Movie Description
In July 1969, the eyes of the world were on the Apollo 11 moon landing--but the world would have watched blank television screens if not for the hard work of a group of Australians manning the Parkes Radio Telescope, one of the largest dishes in the world. In THE DISH, a dramatization of the events surrounding the telecast or the space mission, Cliff Buxton (Sam Neill) and Al Burnett (Patrick Warburton) try to hold their crew together through calamities and crises ranging from dangerously high winds to a sudden power failure that cuts off contact with the distant astronauts, forcing the team to impersonate Neil Armstrong for the benefit of the visiting American ambassador. While the crew frantically prepares for the big moment, relaying the footage to televisions across the world, the people of Parkes celebrate their part in this momentous historical event. One of the most critically and commercially successful films ever to come out of Australia, THE DISH is a rousing, feel-good movie that succeeds both because of its perfectly formed characters and because of a heartwarming tone that illustrates that working for a common goal is the highest calling in life.
| Credits | | Cast: | Kevin Harrington, Patrick Warburton, Taylor Kane, Tom Long |
| Details | | Sound: | Stereo Sound, Surround Sound |
Notes
DVD Features:
Region 1
Snap Case
Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.85
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
Text/Photo Galleries:
Biographies - 1. Cast & Crew, U.S. Theatrical release: March 14, 2001 (LIMITED)
Australian theatrical release: October 19, 2000
THE DISH premiered at the 2000 Toronto Film Festival.
THE DISH was the fifth highest grossing film in the history of Austrialian cinema.
Editorial Reviews
"...Funny....This is a comedy that rises out of elation..."
Entertainment Weekly - p.80 - Lisa Schwarzbaum
"...An affectionate, comic portrait....It reminds you of the giddy optimism that infused so much pop culture..."
New York Times - p.E1-3 - Stephen Holden
"...It's an irresistible piece of larky entertainment....THE DISH is a shrewd mix of sentiment and goofball humor....Colorfully wacky..."
Movieline - p.31 - Stephen Farber
"...Dramatically moving and good-naturedly humorous, it transmits a sharp picture of humanity that inspires both awe and laughter..."
USA Today - p.8D - Susan Wloszczyna
"...[An] amiable farce....Entertaining and well played....A film full of gently knowing moments..."
Sight and Sound - p.48 - Edward Lawrenson
"THE DISH does a wonderful job evoking the awesome effect of the Apollo 11 mission..."
Los Angeles Times - p.5 - Kevin Thomas
"...A smiling human comedy....THE DISH has affection for every one of its characters..."
Chicago Sun-Times - Roger Ebert (04/06/2001)
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