Hi Dave,
I don’t know of any films made in the manner you are suggesting Dave. Studio Ghibli’s approach to artwork as scene setting (and aviation in Proco Rosso) is the nearest I’ve ever heard of.

There are some wonderful old clips on this Youtube link advertising one of the Imperial War Museum’s DVD’s.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsBGPjc8DFE

Do you agree that the catapult officer overseeing the Walrus launch who is glimpsed very quickly in the first film is perhaps Sir Michael Hordern?

As before I dunno about that, but it’s interesting that a Supermarine Walrus leaves the catapult and a Supermarine Sea Otter lands back… Interesting and noteworthy that even the RN decide to pull that trick that other film-makers get harangued by enthusiasts for doing.