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[VHS 41] AMERICA'S GREATEST ROLLER COASTER THRILLS #2
IN 3D. [NTSC / 1996 / 75 MINS] (3 of 4) Edge of your
seat excitement! Features: The Comet; Great Nor'easter; Great
White; Grizzly; High Roller; Jack Rabbit; Loch Ness Monster;
Mantis; Montu; Phoenix; Raven; Timberwolf; Wild Thing. Two pairs
of 3D glasses provided. (Also available on DVD).
ANDY SHINE SAYS: Even with the enclosed
glasses, there is no discernable 3D effect with this DVD. A
nice enough programme, if a bit laboured. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good |
 |
[VHS 42] EXTREME RIDES. [PAL / 1996 / 52
MINS] Experience The Gut-Wrenching Insanity of Extreme
Rides! Confront thrill rides based on over-the-top pursuits such
as skydiving, bungee-jumping, white water rafting and dragstrip
racing. Launch yourself on rides you thought could only exist in
your imagination! ANDY SHINE SAYS: Could have
done with a longer, more in depth segment on coasters. Not really
to my liking. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Fair / Good. |
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[VHS 43] EFTELING - EEN WERELD VOL WONDEREN [PAL /
1996 / 32 MINS] Welcome to Efteling! This park-promotion
video takes you on a tour of the park: The gardens and Fairytale
Forest; Haunted Castle; Swinging Galleon; Vogel Rok and the
Rapids. See Pegasus, the park's wooden coaster and Python
the steelie. See inside Villa Volta, the sensational haunted
swing! Also features the history of Efteling through vintage
footage 1952-present. ANDY SHINE SAYS: A
worthwhile piece, with some great shots of the rides in motion.
The park is covered well. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good. |
 |
[VHS 44] DISCOVERY CHANNEL: WILD RIDES. [NTSC / 1996
/ 52 MINS] (1 of 2) It's a thrill-seekers paradise! Jump
aboard some of the wildest, craziest, most extreme rides in
existence. Witness astonishing speed and incredible scenes. Enjoy
front seat rides on some of the most famous and outrageous roller
coasters and thrill rides! Ride the Desperado and feel the
white-knuckled terror generated by its terrifying 280 foot drop;
put yourself through the thrills and chills of the Texas Giant;
dare to hop aboard the ferocious Raptor - the world's
tallest, fastest inverted roller coaster. Get an eyeful of
futuristic simulated rides and examine more than one hundred
years of coaster history. (Also available on DVD).
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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[VHS 45] DISCOVERY CHANNEL: WILD RIDES II. [NTSC /
1996 / 52 MINS] (2 of 2) Jump on board for an
unforgettable ride on some of the wildest roller coasters on the
planet! Travel to London (Staffordshire actually!) Paris,
Barcelona and across North America and experience the rush of
death defying aerial delights found in thrill parks all over the
world. See how technology is helping designers push thrill rides
to extraordinary new limits, perpetually creating rides that are
bigger, higher, faster. Take the plunge - and feel the
speed! Coasters featured include: Montu; Raptor; Alpengeist; Mantis; Riddler's
Revenge; Wildcat (Hershey Park); Zeus (Carts & Coasters); Cyclone (Lakeside);
Racer; Tonnerre de Zeus; Phoenix; The Comet (The Great Escape).
ANDY SHINE SAYS: I enjoyed this, and you will too. All
those lovely coasters. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good. |
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[VHS 46] DISCOVERY CHANNEL: SPEED MACHINES - DIE
VERRÜCKTESTEN ACHTERBAHNEN. [PAL / 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. German narration throughout. (Also available on DVD with
Portuguese and English narration / Original broadcast title:
Extreme Machines - Roller Coasters). 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 thrill-seeker, which adds a nice
touch. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good / Recommended. |
 |
[VHS 47] THE LEARNING CHANNEL: ULTIMATE THRILL RIDES.
[NTSC / 1996 / 30 MINS] An educational programme: The
Ferris wheel and roller coaster were the first to thrill us with
motion, but the amusement park ride of today is going through a
period of rapid evolution. Trace the parallel developments,
sensations of the body and sensations of the mind. Discover the
descendants of the thrill rides of today, like the "Space
Shot" and the "Ghost Train." Different limits
apply to "real" and "virtual" rides.
Rides shown: Steel Phantom (Kennywood); Ultratwister (Korakuen);
Dropzone (PGA); Ice Tunnel (Universal Studios); Back To The
Future (Universal Studios); Haircut (Disney, Florida); Alien
Encounter (Disney World); Earthquake (Universal Studios); Test
Track (EPCOT). With contributions from: Alan Shilke (Arrow);
Yoshio Saegusa (Togo); Douglas Trumble (IMAX).
ANDY SHINE SAYS: I wanted more coaster footage. Instead this
programme spends too long investigating simulators and virtual
reality systems. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Fair / Good. |
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[VHS 48] REMEMBER WHEN: NAT PARK. [NTSC / 1996 / 59 MINS]
Remember Natatorium Park (Spokane, Washington). Times
seemed simpler then; there were rides, dances and amusements. It
was a place where families and friends played, strolled and picnicked.
Nat Park was an idyllic place: from the dance halls to the Midway,
with bumper cars and carousel, miniature train and trolleys, where
"The Jack Rabbit" and "The Hammer" reigned.
From 1889 to 1968, Natatorium Park was a "Spokane" place
to be, where fondest memories for many generations were born.
ANDY SHINE SAYS: Tells the story of Nat' Park very
well. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good. |
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[VHS 49] BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH: THE EXPERIENCE! [PAL / 1997 / 45
MINS] This park-promotion video takes you through a
brief history of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, giving an insight into
what goes on behind the scenes, and the name behind the success
-the Thompson family- give their personal views on
what the Pleasure Beach and its continued success means to them.
This cassette is a souvenir of your visit to the capital of fun
and relive the memory of all your favourite rides.
ANDY SHINE SAYS: Pleasure Beach fans will love this. This programme held my attention
from beginning to end. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good. |
 |
[VHS 50] JUST FOR FUN - AMUSEMENT PARKS OF THE UNITED
KINGDOM. [PAL / 1997 / 74 MINS] A home-video / cam-corder-quality diary
of NAPHA's 1996 tour of UK Amusement Parks. Features: Big
Dipper; Antelope; Roller Coaster; Texas Cyclone (Ex. Morecambe);
Nemesis; Grand National; PMBO and Megafobia. Plus: Funhouses;
Tyrolean Tubs; Steeplechase; River Caves; Waltzer; Helter
Skelter; Noah's Ark; Circle Swing, and more!
ANDY SHINE SAYS: This is full of
shaky footage; however, the content is fairly interesting.
ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Fair. |
 |
[VHS 51] AMUSEMENT PARKS - THE PURSUIT OF FUN. [NTSC /
1997 / 54 MINS] American amusement parks draw nearly
300m visitors each year. Containing some archive footage,
experience the pleasures of Kennywood; Busch Gardens; Universal
Studios, Knoebels Grove and Cedar Point with their atmosphere of
joy and excitement. We experience the pleasures of these truly
great parks that rekindles childhood memories - see how
modern technology has contributed to the pursuit of fun.
ANDY SHINE SAYS: I enjoyed watching this, and
would happily view it a second time as it has wide appeal.
ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good. |
 |
[VHS 52] HERSHEYPARK - SWEET MEMORIES. [NTSC / 1997 /
56 MINS] Join a vintage tour of the park, beginning with
its opening in 1907 and told through archival film footage,
historic photographs, home movies and first-hand accounts of
those charmed by the carousel's painted ponies and thrilled
by the roller coasters' wooden dips and climbs. All this
and more at the picnic grove that grew into a world-famous
attraction in the shadow of Milton Hershey's chocolate
factory. ANDY SHINE SAYS: Everything you
wanted to know about Hersheypark is documented here. An educational
resource that I enjoyed. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good / Excellent. |
 |
[VHS 53] MODERN MARVELS: ROLLER COASTERS - THE SEARCH
FOR THE ULTIMATE THRILL RIDE. [NTSC / 1997 / 50 MINS]
Consisting almost entirely of archive footage, this video
examines the history of one of America's favourite pastimes -
riding roller coasters. 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. (also available on
DVD). ANDY SHINE SAYS: The history of the
roller coaster on one VHS. An interesting, factual programme.
ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good. |
 |
[VHS 54] EUCLID BEACH CAROUSEL - THE LONG JOURNEY
HOME. [NTSC / 1997 / 60 MINS] Built in 1909 by the PTC and designated
simply "Carousel #19," for two generations this carousel was the
star attraction at Cleveland's Euclid Beach park. When the park closed
in 1969, it was sold and moved to Old Orchard Beach, Maine, where it
entertained yet another generation of children. When that park closed in 1997
many believed that it was also the end for PTC #19 and the 54 beautiful hand
carved horses, seemed destined to be scattered to private collectors at auction.
This is the true story of what happened next; the story of PTC #19, and its
unforgettable 90-year journey home. ANDY SHINE SAYS:
An intriguing story told well. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good. |
 |
[VHS 55] THE SECRET WORLD OF AMUSEMENT PARKS. [NTSC /
1998 / 48 MINS] Theme parks are always competing for the
world's scariest rides. See some of the biggest and most
popular rides today, including The Matterhorn at Disneyland, the
Raptor in Ohio, Batman at SFMM and Desperado in Nevada. Keep your
feet on the ground as you experience the 170ft drop from the
Space Shot in Vegas. Find out how theme parks are designed and
explore the future of the industry by visiting XSNY in Manhattan
and the New York Skyride at the Empire State Building.
ANDY SHINE SAYS: Not many 'secrets' were disclosed;
nevertheless, I can think of worse ways to spend 48 minutes!
ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Fair / Good. |
 |
[VHS 56] PALISADES AMUSEMENT PARK - A CENTURY OF FOND
MEMORIES. [NTSC / 1998 / 90 MINS] 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. After the final credits have rolled, we get to see
several vintage newsreels of the park and its attractions. (Also
available on DVD with many exciting extras!).
ANDY SHINE SAYS: Fresh, educational and entertaining. 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. |
 |
[VHS 57] I REMEMBER CRYSTAL BEACH. [NTSC / 1998 / 66
MINS] Coaster enthusiasts will love this! This is your
ticket to delicious thrills and fond memories. The Comet, Giant
Coaster, Laff in the Dark are all here waiting for you! Filmed
year round from 1981 - 1991 this cassette captures the
final decade of Crystal Beach before the park-s final
closing after 101 years of thrilling its guests. More than a
documentary, this film captures the heart and soul of a very
special place. It will bring a smile to your face, laughter to
your heart, and tears to your eyes. ANDY
SHINE SAYS: I enjoyed this enormously. It's always a shame
to see amusement parks meet with the wrecking ball, especially
after surviving for so long. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good / Recommended. |
 |
[VHS 58] CLASSROOM VIDEO: PHYSICS OF FUN. [NTSC /
1998 / 23 MINS] A classroom resource for GCSE (Grades 11
- 12) students: Topics include, Changing potential energy
to kinetic energy, and back: Pirate Ship, Roller Coaster loop,
Water Slide. Work = Force X Distance. Vectors. Components of
motion: Free Fall tower. Horizontal rides: Carousel,
Roller coaster track banking. Vertical rides, angular momentum and
moment of inertia. ANDY SHINE SAYS: Just as the
title says: An educational resource for use in the classroom. ANDY SHINE'S
RATING: Good for children. |
 |
[VHS 59] DIE LILIPUTBAHN IM PRATER. [PAL / 1998 / 20
MINS] A video-production made to celebrate the 70th year
of operation of the Liliputbahn miniature train, which takes
eager visitors around the 4km course surrounding Prater Park
(Vienna, Austria) and through an impressive woodland landscape,
culminating in a most beautiful and memorable journey. We see
various engines, both steam and diesel, which will appeal to
small-gauge-railway enthusiasts and anyone who has paid the
Prater a visit. As an add-on, the programme features the
Donauparkbahn, which is a miniature railway situated a few miles
from the Prater. (German narration throughout).
ANDY SHINE SAYS: No coasters, no rides except a pleasant journey
onboard the miniature train encircling Prater Park. One for small
gauge train enthusiasts. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Fair. |
 |
[VHS 60] AMERICA'S GREATEST ROLLER COASTER THRILLS - THE NEXT
GENERATION. [NTSC / 1999 / 70 MINS] (4 of 4) Theme parks
the world over are locked in battle to build the tallest,
fastest, most jaw-dropping roller coasters ever conceived. This
competition has resulted in more coasters built during the past
few years than any period in amusement park history. Features:
Medusa; Joker's Jinx; Apollo's Chariot; Alpengeist;
Volcano - The Blast Coaster; Twister; The Great Bear;
Raging Bull; Superman, The Escape; Riddler's Revenge;
Ghostrider; Dueling Dragons; Incredible Hulk; Gwazi. (Also
available on DVD with two bonus programmes).
ANDY SHINE SAYS: An enjoyable and educational programme crammed with
coasters. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good. |
 |
[VHS 61] COASTER CRAZY. [PAL / 1999 / 50
MINS] Featuring the UK's wildest roller coasters,
digitally mastered in coaster vision with original soundtrack.
Filmed from every conceivable angle, enjoy them all from the
comfort of your living room. Features: PMBO; Grand National; Wild
Mouse; Traumatizer; Oblivion; Nemesis; The Ultimate; Millennium
Coaster; Shockwave; Megafobia. ANDY SHINE SAYS:
Features some great onboard coaster footage, however the programme
goes off the boil from 'The Ultimate' onwards. ANDY SHINE'S
RATING: Fair / Good. |
 |
[VHS 62] GREAT OLD AMUSEMENT PARKS. [NTSC / 1999 / 60
MINS] In this delightful documentary you get to 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 and Oaks
Park in Oregon, Pennsylvania's idyllic Idlewild and
Ohio's spectacular Cedar Point. It's a fun trip from
Lakeside to Lakemont, a perfect summertime escape, an unabashedly
affectionate look at some great old amusement parks. 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! (Also available on DVD with
lots of exciting extras!). 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. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Excellent. |
 |
[VHS 63] LINCOLN PARK REMEMBERED. [NTSC / 1999 / 45
MINS] In its 93-year lifespan, Lincoln Park was so much
more than an amusement park. 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 coaster. (Also available on
DVD). 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. |
 |
[VHS 64] THE COMET SHINES AGAIN! [NTSC / 1999 / 16
MINS] Witness the continuing legend of the Comet!
Observe the lonely sentinel standing silent when Crystal Beach
closed in 1989. Bought at auction, see the dismantling of this
huge structure and witness the massive reconstruction effort
underway at The Great Escape Fun Park. Re-kindle fond memories as the
Comet once again takes shape for a 1994 grand opening! Experience
the thrills you thought were gone forever! ANDY
SHINE SAYS: I enjoyed this film. I watched once, and it would
probably be some time before I watch it again. ANDY SHINE'S RATING:
Fair / Good. |
 |
[VHS 65] HEIDE PARK - NORDDEUTSCHLANDS GRÖßTER
FREIZEIT - UND FAMILIENPARK. [PAL / 1999 / 40
MINS] A park promotional presentation featuring the
rides and attractions of Heide Park. An educational resource for
anyone planning a trip to this beautiful location and just as
good at re-kindling memories of visits past. German narration
throughout. ANDY SHINE SAYS: Just the sort
of thing you would expect from a park promotional videocassette!
ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Fair / Good. |
 |
[VHS 66] KNOEBELS TWISTER: A WOODEN WONDER COMES
ALIVE. [NTSC / 1999 / 27 MINS] The story of Knoebels
second major wooden roller coaster, Twister. See the massive
structure taking shape, bent-by-bent. We are guided through this
documentary by members of the Knoebel family and representatives
from the PTC. We're afforded a sneaky peak behind the
scenes at the PTC factory to see the trains taking shape. Witness
the first run as members of the American Coaster Enthusiasts give
their views and opinions on this magnificent wooden wonder. ANDY SHINE SAYS: 27 minutes passed by in a flash;
a sure sign of a well constructed programme. I enjoyed this.
ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good. |
 |
[VHS 67] A&E TOP 10 WILDEST RIDES. [NTSC / 2000 / 50
MINS] Put on your seatbelt and experience
America's top ten wildest thrill rides. 10Big Shot;
9Desperado; 8Skycoaster; 7Texas Giant; 6Stealth; 5Incredible
Hulk; 4Goliath; 3The Beast & Son of Beast; 2Ghostrider...
will the #1 wildest thrill ride in America match with the
attraction occupying your top spot? ANDY
SHINE SAYS: A lacklustre attempt at documenting America's
top ten wildest rides. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Fair. |
 |
[VHS 68] GREETINGS FROM BERTRAND ISLAND AMUSEMENT
PARK. [NTSC / 2000 / 47 MINS] 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. (Also available on DVD with extra
features and footage). ANDY SHINE SAYS: A
great documentary film. I watched this a few times with growing
fondness. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good. |
 |
[VHS 69] SAVIN ROCK - A JOURNEY BACK IN TIME. [NTSC /
2000 / 42 MINS] An archival presentation of Savin Rock's (West
Haven, Connecticut) attractions repeated twice - once with merry-go-round music
and then again with narration. The film begins in 1948, with the trolley arriving
at the park. See the Merry-Go-Round; The Thunderbolt wooden roller coaster;
Jitterbug (Turtle Chase); Midget Auto Speedway; Carousel; Mill Chute (Water Chute);
Big Eli Wheel; The Whip; Rocket; Flying Skooters; Boomerang; Tilt-A-Whirl; Sky
Blazer wooden roller coaster; The Miniature Train; Caterpillar; and the B29s!
(Also available on DVD) ANDY SHINE SAYS: An affectionate -
if grainy - look at a much-missed park. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Fair. |
 |
[VHS 70] EXTREME MACHINES - EXTREME RIDES. [NTSC /
2000 / 51 MINS] Follow a group of thrill-seekers as they
experience various thrilling activities. Take a ride aboard Top
Gun, the inverted roller coaster. Scream aboard Stealth and race
along the tracks of Millennium Force. Other than roller coaster
riding, we follow the group as they try power boats, ejection
seat rides, sky coasters and virtual reality simulators that are
guaranteed to turn your world, and stomach, upside-down! ANDY SHINE SAYS: The coaster segment is too
short, and the programme goes off the boil frequently. ANDY SHINE'S
RATING: Fair. |
 |
[VHS 71] THE WORLD'S LARGEST AMUSEMENT PARK.
[NTSC / 2001 / 52 MINS] Learn how Cedar Point grew from
an old fashioned traditional amusement park to the colossal
attraction known as "America's Roller Coast." Listed in the
Guinness Book of World Records as the park with the largest
number of amusement rides and attractions in the world (68), and
the largest number of roller coasters in the world (14), Cedar
Point has been declared the World's Largest Amusement Park. Now,
go behind the scenes and get an exclusive look at what it takes
to win this coveted title. ANDY SHINE SAYS:
This was educational and interesting. I certainly learned a thing
or two about what it takes to manage and operate such a facility.
ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good / Excellent. |
 |
[VHS 72] THE ROLLER COASTERS OF CEDAR POINT. [NTSC /
2001 / 23 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 scream machines ever built. Whether you
crave the high-tech thrills of Millennium Force, the speed of
Mean Streak, or the unpredictability of Raptor, 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 available on DVD and updated to include Wicked Twister &
Top Thrill Dragster). ANDY SHINE SAYS: Includes a
short segment about the park's founding and its former coasters. I
was hoping for a longer, more detailed programme. ANDY SHINE'S
RATING: Good. |
 |
[VHS 73] CEDAR POINT - A SUMMERTIME TRADITION ON LAKE
ERIE. [NTSC / 2001 / 37 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. (Also available on DVD).
ANDY SHINE SAYS: This is an informative and engaging film from Cedar
Point. It is nicely shot, and details the history of the resort,
its hotels, attractions, and rides. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good / Recommended. |
 |
[VHS 74] UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD: RIDE THE MOVIES.
[PAL / 2001 / 25 MINS] Universal Studios Hollywood is the
world's largest movie studio and theme park, and this
programme goes behind the scenes of the Studio Tour, and shows
where your favourite movies were made. The documentary then
gives an insider's look at the amazing rides and attractions
such as: Terminator 2-3D, Jaws, Waterworld, Psycho, Back to the
Future, and more. Don't just watch the movies - Ride The
Movies! ANDY SHINE SAYS: This programme
should have concentrated only on the rides; it would have been
much more interesting. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Fair / Good. |
 |
[VHS 75] EUROPEAN COASTER THRILLS. [PAL / 2002 / 73
MINS] Features 12 European roller coasters: 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. (Also
available on DVD with extra footage!). ANDY SHINE
SAYS: One of the best coaster / park films I have seen, featuring some
breathtaking footage accompanied with interesting and informative
narration. This VHS held my attention for the full duration.
ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good / Excellent. |
 |
[VHS 76] BLACKPOOL - A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME.
[PAL / 2002 / 48 MINS] Take the ultimate walk down
Memory Lane with this collection of unique archive films offering
the viewer images from 70-years of recordings. Featuring the
Pleasure Beach; with footage of the Virginia Reel and the Big
Dipper! We race over 'Valentines Brook' aboard the
Grand National! Also featuring the Golden Mile, The Tower and
Illuminations. ANDY SHINE SAYS: Features some
excellent vintage Pleasure Beach footage, alas it is over too
quickly. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Fair / Good. |
 |
[VHS 77] GREETINGS FROM... CONNEAUT LAKE PARK - AN
EXPOSITION OF FUN! [NTSC / 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. (Also available on
DVD). ANDY SHINE SAYS: A homemade documentary
film detailing the turbulent history of the park. ANDY SHINE'S RATING:
Fair / Good. |
 |
[VHS 78] EUROPA PARK - DEUTSCHLANDS GRÖßTER
FREIZEITPARK (DEUTSCH). [PAL / 2002 / 30 MINS] A
park-promotional videocassette featuring the rides, shows and
attractions of Europa-Park (Rust, Germany). An educational resource for
anyone planning a trip, and just as good at rekindling fond memories of
previous visits to this most wonderful theme park. (Also
available on DVD with 100 minutes of bonus material). ANDY SHINE SAYS: Europa-Park has yet to produce
a poor programme. This film details rides and attractions to
be found there. ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Good. |
 |
[VHS 79] MOUNTAIN PARK MEMORIES. [NTSC / 2002 / 35
MINS] Come along for the ride of a lifetime! Celebrating
one of America's grand old amusement parks. Mountain Park
in Holyoke, Massachusetts closed in 1987 after almost 100 years
of operation. But the thrills, romance and excitement live on.
Old film footage, archival photos and Mountain Park memorabilia
are part of the nostalgia, along with the reminiscences of park
employees and regulars. From the Sky Ride and the Fun House to
the Casino and the Ballroom, the memories are so vivid you can
almost smell the popcorn on the midway! (Also available on
DVD). 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. |
 |
[VHS 80] GARDALAND. [PAL / 2004 / 30 MINS]
Le piu’ belle immagini di Gardaland. A park-promotional
videocassette featuring the rides, shows, attractions and themed
events at this Italian amusement park. Take a ride aboard the
Rapids, Magic Mountain coaster and experience the Vekoma SLC,
Blue Tornado. ANDY SHINE SAYS: This is your
average park promotional programme. It was interesting to watch,
but I probably won't view it again for quite some time.
ANDY SHINE'S RATING: Fair. |