Apollo 13 is a fascinating drama, mixing in loads of content into a solid two hour timeframe. Ron Howard directs this Tom Hanks piece, based on the real event of a nearly doomed space shuttle flight to the moon. The dramatic twists are captivating cinema.
Superb screenwriter William Broyles handles the writing duties (and later another Tom Hanks starring film, Cast Away), translating the book of the same name. The film begins as a family drama, using the uncertainties of the flight, the pilot’s last chance to make a trip to the lunar surface, and general fear of disaster to its advantage. The opening set up feels like an eerie foreshadowing, particularly as Hanks discusses a prior disaster with his son.
On into space, an explosion on board the ship begins a series of increasing challenges that seem to have no end. On the ground, Howard takes the time to insert the lack of media interest until things turn towards the dangerous side, the stress level of the families, and ground controls frantic search for solutions in hope of bringing the three man crew home. All of this fits perfectly into the film, and keeps the visuals interesting as opposed to the emptiness of space.
While the majority of the technical dialogue is completely over the heads of the audience, it feels authentic. Bill Paxton and Kevin Bacon are fantastic, particularly near the close as their situation becomes desperate. Blame is placed as oxygen is slowly replaced in the cabin by carbon dioxide, the temperature lowers to freezing levels, and power is reduced to zero. Uncertainty is maintained even if the real life events are familiar.
Ed Harris leads a ground control crew as they search for the means to bring the astronauts back to Earth alive. While minor in terms of character development, the experience of the control room is documentary-like in its feel. The stress is captured in a way that each new problem adds additional weight, even after solutions are discovered to prior issues.
Apollo 13 would go on to win two Academy Awards, while being nominated for additional seven. It’s deserving of them all. This is the way true stories are handled in film form, to satisfy those interested in the true events while crafting a compelling screen drama. 
Apollo 13 hits HD with a high grain transfer. While much of it is hidden when in space, on the ground, every scene has noticeable problems. Color is strong, as are the black levels. Some compression can be found, especially in the reds. The scene in which Gary Sinise is told he’s not flying on the mission is particularly ugly. While overall sharp, this isn’t one for high detail. It’s hard to feel that you’re seeing everything on the special effects. 
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