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[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. SHINE RATING: Fair. |
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[VHS 2] CYCLONE, THE ULTIMATE ROLLERCOASTER. [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. SHINE RATING: Fair. |
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[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. SHINE RATING: Good. |
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[VHS 4] ROLLERCOASTER 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! SHINE RATING: Poor. |
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[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. SHINE RATING: Fair. |
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[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. SHINE RATING:
Excellent / Recommended. |
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[VHS 7] CONEY ISLAND: VOLUME l. [NTSC / 1991 / 60
MINS] An absorbing documentary by Ric Burns, that
chronicles the greatest amusement empire of Steeplechase, Luna
Park and Dreamland that the world has ever seen from its
emergence in the mid-1800s through its demise after World War II.
(Also available on DVD / Contains a scene that may upset some
viewers). ANDY SHINE SAYS: A nice enough
trip back to a time when life was slower. There are some nice
shots of the various rides and buildings. Of course, no Coney
film would be complete without a shot of the Cyclone coaster.
SHINE RATING: Good. |
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[VHS 8] CONEY ISLAND: VOLUME ll. [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.
SHINE RATING: Fair / Good. |
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[VHS 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. (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. SHINE RATING: Fair. |
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[VHS 10] 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. SHINE RATING: Good / Recommended. |
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[VHS 11] 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.
SHINE RATING: Good for older school children.
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[VHS 12] 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. SHINE RATING: Good. |
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[VHS 13] 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? SHINE RATING: Good. |
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[VHS 14] 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. SHINE RATING: Good / Recommended. |
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[VHS 15] 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. SHINE
RATING: Good. |
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[VHS 16] 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. SHINE RATING: Good. |
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[VHS 17] 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. SHINE RATING: Fair / Good. |
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[VHS 18] 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. SHINE RATING: Good. |
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[VHS 19] 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.
SHINE RATING: Fair / Good. |
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[VHS 20] 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. SHINE
RATING: Fair / Good. |
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[VHS 21] 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. SHINE RATING: Good / Excellent |
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[VHS 22] NOVA ROLLERCOASTER. [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. SHINE RATING: Fair. |
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[VHS 23] 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. SHINE RATING: Fair / Good. |
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[VHS 24] 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. SHINE RATING: Good. |
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[VHS 25] 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. SHINE
RATING: Excellent / Recommended. |
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[VHS 26] 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.
SHINE RATING: Good. |