If you've ever been mesmerized by a fighter jet performance, then the documentary 'The Blue Angels' will provide an in-depth look into how these captivating aerial displays are produced. This US Navy and Marine Corps group is most notable for its impact on military enrollment, with actor Glen Powell, known for his roles as a military pilot, featuring as one of the film’s producers.
Touring the US for eight months yearly, The Blue Angels is formed of six talented fighter pilots known for their dazzling aerial creations, often only a mere 18 inches apart. The documentary covers their 2022 season, from the stringent selection process, demanding training and exhausting tour which also involves significant community outreach programs.
Viewers get to know the members better through personal vignettes, such as flight leader Brian Kesselring, and the film doesn't hold back from sharing the rigorous conditions of the training that have opened up opportunities for women in the program.
The film delivers exhilarating footage of the majestic flying sequences, including the notoriously complex Delta Formation. Culled from cameras mounted in the cockpit and helicopters decked out with IMAX-certified cameras allowed into the performance airspace, the footage provides a thrilling up-close perspective.
The documentary also shares insights into the history of the Blue Angels, including the achievements and tragic occurrences in the program since its formation in 1946.
From centrifuge testing sessions that push pilot candidates to their physical limits, to a look into the pilots' family lives, the documentary manages to capture not only the incredible everyday realities of the Blue Angels, but also underline the vital role they play in promoting public interest in naval aviation. Despite its feature-length runtime, the attention to detail and ambitious filming are sure to make it a worthwhile watch on IMAX theaters before it streams on Amazon Prime.
