A Space Program Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

A Space Program Blu-ray Movie Review

A creative collection of experimental films

A Space Program is a visually inventive odyssey into the unknown terrain of outer-space and to the barren landscape of planet Mars through a documentary-like production directed by Tom Sachs's frequent collaborator Van Neistat. Based on the critically acclaimed Space Program 2.0: Mars sequence (which was designed by renowned artist Sachs), the feature film version of the project expands on the original Space Program sequence (version 1.0) which was constructed originally in 2007.

The 2.0 version of the creative modern art showcase first debuted in New York City back in 2012 and this film version of the art demonstration is presented on Blu-ray (for the first time) from distributor Kino Lorber and Zeitgeist Films in both a definitive director's cut version (1:07:05 run-time) and a theatrical cut version (1:10:01 run-time).

An unusual and experimental film by nature, A Space Program explores a modern-art sequence created to demonstrate a space program’s construction and odyssey into the unknown. Fans of modern art as presented in the language of cinema will be the primary audience for this creatively unique work as it lacks a narrative storyline and is entirely constructed as a visual journey.

There is no overarching plotline to the film. There is no true narrative journey. There is simply a series of images and actors carrying out the unique experimental filmmaking with sets constructed from the most minimalist and simplistic of designs. This is an intricate journey of the senses as audiences are taken into a space program one step at a time.

Space: The Final Frontier. Wait... this isn't Star Trek. Or is it?

Filmed and designed in a single production studio, A Space Program features hand-made crafts and sets to present a creative interpretation of a space program. The entire film feels as though it was hand-crafted from the ground up with a level of attention to detail being enormous for the elaborate set-pieces: from the outside of the space-craft, to the inside of the dock, and to the quarters used by astronauts. Every solitary sequence seems as though it was crafted by artisan creatives. It is as though every moment was formed from individuals who pursued their art and craft with a hands on approach to every facet of production.

Some of the highlighted aspects of space exploration include a unique view of the construction of the spacecraft, the design of spacesuits, the takeoff of a ship as it is blasted off into space, and even less obvious elements (such as presenting a dramatization of how astronauts go to the bathroom in zero gravity). (The latter of which is far more detail-oriented than some viewers might expect or want.)

The film is a quirky modern-art display which feels heavily inspired by the likes of filmmakers like Wes Anderson (Moonrise Kingdom, The Grand Budapest Hotel) and the Coen Brothers (The Big Lebowski, Raising Arizona). It’s apparent that the production design, cinematographic work, and directon was heavily inspired by some of cinema's most renowned filmmakers and other quirky independent-spirit artists. There are little moments throughout the piece which demonstrate this creative approach (from the close-up shots of the model displays) to the quick cut-away scenes presenting a unique energy that feels creatively energetic.

As is often the case with modern art productions and art films, audiences of the Space Program 2.0: Mars sequence are going to take away something unique to viewing this production. Form your own opinion as the visual aesthetics paint out a unique world of modern art in cinema. A Space Program is not your typical film. The film simply wraps viewers into a creative spell. I found the film far more compelling and interesting than I expected.

There is simply something unique about A Space Program which makes it stand out from the crowd of experimental filmmaking. The film is heavily stylized and enormously creative. It’s clearly a labor-of-love for the artisans who worked on this independent production. I expected the unexpected with this film and ultimately that is something which the filmmakers delivered upon and presented to audiences with aplomb.

A Space Program Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, A Space Program has received a strong 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation. This is a much better video presentation than one might expect to find for such an experimental film production. The presentation appears naturally filmic with fine film grain and detail. The colors are richly textured and absorbing. The film is presented in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.78:1 widescreen. The encode has an average bit-rate of 26.99 mbps.

The film has a grainy and low-fi look to it which helps the piece feel more documentary-like aesthetically. It also makes the film feel as though it was produced in a different time-period (which gives the film a retro 1970's aesthetic which feels well suited to the concept and execution). The encode quality is strong at reproducing the image as intended. Viewing the many intricacies of the creative set designs, the film does an excellent job of producing those finer details in the image.

A Space Program Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 24 bit DTS-HD Master Audio stereo audio is more engaging than one would expect from a film of this style. Presented with a lossless audio presentation, the sonic fidelity of the audio is superb and feels well reproduced throughout. I had little expectations from the audio component of this film given it's experimental nature. Yet I found myself pleasantly surprised by the clear attention to detail and care in creating a pleasant audio experience for viewers. The sound design clearly was developed with careful care and creativity. The track has a surprising degree of depth and detail in many sequences (such as when the spaceship takes off) and delivers better bass than expected. The elements sound natural and have a fine level of clarity in the sonic soundstage. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for the deaf and hard of hearing.

A Space Program Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by Tom Sachs and director Van Neistat (Presented on A Space Program: Director's Cut only)

The most impressive and extensive component of this release is the enormous selection of short films which are included. This makes the release feel like a quality collection of works from Tom Sachs and directed by Van Neistat. The Blu-ray contains over 100 minutes of short films which focus on a variety of topics. The short films are as follows:

10 Bullets (SD, 21 min. 8 sec.) focuses on the Tom Sachs studio and showcases the workplace with a quirky and unique approach to exploring the creative atmosphere of the work environment and the process carried out by the team which comprises it.

Color (SD, 26 min. 02 sec.) is an altogether absorbing short film which emphasizes the way in which color is creatively used by the Tom Sachs studio and it's impact on the language of cinema. This was perhaps my favorite of the short films and it has an incredibly unique style which makes it feel very engaging and entertaining.

The Hero's Journey (HD, 37 min. 45 sec.) is a more in-depth short film which was produced in collaboration with Nike. The film is inspired by the work of author Joseph Campbell from his acclaimed book entitled "The Hero With a Thousand Faces" and is a quirky interpretation of the source material. The piece is told through the lens of the Tom Sachs studio and its creatives.

How to Sweep (SD, 3 min. 31 sec.) is a short about the method used to sweep floors with instructional details accompanying this strangely unique piece. While I never would have expected to find a tutorial about sweeping necessary or potentially engaging, this extremely brief piece is somehow interesting.

A Love Letter to Plywood (SD, 10 min. 18 sec.) is predominately about the way in which plywood is used in the Tom Sachs studio for the production of sets. It explores the way in which wood is used for production design and its primary relevance and importance to the studio's environment: it's strength and durability as a fine form of wood and why it's so well regarded for its impeccable grain level and craftsmanship.

Paradox Bullets (HD, 22 min. 54 sec.) features narration by acclaimed director Werner Herzog and is an introspective and contemplative examination of a journey taken by a lone man traveling across a barren road along the outdoors terrain. The film has a message about the importance of pursuing one's dreams and never giving up on pursuing them.

Space Camp (HD, 6 min. 26 sec.) focuses on an "astronaut training" program. The short explores the preparatory work which is done to journey into outer space. The short feels like the launching pad for the feature length version of the Space Program film and has some of the same concepts and highlighted ideas with a quirky and comical approach to the outer-space preparation.

Trailer (HD, 1 min. 22 sec.)

A Space Program Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

A Space Program is an evocative and experimental film odyssey. The filmmakers crafted a unique modern art display which is given a cinematic treatment with this feature-length film. Though the film lacks a true narrative to the filmmaking, it's a visual experience which is more interesting and engaging that one might expect to find at first glance. While I had little expectations for this film, the end result was thoroughly engaging. Yet the real star of the show is the included shorts (which are all impressive and cover a wide range of curious topics).

This is an interesting collection of experimental art films that I found strangely hypnotic to watch unfold. I found myself becoming more and more absorbed by each short and their unique little idiosyncrasies. Recommended for art-house enthusiasts who enjoy modern-art displays.