Apollo 13 [DVD]

There are two versions of the 1995 space adventure on this 10th anniversary DVD set, but it's not what you think. The IMAX edition that played in theaters in 2002 is shorter than the original cut, so there is no new footage. The first major Hollywood film to be reprocessed for viewing on these massive screens, Apollo 13 was shortened by 24 minutes so it could be loaded onto the gigantic reels in the IMAX theaters. The new cut delivers a mostly space-centered film; much of the domestic scenes (featuring Kathleen Quinlan's Oscar-nominated performance) are gone, which may help young space cadets get into the film. The IMAX print is also less wide than the theatrical version (1.66:1 versus 2.35:1) and delivers a DTS soundtrack not found on the theatrical version. Both prints are remastered and look grand. The main features from the initial DVD are intact (the making-of feature and two commentary tracks). The new extras aren't as good: a Dateline segment from 1995 lays down the basic facts of the moon, and a 2003 documentary Conquering Space takes a grand tour of space travel in 45 minutes. --Doug Thomas