Today, it takes a horrible tragedy for most people to even be aware of the
space program. In the wake of the recent disaster involving the Columbia shuttle
it is only fitting that the DVD of ‘The Right Stuff’ is being re-released as a
special edition. While someone my daughter’s age grew up in a world where man
has always walked on the moon it was a lot different for those around my age. As
a child I would sit in front of the television, my eyes intently focused on the
early missions of the Mercury program, America’s initial foray into outer space.
Based on the novel by Tom Wolfe the Right Stuff provides a deep look into the
embryonic American space program. It all started with the launch of the first
Russian unmanned satellites. You have to remember that this was the early
fifties, a time when Senator Joe McCarthy saw communists everywhere and the ‘Red
Menace’ threatened the American way of life. Not wanting to live under ‘Red’
moon American politicians began a feverish push to put an American on the moon.
Former German rocket scientist lead by Werner von Braun began the technical side
of this American imperative but the most important part of the program would be
the brave men, test pilots for the armed services that really pushed the
boundaries to make the first steps on the moon a reality. The Mercury 7, as they
were called where men that embodied the sprit of this young space program. John
Glenn (Ed Harris) was a fiercely loyal and devoted Marine. His body was not the
only thing in top shape; he had an analytical mind, a sense of humor and an
unshakable love for his wife and country. Alan Shepard (Scott Glenn) with his
very politically incorrect humor showed commitment and dedication shared by
these men. Gordo Cooper (Dennis Quaid) was the typical test pilot, he live just
beyond the envelope. The film shows what happens when a small, elite group of
highly competitive men are brought together. Rather than turning on each other
to compete they turned on the German scientist. The scientist wanted a monkey to
be first in space, the new group of astronauts banded together explaining that
money drove the program and ‘no Buck Rogers, no bucks’. When the scientists
refused to add pilot controls or a window the band of astronauts again stood
their ground. The film showed that these men did have the right stuff, a
dedication few could achieve. They film also shows the tribulations of their
wives, married to such over the top men they too had a lot to bare and like
their husbands they rose to the challenge even though the American public only
got to see the perfect home maker instead of the incredibly strong women they
where.
With a film such as this you need a cast up to the challenge of portraying
these American icons. What is rare for a film made in the 80s such a cast was
found. With few exceptions every cast member fills their role so realistically
you will often feel that you are watching an actual documentary of the times.
The cast also had the difficult job of portraying these men and women warts and
all. With people so ingrained in the American consciousness as the true heroes
they where each actor shows that this heroism was underscored by actual people
with their own flaws. Most notable in this area was the presentation of Fred
Ward as Gus Grissom, the second Mercury astronaut to fly into space. He loved to
flit with the ladies, he had dreams of making it big and his mission was marred
by the loss of his capsule when the hatch came off after reentry at sea. Grissom
always maintained the hatch just blew but many felt he had a bout of
claustrophobia. Wards performance gives insight into what this man must have
felt. Harris as John Glenn was perfect. Nicknamed the Clean Marine he stood fast
to protect his wife, who had a speech impediment, from being forced into the
spotlight. At one point he openly defied LBJ and put his career on the line
rather than back down. The actresses like Veronica Cartwright (Betty Grissom)
and Pamela Reed (Trudy Cooper) aptly demonstrate the strength, forgiveness and
devotion these women showed. Although they are largely overshadowed in history
by their husbands these actresses demonstrate how these women where as much a
part of the early space program as the men.
In order to make a project of this scope work you need a writer and director
whose dedication approaches that of his historic subjects. With Phillip Kaufman
such an individual was found. His credits are impressive having been a writer
with a couple of the Indiana Jones flicks, and writer/director for such films as
‘Henry and June’, ‘The Unbearable Lightness of Being’ and ‘Quills’. This is a
film that serves as a premiere example for those dedicated to presentation in
the original aspect ratio. Each frame of this film is composed for the full
widescreen picture. While short on the special effect required today the power
of the story is what the audience is permitted to focus upon. Kaufman is a
director that can get the very best out of his cast and crew. With such powerful
and talented actors and actresses in each scene he must have felt something of
the feeling on being among the people they portrayed. He got these actors to
work together for something great.
This DVD replaces the previous edition by Warner Brothers. The anamorphic
transfer seemed somewhat cleaner than the original which may just be better job with the
mastering. It is much darker than the old flippy version and
there was some edge problems but considering how long the film is and how much
it had to be compressed to fit on a single side it looks pretty good. Many will
prefer the older version for the picture. The compression problems will prompt
many to stay with the older version because of this affect on the video quality. The Dolby 5.1 audio was spectacular. The roar of the rockets and jets
fill the room. Among the hefty extras is a biography of John Glenn, a scene
specific commentary with Kaufman and select members of the cast, three
additional commentaries with the cast and some of the real life people they
portrayed, 13 additional scenes exclusive NASA footage. In all Warner Brothers
did an excellent job here, one worthy of the subject matter and historic figures
it covers. If you are a baby boomer than this is must have disc. It captures a
part of our youth that we all remember. For those a bit younger you still should
get it and learn how mankind took those first steps to the moon.
Posted 6/7/03