American Train Video Reviews
- American Train Video Reviews is the reference standard. Here to provide, high quality, train video product reviews. There are over 850 train video programs reviewed on this website. Fast growing and read worldwide. American Train Video Reviews, is the best! 😎
Classic: Diesel, Steam, Electric, Logging Lines and Trolleys.
Specializing in Classic Era with Vintage Film emphasis. Shows that are beyond the specialty focus, may also to be reviewed here. These are my exclusive reviews only. No shows can be purchased on this website. See below for recommendation.
Any donations are highly appreciated and really help the site.
Make informed buying decisions.
There is a whole range of train video quality. Great ones, good ones and poorly done. It was after wasting some hard-earned money on bad shows, that I had the motivation to create this review site.
Better for the buyers. Better for the producers. Better for retailers. Nothing will drive an interested enthusiast from the market faster, than getting two, or three unsatisfactory shows, in succession.
Could be other issues besides quality. The focus of a given show, the time period, soundtrack, too little color film, or not meeting other expectations. Not meeting the advertised is annoying. Narration shortage of a supposedly narrated show being an example.
Speaking of narratives. I generally avoid non-narrated shows. Rare exceptions if it has super rare film. A complete production is best with a solid narrator.
An informed buyer can make better decisions. A satisfied buyer will want more shows!
Defined review criteria, to help you, with a fair and balanced review.
A general overview of the: train video title, production company, format, program length, locations, time period and film sources,are listed. A description of the content is included. Screenshots from programs are a very popular addition.
Quality is an important factor. Film, sound, and other production items. Content is equally important. Items include: subject matter, narrative, accuracy, and length. Market availability, is a show easily purchased?
Do you get what you have paid for? Is the show a good value? Family friendly railroad viewing? Enjoyable?… The reviews address these issues.
The Railfan and The Model Railroader connection.
This is great information for: the Railfan, Model Railroader and Collector.
Railfan: DVD’s are great for seeing trains. Modern production enhancements can yield truly enjoyable programs. They are fantastic, for a 24/7 train watching session. Collecting train video programs on DVD is an interesting hobby.
Model Railroader: The shows are a huge source of information and sometimes inspiration. There are the obvious benefits to see. Weathering, Locomotive lash-ups, Train consists, Stations, Structures, Vehicles. There is also history and insight. Why did that road fail, merge, or become a behemoth? Were 40′ boxcars seen in 1970’s trains?
Maybe you find the reasons for peeling paint. Inspiration can come from viewing a railroad you’re not familiar with, or a new era, a new focus. Maybe narrow gauge steam gets your interest, or modeling in the Rockies after seeing a show. There is always something new to learn, even if your era is over 50 years old.
The ATVR Ratings
Ratings are 1 to 5 stars. Content, film quality, sound, rarity, accurate information and presentation are the main rating factors.
Star Standards : 5 Outstanding. 4 Very Good. 3 Good. 2 Below Average. 1 Poor. Occasionally, even Not Recommended.
You can adjust the ratings to your personal tastes. I try to provide a consistent base of information.
Readers have asked…. Yes, 3 stars are Good shows, and recommended by ATVR.
A rating of 2 does have some major flaws, as noted. However, if it’s rare or your special interest, you may want to purchase it anyway. The rating stars are guidelines only.
Extra Information on Reviews
Sources. This is used to identify original cameramen. Useful for giving credit and for those who want to see more of a certain cinematographer. I obtain these from film credits or in certain instances, directly from the producer. I strive for accuracy with these listings.
Maps: A standard consideration with today’s computer graphics. Maps are a great extra to have. Viewers can get a sense of a route and trace the journey.
Keep in mind, that older shows were not often produced with maps. It would be unfair to deduct a 1988 produced show, for not including maps. The variety of maps, and map quality, are why this is listed.
The Producers : Consistently high production standards, rate certain producers like: Charles Smiley, Pentrex, C.Vision, BA Productions, and Catenary Video as top tier examples. Diverging Clear has seriously upgraded over time. Recent MoKan are worthwhile. Plenty of other fine shows, are available from the other companies. See the reviews…
Where can you purchase shows?
I recommend Railfan Depot. Excellent and friendly service! The best overall, for professional mail order business. 👍
You will find that ‘hit or miss’, is a reality at many companies. A ‘hardcore railfan’ show has flaws, and often is amateur filmed. Small houses often have limited resources .Some with various priorities (ex: museum/ tourist shows). They still release some worthwhile shows.
In fact, anyone can issue a great show. Careful research should, alleviate most dissatisfaction with unsuitable titles. Credit must be given to any producer, who submits their programs for independent review.
Additional Material : I’m always interested in additional material to review. Vintage and classic train film is always welcome.
Review requests for shows, should be directed to that show’s producer. Tell them you would like an ATVR review!
American Train Video Reviews is a valuable resource that is: read worldwide, and is always available. Bringing you the best! Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We never close…. 😀
Thanks for your interest!
William
atvr@rocketmail.com
American Train Video Reviews
All reviews and my photographs here are copyright by William J. Hudson.
American Train Video Reviews 