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[DVD 71] EUCLID BEACH PARK - FOOTSTEPS INTO YESTERDAY
& EUCLID BEACH CAROUSEL - THE LONG JOURNEY HOME. [DVD-R / 2004 /
120 MINS]. (3 of 3 / Two programmes on one DVD). Opened
in 1895, Euclid Beach Park would delight hundreds of thousands of
people from northeastern Ohio over the next 74 years of its life.
Hop aboard the Thriller, the Flying Turns and the Racing Coaster!
Take a spin on the Racing Derby. Including interviews with
patrons and former park employees, sit back and enjoy the delight
of Euclid Beach Park as the story continues. We see why Euclid
Beach Park closed for good in 1969 and where many of the rides
ended up. The second programme details the travels of PTC #19,
the beloved Euclid Beach Carousel. ANDY SHINE
SAYS: One of my favourite programmes. An absorbing documentary
featuring some wonderful rare footage of the park and its rides.
The second programme is not coaster related; however it is sure
to appeal to carousel enthusiasts. SHINE RATING: Good / Recommended. |
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[DVD 72] MEYERS LAKE REMEMBERED & STARK COUNTY
MOMENTS IN TIME. [DVD-R / 2004 / 105 MINS] (1 of 2 / Two
programmes on one DVD). “Meyers Lake Park Remembered”
starts with the park’s early beginnings and takes us on a
journey through intervening years until the park’s closing
in 1974. “Stark County, Moments in Time” is a
nostalgic look at growing up in Stark County in the 40s, 50s &
60s ANDY SHINE SAYS: The first programme
features rare footage of the park. The second programme will
only appeal to residents and enthusiasts of Stark County.
SHINE RATING: Good. |
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[DVD 73] MOONLIGHT MEMORIES OF MEYERS LAKE PARK.
[DVD-R / 2004 / 100 MINS] (2 of 2 / Two programmes on
one DVD). Just the mention of Meyers Lake Park brings a tear to
the eye and wonderful memories of the Comet, the Rocket Ride, the
Carousel and dancing under the stars at the Moonlight Gardens.
Come back with us again to the glorious 1950s and 1960s when you
were young and Meyers Lake Park was the place to be. (Includes a
50-minute bonus programme titled, ‘Amusement Park
Memories’). ANDY SHINE SAYS: Two
enjoyable, well put together programmes that held my attention
throughout. The second programme is marvellous, containing
much archive footage of parks and rides long gone. SHINE RATING:
Good / Excellent. |
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[DVD 74] THE WORLD’S GREATEST FAIR - SAINT LOUIS 1904.
[NTSC / 2004 / 113 MINS] It was the beginning of what Teddy
Roosevelt called “The American Century.” The 1904
World’s Fair was intended to be the biggest and the best
World’s Fair ever. This engaging programme presents the fair
through a series of compelling and often amusing stories, including:
The first Olympic games on American soil, where marathon competitors
were chased off course by dogs. A Ferris wheel, so large that a
wedding was held in one of its compartments on horseback. Tales of
a loincloth wearing tribe that shocked and enthralled visitors by
eating dogs. And a story about the famous Geronimo, who sold
visitors his autograph and hat - then replaced it with another from
a box hidden under the table. This documentary is a unique snapshot
of America at the dawn of a new era. ANDY SHINE
SAYS: This held my attention throughout, though I expected more from
it. Features ’live’ subtitles for the hearing impaired, however
they’re most erratic, which is annoying. SHINE RATING:
Fair / Good. |
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[DVD 75] A TIME TO REFLECT: THE HISTORY OF WHALOM
PARK. [DVD-R / 2005 / 35 MINS] A documentary film
chronicling over 100 years of Whalom Park’s history; from
prior inception in 1893 to its present status after closing in
2000. Hear from a number of local residents as they remember this
beloved landmark. Go back in time to the park’s humble
beginnings in the rustic woodlands of Lunenburg Massachusetts.
See how Whalom’s landscape changed throughout the years
after a number of destructive fires and storms. Venture through
the park during its golden years and take a ride on the Flyer
Comet roller coaster, the antique Carousel, the Tumble Bug, and
other classic rides. ANDY SHINE SAYS: This
is a wonderful and factual documentary from Aaron Cadieux.
SHINE RATING: Recommended. |
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[DVD 76] EUROPA PARK JUBILAUMS EDITION. [PAL / 2005 /
120+ MINS] Celebrating 30 years of attractions, shows
and magical moments at Europa Park! Featuring TV trailers of:
Atlantica & SilverStar. Contains interviews with: Roland Mack;
Claude Mabillard; Erich Willi; Franz Mack. Also features
front-seat footage of Poseidon; SilverStar; Matterhorn Blitz;
Euro Mir; Schweizer Bobbahn. Details the park's 30-year history
with archive footage. Includes many extras and lots of bonus
material. Have fun! ANDY SHINE SAYS: Another
great film from Europa Park. Park fans will love this, as did I.
SHINE RATING: Good / Excellent. |
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[DVD 77] THE STORY OF ALTON TOWERS. [DVD-R / 2005 /
60 MINS] The story of Alton Towers, as a place of fun,
thrills and magic since the 1830s! Crowds have flocked to this
magical place ever since – to the great fairs, wakes and
firework extravaganzas in the 1890s – through to the
funfairs of the 1950s – and into modern times, from the
unveiling of The Corkscrew in 1980 through to the present. We
take a look, and ride upon, the remarkable gravity defying rides
of today, such as Oblivion, Air, Nemesis and Rita Queen of Speed,
with fascinating insights from Roller Coaster guru, John Wardley.
This is the story of Alton Towers today and yesterday. Re-live
the magic and wonderment of nearly two centuries of Alton
Towers! ANDY SHINE SAYS: I found this to be
average in every way. Past rides are not documented, and there’s
no behind the scenes look at the maintenance and upkeep of the
rides and attractions. I expected more from Alton Towers. SHINE
RATING: Fair / Good. |
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[DVD 78] THE HISTORY CHANNEL: MODERN MARVELS, WALT
DISNEY WORLD. [NTSC / 2005 / 89 MINS] The world-famous
Orlando theme park is not only the most visited in the world, it
is also the most technologically advanced. From a network of
underground tunnels connecting various regions of the park, to
the space-age propulsion technology of linear synchronous motors,
the Disney dynasty has been on the leading edge of theme park
innovation since the opening of Disneyland, its first park, in
1955. Chapters: Make-Believe World; The Magic Kingdom; Audio
Animatronics; Epcot Centre; Motion-Based Technology; Disney
Studios; Lights, Motion, Action! Animal Kingdom; Living
Dinosaurs. ANDY SHINE SAYS: This is a
most entertaining, factual piece that is nicely paced and
well presented. SHINE RATING: Good. |
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[DVD 79] INDIANA BEACH AMUSEMENT RESORT: PROVING
THERE’S MORE THAN CORN IN INDIANA! [NTSC / 2005 / 54 MINS]
A special programme celebrating 80 years of Indiana
Beach Amusement Resort, Monticello, Indiana. Holding a special
place in the hearts of guests of all ages, through the continued
vision of the Spackman family who have owned and operated it
since the beginning, Indiana Beach has grown from the Ideal Beach
swimming area to one of the most exciting and unique amusement
resorts in the world. This programme documents the resort
through the years and showcases all that it has to offer.
Chapter Points: Ideal Beach 1926-1947; The Riviera of the
Midwest 1947-1984; Moving On 1984-Present. Indiana Beach
Amusement Resort - Proving there’s more than corn in
Indiana! ANDY SHINE SAYS: I loved this;
it’s a thoroughly entertaining, researched, educational piece.
The only thing missing was uninterrupted front seat footage
aboard the coasters; oh well, you can’t have everything!
SHINE RATING: Good / Recommended. |
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[DVD 80] DISNEY THEMENPARKS - DIE VERRÜCKTESTEN RIDES.
[PAL / 2005 / 99 MINS - PLUS EXTRAS] (Two programmes on one DVD).
Saturate your senses, this is 100% Disney. The first programme (47 mins) goes
behind the scenes of Disney Imagineering and explains how their biggest and best
rides and attractions came to be. From ‘Blue Sky’ brainstorming
sessions, to development, problem solving, and eventual construction of your
Disney favourites. See Tower of Terror; Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster;
Indiana Jones’ Adventure; Splash Mountain; Muppet Vision 3D; ExtraTERRORestrial
Alien Encounter, and the technological advances in the creation of audio
animatronic figures seen in Pirates of the Caribbean and The Hall of Presidents.
The second programme, “America’s Thrill Makers,” (52 mins)
analyses and interviews a group of enthusiasts and ride-phobics as they
experience the various attractions for the first time. (Choose either English
or German narration). ANDY SHINE SAYS: By far my favourite
Disney film. I learned so much from this, and I’m not a Disney fanatic!
SHINE RATING: Excellent / Recommended. |
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[DVD 81] DISNEYWORLD FLORIDA. [PAL / 2005 / 150 MINS - PLUS EXTRAS]
(Three programmes on one DVD). The first programme (48 mins)
explains everything you wanted to know about Animal Kingdom, which was eight
years in the making. Go behind the scenes and find out what difficulties
Disney overcame to bring this park to fruition. See the attractions in this
area, including the Primeval Whirl roller coaster and the Kilimanjaro Safaris.
The second programme (50 mins) welcomes you aboard the Disney Cruise
experience. From the ship’s design and manufacture, to everything
onboard to keep guests comfortable, well fed and entertained. Footage also
shows Castaway Cay, Disney’s own private island. The third programme
(52 mins) showcases the most exciting rides and attractions Disneyworld has
to offer, including: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror; Test Track; Space
Mountain; Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster; Buzz Lightyear’s Space
Ranger Spin; Splash Mountain; Mission Space, and others. (Choose either
English or German narration). ANDY SHINE SAYS: A nice
enough programme if a bit too lengthy. This will keep Disney enthusiasts
entertained for the duration. SHINE RATING: Good. |
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[DVD 82] DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA. [PAL / 2005 / 104 MINS - PLUS EXTRAS]
(Two programmes on one DVD). The first (52 min) programme explores
parts of Disneyland that regular visitors do not see, including: Walt’s
private apartment overlooking Main Street, and the exclusive “Club 33.”
Visit Disney’s California Adventure too, and have a go on your favourite rides.
The second (52 min) programme is titled “Undiscovered Walt Disney
World Resort” and explains the special activities at Disney that many
people don’t know about - a world of secrets and surprises, including:
The Sunrise Safari; surfing classes at Typhoon Lagoon; Key to the Kingdom,
where visitors may see behind the “Cast Members Only” signs;
Being granted the opportunity of sitting with the driver aboard the monorail;
Sitting at the Chef’s Table at Victoria & Albert’s Restaurant, and
see how the floats of the Spectro Magic Parade work. Features many more guest
experiences that the uninitiated know little or nothing about. (Choose either
English or German narration). ANDY SHINE SAYS: Best left
to Disney fanatics, who will enjoy this. The behind the scenes / exclusive
perks look nice; however, the matter of paying extra for the privilege is
never discussed! SHINE RATING: Good. |
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[DVD 83] EXPO - MAGIC OF THE WHITE CITY: THE CHICAGO WORLD’S FAIR OF 1893.
[NTSC / 2005 / 116 MINS - PLUS EXTRAS] Nearly 28 million people visited the Fair
during its six-month existence. Dubbed the “White City” it inspired
future innovators like Henry Ford and Frank Lloyd Wright, debuted the Ferris Wheel,
and in many ways marked the beginning of the 20th Century. Against the backdrop of
1893’s troubles with workers’ rights, prejudice, discrimination and
corruption, the World’s Columbian Exposition cast a brief ray of hope for the
future of humanity. There will never be another event to match it. A fascinating,
insightful and educational programme that will hold your attention from start to finish.
Features closed captions for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
ANDY SHINE SAYS: Buy it now! A fascinating, insightful and educational
programme that held my attention from start to finish. Features wonderful
and passionate narration by Gene Wilder. SHINE RATING: Excellent / Recommended |
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[DVD 83A] RETURN TO NORUMBEGA. [DVD-R / 2005 / 50 MINS] This is the
remarkable story of Norumbega Park (Newton, Massachusetts), and the Totem Pole
Ballroom. In its heyday, the park was a prime recreational site for patrons of
all ages. This presentation is the work of the late Bob Pollock, a Norumbega
enthusiast who spent more than a decade documenting the park’s rich history.
Come take a ride upon the Dentzel carousel, Ferris wheel, tumble bug, and circle
swing. Enjoy a game of pinball in the penny arcade, and stroll around the zoo
and gardens. If you’re feeling energetic, why not take a row boat across
the lake before taking your early evening seat in the Totem Pole Ballroom,
to reminisce once more about those delightful evenings spent dancing and relaxing
to the sounds of the Big Band orchestra. Norumbega Park 1897-1963. ANDY SHINE SAYS: This programme is a superb look back at the trolley park
era, and captures the changing trends and moods of the time. SHINE RATING: Good. |
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[DVD 84] THRILLRIDERS #2. [DVD-R / 2006 / 106
MINS] (2 of 2) Featuring some of the headline
attractions to be found on Germany’s travelling fairs. The
first (42-min) programme features: Swinging Galleon; Break Dancer
#2; Move It!; Frisbee; Top Spin #1; Insider #1 (Shaker); Star
Flyer; Wilde Maus; Olympia Looping; Wave Swinger; Tango; Virus;
Flipper (Superbowl); Surf Dance; Disk‘O’; Imperator.
The second (41-min) feature shows the build-up of some of your
favourite attractions: Break Dance #1; Giant Wheel; Techno Power;
Drop Tower; Shaker; High Energy (Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s
‘Bling’). The third (24-min) featurette focuses
exclusively on the build-up of the travelling suspended coaster,
Euro Star. Also features a slideshow containing 300 ride
photographs. ANDY SHINE SAYS: The ride footage
is very well shot and edited; though you would probably only watch
the build-up of your favourite rides just the once, unless you
are a super dedicated fanatic. SHINE RATING: Good. |
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[DVD 85] SIX FLAGS OVER GEORGIA SPRING FLING IV.
[DVD-R / 2006 / 69 MINS] The Great American Scream
Machine was the tallest roller coaster in the world when it
opened back in 1973 at Six Flags over Georgia. This beautiful
classic was designed by John Allen of the PTC, see the
construction, testing and opening of this amazing coaster. Also
features interviews with John Allen and other coaster
designers/builders. Includes short features: “The Great
American Scream Machine” (Re mastered); G.A.S.M. from the
front seat; Georgia Cyclone, time-lapse construction with front
seat footage; Mind Bender, plus front seat footage; Z-Force
(SFMM’s Flashback), plus front seat footage; Six Flags
Rides From The Past; Six Flags Over Texas’ Ten Years
Celebration. ANDY SHINE SAYS: This
is a film for the Six Flags fanatic. A couple of the films are
silent, otherwise narration throughout. I enjoyed the grainy
1970s footage. SHINE RATING: Fair. |
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[DVD 86] TRAVEL CHANNEL: BEST OF AMUSEMENT PARKS
2006. [DVD-R / 50 MINS] Come! Let’s visit the
parks and hit the rides that came top in Amusement Today's Golden
Ticket Awards - the Academy Awards of the amusement park
industry. Categories include: Best new amusement park ride; Best
steel coaster; Best wooden coaster; Best water park ride; Best
theme park show; Friendliest/cleanest park; Best children’s
park; The best amusement park in the world, and more. ANDY SHINE SAYS: The awards themselves are
subjective at best, however the programme is redeemed by the
fact that there’s some good footage of parks and coasters:
Thunderhead at Dollywood, Hades at Mount Olympus, Top Thrill
Dragster at Cedar Point, and others. SHINE RATING: Fair /
Good. |
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[DVD 87] NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL: SUPERCOASTERS.
[DVD-R / 2006 / 97 MINS] Exploring the physics, geometry
and precision engineering behind the world’s ultimate
roller coasters – which use gravity as the invisible,
mind-blowing force to jump-start the brain chemistry and shake up
the rider’s primeval instincts. SuperCoasters now utilize
high-tech launch systems that propel riders to speeds of 128mph
at skyscraper heights of 456ft. Through the eyes of engineers,
designers and scientific experts, SuperCoasters takes you behind
the scenes with a look at the science of the gravity-suspended
sensation; traces the quest to build higher and faster coasters;
and reveals how the U.S. Navy’s catapult technology may
propel coasters into a more high-octane future.
ANDY SHINE SAYS: A nice documentary, but too lengthy. The film
makers focus on Cedar Point for too long; there are other parks
you know! The rest of the programme is most interesting. SHINE
RATING: Good / Recommended. |
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[DVD 88] FADING MEMORIES OF RIVERVIEW PARK, DES
MOINES, IOWA. [DVD-R / 2006 / 24 MINS] A short nostalgic
documentary of Riverview Park, Des Moines, Iowa, 1915 –
1978. Riverview was said to entertain millions of people from all
walks of life. It played important roles during the 20s, the
Depression, World War ll, and the baby boom of the 50s and 60s.
For some people a trip to Riverview was a routine summer weekend
excursion, for others it was a ritual; but for nearly all that
went there, a trip to the park was a significant event not to be
forgotten. ANDY SHINE SAYS: A home-produced
programme that includes many interesting historical facts. Reports
on the many challenges the park faced through the years. The
programme ends rather abruptly, just like the demise of the park,
so is quite apt really. SHINE RATING: Good |
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[DVD 89] WHALOM PARK - FOR A WHALE OF A TIME! [NTSC / 2006 /
57 MINS] A delightful documentary full of nostalgic footage
of an amusement park sadly lost. Although Whalom Park (Lunenburg
Massachusetts) is gone, it will never be forgotten. Relive the
memories of riding the rides, playing the games and enjoying the
shows, featuring the various stage performers, costumed characters
and puppets that were always part of the fun at Whalom Park! Chapter
Points: The Early Years (1893 -); The Shows; The Rides and Games;
Autumn 2000 - The Ending; Unedited Whalom Park Home Video. ANDY SHINE SAYS: A homemade production that
provides a nice enough trip back in time. Shame the park was
lost. SHINE RATING: Fair |
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[DVD 90] I KIRMES: PRESS PLAY TO RIDE.
[ALL / 2007 / 124 MINS] (3 of 4). This special
educational media source carries optional subtitles identifying
ride name, manufacturer and interesting statistics. Features
transportable coasters: Alpina Bahn; Wilde Maus; Family Star;
Wild Mouse. Major Rides: Maximum Speed; XXL; Speed; High Impress;
Transformer; Flying Circus; Freefall; Maxximum; Canstatter Wellenflug;
Break Dance; (Huss) Frisbee; Magic; Deca Dance; Experience; Rendezvous;
Sky Flyer; Nightfly; Atlantis Rafting; Jungle River; Mach 1;
Skate Board; Discovery; Polyp; Ikarus Der Mythos; Airgate; Beach
Party; Airwolf; Salto Mortale; Rocket; Playball; Commander;
Out Of Space. UK Rides: Waltzer; (Fabbri) Frisbee; Top Buzz;
Stargate; Terminator; (Woolls/Tivoli) Remix; Crazy Shake; Jump
& Smile; Over The Top; Bungee; (ARM) Superbowl; (KMG) Remix;
Meteorite; Body Count; Aftershock. Also features a slideshow of
1,000 ride photographs. ANDY SHINE SAYS:
This presentation will make you dizzy in your easy chair. I
love this range of DVDs, they are professionally produced, and
the subtitles are educational too - if you know little about
coasters and spin rides, you will know a lot more after watching
this! SHINE RATING: Recommended. |
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[DVD 91] GREETINGS FROM BERTRAND ISLAND AMUSEMENT PARK.
[NTSC / 2007 / 47 MINS - PLUS EXTRAS] For more than 70 years,
an amusement park in the hills of north-western New Jersey provided
summertime fun for the young and the young at heart. The roar of
the roller coaster, the magic of the carousel, the smell of popcorn
in the air, and the sense that adventure was only as far away as the
next ticket booth. For countless thousands, the place that had all
this and more was Bertrand Island Amusement Park, on Lake Hopatcong.
Additional footage includes: Postcards From The Past; More Memories;
Park Memorabilia; Lake Hopatcong Silent Classic; Extra Vintage
Footage, and more. ANDY SHINE SAYS: A great
documentary film. I watched this a few times with growing fondness.
SHINE RATING: Good. |
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[DVD 92] EUROPA PARK ZAUBERHAFTE MOMENTE. [PAL / 2007 /
160 MINS] This unique presentation includes interesting
interviews with Franz Mack and his family and co-workers, who discuss
the park’s 32-year history with archive film footage. This
programme also showcases Europa’s unique range of exciting
shows - a veritable world of both dance and artistry. With exciting
TV trailers of all your best loved rides including the new
coaster for 2006, Pegasus. Also includes front-seat footage of
Poseidon; SilverStar; Matterhorn-Blitz; Euro Mir and the Suisse
Bobsleigh. With lots of new material, “Magical Moments”
is packed with historical facts. Have fun!
ANDY SHINE SAYS: Europa Park certainly knows how to make a
captivating DVD presentation. SHINE RATING: Recommended. |
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[DVD 93] HUVIPUISTON RIEMUT AINA MUKANASI! - LINNANMÄKI.
[PAL (ALL) / 2007 / 48 MINS - PLUS EXTRAS] Enjoy a musical
tour around Linnanmaki Amusement Park (Helsinki, Finland). Explore
the rides and attractions with your host, Rolle the Clown. Ride the
Big Wheel; Dodgems; Carousel; Monorail; Top Spin; Rapids; Ghost Train;
Rainbow; Funhouse; Space Shot; Swinging Galleon and the various roller
coasters, including the Vuoristorata wooden scenic railway. Includes
an interview with Risto Raikkonen detailing the history of the park.
(Finnish narration throughout). ANDY SHINE SAYS:
One very much for children with an interest in amusement parks
and their rides. SHINE RATING: Good for children. |
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[DVD 94] DE VLIEGENDE HOLLANDER - HOE EEN SAGE TOT LEVEN KWAM...
[PAL / 2007 / 50 MINS - PLUS EXTRAS] Documenting how
Efteling’s (Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands) “The Flying
Dutchman” water-based roller coaster came to be. From
brainstorming sessions and conceptual art, to theming, score composure,
construction, testing, problem solving and fine-tuning. Includes
interviews with the many people involved in the project. The bonus
material shows the Flying Dutchman’s television commercial and
explains how the advertisement was shot and edited. (Dutch narration
throughout). ANDY SHINE SAYS: An insightful look
at the design and construction of a new ride. A thoroughly educational
programme that held my attention from start to finish. SHINE RATING:
Recommended |
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[DVD 95] SANTA CRUZ SEASIDE COMPANY: 100 YEARS, MILLIONS OF
MEMORIES. [NTSC / 2007 / 97 MINS - PLUS EXTRAS] Santa Cruz
Beach Boardwalk (Santa Cruz, California) was founded in 1907.
Although one-hundred years have passed, the simple joys that
entertained previous generations still charm families today. This
documentary is filled with rare film footage, vintage photographs,
and heartfelt interviews. It captures the Boardwalk’s enduring
appeal to children of all ages. Journey back through time and
experience the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - the last of California’s
great seaside amusement parks. Bonus features include: The Looff
carousel - the artist’s life; Under the Boardwalk tour - a
look at the workshops and maintenance bays; Boardwalk commercials -
television adverts through the decades. And finally, an adrenalin-filled
circuit aboard the Giant Dipper. ANDY SHINE SAYS:
A fresh and vibrant documentary that is entertaining and interesting,
educational and nostalgic. SHINE RATING: Excellent /
Recommended. |
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[DVD 96] INTERNATIONAL THEME PARKS. [NTSC (ALL) / 2007 / 135 MINS
- PLUS EXTRAS] Showcasing Disneyland Paris, which opened 12 April
1992, comprising of 140 acres themed into five unique areas. Meanwhile, on
the other side of the world is Tokyo Disneysea. Featuring a nautical theme,
this 176 acre theme park opened 4 September 2001 and is truly stunning, with
its rides and seven different ports of call. This programme will entrench
you in all the magic and adventure these two resorts have to offer.
ANDY SHINE SAYS: The subject matter is most interesting;
however, the programme is compromised significantly by shaky camerawork and
lack of narration. SHINE RATING: Poor. |
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[DVD 97] YOU MUST BE THIS TALL: THE STORY OF ROCKY POINT PARK.
[NTSC / 2007 / 81 MINS - PLUS BONUS DISK] A poignant look at one of
New England’s great landmarks. Go all the way back to 1847; to
the early beginning of the park, then fly like a roller coaster to its current,
demolished state. Along the way we meet colourful and insightful characters
who rode the rides, who operated the rides, and who kept the park running for
all those years. You’ll see all the stalls and attractions, including
the YoYo and the Flume, the Freefall and the Loop Corkscrew. A nostalgic look
at the good ole’ days at Rocky Point Amusement Park.
ANDY SHINE SAYS: I enjoyed this enormously, and learnt quite a bit too.
81 minutes elapsed in a flash. SHINE RATING: Good / Recommended. |
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[DVD 97A] PARKS FROM THE PAST - VOLUME ONE. [DVD-R / 2007 / 60
MINS] A collection of historic footage showing some of America’s
favourite amusement parks as they were in the early 1970s. The parks featured
are: Queens Park (Los Angeles, CA); LA County Fair (Pomona, CA); Elitch’s
Gardens (Denver, CO); Lakeside Park (Denver, CO); Lagoon Park (Farmington, UT);
Riverside Park (Indianapolis, IN); Silver Beach (St. Joseph, MI); Idlewild Park
(Ligonier, PA); Hershey Park (Hershey, PA); Dorney Park (Allentown, PA); Playland
Park (Rye, NY); Rockaways’ Playland (Rockaway Beach, NY); Palisades Park
(Cliffside Park, NJ). ANDY SHINE SAYS: Features some
fantastic colour footage, which is quite remarkable given its age.
Sure to delight those mature enthusiasts who frequented the parks concerned.
SHINE RATING: Good. |
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[DVD 97B] PENNSYLVANIA’S LOST AMUSEMENT PARKS. [DVD-R / 2007 /
145 MINS] (Three programmes on one DVD). “Life Was A Lark At
Willow Grove Park” (49 mins). Willow Grove opened in 1896 and was perhaps
the most elegant of all the trolley-company-inspired amusement parks in the US.
Thrill-seekers flocked to such attractions as the Mountain Scenic Railway and the
Captive Flying Machine. “Rediscover the Excitement: West View Park”
(47 mins) documents 71 years of West View, that provided generations of Pittsburghers
with fond memories of the Dips, Racing Whippet, and the Haunted House. “Amusement
Park Memories” (49 mins), takes an affectionate look at: Euclid Beach Park,
Kennywood, West View Park, Willow Grove Park, Palisades Park, Idora Park, Meyers
Lake Park, Coney Island Cincinnati and Coney Island New York.
ANDY SHINE SAYS: Three absorbing documentaries guaranteed to send the
Nostalgia-O-Meter into the red zone. SHINE RATING: Good / Recommended. |
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[DVD 97C] AMERICA’S GREATEST ROLLER COASTER THRILLS 1&2 + THE
NEXT GENERATION. [NTSC / 2007 / 200 MINS] Programme #1 (65 mins) -
Strap yourself in to experience the wildest coaster action available on video:
Viper; Batman-The Ride; Texas Giant; Magnum; Mean Streak; Raptor; Cyclone;
The Beast; Top Gun; Kumba; Drachen Fire; Big Bad Wolf; Thunderbolt; The Steel
Phantom. With contributions by Ron Toomer of Arrow Dynamics. Programme #2
(67 mins) - Get ready for America’s greatest scream machines: The Comet;
Great Nor’Easter; Great White; Grizzly; High Roller; Jack Rabbit; Loch
Ness Monster; Mantis; Montu; Phoenix; Raven; Timberwolf; Wild Thing. Programme
#3 (68 mins) - The most jaw-dropping roller coasters ever conceived: Incredible
Hulk; Dueling Dragons; Gwazi; Apollo’s Chariot; Medusa; Alpengeist;
Twister (Knoebels); The Great Bear; Riddler’s Revenge; Superman, The
Escape; Volcano - The Blast Coaster; Raging Bull; Joker’s Jinx;
Ghostrider. ANDY SHINE SAYS: The first two programmes
are DVD re-releases (without the closing POV montage); however, the third
programme (The Next Generation) was previously only available on VHS. Makes
for great viewing, though some of the footage is rather dark. SHINE RATING:
Good. |
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[DVD 97D] I KIRMES: TAKE YOUR SEAT AND FLY. [ALL / 2008 / 100 MINS]
(4 of 4). This special interest programme showcases over 30 different transportable
amusement rides and roller coasters. Rides shown: Air Maxx; Frisbee xXx; Speed; Octopus;
Tagada-The Show; Breakdancer; Jet Force; Spiderman; Air Crash; Magic; Geister Villa;
Chaos; Wheel of Excellence; Wildwasser; Das Omen; Eurostar; Hollenblitz;
Cyberspace; Daemonium; Spinning Racer; Crazy Mouse; Wild ’n Wet; Wilde Maus;
Power Tower 2; Psychodelic; Star Flyer 24; Breakdance #1; Rotor; Shake; Skater;
Disco Labyrinthe; Star Flyer 48; XXL. Also features a slideshow displaying over 500
images of ride transportation and set-up. Features optional German and English
subtitles identifying ride name, manufacturer and interesting statistics. ANDY SHINE SAYS: There are so many fascinating rides on the European
fair circuit, and this DVD didn’t disappoint. There’s plenty of on and off
ride footage, including film from inside ghost trains. I enjoyed this programme
very much. SHINE RATING: Good / Recommended. |
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[DVD 97E] DISCOVERY CHANNEL: BUILD IT BIGGER - COASTER BUILD OFF. [NTSC /
2008 / 43 MINS] Roller coasters are pushing the limits of human
endurance, and Danny Forster builds and rides the newest scream machines to
uncover how. At a Virginia theme park, Danny helps daredevil ironworkers risking
their lives erecting the Griffon - the tallest dive coaster in the world at
205-feet. He joins another coaster team building the Renegade, a massive wooden
coaster in Minnesota. With only two months before they must be finished, the
teams are forced to work through arctic winter conditions. In Florida, Danny
tries taming some of the fiercest coasters on the planet, both wooden and steel.
Features optional subtitles for the Deaf and hard of hearing.
ANDY SHINE SAYS: This featured much senseless hollering and hyperbole. The film
fails to show the completed rides (Griffon and Renegade), and fails to report
whether the teams met their deadlines, so the whole point of the programme
is lost. SHINE RATING: Fair / Good. |