’s probably not for everyone, I enjoyed every minute of it. The inclusion of a bonus Blu-ray 3D version (with 2D on the same disc) also makes this a decent value. One thing’s for sure: I can’t wait to see more 65mm IMAX footage presented on this format. Recommended, particularly for IMAX/documentary fans and space enthusiasts.

- Bill Hunt

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Full Synopsis

NASA’s next era will be its greatest yet. That is the clear “roadmap” painted by Journey To Space . The film absolutely annihilates the perception that the space program died with the end of the Space Shuttle Program by showcasing the exciting plans NASA and the space community are working on, and the challenges they must overcome to carry out audacious missions such as landing astronauts on Mars and capturing asteroids.

By using extensive interviews with astronauts Chris Ferguson (Commander of the final shuttle mission) and Serena Aunon (a new astronaut chosen for future flights), as well as a brilliant narration by film and television legend Sir Patrick Stewart , Journey To Space gives a sweeping overview of past space accomplishments, current activities and future plans.

Journey To Space puts into historical context the magnificent contributions made by the Space Shuttle program and its intrepid space pioneers. It uses the most spectacular space footage – including unique views of Earth and operations in space – such as deploying and repairing the Hubble Space Telescope. It then goes on to show how the Shuttle launched and assembled the International Space Station (ISS). Together, these programs have taught us how to live, build and conduct science in space. The ISS will continue operating in space until 2024, and the film shows how it is building a foundation for the next giant leaps into space.

The film concludes with a fascinating, realistic scenario of how astronauts will actually get to Mars, live there for long duration, and then return home after a two-and-a-half-year mission. This includes the new icons of the next chapter of space exploration:

Orion is NASA’s first spacecraft designed to carry humans on long-duration deep space exploration missions throughout the solar system.
Olympus , an inflatable transportation habitat, is an early concept 45- or 50-feet diameter module that would provide astronauts the work area and living space necessary for long-duration missions. Smaller versions have already flown in space, and a full-scale version is shown undergoing ground testing.
The Space Launch System (SLS) , a new giant rocket, will carry spacecraft, Mars landers and ascent vehicles to place astronauts on the surface of Mars. SLS will generate over nine million pounds of thrust and will launch hardware into orbit equivalent to the weight of 22 elephants.

Journey to Space will both inspire a new generation of young people to dream of new horizons in space, and engender a new appreciation for the accomplishments of the Space Shuttle Program among an older generation who came to take it for granted.

Journey to Space is co-produced and co-distributed by K2 Films, Inc. and Giant Screen Films and released in IMAX(R), Giant Screen and other specialty theaters in 2D and 3D.

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IMAX: Journey to Space

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For almost 20 years, Shout! Factory has redefined what it means to be an entertainment company for fans, by fans. Through its beginnings lovingly releasing and reviving beloved cult films and classic TV series, Shout! cultivated an uncanny ability to rediscover great content and applied these skills to producing and distributing fan-driven new releases that set the bar for independent entertainment. Shout! Factory's extensive experience in a diverse array of genres has led to the launch of several well-respected properties, including Shout! Studios, Scream Factory, Mystery Science Theater 3000 , Shout Kids, Shout Select and the streaming service Shout! Factory TV. Capitalizing on both traditional and emerging digital platforms, Shout! Factory is a media company devoted to producing, uncovering, preserving and revitalizing the very best of pop culture.

Product Description

Special Features Include:

-Behind-The-Scenes Footage -Photo Gallery -Trailers

Product details

MPAA rating ‏ : ‎ NR (Not Rated)
Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 0.7 x 7.5 x 5.4 inches; 3.2 ounces
Item model number ‏ : ‎ 35375000
Media Format ‏ : ‎ NTSC, Widescreen
Run time ‏ : ‎ 45 minutes
Release date ‏ : ‎ June 7, 2016
Actors ‏ : ‎ Patrick Stewart
Studio ‏ : ‎ SHOUT! FACTORY
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01CH6SA74
Number of discs ‏ : ‎ 1
#361 in Special Interests (Movies & TV)
#480 in Documentary (Movies & TV)

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Journey to Space

2015, Documentary, 45m

Where to watch Journey to Space

Rent Journey to Space on Prime Video, or buy it on Prime Video.

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Journey to space photos.

Filmmaker Mark Krenzien explores a new era of deep-space exploration.

Genre: Documentary

Original Language: English

Director: Mark Krenzien

Producer: Don Kempf , Mark Kresser , Andy Wood , Rick Gordon

Writer: Mark Krenzien

Release Date (Theaters): Feb 13, 2015 original

Release Date (Streaming): Mar 2, 2017

Runtime: 45m

Distributor: K2 Communications

Production Co: Giant Screen Films, Liquid Pictures, K2 Film

Aspect Ratio: IMAX (1.43:1)

Cast & Crew

Patrick Stewart

Christian Gardner

Gabrielle Gardner

Featured Tourist

Mark Krenzien

Mark Kresser

Rick Gordon

Robert Kresser

Executive Producer

Sean MacLeod Phillips

Cinematographer

Dale Beldin

Film Editing

Cody Westheimer

Original Music

Richard Bergeron

Art Director

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Journey to Space - Ultra HD Blu-ray

Produced by K2 Films, Inc. and Giant Screen Films, JOURNEY TO SPACE will both inspire a new generation of young people to dream of new horizons in space, and engender a new appreciation for the accomplishments of the Space Shuttle Program among an older generation who came to take it for granted. NASA’s next era will be its greatest yet. That is the clear “roadmap” painted by JOURNEY TO SPACE. The film absolutely annihilates the perception that the space program died with the end of the Space Shuttle Program by showcasing the exciting plans NASA and the space community are working on, and the challenges they must overcome to carry out audacious missions such as landing astronauts on Mars and capturing asteroids. By using extensive interviews with astronauts Chris Ferguson (Commander of the final shuttle mission) and Serena Aunon (a new astronaut chosen for future flights), as well as a brilliant narration by film and television legend Sir Patrick Stewart, JOURNEY TO SPACE gives a sweeping overview of past space accomplishments, current activities and future plans.

Storyline: Our Reviewer's Take

Although it only runs a brief 41 minutes in length, 'Journey to Space' manages to be both a love letter to the Space Shuttle program and a preview of where NASA is heading next (hint: it's big and red and Matt Damon spent time there) in its short amount of time. While the presentation is slightly disjointed in what it covers, it's one of the better space-themed IMAX movies to be produced...which, of course, also means it has some wonderful imagery.

One of the big selling points of 'Journey to Space' is that it's narrated by former Star Trek: The Next Generation star Patrick Stewart. But, honestly, that's pretty deceptive – as Stewart probably has less than 5-minutes worth of actual narration here. He's featured at the beginning, at the end, and for a few sporadic one-liners here and there. The majority of the documentary is narrated by a trio of people connected to the space program.

First up is former NASA astronaut Christopher Ferguson who tells about his love for the Space Shuttle program and how sad it was for him to see it end. Then, there's Lindsay Aitchison, an engineer and the designer of a new space suit for astronauts that proves to be both functional and highly mobile. Finally, there's astronaut Serena Auñón, who discusses the development of the Orion spacecraft and NASA's plans for a mission to Mars, which viewers are told (generously, perhaps) could happen as early as the 2030s.

While all this stuff is interesting, it does feel a little unfocused. For me, the first part about the Space Shuttle was the most interesting and engaging – but I suppose you can't make an IMAX movie (which, of course, many school kids are going to wind up seeing in science centers and museums around the country) and not provide a little inspiration, so the last half – which deals primarily with sending humans to Mars – deals with that topic and, since we are nowhere close to making that happen yet, includes a lot of computer animated stuff, as opposed to the real-life shots of the shuttle, astronauts in orbit, and space that fill up the early parts of 'Journey to Space'. The dullest part is smack dab in the middle when Serena is telling us about the spacesuit she's working on. Not only isn't the topic all that interesting (unless you're a kid wanting to grow up to build spacesuits instead of be in one), but the visuals here aren't all that exciting either.

The biggest stumbling block – at least at the time of this writing – between adding this one to your collection or just renting it is the price. Shout Factory has released 'Journey to Space' at the same price point as other studios' feature movies (at around the $30 range), and honestly, there's just not enough content here to warrant that kind of investment. Yes ,the documentary looks great and there are several visual versions of it from which to choose, but there's less than an hour of material (including the extras) on this release.

Still, like most documentaries made for IMAX, there are some wonderful visual images here that are sure to show off one's 4k TV capablities. It's just a question for potential buyers whether the amount of content is worth the current price. I'm still recommending this one, but I also recommend waiting a few months for a price drop or a sale.

The Blu-Ray: Vital Disc Stats

'Journey to Space' launches onto home video with this 4K UHD/Blu-ray release, with the Blu-ray containing both 2D and 3D versions of the presentation. The 4K Ultra HD disc and the 25GB Blu-ray come housed inside a black eco-Lite Vortex keepcase, which has one of those plastic flaps on the side that you have to snap open in order to open the case. A slipcover matching the artwork of the keepcase's slick slides overtop. Neither the 4K UHD nor the Blu-ray are front-loaded with trailers, and the main menus look the same on both discs (a window-boxed animation of the Orion spacecraft approaching Mars with the title logo above it), with the exception that the Blu-ray's menu shows up in 3D (for those with compatible TVs). Menu selections run horizontally across the bottom portion of the screen.

The Blu-ray in this release is region-free, despite being marked for Region A on the box and disc itself. Ultra HD discs, in case you didn't know, are all region-free.

Video Review

'Journey to Space' uses footage shot on a number of different film formats, first and foremost IMAX. It is presented in 4K at the 1.78:1 aspect ratio, although it's important to note that the majority of non-IMAX-shot footage is window-boxed in the center of the screen during the presentation.

Perhaps the most interesting thing about this release (Shout Factory's first in the Ultra HD format) is that it offers viewers the choice of watching the 4K presentation in either Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) or High Dynamic Range (HDR). The difference between the two being that HDR enhances both the color and contrast of the 4K image. This is the first Ultra HD release to give viewers this option – most likely permissible because of 'Journey to Space's 41-minute runtime. In other words, it's doubtful studios could provide the option for a feature-length movie unless they put each on separate discs.

The great thing about having both HDR and SDR for the documentary is the fact that one can compare the two versions – and the different in color content is dazzling. Assuming one's 4K TV is HDR-compatible (most new models are, but some of the older/earlier sets are not), viewers are in for a real treat as the images provided here are stunning...and stunningly sharp. In fact, it's hard to imagine owners of HDR-compatible sets will ever choose to watch the SDR version, except for comparison purposes. That's how much better the HDR content looks.

The only major problem with this presentation is how inconsistent it can be at times. As noted, there's a lot of different footage from a lot of difference sources, and the lower-quality stuff really suffers (one of the reasons, no doubt, why much of it gets window-boxed here). The highlights are the stuff shot in IMAX, including Space Shuttle launches in both daytime and nighttime. Because of the different sources, however, facial tones and features are far from consistent – as are the amount of details and depth in the footage and images. Overall, though, viewers are going to enjoy this one quite a bit, and despite having a couple of IMAX DVD and Blu-ray releases in my collection, the 4K quality provided here is the closest I've ever felt to having a real IMAX presentation in my home.

I did notice a couple of seconds with motion judder in them – something that other reviewers of other 4K titles have frequently listed as an issue on some of these early UHD releases. The same judder appears on the Blu-ray disc, so – assuming both discs are taken from the same 4K transfer – this appears to be an issue with the overall transfer itself (and the glitch may even go back to the source material) rather than anything specific to only the 4K disc.

Although this review is focusing primarily on the 4K disc, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the 3D version of 'Journey to Space' that is contained on the Blu-ray disc in this set. I'm fortunate enough to have a 4K TV that supports both HDR (as well as the competing Dolby Vision) and 3D and that's actually one of the reasons I chose the 4K TV (an LG model) that I did – so I could still enjoy my 3D Blu-rays, even though – so far – the Ultra HD format isn't supporting 3D at all. Anyway, what the 3D image doesn't have in terms of clarity (at least compared to the 4K image), it more than makes up for in terms of depth and providing a further way viewers can feel immersed in the presentation. As much as I enjoyed watching the 4K HDR version, I can honestly say I enjoyed watching 'Journey to Space' in 3D just as much. If you're lucky enough to have a TV that supports both formats, that's even further reason to pick up this release.

Audio Review

Both the 4k Ultra HD and Blu-ray discs in this release feature an English Dolby Atmos track. Unfortunately, this reviewer does not yet have (nor is likely to get in the near future, as I rent and therefore need to stick with wireless speaker options where surrounds are concerned) an Atmos set up. So until and unless one of my colleagues with Atmos updates this section, I can't comment on how the full-blown Atmos audio sounds.

What I can say is that the downmix (to 7.1 Dolby TrueHD) impresses the most during the several Space Shuttle launches that occur during the documentary. The presentation opens with one such launch and the rumbling and LFE output is pretty fantastic. Sadly, there's not a whole lot of other areas where the audio really makes an impression. Which is not to say the surrounds aren't used at all – they are, but in much more subtle ways...my favorite of which is when an astronaut throws an orange (at least I think that's what it was) at the camera in zero gravity and it "boinks" off the rear right speaker. The dynamic range of the audio is impressive, and there's certainly no glitches to be mentioned, with the possible exception that Patrick Stewart's narration sounds a little more subdued that the other narrators here – not muddy per se, just as if a slightly different method was used to mix in his voice.

In addition to the Atmos track, the Ultra HD disc contains 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio tracks in Spanish and French (these are just 5.1 Dolby Digital on the Blu-ray). Subtitles are available in English SDH on both discs.

Special Features

Final thoughts.

A educational look at both the end of the Space Shuttle program and what NASA has planned for a future trip to Mars, the biggest stumbling block for most potential owners of this disc is the price point – which is currently around the same as feature-length Ultra HDs, despite offering much less content. This one is recommended, but it's something you may want to hold off on purchasing until the inevitable day when many of these first 4K releases start hitting the bargain bin.

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