[TXnMA]

Saw it yesterday, too (82nd birthday present). Studied the battle in detail, well in advance -- including good timeline videos. Was able to pick out each flight (Midway and carrier-based) and, follow it to its conclusion -- but, it wasn't easy. (As expected, the drama didn't maintain a consistent orientation WRT N-S, but the movements of ships and planes appeared to be authentic.

IMO, the vertical dives onto the carriers overemphasized the concentration of AA fire/tracers -- but, I never dive-bombed a carrier, either. I did, however, apprectiate the faithful depiction of how ineffective the torpedo attacks were, versus how a few dive bombers devastated the carriers (due to penetration into fuel / ordnance-loaded hangar decks.

In particular, I found the carrier-deck depictions to be outstanding -- even down to the quivering RF antennas on the planes.

Like others, I was disappointed in the cursory coverage of the Yorktown, and felt the antiquated nature of the Buffalos and Wildcats from Midway was glossed-over.

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All in all, though, simply making such a complex 4-D melee was extremely difficult; I felt they did about as comprehensible presentation of it as could be expected.

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Bottom line: Good Movie! I'll buy the DVD/Blu-Ray when it's available -- so I can study the overwhelming details.

TXnMA
  

[FlipWilson]

The torpedo attacks were effective, in a way. They pulled down the fighter cap to water level clearing the way for the dive bombers.

[robowombat]

In the coverage of the loss of the Yorktown was there anything about the sinking of the Hammann.? There are good real time film of the event and the destroyer sank in four minutes and its depth charges exploded adding to the casualties of the crew who had gone over the side.