Capricorn One

Written and directed by Peter Hyams, this 1978 film is based on the cynical premise that the first manned space flight to Mars was a hoax foisted upon the American public using Hollywood-type trickery. Elliott Gould stars as the reporter who uncovers the ruse (with James Brolin, San Waterston, and O.J. Simpson playing the trio of astronauts), while Hal Holbrook lends support as the mission commander who, after being forced to abort the real flight, greenlights the phony landing. Telly Savalas made the most of his limited screen time as a crop-dusting pilot hired by Gould's character to help bring the scheme to light. Made in the post-Watergate-era at a time when thrillers built around government conspiracies were ubiquitous, Capricorn One also benefited from the fact that some believed (and some still do) that the 1969 moon landing was faked in just the same way that the bogus Mars mission is depicted in this film. A box-office hit that still holds up fairly well, Capricorn One's only sour note is the less-than-credible progression of Holbrook's character from misguided patriot to deep-dyed villain. Presented with a spiffy new digital transfer and enhanced sound, DVD extras on this “special edition” include audio commentary by Hyams, and the behind-the-scenes featurette “Flights of Fancy.” Recommended. (E. Hulse)[Blu-ray Review—Feb. 10, 2015—Timeless, 130 min., PG, $24.95—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1978's Capricorn One features a nice transfer and a Dolby 2.0 soundtrack. Extras include a photo gallery and trailer. Bottom line: this ‘70s-era conspiracy thriller makes a welcome debut on Blu-ray.]