Review: Coney Island

By: Denis Blot

April 2006

DVD Features Video: 1.33:1 Audio:Dolby Digital 2.0 Originally Aired 02/04/1991 on PBS DVD released on 3/21/2006 by Paramount Running time of 91 minutesDirector: Ric Burns

Anyone familiar with PBS and the program “The American Experience” will certainly be aware of the Burns brothers Ric and Ken. Each brother has dominated the television documentary series with in depth historical studies on such American institutions as Baseball and Jazz (both by Ken Burns), as well as on the American landscape with the brilliantly executed New York series. Years before Ric Burns took on the challenge of the voluminous New York series; he concerned himself with a small parcel of land pertaining to Brooklyn, New York, known as Coney Island.Coney Island was Burn’s first documentary film contribution to “The American Experience”, and it certainly has the craftsmanship of someone who loved the subject matter (so much so that Burn’s production company is named “Steeplechase Films” after the famed amusement park at Coney Island). The material is well researched; an abundance of film and photos are used, as well as interviews with those who remember the grandiose atmosphere that Coney Island once had. The documentary is well paced, and at just over an hour in length it will leave you craving more.

One of the reasons the Burn’s film is so engaging is that follows the classical model of a tragedy. The slow rise from brush laden island populated by Coneys (wild rabbits) to expensive sea side resorts to amusement parks for the masses, reaching the climax being Coney island at its most popular when on any given summer day several hundred thousand to over a million people could be found, and ultimately succumbing to the tragedy of fire, and the park’s novelty wearing off. The documentary ends on a mildly positive note; to not be resigned to solely looking at the nostalgia that Coney Island provokes, but to look towards its future.

For New Yorkers, the future of Coney Island has at times been a heated issue. The addition of a minor league baseball stadium for use by the Brooklyn Cyclones, as well as concerts and other events was well received, while the building of several condominium high rises that local residents could not afford to live in created some debate. However, it was the overnight destruction of a famous wooden roller coaster that had become iconic of the long vanished former amusement park that resided there, that enraged local residents and historical preservationists alike. Viewing Burn’s film will certainly bring that anger back three fold.

While the DVD has no extras with the exception of links to find additional information on Coney Island, “The American Experience” series, and where to purchase more PBS programs on DVD, the DVD is worth buying simply for the documentary itself. It’s a must buy for any self-respecting New Yorker, and history preservationists. There is the also the reward of knowing your purchase helps provide funding for PBS.

Reviewer’s Opinion: BUY IT!!