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[DVD 36] 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.
SHINE RATING: Good / Recommended. |
 |
[DVD 37] 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. SHINE RATING: Poor. |
 |
[DVD 38] 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. SHINE RATING: Good / Excellent |
 |
[DVD 39] 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.
SHINE RATING: Fair / Good. |
 |
[DVD 40] TOKYO DISNEYLAND & TOKYO DISNEYSEA. [NTSC
(R2) / 2002 / 60 MINS - PLUS EXTRAS] (3 of 3) A park
promotional DVD featuring the many rides, attractions, shows,
shops, hotels, parades and catering at this stunningly beautiful
resort. Visit the many extensively themed areas and enjoy the
offerings of each. Take a look at The Winnie the Pooh ride and
see the bouncing hunny pots with Tigger! Join Mickey Mouse and
his friends for their all-dancing and singing show and a twilight
Electrical Parade. Menus are subtitled in Kanji so finding your
way around them is rather hit and miss. Optional Japanese
narration and Japanese subtitles throughout (unless you know
different!) You will want to watch this presentation over and
over. ANDY SHINE SAYS: You know what to expect
here: a perfect time at Disney. There’s some nice footage of
the resort. The menus are annoying, I was never quite sure if I had
missed something. SHINE RATING: Good. |
 |
[DVD 41] FIFTY YEARS OF FAIRYTALES AT EFTELING & DREAMFLIGHT:
DREAMS WITH OPEN EYES. [PAL / 2002 / 64 MINS] (Two programmes
on one DVD). The first (40 min) programme, “50 jaar Sprookjes
in de Efteling” explores the rich history of the Efteling
(Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands). See the influences of Anton Pieck (and
his successors) in the Fairytale Forest and on the rides. Also
features interviews with prominent figures who work behind the scenes.
The second (24 min) programme “Dromen met Open Ogen” sees
you floating in a dreamlike state through the fantastic world of
Droomvlucht. Brought to fruition by research and development teams,
creative directors and artists, see how this particular attraction
was realised, with its castles in the clouds, fairies, and cascading
waterfalls. (Dutch narration throughout). ANDY
SHINE SAYS: This presentation captures Efteling very well. Most
entertaining, even if you do not understand Dutch. SHINE RATING:
Good. |
 |
[DVD 42] EXTREME ROLLERCOASTERS. [NTSC / 2002/3 / 120
MINS] This engrossing and highly entertaining
documentary features the highest, fastest, newest and most
cutting-edge coasters. This is an exciting adventure into coaster
mania. Come behind the scenes and ride the Incomparable X at
SFMM. Also featuring: Goliath; Colossus; Medusa; Invertigo;
Vertical Velocity; Ninja; Speed, the Ride; Manhattan Express;
Déjà Vu; Batman; Giant Dipper; Desperado; Canyon
Blaster; Stealth; Top Gun; California Screamin’; Superman -
The Escape; Riddler’s Revenge; Quicksilver Express. ANDY SHINE SAYS: I was looking forward to watching
this, and I wasn’t disappointed. It contains many interesting
facts and figures concerning your favourite coasters. Meet coaster
designers at the workstation, and see the testing of X in the factory.
SHINE RATING: Recommended. |
 |
[DVD 43] EUROPEAN COASTER THRILLS. [PAL / 2002/3 / 90
MINS] Discover 15 outstanding European coasters. Hop
aboard the different rides and enjoy a front seat perspective
right there in your own living room, where you don’t even
have to get out of your easy chair. Whether they’re wooden,
looping or water coasters, we’ll take you closer to the
action than you could possibly imagine. Features: Colossos;
Superman - The Ride; Wild Wild West; Eurostar; Colorado
Adventure; Weerwolf/Loup Garou; Tonnerre de Zeus; G’sengte
Sau; Expedition GeForce; Poseidon; Blue Tornado; Katun; Thriller;
Goliath; SilverStar and a hidden bonus feature!
ANDY SHINE SAYS: One of the best coaster / park films I have seen,
featuring some breathtaking footage accompanied with interesting and
informative narration. This DVD held my attention for the duration.
SHINE RATING: Good / Excellent. |
 |
[DVD 44] ROLLER COASTER ADVENTURES: VOLUME 6. [DVD-R
/ 2003 / 53 MINS] (6 of 7) Experience the world’s
first Terra/strata coaster, Top Thrill Dragster. Ride the first
looping woodie, Son of Beast, or the world’s first
tilt-coaster, Gravity Max in Taiwan. Also showing: Wicked
Twister; Top Gun; Ozark Wildcat; Nemesis Inferno; Cannon Ball;
Superman - The Ride; Robin Hood; Stealth; Quicksilver Express; A
Featurette on Vekoma’s coasters; Upcoming innovations &
more. 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. SHINE RATING: Fair / Good. |
 |
[DVD 45] E KIRMES: TRANSPORTABLE FUNFAIR ATTRACTIONS.
[ALL / 2003 / 135 MINS] (1 of 4). A wonderful and
educational media source! Features transportable coasters:
Olympia Looping; Euro Star; Alpina Bahn; Spinning Racer; Wilde
Maus; Double Wilde Maus; Die Wilden 50er; Super Railway; Euro
Coaster; Spinning Coaster; Dreier Looping. Also features: (Huss)
Booster; Magic; Breakdance 2, 1 & 3; Shot ‘n Drop; Power
Tower #2; Freifall Turm; Ikarus; Drop Zone; Nightfly; Rollover;
Top Spin (Fresh); Jumping; Alpha 1; Mondlift; Take Off; Jolly
Joker; Playball; Shake and Roll; Frisbee; Projekt 1; Space Party;
Experience; Tango; Move It 32; Star Gate; Vortex; Techno Power;
Flic Flac; Air Maxx; Flying Circus; Ranger; Millenium; Joker;
Adrenalin Pur; (Fabbri) Booster; Bayernkurve; Hexentanz; Happy
Monster; Polyp; Top Spin 2; Colorado; Wildwasser 3; Twister;
Musik Express; Happy Sailor; Tai Fun; Disco Star; Fliegender
Teppich; Ramba Zamba; Wellenflug; Galactica; Sky Rider; Hot Shot;
Jump Street; Nessy; Joker; Big Ben Tower. Also features a
slideshow displaying over 1,000 photographs!
ANDY SHINE SAYS: This presentation will make you dizzy. I enjoy
watching this DVD, it has been professionally produced and the optional
subtitles are educational too. You will be able to identify the names
of transportable thrill rides after watching this! SHINE RATING:
Excellent / Recommended. |
 |
[DVD 46] FRONT SEAT THRILLS. [DVD-R / 2003 / 53
MINS] (1 of 2) Take a front seat ride on 35 roller
coasters: Superman RoS; Ozark Wildcat; The Legend; Raven; Nemesis
Inferno; Wolverine Wildcat; Shivering Timbers; Speed The Ride;
Great White; Hoosier Hurricane; Cornball Express; Colossus (Ten
Inversions!); Wild Thing; The Boss; Wildfire; Air; Son of Beast;
Expedition GeForce; Top Gun, The Jet Coaster; Hurricane, Category
5; Ghostrider; X-Flight; Nitro; Excalibur; Lightning Racer; Blue
Streak; Mantis; Mean Streak; Millennium Force; Top Thrill
Dragster; Drachen Fire; Timberwolf; Volcano The Blast Coaster;
Jokers Jinx; Cheetah. ANDY SHINE SAYS: Just
what it says in the title; no frills, no narration and no music -
and occasionally no sound at all - just front seat coaster footage.
SHINE RATING: Poor / Fair. |
 |
[DVD 47] THE GREAT AMERICAN SCREAM MACHINE. [DVD-R /
2003 / 26 MINS] The building of a classic wooden roller
coaster. 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, and in this 70s vintage documentary, see the design,
construction, testing and opening of this amazing coaster.
Features interviews with John Allen and his team.
ANDY SHINE SAYS: The film quality is pretty poor, but then it was the
1970s! This is the sort of film you would watch once, and then never
again. SHINE RATING: Fair. |
 |
[DVD 48] WHERE MAGIC LIVES: WALT DISNEY WORLD. [NTSC
/ 2003 / 53 MINS] Capturing the fantasy, imagination and
excitement of the Walt Disney World Resort. See rare footage of
WDW, with focus on its four unique theme parks: Magic Kingdom,
Epcot, Disney MGM Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme
Park. Carries optional subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of
Hearing. ANDY SHINE SAYS: A lacklustre piece
from Disney that never really gets going. I was disappointed.
SHINE RATING: Fair. |
 |
[DVD 49] KENNYWOOD MEMORIES. [NTSC / 2003 / 60 MINS
– PLUS EXTRAS] Makes for compulsive viewing,
thoroughly entertaining and educational. Whooooosh! It’s
roller coasters! French fries! And lots of good times! It’s
a high- flying, double-dipped, screeching, squealing,
scream-your-eyes-out documentary about one of America’s
greatest amusement parks, Kennywood! ANDY
SHINE SAYS: What an entertaining and thoroughly absorbing
documentary film. Amusement fans will love this, as did I.
SHINE RATING: Excellent / Recommended. |
 |
[DVD 50] THE LIFE AND TIMES OF CRYSTAL BEACH. [NTSC /
2003 / 60 MINS] A fond and affectionate documentary
about the legendary amusement park and its effect on the
community. This production will show you how the village was so
entwined with the fabric of the park, that they were almost as
one. See the Dance Hall come alive once more to the tune of the
many great bands of the era that were fortunate enough to play
there, and journey aboard the famed Canadiana. Featuring on and
off-ride footage of the legendary woodies: The Cyclone, The Giant
Coaster (Side-Friction) and the Comet. Witness the final moments
of Crystal Beach during its eventual demolition in 1989. ANDY SHINE SAYS: An affectionate look at a park
long gone. Memories of the rides and attractions will come flooding
back. SHINE RATING: Good. |
 |
[DVD 51] UNIVERSAL ORLANDO'S HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS
- THE ART OF THE SCARE. [NTSC / 2003 / 48 MINS] We know
what you’re afraid of. Turn out the lights and go
“behind the screams” of Universal Orlando’s
Halloween Horror Nights. Explore each terrifying haunted maze and
see how they were designed and constructed. Discover how the
event creators play on your deepest, darkest fears to bring your
worst nightmares to life. It’s a never-before-seen look
into one of the biggest and scariest annual Halloween events in
the world. [Warning: Due to the frightening nature of this
programme, some content may be too intense for young
children.] ANDY SHINE SAYS: No coasters or
rides, just plenty of Halloween spookiness. I enjoyed this
peek behind the scenes. SHINE RATING: Good / Excellent. |
 |
[DVD 52] SIX FLAGS OVER GEORGIA: RELICS FROM THE
VAULT. [DVD-R / 2004 / 63 MINS] Six Flags over Georgia
opened in 1967. Containing exclusive, vintage footage of
SFoG’s rides and attractions. See defunct rides such as the
Mini Mine Train, Drunken Barrels, and the Okefonokee Swamp. Take
an early ride on the Dahlonega Mine Train. See the construction
of the Great American Scream Machine wooden rollercoaster.
Features: SFoG, The Early Years; SFoG, The First Decade; Making
of the Monster Plantation; The Great American Scream Machine;
1973 Newsreel. ANDY SHINE SAYS: The film
quality is pretty poor, but then, it was the 1970s! This is the
sort of film you would watch once, and then never again. SHINE
RATING: Fair. |
 |
[DVD 53] ROLLER COASTER ADVENTURES: VOLUME 7. [DVD-R
/ 2004 / 54 MINS] (7 of 7) With never-before-seen
footage, full circuit point of view rides, exclusive construction
footage and access all areas admittance inside the massive steel
and wooden structures. Showing Spanish coasters: Magnus Colossus;
Tizona; Tren Bravo; Superman; Batman La Fuga; Stuntfall. And:
Flying Coaster; Twister ll; Boomerang; Mind Eraser; The Phoenix;
Twister; Tennessee Tornado; Gwazi; Montu; Screaming
Squirrel. 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. SHINE RATING: Fair / Good |
 |
[DVD 54] PHANTASIALAND – DIE GANZE WELT DES
ENTERTAINMENTS! [PAL / 2004 / 25 MINS - PLUS EXTRAS] A
park promotional DVD exploring the many rides and attractions of
Phantasialand (Bruhl, Germany). See the River Quest rapids and
the Winja’s Fear and Force spinning roller coasters.
Come for a ride aboard the Colorado Adventure mine train before
exploring the rides and attractions made especially for the children.
Why not take in a show too. When twilight comes, the celebrated
Festival of Light takes to the streets - a beautiful and truly
unforgettable experience. Phantasialand really is a world of
entertainment. (German narration throughout).
ANDY SHINE SAYS: A guided tour exploring the sights and experiences
Phantasialand has to offer. I enjoyed this. SHINE RATING: Good /
Recommended. |
 |
[DVD 55] FRONT SEAT THRILLS #2. [DVD-R / 2004 / 52
MINS] (2 of 2) Featuring a front seat ride aboard 35
roller coasters: Talon; Hercules; Steel Force; Thunderhawk;
Laser; Raging Bull; Superman, Ultimate Flight; Iron Wolf; Viper;
Batman; Stunt Fall; Hangman; Goliath; Coastersaurus; Magnum
XL200; Wild Wild West; Steel Eel; Incredible Hulk; Dueling
Dragons (Ice); Dueling Dragons (Fire); Bandit (Japan); Crazy
Mouse (Japan); Moonsault Scramble (Japan); Ultra Twister (Japan);
Shuttle Loop (Japan); Gwazi; Montu; Tennessee Tornado; Medusa;
Silver Star; Twister; Phoenix; Jack Rabbit; Thunderbolt; Cannon
Ball. ANDY SHINE SAYS: Just what it says
in the title; no frills, no narration and no music - and occasionally
no sound at all - just front seat coaster footage.
SHINE RATING: Poor / Fair. |
 |
[DVD 56] GREAT OLD AMUSEMENT PARKS. [NTSC / 2004 / 60
MINS – PLUS EXTRAS] Visit some of America’s
most charming parks, from Lake Compounce in Connecticut to Santa
Cruz Beach Boardwalk in California. A celebration of places like
Whalom Park in Massachusetts, Oaks Park in Oregon,
Pennsylvania’s idyllic Idlewild and Ohio’s
spectacular Cedar Point. It’s a fun trip from Lakeside to
Lakemont and, of course, there are coasters, including the
Thunderbolt at Kennywood, the Cyclone at Astroland, the Raven at
Holiday World and San Diego’s Giant Dipper! Extras include:
A look at long gone West View Park near Pittsburgh, stories about
Olympia Park and Rainbow Gardens (McKeesport, PA), with rare
footage of Kennywood Park in 1941, and more!
ANDY SHINE SAYS: I became totally engrossed in this wonderful programme.
It is sure to appeal to all those with nostalgic inclinations, and
to general amusement park and coaster enthusiasts. SHINE RATING:
Excellent / Recommended. |
 |
[DVD 57] CEDAR POINT, A SUMMERTIME TRADITION ON LAKE
ERIE. [NTSC / 2004 / 39 MINS] Since 1870, generations of
Midwesterners haven’t considered the summer complete
without a visit to Cedar Point. This collection of historic
footage and fascinating details brings the past to life and
celebrates the current excitement of the number one amusement
park in the world. ANDY SHINE SAYS: Others
might disagree, but this is a disappointing piece from Cedar Point.
It is nicely shot, but the subject matter; particularly the segment
about hotels and ghosts did little for me. SHINE RATING: Fair. |
 |
[DVD 58] THE ROLLER COASTERS OF CEDAR POINT. [NTSC /
2004 / 26 MINS] Sit upright, hold tight and get ready
for the ride of your life as we take you on a whirlwind tour of
some of the greatest roller coasters ever built. Cedar Point is a
coaster-lovers dream come true. With more than 15 scream
machines, including four that top 200ft! Whether you crave the
tallest and fastest coaster in the universe, Top Thrill Dragster,
the high-tech thrills of Millennium Force, the speed of Mean
Streak, the unpredictability of Raptor, or the madness of Wicked
Twister, Cedar Point has the coaster for you. This action-packed
programme will not only give you a brief history of the
park’s legendary coasters, but will actually give you a
front-row seat on some of the best! Also includes a short bonus
feature titled, “Are You Ready?”
ANDY SHINE SAYS: You will find some top-notch front-seat coaster
footage here. Including a short segment about the park’s
founding and its former coasters. I was hoping for a longer, more
detailed programme. Oh well, always leave them wanting more!
SHINE RATING: Good. |
 |
[DVD 59] I KIRMES: FUNFAIR RIDES & COASTERS.
[ALL / 2004 / 138 MINS] (2 of 4). This special
interest DVD is a must-have for spin-ride enthusiasts. Featuring:
Revolution; Shaker; Countdown; Fun Factory; Bayern Breaker;
Imperator; Musik Express 3000; Circus Circus; Eclypse; Skyrider
ll; Turbo Star; Fliegender Teppich; Techno Power; Power Tower 2;
Breakdance #1; Tornado; High Energy (Contact); Happy Traveller; X
Factor; Wellenflug; Ikarus Der Mythos; Super Schunkler; Sweety
Star; Super Passat; (Huss) Booster; High Energy (Star Shape);
Take Off; Scream; Big Monster; Sombrero; Hully Gully; Calypso;
Sprungschanze; Eurostar; Cool & Fresh; Spinning Racer; Super
Mouse; River Rafting; Power Shot; Space Roller; Jumping; Sound
Factory; Speedy. Also features a slideshow displaying 650
photographs! ANDY SHINE SAYS: This programme
has been professionally produced. If you know a little about coasters
and spin rides, the optional subtitles will tell you all you need
to know! SHINE RATING: Recommended |
 |
[DVD 60] THRILLRIDERS. [DVD-R / 2004 / 135
MINS] (1 of 2) Featuring all manner of travelling thrill
rides in the German fair circuit across 10 chapters. See
Breakdancer; Eurostar; Alpina Bahn; Booster; Hexentanz; Star
World; Black Hole; Extrem; Magic Spinning Coaster; 1001 Nacht;
Crazy Coaster and more… Observe the 'build up' of some of
your favourite rides: Olympia Looping; Power Tower; Dreier
Looping and others... Contains 4 Picture-Shows displaying over
300 ride photographs. ANDY SHINE SAYS: Part
of the E Kirmes / I Kirmes series of DVDs. The sort of programme
you would navigate through to find points of interest, rather than
to watch from start to finish. German fair enthusiasts will enjoy
this. SHINE RATING: Good. |
 |
[DVD 61] RIVERVIEW 1904 - 1967 GONE BUT NOT
FORGOTTEN. [NTSC / 2004 / 120 MINS] Journey down the
midway and experience The Bobs; Fireball; The Water Chutes and
the Pair-O-Chutes! See The Silver Flash wooden roller coaster
with its impressive enclosed cars and take a bumpy jaunt around
The Flying Turns. The double Ferris Wheel; Bubble Bounce; Water
Bug; Hot Rods and the Wild Mouse are all here waiting to be
viewed again and again. Some great colour and B&W archive footage
and a slide show are sure to re-ignite those most jaded
memories. ANDY SHINE SAYS: I enjoyed this. Sure
to appeal to coaster and park enthusiasts, a captivating piece that
certainly taught me a thing or two about a much missed park.
Features professionally shot film aboard the Bobs. SHINE RATING: Good. |
 |
[DVD 62] DISCOVERY SCHOOL: ROLLER COASTER PHYSICS.
[NTSC / 2004 / 26 MINS] Roller coasters are so much fun
thanks to friction, potential energy, gravity, and acceleration,
you can take some terrifying amusement-park turns. Take a
thrilling look at the applied physics of roller coasters, as well
as the G-forces experienced by an aerobatics pilot. Learn about
the wonderful world of applied physics in this purely educational
programme. ANDY SHINE SAYS: One for young teens,
if you’re looking to acquire a basic understanding of how
coasters are designed, you’ve come to the right place. SHINE
RATING: Good. |
 |
[DVD 63] REAL SCIENCE: DESIGNING THRILL RIDES FROM
START TO FINISH. [DVD-R / 2004 / 25 MINS] This programme
travels to the home of Colossus - the world’s first
ten-inversion steel roller coaster – to reveal the
physical, mechanical, and psychological forces that make the
roller coaster the undisputed king of thrill rides. Concepting,
computer-assisted track design, 3D simulation, track
construction, and car safety mechanisms are covered by some of
the experts who know roller coasters best. The goal?
Pulse-pounding speed and mind-blowing disorientation through the
manipulation of potential and kinetic energy and plenty of
positive and negative Gs. ANDY SHINE SAYS:
This will certainly appeal to young people considering a career in
engineering. See how coasters are designed using the very latest
software. SHINE RATING: Good. |
 |
[DVD 64] CHANNEL 4 LEARNING: ENGINEERING AT THE
CUTTING EDGE. [PAL / 2004 / 125 MINS] (Five 25-minute
programmes on one DVD). Visit The Pleasure Beach, Blackpool and
find out what it takes to keep the Pepsi Max Big One roller
coaster operating safely. The control desk; blocking systems;
brakes, conventional (as on PMBO) and magnetic (as on Space
Invader 2); wheel assemblies and positive / negative G’s
are discussed as well as the advantages and disadvantages of
building from wood and steel. We also see the rebuilding of the
Grand National wooden coaster after a serious fire (2004). The
main aim of this DVD is to excite young people (GCSE level) with
the best of British cutting-edge engineering. So join our
presenter, Ed McCann in his passionate exploration of how
engineering is shaping our future. (Programme 1=Building a
bridge. 2=Designing a car. 3=Engineering in sport. 4=Designing
roller coasters. 5=Designing prosthetic limbs.
ANDY SHINE SAYS: The coaster programme is pretty basic and geared
towards older children. If you know a bit about coasters, potential
and kinetic energy, you are unlikely to learn anything new here.
SHINE RATING: Fair / Good. |
 |
[DVD 65] SIX NEWSREELS: CONEY ISLAND NEW YORK. [DVD-R
/ 60 MINS] “Coney Island” A breezy 1939
newsreel from the legendary producer William Castle extols the
endless pleasures of Pre WWll Coney Island (9 minutes).
“Shorty At Coney Island” 1939. An inquisitive young
chimp spends the day exploring the delights of Steeplechase Park
(10 minutes). “A Day’s Outing” 1930. An old
time sing-a-long with organist Lew White about the romantic
possibilities of a day at Coney Island (5 minutes). “Coney
Island USA” 1954 One of the very best Coney Island films.
The dawn to dusk activity of one glorious summer day at Coney (20
minutes). “Edison Films” 1903-04 Three early motion
pictures by Thomas Edison. Steeplechase, Fighting the Flames &
The Great Fire (7 minutes – silent). ANDY
SHINE SAYS: A nice enough programme investigating Coney Island in its
heyday. This is the sort of programme you would watch once, and then
condemn it to gather dust on the top shelf. SHINE RATING: Fair. |
 |
[DVD 66] EFTELING: DE MAGISCHE BOL. [PAL / 2004 / 90
MINS] Capturing the magic and excitement of a day at
Efteling. Take a seat on some of the many rides: Python, Villa
Volta, Dream Flight... See the Fairytale Forest and archive
footage detailing Efteling’s history. Packed with extras,
adults and children will want to watch over and over. Essential
viewing for anyone planning a trip to this fairytale-themed
park. ANDY SHINE SAYS: Features some nice
footage; however, everything is hidden behind menus etc. so you
are never sure if you have missed something. Disjointed is a
word that sums it up nicely. SHINE RATING: Fair. |
 |
[DVD 67] KNOTT'S BERRY FARM'S SEASON OF SCREAMS.
[NTSC / 2004 / 138 MINS] The legacy of Knott’s
Scary Farm’s Halloween Haunt. In 1973 a phenomenon took
place in Buena Park California at one of the oldest and most
beloved theme parks in the USA, Knott’s Berry Farm. The
phenomenon continues to this day and has grown into one of the
largest Halloween parties in the world. Until now the story
behind the incredible event only existed in the memories of the
many people who have worked there through the years. For the
first time in the event’s history the story of the
Halloween Haunt is revealed. How did it start? What was it like
in the beginning? And how did it evolve into the most successful
Halloween attraction in the world. This documentary takes viewers
on a tour of this one-of-a-kind attraction, from makeup and
prosthetics, stunts and shows, to themed walk through
attractions, and of course, the scares themselves! ANDY SHINE SAYS: A fantastic behind the scenes
look at this Halloween festival. A bit laboured in parts; however
this did not stop me enjoying it greatly. SHINE RATING: Good /
Excellent. |
 |
[DVD 68] LAUGH YOUR TROUBLES AWAY: A COMPLETE HISTORY
OF RIVERVIEW PARK. [NTSC / 2004 / 66 MINS - PLUS EXTRAS]
A product of years of research by Derek Gee and the personal
experiences of Ralph Lopez, who worked at the park for 11 years,
make this the most comprehensive and factual history of Riverview
available today. Riverview was Chicago’s largest and best
known amusement park. Although Riverview closed at the end of the
1967 season, it is still lovingly remembered by the citizens of
Chicago. This DVD – an extended update of the VHS of the
same name - traces the development of the park as seen through
postcards, vintage advertisements, photographs taken by the park
and motion pictures. ANDY SHINE SAYS: A most
interesting and captivating film sure to appeal to all amusement
park enthusiasts. Well presented and featuring rare footage of the
park and its rides. SHINE RATING: Excellent / Recommended. |
 |
[DVD 69] EUCLID BEACH PARK IS CLOSED FOR THE SEASON &
IT HAPPENED IN CLEVELAND. [DVD-R / 2004 / 113 MINS] (1
of 3 / Two programmes on one DVD). The Euclid Beach story really
begins with the founding of the park in 1895 and progresses
quickly, up through the 1940s and into the 50s when we all
remember this great old Cleveland landmark. Step aboard the
“Bug” the “Flying Scooters” the
“Racing Coasters” and the “Flying Turns.”
Looking back it seems like yesterday. This presentation is
guaranteed to re-ignite those jaded memories of a park long gone.
The second programme takes a look at Cleveland legends and
landmarks (Including a short piece on Euclid Beach) from the
1940s through to the 60s. 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 SHINE RATING: Good /
Recommended. |
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[DVD 70] EUCLID BEACH PARK - GONE TOO SOON &
AMUSEMENT PARK MEMORIES. [DVD-R / 2004 / 110 MINS] (2 of
3 / Two programmes on one DVD). Just mention Euclid Beach Park
and you immediately conjure up memories of the Thriller, The
Flying Turns and the Racing Coasters. Come back with us again to
the glorious 1950s and 60s when you were young and ‘The
Beach’ was the place to be. In this presentation the Euclid
Beach story is told mostly in vintage footage up until the 60s
when we lost this great old park. The second programme takes a
nostalgic look at not only Euclid Beach Park but also many of the
great old American amusement parks: 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: One of my favourite programmes.
An absorbing documentary featuring some wonderful rare footage of
the park and its rides. The second programme is marvellous, containing
much archive footage of parks and rides long gone. SHINE RATING:
Excellent / Recommended. |