For many years, I have heard of people going out to watch jets flying overhead. My younger self did not pay attention to all that is involved in these shows. My late older brother was in the Navy in the early 60s (around the Vietnam era) and after his return and later in retirement, he would share some newsletters/magazines. I failed to note the details of the Blue Angels that provided the exhibitions that the public could view, as well as the fact that Navy Flight Exhibition Team was created in 1946. A name change followed to Blue Angels (formally named the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron). After viewing the new documentary, The Blue Angels, in an IMAX theater, I learned so much about what goes into being a Blue Angel – how skillful the pilots are – and the history of the organization. This feature-length film directed by Paul Crowder and produced by J.J. Abrams and Glen Powell, should be seen on the largest screen possible as the flight and other scenes are spectacular.
The thought of watching planes fly overhead over and over for several months may not appeal to everyone, but after viewing the film that provides a detailed, behind-the-scenes look, I have nothing but respect for those real pilots. Watching a few films about pilots (the obvious Top Gun/Top Gun: Maverick) and others gives people a glimpse of an idea of what it takes. That is Hollywood, but the documentary The Blue Angels goes deeper to show what can happen during training. Talking about it is one thing, but then viewing it on the big screen is rattling to us viewing it. It can be a tough watch.
I cannot emphasize how impressive the aerial display is on the IMAX screen. It made me feel as if I was flying along with them, especially in the close-up shots of the pilots in the air. It is incredible to think that multiple jets can be flown 18 inches apart in their formation. If you are interested in viewing this in person, the Blue Angels (six jet fighter pilots) tour the country for eight months at a time, each year. The 2022 season is featured in this documentary, from selection, to training that leads to the tour with duties to participate in outreach programs along with visits to schools and hospitals.
It is not all men in the program, as we learn about women being included, with Amanda Lee as the first female pilot to be inducted into the program.
If you are not yet familiar with Texas native actor Glen Powell, he played military pilots in the films titled Devotion and Top Gun: Maverick. He serves as one of the film’s producers of the IMAX original documentary. The film starts its IMAX exclusive run May 17. In Austin, check for the local showtimes at the AMC Barton Creek Square 14 & IMAX and The Bullock Texas State History Museum IMAX theater. The film will be streaming globally on Prime Video on May 23rd.
Source: Amazon MGM Studios
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