Documentary

The Cold Blue (2019): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Name: The Cold Blue
Genre: Documentary
Released: 2019-05-31
Duration: 1 h 41 min
Cast: Al Villagran, Mort Kimmel, Paul Haedike, V.G. Alexander, William Toombs

The Cold Blue is a 2019 documentary directed by Erik Nelson, starring Al Villagran, Mort Kimmel and Paul Haedike. It runs 1 hour 41 minutes and earned $420,177 worldwide. Critics gave it 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.7/10.

IMDb rating: 7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
worldwide gross: $420.2K
Echo Score: 81

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Watch the trailer

Released: May 31, 2019
Runtime: 1h 41m (101 min)
Director: Erik Nelson
Genre: Documentary
Original language: English
Studio: Home Box Office (HBO)
After the credits: No No extra scene

The story

What Is The Cold Blue About?

The premise of The Cold Blue without spoilers.

Using powerful archival footage, this documentary explores the experiences of young airmen during World War II. It offers a poignant and unsettling look at the realities of aerial combat and the lasting psychological impact of wartime trauma on these men. The film reveals the profound and enduring scars of conflict through their personal stories.

The Cold Blue Themes & Keywords

· 5 tags

aviation
american overseas
risky job
risk taker
airplane

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Cast & crew

The Cold Blue Cast

Al Villagran leads the cast, with Mort Kimmel and Paul Haedike. Directed by Erik Nelson; 5 actors are credited in all.

Director Erik Nelson

Al Villagran as themselves
Mort Kimmel as themselves
Paul Haedike as themselves
V.G. Alexander as themselves

Also Starring in The Cold Blue

· 1 more

William Toombs Themselves

From the director

More from Erik Nelson

More films directed by Erik Nelson, best-rated first: Apocalypse '45, Dreams with Sharp Teeth, Daytime Revolution and A Gray State.

Full filmography

Ratings

The Cold Blue Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Cold Blue 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.7/10. Our Echo Score gives it 81/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in rewatch factor (70).

81 /100

The Cold Blue Echo Score Breakdown

The Cold Blue excels in its visual restoration and emotional tribute, though its narrative scope is somewhat narrow. The documentary's archival footage restoration draws from vivid color and immersive camera work, creating an impactful portrayal of the Eighth Air Force missions. Veteran voice-over narration lends poignant authenticity but some viewers note limited contextual breadth regarding evolving air strategies. In sum, the film offers a compelling sensory and emotional experience tempered by a focused historical lens.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

Art & Craft 90

In terms of art and craft, the film showcases vividly restored wartime footage with meticulous editing that preserves the integrity of the original 16mm imagery. The color grading delivers a heightened immediacy, while strategic framing and archival assembly reflect thoughtful direction. Textual overlays and seamless transitions enhance the archival materials without distraction. Overall, this documentary achieves a polished aesthetic that honors its historic source.
Character & Emotion 85

Regarding character and emotion, The Cold Blue relies on veteran narratives to evoke heartfelt resonance, offering minimal dramatization. The voice-over recollections bring depth to individual experiences, and poignant imagery of youthful faces underscores personal stakes. While it lacks conventional casting, the firsthand testimonies sustain emotional engagement. In sum, the film delivers a sincere but unembellished human portrait.
Story & Flow 75

In terms of story and flow, the documentary follows a linear narrative that details the missions of the Eighth Air Force. Archival footage and veteran accounts create an engaging sequence, though some viewers note a narrow focus that omits evolving aerial tactics. Pacing is measured and deliberate throughout. Overall, the storyline offers coherent but concentrated historical insight.
Sensory Experience 85

Regarding sensory experience, The Cold Blue excels in visual immersion with its vibrant color restoration and immersive cockpit perspectives. Sound design blends archival engine roars with subtle score elements to evoke tension. While most praise this sonic layering, occasional soundtrack choices feel mismatched to some viewers. Overall, the film delivers a striking audiovisual presentation.
Rewatch Factor 70

When it comes to rewatch factor, the documentary’s archival depth and historical detail encourage revisits for enthusiasts. The vivid restored imagery and firsthand accounts reveal nuances on subsequent viewings, though those seeking broader context may find the focused scope limiting. Its paced delivery rewards attention to detail. In summary, the film possesses solid but niche replay value.