There are a lot of trains to see in the San Francisco Bay area, and there is a lot of beautiful scenery to see. This video covers main line freights and locals, short lines, Amtrak and other commuter trains, and tourist lines. And, oh yeh, this DVD uses the 16X9 Widescreen format.

<p>Most of this video concentrates on Union Pacific's Coast, Niles, Oakland, and Warm Springs Subs. Also shown are the Davenport and Hollister locals. At 140 minutes running time, this video's 30 minute coverage of those two locals drags on a bit and could have been shorter without affecting the story line in any way. Tourist lines covered include the Roaring Camp and Big Trees Narrow Gauge Railway with their geared Shay steam locomotive and the Niles Canyon Railway.

<p>The Narration is informative but there are no location or train symbol markers. The photography is sharp and crystal clear, although haze can be seen off in the distance in several scenes (probably normal for the are covered in this video). The long running time will test the attention span of the kids, but they might like some of it for the fast moving passenger and commuter trains, and the loud horns.


Additional remarks by amrchairrailfan:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? I doubt it.
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Good Value
Recommend to others? Definitely.

another excellent production from pentrex only complaint I have I wonder way the disc stops and resumes after a few seconds does anyone else's copy do that to? but still a good video to have

Additional remarks by chris collins:
Narration: Could have used more.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: A little rough around the edges.
DVD Value:: Fair.
Recommend to others? Yes.

Great Video.

Thanks

Additional remarks by Nascatrain:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Good.
DVD Value: Good Value
Recommend to others? Definitely.

This is one of Pentrex's first forays into widescreen (16x9) format, so it looks impressive on a widescreen TV set (though of course is not in high def). While there are lots on interesting subjects covered with good photography and informative narration, this is not one of Pentrex's best efforts because of errors in judgment in editing and choosing locations. As one review noted, scenes of a couple of locals and also CalTrain are allowed to drag on so long even I started to tire of them (and I own close to 100 rail videos). One segment photographs a line but no trains, the narrator explaining that trains weren't running the day they were there. Come on, Pentrex! - then go back on a day when trains ARE running. Man, is that lame - remember, we are paying for these videos. I was looking forward to footage of the interesting area at Alviso, just north of San Jose, at the foot of San Francisco Bay; but it is given scant coverage, and little mention is made of this unusual and historic fishing village. I know personally that they missed some excellent and interesting locations in shooting there, because I have shot both stills and video there myself (not pro, just for own enjoyment while on a trip); Amtrak's Starlight, Capitol Corridor, Altamont Express, & UP all use the line. I'll certainly watch this video from time to time, but it was disappointing in what it did and didn't include.

Additional remarks by Good but missed opportunities:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? I doubt it.
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Good Value
Recommend to others? Yes.

Excellent video !! Any fan of commuter rail and passenger and freight action in a very populated area of the country shows how railroading is done with all players day in and day out!!!!

Additional remarks by train-nut:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Good Value
Recommend to others? Definitely.

California has a population larger than the nation of Canada, and is the 8th largest economic region in the entire world. Transportation is important, and railroads play a very large part in that.

The San Francisco Bay Area is one of the highly populated areas, and the rails are a very valuable commodity... for freight service, long distance and intercity passenger service, local commuter service, and tourism.

For the rail fan who has a desire to see all noted, this video is for You. From older freight engines (GP40's) to the modern passengers (MP36PH's), a very wide variety is seen. At over 2 hours, the video is long enough to cover the region well, without over doing it. A couple of local tourist railroads are also featured, including the Niles Canyon Railway which is a real treat.

This will be another favorate of all who make the purchase.



Additional remarks by rrvideoman:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Excellent Value!
Recommend to others? A "Must Have"!