For All Mankind (Season One) Blu-ray review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Sony
Release Date: November 14, 2023
Rating: Not Rated
 Film:  4.5/5
 
 Plot
 Imagine a world where the global space race never ended. This thrilling “what if” take on history spotlights the high-stakes lives of NASA astronauts and their families.
 
My Thoughts
I don’t subscribe to Apple TV but I had read a lot of positive buzz about this show and I’ve been tempted to give it a try on a trial Apple TV run, but thankfully, Sony has seen fit to release the first season onto Blu-ray. After sitting through the first ten Season One episodes, I have to say that my wife and I are hooked. It’s a captivating and imaginative show that reimages the space race by exploring the question: What if the global space race had never ended?
 
The series, created by Ronald D. Moore (Battlestar Galactica, Outlander), presents a visually stunning and intriguing narrative that dives into the personal and professional lives of astronauts, engineers, and their families as they navigate the challenges and opportunities to an extended space race timeline. Where the show shines is its ability to blend historically significant events with fictional twits, offering an extremely compelling mix of drama, suspense, and science fiction. The cast is led by Joel Kinnaman and Michael Dorman, who are the central characters, but the vast supporting cast do a phenomenal job of drawing you into the story and caring about their characters. Furthermore, the production does a great job of recreating the 1960s and 1970s look and feel that adds an authenticity to the alternate reality.
 
Politically speaking, the show definitely has a leftward lean to it but the sum of its parts definitely outweighs the political narrative. We were on the edge of our seats on numerous occasions and the show’s emotional depth will have you grabbing for a tissue or two on multiple occasions. While the last thing I need is another streaming service to pay for, I may find myself springing for Apple TV just to catch up on the show which is now in its fourth season.
 
The presentation is fantastic on Blu-ray and it really highlights the work put in by the production design team. Detail is off the charts, black levels are inky and deep, but the CGI blends seamlessly in with the live photography. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track is nearly as impressive with crip dialog, ample LFE, and just enough surround envelopment to make the on-screen action encompass the entire room.
 
Video 5/5
Audio 4.5/5 (DTS-HD MA 5.1)
 
 Special Features: 
 

• None
  
  

 Conclusion
 Even with its leftward political leanings, I have to say that this show has hooked both my wife and I. The dramatic elements are hard-hitting and compelling and the alternate history is easy to follow and seem plausible. I’m not sure where the show goes from here in its future seasons, but I’ll be signing up for Apple TV just to find out (and to finally watch Ted Lasso). I don’t know when Sony plans on releasing subsequent seasons on Blu-ray, but hopefully soon to allow this excellent show to reach a wider audience. Highly recommended.      
Reference Review System:
 JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner

[bmoney]

apple tv is the darkhorse for content no doubt

[Paul Heroy]

Been thinking about watching this. Apple TV+ had a price increase recently to $9.99/mo and so it's become a "rotational" service now. I have a few weeks left until it expires so I'll try to get this in.

I'll also put in a big thumbs up for "Silo" on ATV+. My wife and I binged it last week - it was the equivalent of a "page turner" book, which is apt b/c it's based on a book series. Very well done. She's not usually into SF but this had strong characters and a gripping mystery that of course leads to more questions.

[DLCPhoto]

Been thinking about watching this. Apple TV+ had a price increase recently to $9.99/mo and so it's become a "rotational" service now. I have a few weeks left until it expires so I'll try to get this in.

I'll also put in a big thumbs up for "Silo" on ATV+. My wife and I binged it last week - it was the equivalent of a "page turner" book, which is apt b/c it's based on a book series. Very well done. She's not usually into SF but this had strong characters and a gripping mystery that of course leads to more questions.

Hey Paul!

I thoroughly enjoyed For All Mankind, and am waiting for all episodes of the newest season to drop to watch.

I also thought Silo was awesome.

Don

[David Vaughn]

Hey Paul!

I thoroughly enjoyed For All Mankind, and am waiting for all episodes of the newest season to drop to watch.

I also thought Silo was awesome.

Don

Don,

Thanks for chiming in. How are seasons 2 and 3 of this? Are they worth the price of subscription for a few months?

[DLCPhoto]

Don,

Thanks for chiming in. How are seasons 2 and 3 of this? Are they worth the price of subscription for a few months?

It's all ultimately subjective, but I really enjoyed all of them. I'm not the most demanding or critical type of viewer, so take that for whatever it's worth, but I have found the whole series pretty compelling.

[David Vaughn]

It's all ultimately subjective, but I really enjoyed all of them. I'm not the most demanding or critical type of viewer, so take that for whatever it's worth, but I have found the whole series pretty compelling.

We loved Season One, especially the last 3 episodes. Very emotional and tense.