The Dish

Starring: Kevin Harrington, Sam Neill Director: Rob Sitch Original UK Premiere: 2001 Dvd Release: 12th November, 2001 Number Of Discs: 1 Format: PAL, Widescreen, Region 2 Encoding Subtitled In: English

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The Dish is a 2001 film based on the true story of a radio telescope in Parkes, New South Wales, Australia, that was the southern hemisphere connection to NASA for the Apollo missions to the moon. The signal received in Parkes ended up being responsible for the televised live footage of the first steps on the moon in the Apollo 11 mission. Although based on true events the movie uses fictional characters & alters the details for dramatic effect. The movie was directed by Rob Sitch & starred Sam Neill. It was written by Santo Cilauro, Tom Gleisner, Jane Kennedy & Rob Sitch. At present, the Dish starring in the movie is also used for SETI & planned for SETI@home. The Dish is also the common name for a radio telescope which sits in the foothills above Stanford University & is currently still in use. Posters Of The Dish

When released in 2000, The Dish achieved the highest opening gross in its native Australia, a testament to the countrys pride in its home-grown movies. Concentrating on that legendary day in July 1969 when Neil Armstrong set foot on the Moon The Dish looks at the small but crucial role of the Parkes satellite receiver, without which the world would never have seen the historic landing. Sam Neill is the pipe-smoking Dish Master Cliff, whose team includes Dish mover Mitch, distractedly love-struck electronics nerd Glenn & NASA representative Al.

The Dish could have played the plot premise as a documentary or with a dramatic edge, but chooses instead to present the story at a leisurely comedic pace which oozes charm. The excited little community offers a snapshot of a fondly remembered past full of the idealism of the 1960s. Populated by warm-hearted souls, its easy to forgive the town band welcoming a US Ambassador with the Hawaii 5-0 theme instead of the National Anthem. The Dish may not have the sense of danger of Apollo 13, or the dazzling FX of something like Armageddon, but it does have rounded, enjoyable characterisation & a truthful, warming atmosphere, making it easily one of the most enjoyable films inspired by the space race.

Kevin Harrington is an Australian actor who is perhaps best known for his role as David Bishop on the Australian soap opera Neighbours. He has appeared in several other television series, including Blue Heelers & SeaChange. He also was a contributing writer for the program All Together Now. He also appeared in the movies The Dish, Australian Rules & The Honourable Wally Norman. He is married & has two daughters, one of whom, Megan, has a recurring role in Neighbours. Posters Of The Dish

Editors Choice: The Dish, View DVDology

Sam Neill is an actor best known for his film & television performances. He was born in Omagh, Northern Ireland, but brought up in New Zealand from the age of seven. After appearing in the popular television series, The Sullivans, he began his film career in the Australian classic, My Brilliant Career, opposite Judy Davis. This appearance led to his being selected to play Damien in The Final Conflict, one of the sequels to The Omen. He was considered to take over from Roger Moore as James Bond for The Living Daylights, impressing everyone with his screen test & was the original preferred choice of director John Glen. However, Cubby Broccoli was not impressed by Neill & the role eventually went to Timothy Dalton instead. Television Films Posters Of The Dish

Editors Choice: Jurassic Park 3, Framed, Space, The Dish, Merlin, Jurassic Park, Snow White, Sirens, View DVDology

Rob Sitch is an Australian director, producer, screenwriter & actor. He has a medical degree, but has never practiced medicine. He is a currently a member of the Working Dog production company which produced The Panel television show & the movie, The Castle, which he personally directed. Jane Kennedy & Sitch have been a couple for many years & have three children together. The pair have never commented publicly on their relationship. The Dish, director, producer & screenwriter. Posters Of The Dish

Editors Choice: The Dish, View DVDology

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