Diagonaldi Very well executed

VividSimon Simply Perfect

Erica Derrick By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

Portia Hilton Blistering performances.

dromasca I watched the series on the European Arte channel and was really impressed. I am not a fan of the docu-series mixed with actors, but in this case the method played well by filling in the wholes in documentary coverage, and by telling much more and in a more expressive manner about the principal characters in the space race and their feelings and motivations.Certainly, there are many details that were left out, and many of the Russian viewers on the different Web fora pointed out that the presentation lacks balance and accuracy. Yet, the documentary information was extremely valuable, as all the Soviet space program was so much covered by secrecy and deformed by propaganda that I realized that despite the fact that I was living in a Communist country by that time I knew almost nothing about it.This is a film to watch, and hopefully more will be done on the same subject and throw more light on these exciting aspects of mankind recent history.

Ollyjd The BBC have shown that the as-yet-to-mature genre of 'docudrama' can compete with the best their is to offer from either of its parent genres. The script was tight - and by that I mean sounding like what real people might actually have said - and the acting of a good standard. I do not confess to know the intricate details of the actual American-Soviet space race, but suspect the scriptwriters distilled the story to just the right level, allowing for an understanding of the larger issues without losing a sense of the real people behind the events. My only complaint: perhaps a little more of the budget could have been directed toward the CGI sequences.....? Informative and watchable, I look forward to the BBC's next foray into the world of docudrama.

DJMonline This 4 parter is no less than excellent. Whether a student of history, a student of the reality of space flight or if you only have a passing interest in the subject you will be gripped. It is so well put together and played that even though the events are matter of history you find yourself holding your breath with anticipation as the events unfold and asking yourself "will they, won't they" even though you may already know the answer. I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone with any interest, it's the best series of it's genere (I dare to say, better "From the Earth to the Moon" which I have enjoyed many viewings).Buy it, rent, catch it on a repeat but don't miss this outstanding piece of not just television but filmaking.

Jaz_246 This television series is probably the best ever written about the 'Space Race' by the Soviets and the Americans. I never know the full history behind the Soviets designer, Sergei Korolev. And after watching this it gives you the whole background knowledge you need ever. This is a series I would really recommend watching whether you are interested in Space or not as either way it is fulfilling. I liked the way that the actors playing Werner Von Braun and Sergei Korolev were precise and really made you think that it was really them. Although when you first learn about Space history all you learn about is the first man on the moon and I don't think that the Soviets really get a big a mention as the Americans as it was the Soviets who first got into Space as a start.This series takes you through from the first satellite into outer space to the landing of the first man on the moon. Great series I recommend it to anyone.