The Cold Blue

About The Cold Blue

The Cold Blue is a captivating documentary that pays tribute to the men who fought and risked their lives in World War II. It features newly restored 4K footage, shot during the actual bombing missions in 1943. The film allows viewers to experience the daily situations of these warriors, featuring interviews from 9 of the very few remaining B-17 pilots. The director, Erik Nelson, seeks to provide an intimate look into the harsh realities of war in an immersive perspective.

Making / Production

Released in 2019, The Cold Blue was directed by Erik Nelson and produced by Creative Differences and Vulcan Productions. The film made use of raw color footage shot by director William Wyler, during the World War II for his 1944 documentary, Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress. Techniques to restore and color-correct the 75-year-old footage were employed to bring it back to life, and its portrayal of the experience of war remains as immersive as it was during its original release.

Actors

The Cast of the movie are the brave men themselves, represented through original footage and interviews:

• Vince Speranza, Himself - B Company, 501st PIR, 101st Airborne Division
• Paul 'Pappy' Haedike, Himself - Pilot, 91st Bomb Group
• Mort Kufahl, Himself - 91st Bomb Group

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The title of the film references the view the airmen had, looking out over a beautifully cold and blue North Atlantic Ocean.
• The documentary features original footage shot for a 1944 documentary and interviews with surviving WWII veterans.
• Erik Nelson, the director, is also known for his work on "Grizzly Man" and "Encounters at the End of the World."

Awards

While the film didn't win any specific awards, "The Cold Blue" received wide critical acclaim and is often lauded for its historical accuracy and emotional depth.

Quotes

• "That flak was so thick you could almost walk on it."
• "We were just a bunch of kids. We didn't understand the danger."

Music, Soundtrack

• The music for "The Cold Blue" was composed by Richard Thompson, delivering a haunting and heroic score that complements the stirring imagery.