American Experience: Coney Island (1993)

American Experience: Coney Island (1993)
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The emergence of American mass culture is intimately connected to the history of Coney Island. From the mid-1800s, New York's Coney Island emerged as a playland where the fabulous and fantastic met. Coney Island is Ric Burns' loving documentary about a unique time and place in American history where both the hot dog and the roller coaster were invented. The largest herd of show elephants, a miniature village of hundreds of midgets, and many fantastic sideshows were all the unique properties of this resort district. An elegant documentary, Coney Island tells the story of the rise and eventual decline of a slice of modern life. ~ Cara Saposnik, Rovi

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Director(s):
Ric Burns
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of American Experience: Coney Island

The emergence of American mass culture is intimately connected to the history of Coney Island. From the mid-1800s, New York's Coney Island emerged as a playland where the fabulous and fantastic met. Coney Island is Ric Burns' loving documentary about a unique time and place in American history where both the hot dog and the roller coaster were invented. The largest herd of show elephants, a miniature village of hundreds of midgets, and many fantastic sideshows were all the unique properties of this resort district. An elegant documentary, Coney Island tells the story of the rise and eventual decline of a slice of modern life. ~ Cara Saposnik, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
60 mins
Director(s):
Ric Burns
Producer(s):
Ric BurnsBuddy Squires
Categories:
Documentary
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    Diya D.

    This was a very educational movie for my 10 yr old daughter and I to watch. I learned plenty about the history of Coney Island. I want to watch it again. IWe intend to visit Coney Island next summer. Meanwhile she can write a report on the history of the mystical place.

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    Jeanne M.

    Very educational, I wasn't aware that Coney Island had such a fascinating history! When I was a kid, my family went there and I have fond memories of the rides, a couple were in the later portion of this DVD. And it had a "moon ride?" Very cool! UPDATE: I rented this again, however it was a different version than the other one I rented last year. It did not have the same coverage. Example: I was interested in the "little people village" and it wasn't even covered, just a quick mention and that was that. Different narrators too. Moon Ride footage was much less. What happened?

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    Dave T.

    I have been fascinated by this documentary ever since I saw it on PBS. I have to admit though, that all the old home movie footage together with the eerie calliope music is kinda creepy, to say the least. Well worth watching for anyone with even the slightest interest in nostalgia and/or amusement parks.

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