Mars: The Red Planet 2004
Distributed by Chip Taylor Communications, 2 East View Drive, Derry, NH 03038-4812; 800-876-CHIP (2447)
Produced by NASA
Directed by Lester Novros
VHS, color, 30 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Space Travel, History, Science Fiction, Technology
Date Entered: 06/23/2005
Reviewed by Brad Eden, Ph.D., Head, Web and Digitization Services, University Libraries, University of Nevada, Las VegasThis video is a digitally-remastered film produced by NASA in the mid-1970's called Mars: The Red Planet. Chip Taylor Communications has added an introduction by Charles "Charlie" Duke to the front of the video. Duke was the tenth human to walk on the moon, and was the major driver of the lunar land rover. This film documents the two Viking Explorer missions to Mars in the 1970's, both with actual film taken by the Rovers, as well as detailed animation and special effects showing how the Viking probes were landed on the surface of the planet. Some geographical and climatic information is presented. Most of the footage was taken at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, which is responsible for all of NASA's unmanned, scientific probes. A brief history of the understanding and exploration of Mars is also given. A good introduction to Mars exploration, even if the film is somewhat dated.