'Criterion' an amazing study of Apollo missions

"For All Mankind: Criterion Collection"

With all the excitement surrounding the 40th anniversary of man's first landing on the moon comes this terrific documentary of the Apollo space missions that is amazing from start to finish. Director Al Reinert and editor Susan Korda went through 6 million feet of film recorded by NASA and 80 hours of interviews to put together this program. From Apollo One through Apollo 14, this is the true story of the 24 men who traveled to the moon, told in their words, using images of their experiences. Astronauts Charles Conrad, Jim Lovell, Jack Swigert, Michael Collins and Ken Mattingly take us on a wonderful journey, as they narrate and guide us. It is presented in such a way that it comes across like a single mission that's edited seamlessly.

Brian Eno's score adds to the feel and the emotions that will run through you as you view history happening right before your eyes. The DVD is presented in a restored high-definition transfer with the finest audio and video available. The bonus features include audio commentaries, documentaries, interviews, Alan Bean's artwork, NASA audio highlights and liftoff footage.

"Hotel: Season One"

Available on DVD for the first time, this series had a loyal following in the 1980s as viewers would watch the show right after "Dynasty." Producer Aaron Spelling put together the series, which was based on Arthur Hailey's novel and set at the St. Gregory Hotel in San Francisco. It was almost like "The Love Boat," in which many guest stars arrived on a weekly basis. The regular cast members included Anne Baxter, James Brolin, Connie Sellecca, Nathan Cook and Shari Belafonte. The six-disc set includes all 22 episodes, along with the two-hour pilot. The pilot episode featured Bette Davis as the hotel owner, but when she got sick, Davis was replaced by Anne Baxter.

"Quincy Jones: The 75th Birthday Celebration"

Quincy Jones has had a great career as an arranger, producer, bandleader and composer with music spanning many different genres. The program was filmed live at Montreux, where Quincy Jones has had a history with its annual jazz festival.

Those paying tribute to the great man included Chaka Khan, Herbie Hancock, Patti Austin, James Moody, Freda Payne, Joe Sample, Al Jarreau, Petula Clark, Lee Ritenour and others. The two-disc set includes 30 songs.

With the passing of Michael Jackson, comes the reissue of two of his finest programs.

"Michael Jackson Live in Bucharest-The Dangerous Tour"

During Michael's Dangerous Tour around the world, HBO broadcast this outstanding concert from Bucharest. It was HBO's most successful ratings of any show in its history, and featured Michael Jackson at his best. Michael sings and dances, and the show is as exciting today as it was then. The songs include "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'," "Human Nature," "She's Out of My Life," "I'll Be There," "Thriller," "Billie Jean," "Heal the World" "Man in the Mirror" and more.

"Michael Jackson: Number Ones"

The DVD includes 15 of Michael Jackson's finest videos, including "Rock With You," "Billie Jean," "Thriller," "Bad," "Smooth Criminal," "Dirty Diana," "Black or White," "You Are Not Alone" "Beat It" and more.

Available Next Week

• "Bernie Madoff and the Scaming of America"

• "Comic Legends Collection"

• "Clancy Brothers: Farewell to Ireland"

• "How Bruce Lee Changed The World"

"Richard Pryor: Live and Smokin"

"The Alzheimer's Project"

"The Judy Garland Show, Vol. 1"

"The Mafia: DVD Set"