Customer Reviews

Silver Palace: An American Travel Adventure [VHS]

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

 

 

I feel like I wasted my money. There was very little footage actually showing Airstreams- this VERY SHORT documentary is mostly about the people in Wally Byram's club. Did I mention how incredibly short this video was? I kept thinking it was going to get to something good and then it just ended!

The Silver Palace is indeed an inspiration to any traveller. Watching the Airstreamers enjoy their stress free lifestyle gave me very itchy feet. At first I couldn't help but wonder what the fascination was for this group of (mostly elderly) travellers, but as the programme went on, I began to understand. The Airstreamers travel the length and breadth of the US through breath taking scenery without an apparent care in the world. When they tire of driving they simply pull over, usually to be greeted by like minded poeple who are only too keen to befriend other travellers. The common element to all the Airstreamers seems to be that they don't intend to grow old sat on a veranda outside a retirement home...and who can argue with that?

The backpackers of this world could maybe learn a thing or two about what is important in life from this video. Who knows, perhaps Leonardo di Caprio could make an Airstream "Beach".......

A convention of airstreamers convened in my hometown of Amherst, Massachusetts shortly before I saw this video. It was a great complimentary documentary to what I had witnessed during their stay. The video highlights the amazing community that airstream owners live in and makes you want to start roaming the world in a silver home.

This video gives a glimpse into the activities of the Wally Byam Caravan Club, which is OK if that's all you want. The title "Silver Palace" makes it sound like you're going to learn at least something about Airstream trailers and their history. Not only is it very short, but it tells nothing whatsoever about the trailers. I can't believe I paid nearly $20 for this thing!

Helpful insight into the aistream lifestyle. Have always been interested the design of Airstreams, but had no idea about the amazing community that has been built up around this widely-shared passion! It was helpful and had an interesting take on this slice of American travelers and their culture. The interviews were particularly fun.

This video offers an interesting insight into the highly mobile, unequivocally unique, colorful culture of America's Airstreamers. First-hand footage of these senior travellers and their vehicles takes the viewer into the inner circle of this little-known brand of North American nomads. Combining a New World sense of manifest destiny and an Old Timer's flair for post-retirement adventure, these Airstreamers show the viewer a side of life worthy of anyone's video collection.

For real Airstreamers, this video was a big disappointment. The video contained too little Airstream footage, and too much about rallys and interviews with trailer owners, who offered no real insight. The price was steep for much frustration, as I fast forwarded through useless footage to view Airstreams. I do not recommend this purchase for Airstream owners.

There are two 30 minute movies on this DVD. My husband and I are airstreamers so enjoyed seeing what the rallies looked like in the early years of the Wally Byam Club. Certainly of value to airstreamers and to those who like group get togethers while RVing.

Four years ago from this writing, I became a full-time Airstreamer. This video is a good example of the camaraderie of Rvers in general and Airstreamers in particular. Many RV-manufacturers have an 'owners' club' so this is nothing new. But Airstream is somewhat unique. The company has a history from the early 1930s. From the beginning, Wally Byam was the leader in promoting RV travel for ALL Americans, not just Airstream owners. I wish this video lasted an hour and told more stories. However it is still a WONDERFUL example of the happy, well-balanced folks in the 'Airstream Cult.' I have shown it to all of my friends and non-RVing family (who think I am nuts.) If you are considering RVing or think you can't travel yet, then watch this video every 2-months. The scenery and interviews will give you an itch for travel. Consider that RVers are usually in better health than the average American. RVing couples get along better and rarely divorce. In general, RVers are just HAPPIER than the population as a whole!!! Enjoy this video. .... Buy an Airstream and hit the road. You won't regret it!

EDIT UPDATE: Now available on DVD with an extra bonus program: An Airstream produced documentary from around 1965 complete with rallies and great vintage footage, some of which was used in Silver Palace. I would suggest you watch the vintage program first, then Silver Palace. Two great shows for RV lovers in general and Airstream lovers in particular.