Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.0

Woman in the Moon Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf February 28, 2016

A mere two years after stunning the world with his vision of the future in “Metropolis,” director Fritz Lang returns to the business of ambition with 1929’s “Woman in the Moon,” a film credited with inspiring the evolution of space exploration. Using research of the day, Lang constructs an epic tribute to scientific visionaries and pulp literature, taking viewers on a unique journey that utilizes bold visuals and broad characters.

“Woman in the Moon” doesn’t present a simple space opera, but makes an effort to build a story of discovery and manipulation along the way, with extensive screen time devoted to creating proper motivations before the picture launches into space. Mixed in with the melodrama is an overview of scientific research and planning, developing the idea of rocket flight, acclimating the audience to the practice of thought before it embarks on the unknown. “Woman in the Moon” intelligently examines pieces of its puzzle, but it also pays attention to larger acts of intimidation and human connection, with Lang developing personality and dramatic need before the special effects display begins.

Woman in the Moon Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.28:1 aspect ratio) presentation is the result of a 2000 restoration to secure the exhibition future of "Woman in the Moon." Extensive clean-up and repair isn't encountered, with the source filled with scratches (some quite lengthy) and damage. What's impressive here is clarity, finding detail emerging even in the most problematic passages of the feature, delivering clear faces and textured costuming, while set design is open for pauseable inspection. Delineation is communicative, and contrast is as secure as possible. I realize there is already extensive debate about vertical stretching with this and other Kino Lorber silent cinema releases, and screencaps are provided for those concerned. I didn't experience any visual discomfort while watching the film -- nothing stood out as obviously distorted.

Woman in the Moon Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 LPCM mix is strictly piano-based, with musical accompaniment sounding crisp and fresh, providing the feature with distinct changes in mood without distortion.

Woman in the Moon Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "The First Scientific Science Fiction Film" (15:03, SD) is an undated featurette covering the research that went into the creation of "Woman in the Moon," emphasizing influence from German physicist and engineer, Hermann Oberth, who worked as a production consultant and attempted to construct a rocket of his own to celebrate the picture's theatrical release. There's also a lengthy sequence comparing the details of "Woman in the Moon" and the 1969 Apollo 11 moon mission.

Woman in the Moon Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Moon travel arrives in the second half of the film, and it's worth the wait, with design achievements impressive and considered, establishing many elements of space exploration that are in place today. While the feature is lengthy (clocking in just under three hours), Lang keeps surprising visuals coming, including the sandy surface of the moon and the particulars of rocket travel, inventively cooking up an educated vision of the future that turned out to be semi-accurate and wholly influential.