I saw this documentary on opening night of what surprisingly became a 5-month run at the Balboa Theater in San Francisco. I liked the old amusement park a lot as a kid growing up in the 1950s, but I was not prepared for the emotional reaction I had to this film. In fact the majority of the audience were laughing out loud at times, weeping at others and very touched by memories of their childhoods. The movie does an excellent job of sharing what made Whitney's Playland so special. I went back to see the film 3 more times and brought family and friends. The audience response was the same -- tears, laughter and a sense of shared community in a movie theater. When the film was over, the audiences gave it a standing ovation and then filtered out into the lobby of the theater. At that point people stayed and stayed and talked to each other to share their individual stories about going to Playland, visiting the Fun House, speeding down the giant slide, and smiling at Laffing Sal. I have never seen this kind of reaction in a movie theater. I think the people who created this movie have done an amazing job of capturing a place in history that people want to remember forever.

REMEMBERING PLAYLAND is a well-researched and richly illustrated documentary on Whitney's Playland at the Beach, San Francisco's long-lost, beloved amusement park. Loaded with first person accounts by those who worked there and visitors who just enjoyed it, the photographs and film clips are a visual feast for all of us who remember as well as amusement park aficionados in general. Having attended a number of screenings, I've seen tears in the eyes of viewers who saw their childhood recalled. The first cut-over from the modern day view of where it was to a clip of the park in the 60s never fails to raise goose-bumps.

An accurate and serious portrayal of the park and its history is punctuated with lighter moments in mix of the sights and sounds with stories and anecdotes that bring Playland back to life. The only thing missing is the rumble of the roller coaster under foot and the enticing smells from the cafés and food stands. Grab an It's-It Ice Cream as an accompaniment and you are there.

If you love San Francisco, visited Playland or just enjoy amusement parks, roller coasters, carousels and fun houses, this is one film not to be missed. I've seen most of the amusement park documentaries available and this one sits at the top of the stack.

Great documentary. One hour in length. All about the history and love of the "Coney Island" of the West. Lots of great footage and photos. Much of the footage and photos were never shown in public before. Many, many interviews and memories of Playland-at-the-Beach. Also plenty of the history and construction leading up to what became Playland-at-the-Beach in 1928. Fabulously well done pic. If you can, find a showing in a theater and see it on a big screen. But if it is not playing anywhere near you, purchase a DVD for yourself, your parents and your grandparents!!!!

I was born in 1983, and as a result never had an opportunity to visit Playland. In fact, before the film "Playland at the Beach," I had a vague and cursory understanding of impact of Playland on the generations of San Franciscans that came before me. "Playland at the Beach," took me there, and brought to life the joy Playland brought to its patrons.

Additionally, the film runs through a series of colorful interviews with former workers and patrons. The interviews really give you a sense of what Playland actually meant to the people of San Francisco. The responses given by the interviewees are heterogeneous, in that not every response paints a rosy picture of Playland. The film really provides a full spectrum of responses and emotions.

I highly recommend this film for anyone. If you grew-up with Laughing Sal it will take you back; and if you didn't, it will give you tremendous historical perspective.