[VHS 1] WILD RIDES. [NTSC / 1982 / 27 MINS] Hosted by Matt Dillon. A series of five mini-dramas filmed aboard US coasters: Colossus; The Great American Scream Machine; The Roaring Tiger (Now known as the Arkansas Twister at Magic Springs. Arkansas!); Flying Daredevil; Triple Loop Mindbender; Texas Cyclone. Music by The Who; Steely Dan; The Cars; Jimi Hendrix and others. Also features the history of the roller coaster with archive footage. ANDY SHINE SAYS: This programme features a nice segment about the history of roller coasters with archive footage. The rest of the programme is more to do with music and drama than coasters. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Fair.
	[VHS 2] CYCLONE, THE ULTIMATE ROLLER COASTER. [NTSC / 1986 / 31 MINS] Thrills and chills and only for the very brave! Sit down, put your arms around each other and HOLD TIGHT! You are about to ride the most famous rollercoaster in the world… the Cyclone at Coney Island in Brooklyn, USA. Relive the exuberant feeling of pleasure that only comes when you’re scared to death! With vintage footage of Coney Island in the ‘Old Days’ and we even show you how the Cyclone is maintained. Come along for the speed, colour and excitement! Okay, here we go… ready - set – scream! ANDY SHINE SAYS: Front seat footage of the Cyclone shown over and over, plus an interesting historical segment. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Fair.
	[VHS 3] AMERICA SCREAMS. [NTSC / 1987 / 30 MINS] Buckle up! You’re about to go on the ride of your life! Vincent Price has found yet another way to make you scream as he takes you on a white-knuckle tour of some of the US’s most terrifying roller coasters. Experience the twists, turns, loops and plunges of these pulse-pounding wonders. From the earliest wood-frame coasters to the sleek metal scream machines of today, this non-stop, topsy-turvy look at thrill rides is guaranteed to leave you breathless! ANDY SHINE SAYS: This programme is interesting, and Vincent Price comes across as a genuine coaster enthusiast. Features some nice coaster footage with a history. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good.
	[VHS 4] ROLLER COASTER THRILLS / GO FOR A RIDE. [NTSC / 1988 / 30 MINS] Forget about your pause button as you race seemingly out of control down the first hill, corkscrew through the turns like a rocket, then plunge into darkness only to emerge seconds later into another twisting, turning section of track. Take a front seat on some of the fastest, most daring roller coasters in the US. Featuring: Colossus; Shockwave; XLR8; Texas Cyclone; Vortex; Racer; The Big Bad Wolf; The Loch Ness Monster; The Elitch Gardens’ Twister. ANDY SHINE SAYS: The very ultimate in cringing corniness. Not riding coasters, but imagining them! ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Poor.
	[VHS 5] SIX FLAGS MAGIC MOUNTAIN: THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE! [NTSC / 1989 / 30 MINS] Challenge Magic Mountain’s world-renowned roller coasters and action-packed rides. Dare to relive the awesome power of Ninja, the black belt of roller coasters. Unveil the magic of Colossus, the world’s largest, and one of the fastest wooden duel-track roller coasters. And along the way take a heart-pounding plunge on Tidal Wave, it’s the wettest, wildest water ride ever conceived. Experience total weightlessness on Freefall and Z Force. With Roaring Rapids, Jet Stream and Log Jammer, it’s a splash landing all the way. Also features Condor, Gold Rusher, Revolution and more. This presentation brings home the excitement and memories of a day at SFMM, where action is the attraction. ANDY SHINE SAYS: A mediocre attempt to show SFMM in a good light. You probably won’t learn anything here. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Fair.
	[VHS 6] KENNYWOOD MEMORIES. [NTSC / 1990 / 60 MINS] 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! Also available on DVD with many extras! ANDY SHINE SAYS: What an entertaining and thoroughly absorbing documentary film. Amusement fans will love this, as did I. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Excellent / Recommended.
	[VHS 7] A SLICE OF LIFE: CAROUSELS. [NTSC / 1990 / 60 MINS]. A Slice Of Life brings us the wonderful recollections of a first ride on a merry-go-round from impassioned collectors; stories of the subtle nuances and strokes of genius of the master carvers by their modern day descendants; and tales of exciting discoveries of missing pieces of information by historians and aficionados alike. The accent is on personal anecdote over dry fact; letting the experts tell their own stories. This video presentation has been declared by enthusiasts as the most complete video ever offered on these magical machines and animated animals; and heralded for its compassion and many touching moments, and most importantly - intimate, revealing conversations and recollections, of novices and experts alike on this subject that keeps them youthful in their outlook on life; and hopeful for man’s continued ability to create. ANDY SHINE SAYS: As the above write-up suggests, probably the best carousel programme ever made. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good / Recommended.
	[VHS 8] CONEY ISLAND: VOLUME I. [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. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good / Recommended.
	[VHS 9] CONEY ISLAND: VOLUME II. [NTSC / 1991 / 58 MINS] A return visit to the world’s greatest amusement park. The glow from the million coloured lights was dimming. The grand old dame was tarnished, but the sounds of excitement, music and laughter were still the order of the day. Coney Island from 1936 to 1954 as captured by the motion picture camera in another hour of classic memories. ANDY SHINE SAYS: Pretty much a repeat of Coney Island Volume 1. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Fair / Good.
	[VHS 10] 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. (Also available on DVD). 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.
	[VHS 11] EUCLID BEACH PARK IS CLOSED FOR THE SEASON. [NTSC / 1991 / 60 MINS] (1 of 3) Euclid Beach - Cleveland Ohio - 1895 to 1969, America’s Greatest Amusement Park! Step aboard the “Bug” the “Flying Scooters” the “Racing Coasters” and the “Flying Turns.” Looking back it seems like yesterday. This video-presentation is guaranteed to re-ignite those jaded memories of a park long gone. (Also available on DVD with a bonus programme). ANDY SHINE SAYS: One of my favourite programmes. An absorbing documentary featuring some wonderful rare footage of the park and its rides. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good / Recommended.
	[VHS 12] THE NEW EXPLORERS, ROCK AND ROLL PHYSICS. [NTSC / 1991 / 21 MINS] An educational production which takes a look at the science behind riding rollercoasters. With practical on-board experiments we investigate and explore potential and kinetic energy, Newton’s 1st 2nd & 3rd laws of motion. Mass and friction, centripetal force etc… ANDY SHINE SAYS: An entertaining short programme. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good for older school children.
	[VHS 13] REFLECTIONS OF YESTERDAY: MEYERS LAKE PARK. [NTSC / 1991 / 45 MINS] This film traces the history of Meyers Lake Park from its founding in 1879 until its tragic demise in 1974. All of the great rides, like the Bug, the Comet roller coaster, the Rocket ride and the Carousel come alive again as we follow the history of the park from the construction of the Lake Park Hotel through the Sinclair family’s acquisition in 1926. ANDY SHINE SAYS: A well researched informative programme about a park long gone. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good.
	[VHS 14] LAUGH YOUR TROUBLES AWAY: RIVERVIEW, KINGDOM OF MAGIC. [NTSC / 1991 / 37 MINS] For 64 years on 72 acres of land stood a magical place known to all Chicagoans as Riverview Park. In this exciting film all of the great rides and good times live again, see the Fireball roller coaster, The Flying Turns, the Chute the Chutes and many more. Through colour footage you can take that front seat aboard The Bobs again and again. Filmed at Riverview between 1956 and 1967 this film captures forever most of the great rides. (Also available on DVD). ANDY SHINE SAYS: Most entertaining and enlightening. It is easy to become absorbed into this programme as if you were really there; or were you? ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good.
	[VHS 15] REDISCOVER IDORA PARK. [NTSC / 1991 / 36 MINS] An affectionate look back at a park long gone. Ride once more on the Wild Cat coaster, the Water Chute, the Rocket Ships and a whole host of other rides and attractions. With informative commentary throughout, you’ll be thrilled to the delights of Idora Park, Youngstown,Ohio. (Also available on DVD). 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.
	[VHS 16] REDISCOVER THE EXCITEMENT - WEST VIEW PARK. [NTSC / 1991 / 47 MINS] In 1905, T.M. Harton and Fred Henninger leased 18.5 acres of swamp-land on the Belle Vue trolley loop to build West View Amusement Park. For 71 years West View provided generations of Pittsburghers with fond memories of family and school picnics, ‘Danceland’ evenings and who could forget the laughter and screams from the amusement rides? See once more the Dips; the midway Carousel; the Racing Whippet; Kiddieland; Talkie Temple and the Haunted House. West View Park’s decline and demise was due to lost patronage and increasing pressure of real estate value over entertainment value. Only the photographs and memories now remain. This historical film recaptures the life and times of this Pittsburgh institution. Return with us once more to rediscover the excitement. (Also available on DVD including two bonus programmes). ANDY SHINE SAYS: A thoroughly researched informative programme about a park long gone. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good.
	[VHS 17] LIFE WAS A LARK AT WILLOW GROVE PARK. [NTSC / 1991 / 50 MINS] Willow Grove Park (Philadelphia) was perhaps the grandest and most elegant of all the trolley-company-inspired amusement parks in the US. A venture by the Philadelphia Rapid Transit Company, Willow Grove opened on Memorial Day in 1896. Thrill-seekers flocked to such attractions as the ‘Mountain Scenic Railway’ or the ‘Captive Flying Machine.’ Throughout the years, Willow Grove continued to grow. In the late 1950s, following the establishment of Disneyland (1955), urban amusement parks began to die. The nation’s taste in recreation was changing too rapidly for parks like Willow Grove to survive. After a brief life as “Six Gun Territory” theme park, Willow Grove eventually ceased operations at the end of the 1975 season. (Also available on DVD including two bonus programmes). ANDY SHINE SAYS: I could watch this over and over. A glimpse at a park lost to the wrecking ball. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good.
	[VHS 18] FLAMINGO LAND - THE SOUVENIR VIDEO. [PAL / 1991 / 42 MINS] Featuring all the rides, slides and shows, the animals, the holiday village and the evening entertainment. See the sea lion show and the parrot show before travelling on the Crazy Water Creek boat ride; The Cable Cars; The White Knuckle Railway and the Log Flume. See the Bullet, Corkscrew, and Crazy Loop roller coasters and more in this nostalgic film. ANDY SHINE SAYS: A look at the zoo and all your favourite rides. Easy viewing. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Fair / Good.
	[VHS 19] FONTAINE FERRY PARK, A TIME OF INNOCENCE. [NTSC / 1992 / 60 MINS] Remember bouncing and sliding through Hilarity Hall? Hands-up thrills aboard the Comet? Relive all those wonderful, carefree days at Louisville’s 1905-1969 mainstay amusement park. This presentation combines the park’s fascinating history with sights, sounds and memories gleaned from all generations – “Fountain” Ferry’s “one big happy family” of patrons. ANDY SHINE SAYS: A nostalgic exploration at a defunct amusement park. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good.
	[VHS 20] 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. (Also available on DVD). ANDY SHINE SAYS: An engaging programme about a much-missed park. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Fair / Good.
	[VHS 21] CEDAR PO!NT, A VIDEO TOUR OF CEDAR POINT ON LAKE ERIE. [NTSC / 1992 / 20 MINS] Ride the Magnum XL-200. Challenge the 161ft tall Mean Streak. Conquer the Iron Dragon suspended coaster. Take a raft ride through 1,600ft of raging rapids and, enjoy a nostalgic look at Cedar Point and its attractions through rare historical film footage in this entertaining and exciting collection of memories. (Re-released in 1994 with ‘Raptor’ footage – Both VHSs are available). ANDY SHINE SAYS: This programme could have done with being a bit longer and featuring all the coasters and major flat rides to be found at the park. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Fair / Good.
	[VHS 22] MOONLIGHT MEMORIES: MEYERS LAKE PARK. [NTSC / 1992 / 48 MINS] 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 Meyer’s Lake Park was the place to be. (Also available on DVD). ANDY SHINE SAYS: An enjoyable, well put together programme that held my attention throughout. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good / Excellent
	[VHS 23] NOVA ROLLER COASTER. [NTSC / 1993 / 56 MINS] We begin by exploring rollercoasters and the physics behind how they work. Later we are taken on a behind the scenes tour of Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean as well as Universal Studios’ Earthquake ride; Backdraft and Back to the Future immersive ride experiences. We’re also afforded a sneak peek at Virtual Reality simulations and are guided through these scenes by the people that design, build and operate these systems of entertainment. ANDY SHINE SAYS: Features plenty of interesting ride footage, but spends too long on Virtual Reality systems. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Fair.
	[VHS 24] COASTER & PARK FILMS FROM THE PHILADELPHIA TOBOGGAN COMPANY [NTSC / 1993 / 45 MINS] From the archives of one of the most famous names in amusement park history comes this unique collection of exciting images. At various times from the 1920s through to the 1960s official cameramen from the PTC travelled about filming the rides at parks throughout the eastern United States. Filmed mostly at lesser known parks and locations, now through the generosity of “PhilTobCo”, for the first time these rare films have been made available to the public. See roller coasters, Carousels, Mill Chutes and many other PTC rides. ANDY SHINE SAYS: This one is for the dedicated PTC fanatic. You probably won’t learn anything new here, however it is still a worthwhile watch. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Fair / Good.
	[VHS 25] GREETINGS FROM CONEY ISLAND CINCINNATI. [NTSC / 1993 / 60 MINS] Remember when… the summer air was filled with the rattle and roar of the Shooting Star and the Wildcat? Getting splashed in the Lost River…? From its humble beginnings as a wooded picnic grove more than a century ago through its glorious heyday, demise and marvellous rebirth, Cincinnati’s Coney Island has captured the hearts of generations. Here is its story, a story of summers filled with innocence, laughter, and joy. ANDY SHINE SAYS: An interesting documentary that I would happily watch again. Features some good ride footage. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good.
	[VHS 26] EUCLID BEACH II: GONE TOO SOON. [NTSC / 1993 / 62 MINS] (2 of 3) 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 1960s when you were young and ‘The Beach’ was the place to be. (Also available on DVD with a bonus programme). ANDY SHINE SAYS: One of my favourite programmes. An absorbing documentary featuring some wonderful rare footage of the park and its rides. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Excellent / Recommended.
	[VHS 27] AMERICA’S GREATEST ROLLER COASTER THRILLS IN 3D. [NTSC / 1994 / 60 MINS] (1 of 4) Dim the lights, turn up the volume, strap on your seatbelt and hang on! You’re in for the video ride of your life! 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. 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 VHS. A nice enough programme, if a bit too stage-managed. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good.
	[VHS 28] WHITE KNUCKLE. [PAL / 1994 / 52 MINS] A compilation of probably the most outrageous roller coaster rides in the world that will have thrill-seekers overloading on adrenalin. Includes stunning on and off board footage of stomach-churning rides. Features: Nemesis; Shockwave; Grand National; Thunder Looper; The Ultimate; Big Dipper; The Vampire; Cyclone (Southport); Avalanche; PMBO. ANDY SHINE SAYS: Front seat footage of your favourite coasters, with on-screen data. ANDY SHINE’S RATING: Good.
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