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[DVD 1] 'ROLLER COASTER' THE MOVIE. [NTSC R1 & PAL / 1977 / 119 MINS]. Thrills
abound in this high-speed suspense film. A determined terrorist begins to turn America's amusement parks into
battlefields. Tension mounts as affable safety inspector George Segal attempts to track down the saboteur who
has targeted the country's most popular rollercoaster, and its riders, for senseless destruction. The
edge-of-your-seat excitement mounts as the battle of wits between Segal and Bottoms builds to an explosive
climax. Co-starring Richard Widmark and Henry Fonda, this widescreen presentation also has cast and film-maker's biographies, film highlights, theatrical trailer and production notes. Carries optional subtitles for the Deaf
and Hard of Hearing. ANDY SHINE SAYS: A cat -and- mouse suspense film guaranteed to
appeal to the amusement park and coaster enthusiast. Filmed on location at Ocean View Park, Kings Dominion and
Magic Mountain, and featuring some nice footage of the rides and coasters, including: Rocket, Rebel Yell and The
Great American Revolution. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good. |
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[DVD 2] THE PHYSICS OF AMUSEMENT PARK RIDES. [DVD-R / 1986 / 30 MINS] Want to
know where to sit on a roller coaster to get the biggest thrill? In this [QED] programme, engineers use the
principles of physics to design amusement park rides. Viewers will be catapulted along a roller coaster,
slammed into their seats, glued against a wall, shot down a luge course, and swung around on an hellacious ride
they call "The Corkscrew." Learn of the relationship between kinetic and potential energy, vectors, speed,
friction, and acceleration in an exciting real-world format. Original BBC Broadcast title: Most Swirling,
Swinging, Sliding, Spinning, Up and Down Ride of Your Life. ANDY SHINE SAYS: I remember
this when it was first broadcast in the UK. It's a bit dated by today's standards but educational all the same.
Nice to see footage of Alton's former rides. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Fair / Good. |
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[DVD 3] JAPANESE STEEL ROLLER COASTERS. [DVD-R / 1989 / 65 MINS]. Taken from an old
newsreel. Filmed from the front seat of Japan's premiere roller coasters. Height and length of each ride is
given, and you get an amazing trip. Showing (we believe) - Big Boom at Nasu Highland Park; Bandit at Yomiuri
Land; Tornado at Tokyo Summerland; Giant Coaster at Fuji-Q Highland; Stand-up Coaster at Odakyu Gotemba Family
Land; Lightning Coaster at Nasu Highland Park; Standing and Loop Coaster at Yomiuri Land; Double Loop at Fuji-Q
Highland; Moonsault Scramble at Fuji-Q Highland; Thunder Coaster at Nasu Highland Park; Loop Screw at Seibu-En
Amusement Park; Mount Rocky Coaster at Tobu Zoo; Crazy Mouse at Tobu Zoo; Ultra Twister at La Qua, Korakuen;
Adventure Coaster at Odakyu Mukogaoka Yuen; Shuttle Loop at Yokohama Dreamland; Sitting & Standing Coaster /
Dangai at Gotemba Family Land. ANDY SHINE SAYS: A pleasant enough way to kill an hour.
No narration and no music, just front-seat footage and on-screen statistics of Japanese steelies. ANDY SHINE'S
RATING: Fair. |
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[DVD 4] ECHOES OF SUMMER - THE LIVES AND TIMES OF CRESCENT PARK. [DVD-R / 1989 / 60 MINS]
Crescent Park (Riverside, Rhode Island) was founded by Charles Boyden in 1886. In this documentary programme we
learn of the many difficulties the park faced across nine decades: financial problems, pollution, fires, and
numerous changes of ownership. We also see the various rides and attractions through the years including the
wooden roller coaster. Crescent Park closed for good in 1979; a victim of falling attendance due to changing
tastes and attitudes. However, the story doesn't end there. We see how a few locals united to save the 1895
Charles I.D. Looff carousel, which still operates today. ANDY SHINE SAYS: An interesting
programme full of facts and tales about a lost park. A well presented documentary that held my attention from
the very start. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good. |
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[DVD 5] KIDSONGS: RIDE THE ROLLER COASTER. [NTSC / 1990 / 30 MINS] The
Kidsongs kids have so much fun on this musical visit to Six Flags Magic Mountain. Zoom around on the roller
coaster, get wet through on the roaring rapids, and drive the bumper cars. Songs include: Let's Twist Again;
Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On; Splish Splash, and many others. Children aged 1-8 years will love watching the
rides and singing along to the music - lyrics enclosed. ANDY SHINE SAYS: Definitely one
for younger children with an interest in amusement park rides. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good for children. |
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[DVD 6] REDISCOVER IDORA PARK. [DVD-R / 1991 / 35 MINS + BONUS PROGRAMME] An
affectionate look back. Idora Park is still loved and missed by the people of the Mahoning Valley. Generations
of people from Youngstown and the surrounding suburbs spent many long days at this great old amusement park.
Ride once more on the Wild Cat coaster, the Water Chute, the Rocket Ships and a whole host of other rides and
attractions. You'll be thrilled to the delights of Idora Park - Youngstown's Million Dollar Playground!
(Includes a 50-minute bonus programme titled, 'Amusement Park Memories'). ANDY SHINE SAYS:
Thoroughly researched, entertaining and factual, without becoming tedious. There's some wonderful coaster
footage, and you really do feel for the park and the terrible twist of fate that destroyed the magic. ANDY
SHINE'S RATING: Good / Recommended. |
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[DVD 7] RIVERVIEW KINGDOM OF MAGIC. [DVD-R / 1991 / 36 MINS + BONUS PROGRAMME]
For only 64 years from 1903 to 1967 on 72 acres of land in Chicago stood Riverview Park, without a doubt, in its
day, America's Greatest Amusement Park. Riverview Park was home to thrilling rides like the Bobs, the Fireball,
the Shoot the Chutes, and the Flying Turns, to name but a few. It was also home to more gentle rides and
attractions, such as the Great Riverview Carousel and Aladdin's Castle. In short, for 64 years, Riverview Park
was a magical place and everyone from Chicago knew that, and went there. On Labor Day in 1967, Riverview Park
closed for the last time without fanfare, but the images and memories are etched in our hearts and minds.
"Riverview Kingdom of Magic" will help preserve those memories forever. (Includes a 50-minute bonus programme
titled, 'Amusement Park Memories'). ANDY SHINE SAYS: Two programmes, both most entertaining
and enlightening. It is easy to become absorbed into these programmes as if you were really there; or were you?
ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good. |
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[DVD 8] PBS HOME VIDEO: CONEY ISLAND. [NTSC / 1991 / 60 MINS] An "Electric
Eden" - "Fabulous beyond conceiving" - "Ineffably beautiful" - "Sodom by the sea." To the millions who poured
into the mesmerizing seaside amusement empire as the twentieth century dawned, Coney Island was all this and
more. The birthplace of the hot dog and the roller coaster -and the most dazzling laboratory of mass culture the
world has ever seen- Coney Island and its three extraordinary amusement parks: Steeplechase, Luna Park and
Dreamland, delighted visitors. This absorbing documentary film chronicles the greatest amusement empire the
world has ever seen, from its emergence in the mid 1800s through to its demise after World War II. (contains a
scene that may upset some viewers). ANDY SHINE SAYS: A wonderful and thoroughly researched
trip back in time. This is the Coney Island story told and captured on film as never before. My only criticism
is that the optional subtitles cut out 10 minutes into the programme. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good / Recommended.
|
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[DVD 9] HOLD ON WITH BOTH HANDS! IT'S IDORA PARK. [NTSC / 1991 / 72 MINS] Enjoy the sights of
Idora Park. At last, the largest collection of movie film and photographic highlights ever assembled on
"Youngstown's Million Dollar Playground." Compiled from over fifty private collections. Also includes slides,
postcards, vintage ads, souvenirs, tickets, memorabilia, and on-board film footage. The film traces the changes
and development of Idora Park over the years from its opening as "Terminal Park" in 1899 to its final days in
1984. ANDY SHINE SAYS: Features some nice footage aboard the coasters, although there's
very little narration, which is a shame. Idora visitors will find this programme of interest and with a high
nostalgia factor. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Fair. |
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[DVD 10] CHIPPEWA LAKE AMUSEMENT PARK. [NTSC / 1992 / 60 MINS] Enjoy the sights and sounds of
Chippewa Lake Park (Medina, Ohio) from the 1920s to the 1970s. The largest collection of movie film and
photographic highlights ever assembled on Ohio's Family Playground - Chippewa Lake Park. Compiled from over
forty private collections of rare movie footage and memorabilia. Featuring on-board ride footage, actual
Chippewa Lake Park promotional film, vintage ads, tickets, souvenirs, postcards, and over 300 photographs.
ANDY SHINE SAYS: An engaging programme about a much-missed park. ANDY SHINE'S RATING:
Fair / Good. |
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[DVD 11] AMERICA'S GREATEST COASTER THRILLS IN 3D. [NTSC & PAL / 1994 / 85 MINS]
(1 of 4) An interesting and informative documentary that takes us on a wild tour of the most exciting
coasters in the US. We ride the nostalgic woodies and the newest gut-wrenching tubular steel giants. Features:
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.
Available in German and English. ANDY SHINE SAYS: Even with the enclosed glasses, there is
no discernable 3D effect with this DVD. A nice enough programme, although we see too much of the presenters
instead of the coasters. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good. |
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[DVD 12] WORLD'S GREATEST ROLLER COASTER THRILLS IN 3D. [NTSC & PAL / 1995 / 82 MINS]
(2 of 4) American culture touches every corner of the globe and the fascination for getting scared out
of your wits on roller coasters is no exception. Features: Dragon Mountain; Pepsi Max Big One; Nemesis;
Shockwave; Olympia Looping; La Montana Rusa; Big Dipper (Australia); Thunderbolt (Australia); Corkscrew
(Australia); Desperado; Dragon Khan; The Dragon (Hong Kong). Available in German and English.
ANDY SHINE SAYS: Even with the enclosed glasses, there's no discernable 3D effect with this
DVD. It is a nice programme, with great front seat action. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good. |
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[DVD 13] BY ITS DOME IT'S KNOWN... [DVD-R / 1995 / 41 MINS - PLUS EXTRAS] The
story of the Southend Kursaal Amusement Park and Gardens. Told in archive film and photographs with
reminiscences from people who worked there and visited in its heyday. From the early days when Bernard
Tollhurst first opened the Marine Park in 1894. Through the exciting years when the Morehouse family made the
Kursaal a household name around the world. Right up to the purchase of the derelict buildings in 1994 by
Southend Council. This is a fascinating story of the first 100 years of the Kursaal Amusement Park and Gardens.
ANDY SHINE SAYS: I enjoyed this homemade production. I watched once, and would probably
not watch again for some time. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Fair. |
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[DVD 14] SPIRITS OF THE CARNIVAL: LUNA PARK, THE QUEST FOR FUN. [DVD-R / 1995 / 58
MINS] People have always looked for ways to have fun. Sigmund Freud called it "The Pleasure Principal;"
since 1912 Australians have called it 'LUNA PARK.' This is the story about the magic of amusement parks, and
two men who built a city's dream. Plagued by controversy, the dream of bringing pleasure to people was not easy.
With each decade LUNA PARK had to compete with changing social values, advancing technology and the dream of a
new age. Behind the smiling face lies a story of sweat, greed, competition and tragedy that very nearly
destroyed the dream forever. ANDY SHINE SAYS: A difficult, and rather emotional story told
very well indeed. The programme kept me glued to the screen, with more twists and sub-plots than a Broadway
whodunnit. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Excellent / Recommended. |
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[DVD 15] AMERICA'S GREATEST COASTER THRILLS #2 IN 3D. [NTSC & PAL / 1996 / 75 MINS]
(3 of 4) Get ready for the newest, highest and fastest coaster action in America with the latest and
greatest scream machines in the nation! Features: The Comet; Great Nor'Easter; Great White; Grizzly; High
Roller; Jack Rabbit; Loch Ness Monster; Mantis; Montu; Phoenix; Raven; Timberwolf; Wild Thing. Available in
German and English. ANDY SHINE SAYS: Even with the enclosed glasses, there is no
discernable 3D effect with this DVD. At least there's plenty of coaster action to watch. ANDY SHINE'S RATING:
Good. |
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[DVD 16] 'THRILL' THE MOVIE. [NTSC / 1996 / 89 MINS] Filmed largely at Santa
Cruz Beach Boardwalk and on their Giant Dipper Coaster - A popular amusement park becomes a chamber of horrors
when a madman, hell-bent on destruction, triggers a series of rides to spin completely out of control. Fearing
for the park's worth, owner Theresa Coulson does her best to keep the terrifying incidents out of the press. But
the danger escalates to deadly proportions and suddenly the most popular ride in the park, the roller coaster,
becomes a ticking time bomb. Now, in a terrifying vein of speed, it's up to one man to keep the ride moving, and
get the passengers to safety before it's too late! ANDY SHINE SAYS: This is one of those
films you would probably watch once, and then never again. The plot is thin and some of the ride malfunctions are
stupidly unrealistic. There is one redeeming feature: there are some nice shots of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
and footage onboard the Giant Dipper. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Fair. |
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[DVD 17] WILD RIDES, THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE! [NTSC / 1996 / 52 MINS] Hang on
tight! Get your adrenalin pumping and your heart rate racing as you travel to incredible thrill parks coast to
coast. Experience amazing speeds, supersonic G forces, gravity-defying corkscrews, humps, camelbacks and loops.
And that's just for starters! Get an eyeful of futuristic simulated rides and examine more than 100 years of
coaster history. Strap in tight - it's an incredible ride! ANDY SHINE SAYS: This film
held my attention from start to finish. There's input from several prominent coaster designers and builders,
which elevates the programme significantly. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good / Recommended. |
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[DVD 18] MONTANHA-RUSSA / EXTREME MACHINES: ROLLER COASTER. [ALL / 1996 / 52 MINS]
Strictly for those who love roller coasters. Witness unique design and breathtaking construction as
we interview the people behind such machines, including John Wardley. Today, ultra modern computer technology
is employed to design roller coasters, offering the thrill-seeker the tallest, fastest, most thrilling and
daring twists and turns, loops and corkscrews in complete safety. (This Portuguese production carries both
Portuguese and English narration with optional English subtitles for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired).
ANDY SHINE SAYS: An educational programme that takes a look at the design and construction
of roller coasters. The film also attempts to provide a psychological profile of a typical thrillseeker, which
adds a nice touch. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good / Recommended. |
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[DVD 19] RELIVE THE WONDER: THE 1964 NEW YORK WORLD'S FAIR. [NTSC / 1996 / 58 MINS] Relive the
dazzle, wonder and fun of this once-in-a-lifetime event. Part futuristic exhibition, part glittery strip mall,
the fair was planned amid the optimism of the late 1950s, but the fair's two-year run often mirrored the chaos
of the 1960s. The fair was a brawling, costly and altogether chaotic event, but few of the 52 million who
attended noticed. This presentation draws on the delightful memories of fairgoers who found a hope for the
future, an understanding of other cultures, and a delicious Bel-Gem waffle for just a dollar. So jump in that
station wagon and take a ride back to the 1964 World's Fair! ANDY SHINE SAYS: An
entertaining programme; however, more facts and figures, and a peek inside more of the buildings and attractions
would have been appreciated. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good. |
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[DVD 20] THRILL RIDE: THE SCIENCE OF FUN! [NTSC / 1997 / 40 MINS] This IMAX
documentary puts you in the front of some of America's most exciting (or, sometimes, nausea-inducing) amusement
park attractions. Explore the heart-pounding possibilities brought to life when imagination meets the computer
work-station with director Ben Stassen, a renowned expert in the field of Computer Generated Imagery. Learn
how cutting-edge ride designers employ technology originally developed by the military and NASA to create the
mind-bending ride simulators of today! Trace the history of thrill rides, from 19th-century Parisian coasters to
today's computer simulations, and learn what goes into their high-tech design and construction.
ANDY SHINE SAYS: This started out promising; however, it quickly went off the boil when
exploring simulated rides. Whatever happened to Virtual Reality anyway? ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Fair. |
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[DVD 21] POPULAR MECHANICS FOR KIDS: RIP-ROARING ROLLER COASTERS. [NTSC / 1997+ / 92
MINS] (Four shows on one DVD) Programme 1: Strap in and hold tight while whizzing along on the world's
fastest roller coasters! You'll go all around and upside-down on monster G-force loops, stomach wobbling drops
and the coolest cruising coasters around. Also meet world-record-breaker Richard Rodriguez, who talks about his
549-hour Big Dipper (Blackpool) marathon! Programme 2: It's a day for awesome amusement parks. You'll be
whisked away to Universal Studios: Islands of Adventure to experience your favourite movies -and more- from
the inside! Join our presenter as she tames the green monster on the Incredible Hulk coaster, and don't forget
your bathing suit as we get all wet on Poseidon's Fury. Programme 3: Under The Big Top [circus]. Programme 4:
Behind The Scenes At Big Events, [concert and wrestling match]. ANDY SHINE SAYS: Whilst
geared towards a teenage audience, I rather enjoyed these two coaster / park programmes. You never know, you
might learn a thing or two along the way; as I did. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good. |
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[DVD 22] MODERN MARVELS: ROLLER COASTER, SEARCH FOR THE ULTIMATE THRILL. [DVD-R / 1997
/ 50 MINS] Consisting almost entirely of archive photographs and film footage, this presentation
examines the history of one of America's favourite pastimes - riding rollercoasters. Reaching its zenith in the
20th century, the roller coaster is the thrill-seeking embodiment of the Industrial Revolution and technology.
As roller coaster engineers and designers search for new heights twists and turns to build, American
thrill-seekers eagerly wait on line to experience the fastest, scariest and most exciting coasters. ANDY SHINE SAYS: The history of the roller coaster on one DVD. An interesting, factual programme;
however, if you're a keen coaster enthusiast you will learn nothing new here. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good. |
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[DVD 23] PALISADES AMUSEMENT PARK: DELUXE COLLECTOR'S EDITION. [NTSC / 1998 / 75 MINS
- PLUS EXTRAS] A thrilling ride into the heart of a classic American amusement park. Chronicling the
people and events that made this New Jersey park one of the country's most popular amusement resorts. Palisades
captures the passion of the people who visited its midways and evokes the time and spirit that were the
hallmarks of a carefree innocence. Features interviews with park personnel, historians and celebrities,
including Freddy Cannon. ANDY SHINE SAYS: Fresh, educational and entertaining, what more
could you ask for? There's plenty of nostalgic film footage, including first-hand reports from people who worked
at, and visited the park. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Excellent. |
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[DVD 24] TOKYO DISNEYLAND. [NTSC (R2) / 1998 / 32 MINS] (1 of 3) A park
promotional DVD featuring the many delights on offer at this beautiful entertainment resort. Meet your favourite
Disney characters: Mickey Mouse, Minnie, and Donald Duck and explore the many attractions on offer. Filmed from
an idealistic viewpoint, the programme follows the exploits of a Japanese family during their vacation to Tokyo
Disneyland. Narration is Japanese, with optional Japanese subtitles. ANDY SHINE SAYS: You
know what to expect here: captured on film, a perfect time at Disney. There's some nice footage of the resort,
which kept me entertained. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good. |
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[DVD 25] PENNSYLVANIA CABLE NETWORK: PHILADELPHIA
TOBOGGAN ROLLER COASTERS. [DVD-R / 1998 / 50 MINS] Tom Rebbie is our host as he guides us through each
stage of roller coaster car/train manufacture from the PTC (Lansdale PA). Witness each part being machined:
wheels and assemblies, articulated chassis, safety dogs, anti-rollback ratchets and brake fins. See car
assembly right up until they're placed in the showroom ready for shipping to destinations all over the world. A
fascinating and educational programme that will appeal to dedicated coaster enthusiasts. Our host also touches
on the history of the PTC Company, and explains how the business has grown, diversified and prospered from
their days as a manufacturer of carousels, to today as a maker of roller coaster rolling stock and other
amusement park items. ANDY SHINE SAYS: Filmed on location, the shots are unsteady; however,
this does not detract too much from the subject matter. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Fair / Good |
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[DVD 26] LINCOLN PARK REMEMBERED. [DVD-R / 1999 / 45 MINS] In its 93-year
lifespan, Lincoln Park was so much more than an amusement park. It was a vibrant meeting place for many
generations of residents in southeastern New England. From the clambake pavilion, to the roller-skating rink,
to the sounds of the big bands in the great ballroom, Lincoln Park was a magical part of many lives. Friends
met here. Romance blossomed here. Kids got their first jobs here. Today the memories are so vivid that a sound,
a smell, a taste can bring back the magic and return us to a time when the world was young and Lincoln Park was
our great adventure. The film opens in 1920, as we board the coaster, carousel, swings and roundabouts. In 1950
we are afforded a tour through the park - from the walkway to the Fun House and the Penny Arcade. Footage from
1954 takes us on boat rides and airplanes, through concessions and games, and finally a heart-stopping ride on
the roller coaster. ANDY SHINE SAYS: A wonderful piece that captures the fun and excitement
of this popular park. Held my attention from start to finish. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good. |
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[DVD 27] REMEMBERING THE COLUMBIA GARDENS. [DVD-R / 1999 / 58 MINS] Family picnics, scary
roller coaster rides, cracking the bar on the cowboy swings, and beautiful carousel horses. They're all great
memories of historic Columbia Gardens (Butte, Montana). This programme uses historic photographs, rare home
movies and firsthand accounts about the history of the beloved amusement park built by Copper King and former US
Senator William Clark. The park operated from 1899 to 1973. ANDY SHINE SAYS: An
interesting look at a long lost park. There's plenty of footage and information that held my attention for the
duration. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good. |
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[DVD 28] AMERICA'S GREATEST COASTER THRILLS, THE ULTIMATE SCREAM MACHINES. [NTSC / 2000
/ 58 MINS] (4 of 4) This state-of-the-art DVD takes you on twenty of the most spine tingling, gut
wrenching, jaw dropping coasters in America. Features: Incredible Hulk; Dueling Dragons; Gwazi; Medusa; Apollo's
Chariot; Alpengeist; Twister; The Great Bear; Riddler's Revenge; Superman The Escape; Volcano The Blast Coaster;
Raging Bull; Viper; Joker's Jinx; Ghostrider; Superman RoS; Steel Phantom; Magnum XL200; Desperado; Cyclone.
Viewers may choose multiple viewing angles. Contains much bonus footage: parks' history and interviews with
theme park owners etc... ANDY SHINE SAYS: I enjoyed watching this. To get the most out of
this DVD, you need to watch it twice using the different viewing angles. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good / Recommended. |
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[DVD 29] WORLD'S BEST THRILL PARKS. [ALL / 2000 / 45 MINS] The Discovery
Channel brings the world's top ten thrill parks to your living room. You're flying through the air, thrilled
and coming out of your seat. You feel as if you have stepped away from reality and dropped into the midst of a
great adventure and a thrill of a lifetime. Parks featured: 10Tivoli Gardens (Copenhagen, Denmark); 9Coney
Island (Brooklyn, New York); 8Nagashima Spa Land (Nagoya, Japan); 7Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia,
California); 6Kennywood Park (West Mifflin, Pennsylvania); 5Parc Astérix (Plailly, France); 4Blackpool
Pleasure Beach (Blackpool, England); 3Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Williamsburg, Virginia); 2Cedar Point
(Sandusky, Ohio) - will the #1 best thrill park match with the park occupying your top spot? Carries optional
subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. ANDY SHINE SAYS: By nature it is terribly
subjective. Nevertheless, this is an entertaining programme that visits some wonderful amusement park
destinations. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good. |
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[DVD 30] ROLLER COASTER ADVENTURES: VOLUME 1. [DVD-R / 2001 / 46 MINS] (1 of
7) In this volume you will see some of the greatest, fastest, tallest and most exciting roller coasters in the
US. Showing: The Legend; The Raven; Lightning Racer; Kraken; Hangman; Cheetah; Boomerang; Top Gun; Vortex;
Flying Super Saturator; Hurricane, Category 5; Déjà Vu; Riddler's Revenge; Wildfire; Buzz Saw Falls;
Stealth; Psycho Mouse; Invertigo. ANDY SHINE SAYS: This home-produced programme kept me
entertained, and the narration includes some interesting viewpoints and useful snippets of information. Some
of the footage is pretty average, however the majority of the film is pleasant enough to watch. ANDY SHINE'S
RATING: Fair / Good. |
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[DVD 31] WALT, THE MAN BEHIND THE MYTH. [NTSC / 2001 / 119 MINS] A portrait of
a legend from those who knew him best. From Mickey Mouse to Mary Poppins to Disneyland and beyond, Walt Elias
Disney touched the hearts of millions with his special brand of magic. In this revealing portrait, you'll
discover the man behind the myth as never before. Featuring interviews with friends, family, collaborators and
experts, plus never-before-seen home movies, through good times and bad. ANDY SHINE SAYS: I
had my beliefs truly modified whilst viewing this DVD. An engrossing factual programme that sets out to blow
away any misconceptions you might have about Walter Elias Disney. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good / Recommended.
|
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[DVD 32] TOKYO DISNEYLAND, SAYONARA - FANTILLUSION! [NTSC (R2) / 2001 / 27 MINS]
(2 of 3) A park promotional DVD focussing entirely on the night-time Fantillusion! Parade. See your
favourite Disney characters on the many illuminated floats. A DVD presentation guaranteed to appeal to the
dedicated Disney enthusiast. ANDY SHINE SAYS: You need to be an extraordinarily dedicated
Disney fanatic to appreciate this programme. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Fair. |
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[DVD 33] ROLLER COASTER ADVENTURES: VOLUME 2. [DVD-R / 2002 / 52 MINS] (2 of
7) In this volume we travel all over the world in search of the most thrilling roller coasters on the planet.
Taller and faster coasters are being built every year and in this edition you will see a few of these new 'mega
coasters' with some reaching speeds of 85mph! Showing: Expedition GeForce; Superman - Ride of Steel; X-Flight;
Steel Eel; Great White; Speed - The Ride; Titan; Wild Thing; Excalibur; High Roller; Corkscrew; Ghostrider;
Montezooma's Revenge; Boomerang; Jaguar. ANDY SHINE SAYS: This home-produced programme
kept me entertained, and the narration includes some interesting viewpoints and useful snippets of information.
Some of the footage is pretty average, however the majority of the film is pleasant enough to watch. ANDY
SHINE'S RATING: Fair / Good. |
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[DVD 34] ROLLER COASTER ADVENTURES: VOLUME 3. [DVD-R / 2002 / 56 MINS] (3 of
7) Experience these amazing roller coasters with exclusive, never-before seen footage, full circuit and
point -of- view rides, and all access admittance inside the massive steel and wooden structures. Showing: Nitro;
Medusa; Shivering Timbers; Wolverine Wildcat; Manhattan Express; Superman - Krypton Coaster; Mamba; Vertical
Velocity; Raging Bull; Viper; Batman - The Ride; Iron Wolf; Tower of Terror; Thunderbolt; Twisted Sisters;
Roadrunner Express; Chang. ANDY SHINE SAYS: This home-produced programme kept me
entertained, and the narration includes some interesting viewpoints and useful snippets of information. Some of
the footage is pretty average, however the majority of the film is pleasant enough to watch. ANDY SHINE'S
RATING: Fair / Good. |
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[DVD 35] ROLLER COASTER ADVENTURES: VOLUME 4. [DVD-R / 2002 / 60 MINS] (4 of
7) This volume takes us all over the planet in search of the latest and greatest roller coaster thrills!
Showing: X; Air; Incredible Hulk; Dueling Dragons; Superman Ultimate Flight; Georgia Scorcher; Mind Bender;
Zeus; Cornball Express; Jeremy Reid's (Home-made) Backyard Coaster; Batman Knight Flight; Primeval Whirl; Talon;
Steel Force; Hercules; Laser; Excalibur. ANDY SHINE SAYS: This home-produced programme kept
me entertained, and the narration includes some interesting viewpoints and useful snippets of information. Some
of the footage is pretty average, however the majority of the film is pleasant enough to watch. ANDY SHINE'S
RATING: Fair / Good. |
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[DVD 36] ROLLER COASTER ADVENTURES: VOLUME 5. [DVD-R / 2002 / 55 MINS] (5 of
7) Experience the world's fastest coaster and take a ride on the massive wooden giants of today! Showing:
Dodonpa; Xcelerator; Colossus (Ten Inversions!); The Boss; Millennium Force; Mean Streak; Volcano, The Blast
Coaster; Hypersonic XLC; Grizzly; Anaconda; Ricochet; Hoosier Hurricane; Cornball Express; Thunderbolt;
Phantom's Revenge; Jack Rabbit; Racer. ANDY SHINE SAYS: This home-produced programme kept
me entertained, and the narration includes some interesting viewpoints and useful snippets of information. Some
of the footage is pretty average, however the majority of the film is pleasant enough to watch. ANDY SHINE'S
RATING: Fair / Good. |
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[DVD 37] EUROPA PARK - SPECIAL EDITION. [PAL / 2002 / 150 MINS] Compared
to the classic park video, this DVD offers some 100 minutes of additional material. Europa's new attraction for
2002 is the Silver Star: experience a fascinating thrill-ride on Europe's tallest roller coaster. Also features
an in-depth documentary about Silver Star from conception to completion and subsequent opening ceremony. Another
section is devoted to the park's history whilst yet another contains front seat rides on Silver Star, Euro Mir,
Matterhorn Blitz, Poseidon and Schweizer Bobbahn. Europa's range of exciting shows are available to preview too!
An educational resource for anyone considering a trip, and just as wonderful at rekindling memories of past
visits to this most wonderful theme park. ANDY SHINE SAYS: You can always trust Europa Park
to deliver the goods when it comes to DVD releases. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good /
Recommended.
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[DVD 38] BLACKPOOL AND THE ILLUMINATIONS. [PAL / 2002 / 240 MINS] The
Blackpool Illuminations are the greatest free show on Earth, and you have the privilege of a grandstand view of
the various switch-ons, Illuminated trams and the lights themselves. Experience the thrills and spills of the
Pleasure Beach, sample the quietness of the Model Village; The Zoo and the Sea life Centre, or take an
exhilarating trip to the top of the Tower. This disk contains 4-hours of footage and is packed with extras!
ANDY SHINE SAYS: This is a 35-minute programme stretched to over four snoring hours;
sometimes less is more! Heck, they even misspelled "Blackpool" in the on-screen captions. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Poor.
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[DVD 39] MOUNTAIN PARK MEMORIES. [DVD-R / 2002 / 35 MINS] Come, relive the
Mountain Park (Holyoke, Massachusetts) experience. See the rides and attractions long gone. Take a front seat
aboard the PTC Mountain Wildcat / Mountain Flyer wooden roller coaster (1929-1987). Enjoy tales told by park
employees and learn of the relocation and restoration of the Mountain Park carousel in this delightful
documentary. ANDY SHINE SAYS: This is one of my favourite short films. Some have
criticised the time spent discussing the many Mountain Park theatre productions; however, I think the balance
between this and the rides on the midway is about right. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good / Excellent.
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[DVD 40] GREETINGS FROM CONNEAUT LAKE PARK. [DVD-R / 2002 / 45 MINS] If
you've ever been to this quaintly familiar amusement resort, tucked deep in the hills of western Pennsylvania,
you know that it's a place like no other. This delightful documentary captures the Conneaut Lake Park experience
and, at the same time, spark a few old memories. ANDY SHINE SAYS: A homemade documentary
film detailing the turbulent history of the park. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Fair / Good. |
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