IMAX: Hubble

Leonardo DiCaprio narrates this IMAX documentary about the 2009 Space Shuttle Atlantis' mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope, the “eye” that orbits 320 miles above the Earth to open a window into deep space and answer such questions as “How did planets form?” and “Are there any other life forms out there?” Hubble took 10 years to assemble and was launched in 1990, but it soon became obvious that a warped mirror was compromising its performance. NASA took three years to find a remedy, and have since dispatched several teams of astronauts to work on repairs. Directed by Toni Myers, IMAX: Hubble presents spectacular views that Hubble has sent back to Earth, particularly of the massive clouds of gas and dust dubbed “star nurseries.” Also shown are the Atlantis crew training at the Johnson Space Center, and stunning footage of the five spacewalks that were necessary to complete the work, as well as the intricate maneuvering of the shuttle's mechanical arm as it grasped the telescope while traveling 17,000 miles per hour. Adding to the appeal, computer visualization transforms data from Hubble into a series of simulated flights that take viewers on a tour of the universe. The documentary concludes with the observation that Earth is an oasis of life among an “ocean of galaxies,” one that needs and deserves our protection. DVD extras include a “making-of” featurette, while the Blu-ray/DVD Combo edition adds a set of Hubble mission log webisodes with astronaut Mike Massimino, and a digital copy of the film. Offering a solid combination of fascinating information and jaw-dropping images, this is recommended. Aud: H, P. (S. Rees)