Customer Reviews

America Screams [VHS]

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I taped this from television when I was nine years old and must have watched it a thousand times afterwards. Vincent Price gives a great history of rollercoasters starting with La Marcus Thomson and Coney Island to modern day (late 70's) rides. Includes construction footage of Colossus at Magic Mountain, video of Arrow's suspended prototype, an interview with Karl Bacon of Arrow, plus lots of ride footage of coasters from around the country.

I guess I should because this is a review. Okay, this isn't the most devastatingly in depth roller coaster documentary. In fact, I purchased it only because one of my best friends watched it as a small child. It was a gift. A shocking one, at that. He thinks I am a much better friend than I probably am for remembering he talked about this. But, I can never forget his impersonation (and once I saw it, it was dead on) of Vincent Price say "rolly coaster" whilst riding a rolly coaster. It's amazing. It's up there with Liberace's coats and Willam Defoe's teeth. It's incredible. Don't believe me? What do I care. I already have a way to view it whenever I want. You, however, are just missing out. Don't let the Matt Dillon roller coaster documentary (ish) movie sway you away. This one is by far better. And it is by far shorter! It's Vincent Price, People! The reason we all like Thriller! Purchase it. For the people who would sell such gold do not deserve to have it in their hands.

This Vincent Price video is a classic. It gives the history of amusement and theme parks. It discusses some of the engineering of roller coasters. It shows some early footage of flat rides, but it goes into great depth on roller coasters. Great for watching. Excellent as part of the pre-trip preparation for Amusement Park Physics Days.