Product Details

• Format: NTSC
• Language: English
• Rated: Unrated
• Studio: PBS (Direct)
• VHS Release Date: July 25, 2000
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00004U27X
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #280,345 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Paradise Lost, January 28, 2002

By 

RDtoo "Some guy in Detroit" (Detroit) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Coney Island: The American Experience [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I sat riveted to the TV watching this brilliant documentary and ended up buying a copy, and have sat through it many times since in awe each time I view it. I had always heard about Coney Island but never realized what it was all about until I saw this film. The entire culture of the 20th century was born at Coney and all the technological advances over that wonderful century never came close to creating another place like it. This was an unsantatized Disneyland. This was a Paradise on Earth. The City of Fire. If time travel were available to me, the first place that I would go would be Coney Island, circa 1907, when all 3 of the great amusement parks were in operation there. Watch this film and you will agree. It is like nothing you have ever seen.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Required Viewing, April 23, 2004

By 

Danielle Bennignus - See all my reviews

This review is from: Coney Island: The American Experience [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I am endlessly amazed by this film - the perfect Coney Island documentary. I have long loved, and studied, the history of this great resort, and could never imagine a better documentary celebrating its past glory, and future prospects.

I hardly know where to begin...from the priceless archival footage, the sounds incorporated, the utterly accurate representation of history - it all deserves to be held in high praise. The commentary, and voice-overs, from great intellectual figures of our time certainly doesn't hurt, either - their readings from such as Maxim Gorky, George Tilyou, etc. are perfectly chosen, and beautifully phrased. Fantastic.

The footage deserves a paragraph all its own - this alone is cause for viewing, and purchase. Long-lost rides such as the Leapfrog Railway, Witching Waves, Virginia Reel, Steeplechase and Chute the Chutes are shown in all their glory, at correct film speed (an unfortunate rarity). Such a pleasure to view these images! I can't put it into words! The skylines of Luna Park and Dreamland sparkle as those who remember dreamily describe, and the interior of Steeplechase spins and buzzes with ineffable gaiety. Why, oh why can't we have such glories again?! Alas - such innocent times are gone forever. All the more reason that such archival films are so important.

The history of the parks is right on target, and depicted with interest and enthusiasm. Even those who couldn't care less about amusement parks will surely find themselves rather riveted - it's a fascinating story. The tales of sheer will and determination of the businessmen of early Coney Island is incredibly impressive, and their sense of survival in the face of disaster serves as a real inspiration.

Overall, need I even say it, I would recommend this film to anyone - it's fascinating viewing, and a marvelous look at a sorely underappreciated part of American history.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting and disturbing, January 21, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Coney Island: The American Experience [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This video takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions. The beauty of Luna Park takes you up and down you go when Jumbo is electrocuted. Half of the time this movie ran I held a hand over my eyes, but I couldn't stop watching it. It is a wonderful and disturbing video done with Ric Burns usual competence. How sad that almost nothing remains of the magic of Coney Island. I recommend it strongly for anyone who was ever interested in the subject.