It's a visual feast for aviation lovers, but lacks satiable technical discussion
The Blue Angels delivers what may be some of the most amazing videography ever seen in aviation, at times even surpassing much of Top Gun: Maverick's blend of real and CGI. For an aviation fan like myself who has grown up near 40 years with the Blue Angels and calls Pensacola home, the action shots are worth the IMAX experience in every way possible, especially as many camera angles have never been seen before due to the unique and unprecedented way it was filmed.
The documentary largely follows the jet demo team and focuses on their hectic season - from El Centro winter training, to weekly demonstrations, selection of the next Blue Angel members, and all the way to the Homecoming Airshow. Above all, the documentary focuses on showing the culture and purpose of the Blue Angels organization through lived experiences of its jet demo members.
What ultimately lacked for me in this documentary was the technical discussion and behind the scenes look at the jets themselves. Outside of a visualized rehearsals and a centrifuge session, there was little discussion about the technical aspects of the jets and flying them. I would have loved to learn more about what kind of work the maintainers do throughout the season given how many hours these old fleet jets are flying. I would have liked to know what simulator sessions newcomers go through and how they time and place their maneuvers before even stepping foot in El Centro.
While there is certainly more I would have preferred, it understandably was slimmed into a more palatable format for the average person. Aviation fan or not, it's definitely worth the watch.
The documentary largely follows the jet demo team and focuses on their hectic season - from El Centro winter training, to weekly demonstrations, selection of the next Blue Angel members, and all the way to the Homecoming Airshow. Above all, the documentary focuses on showing the culture and purpose of the Blue Angels organization through lived experiences of its jet demo members.
What ultimately lacked for me in this documentary was the technical discussion and behind the scenes look at the jets themselves. Outside of a visualized rehearsals and a centrifuge session, there was little discussion about the technical aspects of the jets and flying them. I would have loved to learn more about what kind of work the maintainers do throughout the season given how many hours these old fleet jets are flying. I would have liked to know what simulator sessions newcomers go through and how they time and place their maneuvers before even stepping foot in El Centro.
While there is certainly more I would have preferred, it understandably was slimmed into a more palatable format for the average person. Aviation fan or not, it's definitely worth the watch.
- Airman87
- Jul 26, 2024