The Dish [DVD]

Good family movie, and history lesson

True to life and a good movie to watch

I recently saw this movie on cable and didn't expect much from it. The caption listed the movie as a comedy and I found this unusual especially since Sam Neill was playing the lead role. So I took it with a grain of salt and plopped myself down one evening to watch it.While I was expecting a slap-stick cheesy comedy, I found instead a light hearted drama based on a different side of a famous historical event that I and perhaps many don't know about.In a nutshell, the movie centers around the going on events at the Parkes Observatory in Australia during the events of the July 1969 moon walk. The movie gives and excellent perspective of those events, seen from the people that actually captured the transmission via Parkes' enormous 200' diameter radio receiver. What more is what effect this world riveting event had on the small town of Parkes.The movie does take a light hearted side to this roll and it does remind us that these people who ran the Parkes installation were human and capable of error. While the events may not be all factual, it does heighten the interest in the movie.While the movie is less of a comedy than stated, there are instances that did get a chuckle out of me. The movie did start out by showing that the Parkes installation is in the midst of a sheep paddock and that did give me a good laugh because of the irony that Parkes is located in South Wales and back in England's Wales, there is a roller coaster (Megaphobia) also built in a farm animal paddock where there is no amusement park in sight. So as they said in the movie as well as in real life, it makes one wonder...why build such a large radio antenna in that location.There are other humorous moments as well but I will not delve into details here as to give away spoilers. But I will say that the movie is more drama than comedy.The movie did go to great lengths to feature its main attraction in glorious detail, which is the Parkes Observatory Dish itself. The camera angles do justice in exemplifying the shear size of the antenna dish.Finally is the coverage of the moon landing and moon walk itself, which is excellently put together towards the end of the movie.After seeing the movie, I was amazed to find out that much of it is very true. There are several levels of poetic license thrown in for good measure as the story IS fiction but centers around true events. There are some historical inaccuracies in minor events (which again I will not give away due to the fact that it may be considered a spoiler). But those inaccuracies would only be given away by those that really know their history.The soundtrack for the movie is also excellent. They picked out a good selection of songs that you don't hear often today, but were popular back then. So kudos to the producer for that move instead of hammering out songs that are constantly played on the radio (from that era).All in all, the movie is a must see and is an enjoyable experience.

I can't believe that when I wanted to buy this movie, I had to settle for a used copy (unless I wanted to pay $35 or more for a hoarded new copy). This wonderful Australian film really deserves a DVD re-issue. As a note, it is available on amazon streaming for $2.99, but I wanted a DVD.This is based on a true story, so you know how it's going to end. But like "Apollo 13", knowing how it's going to end doesn't stop it from being a great story.The tag line on the DVD is "The First Step on the Moon Nearly Stumbled on Earth". It's July 1969, and Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong are going to be the first humans ever to step on the lunar surface. NASA is prepared. A camera is going to film those first steps and everybody on earth will be able to watch it on their televisions. Two Australian satellite dishes are prepared to accept and relay the moonshot-video when the NASA satellite dishes in the U.S. are on the wrong side of earth to receive them. The Dish outside the town of Parkes, Australia, set up in the middle of a sheep paddock, is really just a back-up to the other Australian dish, and besides, the moonwalk isn't scheduled to take place until the U.S. dish will be in line to accept the transmissions.But then the astronauts decide to move up the walk - they're too excited to sleep, for pete's sake - wouldn't you be?! So the walk will take place when the Australian dishes are in line for the transmissions. Then, oh boy, the primary Australian dish has a problem and goes off-line. That leaves The Dish in Parkes responsible for relaying this world-altering incredible video to NASA, then to be broadcast to everyone's TV set worldwide. No pressure - HAH!With hours to go before the walk, the power in Parkes goes out due to a gale wind. Then their back-up generator doesn't work due to a maintenance mistake. What the sam hill are they going to do? Or to be specific, what is Sam Neill going to do, because he plays The Dish's lead scientist/mathematician, Cliff Buxton.I am a Sam Neill fan, and he doesn't disappoint in his portrayal of this understated leader. I also love Patrick Warburton, and here he plays it straight, a NASA scientist who arrives at Parkes as an advisor/NASA representative during the Apollo mission. The whole cast is fabulous, and there's wonderful characterizations, including the irrepressible Mayor of Parkes, played by Roy Billing.A highly recommended family movie that is smart and witty, has comedy and tension and does a great job of documenting how important this was.Happy Reader

Not a 'big' film but a quietly entertaining vehicle that has that underlying humour and wit that many Australians seem to possess. No dramas except those associated with the moon landing itself. Tidy direction and relaxed , laidback performances give it a 'feel good' result. Makes a good double with 'The Castle'.

I also enjoyed the included additional commentary section.

I already have this on DVD, Blu-ray was inevitably the next step in this wonderful retelling.

This movie had it all for me, a quality cast, excellent script, and superb scenery in country NSW. The historic footage of early NASA Apollo missions, and of course the moon landing, brought back wonderful memories

Loved the music