This is a fascinating account of the history and growth of San Francisco and the role the street railways played in that story. Told with images from a variety of historic sources and with film footage shot by rail aficionados and former municipal railway employees, this is an interesting presentation that is both entertaining and educational. The changing views of the city, its people (and their fashions), and its modes of transportation, from the earliest days to the present, are a must-see for railfans, history buffs, and anyone who loves the City by the Bay. Charles Smiley has done an excellent job of threading together the graphics, photos and film footage into a comprehensive documentary. There is special attention given to matching authentic sounds to the silent films in order to create a realistic representation of the action. The "down home" style of narration lacks the polish of a professional voice-over announcer, but Smiley's attention to detail and knowledge of the subject makes up for that. I came to the Bay Area in the 1960s, and thoroughly enjoyed seeing again the trolleys, streetcars, cable cars, light- and heavy-rail inter-urban and commuter trains, along with the automobiles and cityscapes through that and other eras. I think that you too will find something to enjoy in this video.

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

I purchased this video to do some childhood reminiscing of the times that my Mom or Dad would take me into San Francisco from San Mateo, to shop at the big department stores. As well as visit family out in the Sunset district. We never owned a car and always took public transit. The Greyhound commuter buses ("B"), and the SP commute trains were a favorite mode of transport. This is great video, wonderful archive footage that warms my heart. Also a great history lesson for those that never knew the behind the scenes operations of the Muni.

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

This is a wonderful DVD. The narrator's voice is just the right volume and quality. The jazz "filler" music works well and never detracts from the visuals. The frequent referring to the map is particularly helpful both for those who know the city and those who have never been there. Being also an amusement park lover, I'm so glad the footage of Playland at the Beach was used. I had no idea there was this footage of the park. 5 star video all the way. Now, can anybody do my hometown of Buffalo, NY?

Additional remarks by Michael:
Narration: A little bit too much.
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Excellent Value!
Recommend to others? A "Must Have"!

An excellent review of The San Francisco system up to the present day. Just the right amount of time spent in each era with excellent narration and fairly good videos for the era.

I definitely recommend this DVD for any Traction fan,.

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

We have verified that this reviewer has purchased this item from Train Video Depot because this reviewer is a member of our loyalty program and was signed in when they purchased the item and when they left the review.

Part of it was like watching my 30 years on the Muni, I could of been operating some of those cars. During Bart's construction on Market st. was rough, I for one hated to see the demise of the PCC's, and was over joyed when they returned to Market st. and the Embarcadero. Proud to say I had a small part in that venture.


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

As Bob Hope used to say (and/or sing), "Thanks for the memories"! Now a "misplaced" native San Franciscan, I remember much of what was on this DVD. Part of my journey to school (and to Playland at the Beach) was on the Geary "B" line with those classic "Iron Monsters".

The "D" line into the Presidio had an interesting loop that just "happened" to let solders off right next to the M.P.s office. Better be squared away!

The Washington & Jackson cable line official end of the line was on Steiner between Washington and Jackson. The crews liked to have coffee at "Joe's" on the N.W. corner of Washington and Fillmore so that became the "unofficial" terminal.

I witnessed way too many tracks being removed from the streets. I admit that the cable car tracks were in need of being replaced but by doing that we lost cobblestones along the tracks, crossings of long-gone streetcar and cable car lines, along with cast iron signs in the street indicating that "Cars Stop Here".

Thank you for the memories!

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

This is a great throwback of the evolution of the Muni Streetcars. The video quality is quite good and it's hard to believe that this footage exists. Narration excellent. I've shared this with my uncle who grew up in the City in the 40's and he loved it. For him it brought back the days of traversing the City as a 9 year old on Muni. He would skip summer school and jump on Muni out to Playland He also admitted to staying on board at the car barn and go through the car wash!

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

I grew up in San Francisco in the fifties. This video helped me recall the transition from the "iron monsters" to the sleek and modern PCC Cars. These cars, in turn, are the majority of the fleet of historical cars that now run on the surface of Market Street above the Muni subway.

Good Times, Good Memories.

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

We have verified that this reviewer has purchased this item from Train Video Depot because this reviewer is a member of our loyalty program and was signed in when they purchased the item and when they left the review.

The quality of transfer to video by Charles Smiley is always the best. Nearly all the film footage was new to me. Hope I see more like this in the future.

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

Memories are made of this. Totally satisfied with the product, and the coverage regarding routes and equipment. Very good quality video.

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