Just when you thought you knew everything that is bad happening to planet Earth up pops another problem that needs fixing. This time the calamity is far reaching and yet immediate. It involves a threat to our computerized life around the globe and the future of our planet. Now on Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D is a documentary called Space Junk 3D and it has a vital message that could be too late to remedy.
The documentary reveals the massive amount of items circling the globe in the form of useful satellites and extraneous debris that were jettisoned into space on behalf of the space program, companies, and exploration. Originally positioned in a specific orbit, the equipment has been circling Earth several times a day without incident. Thought to be impossible for a collision, the system has been a huge success.
However there have been several incidents over the years that have involved satellite collisions and impacts to orbiting technological items by parts of space debris from sending space vehicles into orbit. A very real threat to our communications, our safety, future space exploration and space station expansion this urgency is explored by this film. Although there is no plan in place at this time to either clean up the debris, develop ways for satellites to be drawn back to the Earth’s atmosphere when they ceased functioning or collect the debris for use in space, the film explores those possibilities.
Space Junk 3D is an eye opener presenting vital questions in the very nicely produced film. I brought to mind the following; What would it be like if all cell phone’s stopped due to a collision of those satellites that make them work around the world? What progress would be made if we had to abandon the space station program because of the dangers of wayward debris? What if the debris caused damage to a space vehicle that was trying to return to earth? These are a few that crossed my mind after watching this well made documentary.
The CGI, special effects animation and cinematography are amazingly good giving a bird’s eye view of what is happening in space with the growing mass circling the Earth. Startling at times, often technically scientific, but mostly very informative the film does make a very good tool for scientists, students and space environmentalists. It especially does a very good job of informing the public of this growing problem.
The film has some short special bonus features called Making of Featurette with Director Melissa R. Butts and an interview with narrator Tom Wilkinson. While they do not add a lot to the very good documentary, it’s a chance to see two of the people who were responsible for bringing the film to the screen.
The video quality is excellent being originally made for IMAX. The film is crystal clear played on my 16×9 television with the 1.78:1 full screen presentation. Awesome at times with amazing animation of the crowded space debris and satellites it really gives one the perspective of how dangerous space can be.
The sound quality is very good having been recorded for the huge speakers in an IMAX auditorium. Using the HD-Master Audio 5.1 provided, my Blu-ray player was able to deliver the whole experience in my living room including some surround special effects using my sound bar.
Specifications and additional film information:
Narrator: Tom Wilkinson
Directed by: Melissa R. Butts
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Genre: Documentary, Science, Space
Running Time: 38 min
Video Release Date: September 17, 2013
Original Film Release Date: IMAX January 13, 2012
Language: English
Format: Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D
Audio: Master Audio-HD 5.1
Video: 1080p HD Widescreen Aspect Ratio 1.78:1
Subtitles: None
Number of Discs: 1 Disc
Distributed by: RLJ Entertainment
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
