I used to work in airline safety. United's new video has good intentions, but I don't think it will make passengers any less distracted.

• United Airlines' new inflight safety video is creative but also extremely distracting.
• The video's busy and engaging theatrics overshadow key safety information.
• Japan Airlines' straightforward safety video likely helped save 379 people escape a fire in January. 

I didn't retain much from United Airlines' new inflight safety video. And I doubt passengers will either.

The video, released on Thursday, is the latest in United's series of entertaining briefings that attempt to combine required safety and fun into a heavily regulated part of flying.