This is an incredible video with almost non stop action in the cab. Now this is what Pentrex should have done with their At The Throttle series. Straight forward and no breaks except at the station stops. The sounds are excellent and I really enjoyed this video. I have ridden the San Diego Corridor route many times. If you love the PACIFIC SURFLINER and ride it often, this is definitely a DVD for your library and a must see.

Additional remarks by boxcar Mike:
Narration: There was no narration.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Good.
DVD Value: Good Value
Recommend to others? A "Must Have"!

I have a dozen or so "train" videos and a couple of those are cab-view products. They are good - very enjoyable, in fact.

But this one simply surpasses all the others, in my opinion, for the simple facts that there is no narration; the camera view is fixed (does not pan around inside the cab) and provides an excellent field of view and finally that important information is displayed graphically in a vertical arrangement on the RH side of the screen.

This info consists of train speed, current speed limit for the track, maximum turnout speed, signal aspect and location of that signal.
This display never really intrudes and after a short time just becomes part of the view, so-to-speak.

The only negative on the display is the sharpness (resolution) as seen on my TV and also my PC.
I understand that this was shot in High Definition, so I would have expected it to be much sharper than it is.
Perhaps it is a PAL vs NTSC situation (I'm in Australia) - I don't really know - but for me it was somewhat disappointing when everything else was so good.

The audio is of excellent quality and you really feel that you are THERE and the train sounds coupled with the communications between train and control are crisp and clear.

The extras provided on the DVDs also add to the value; the walk-around & through the train, the run-by's and train meets.....all enhance what is already a top-shelf package.

Great stuff and I highly recommend it.
It's something that you'll watch over and over.

P.S.
The service from TrainVideo Depot was exemplary - a six-day turnaround from receipt of order to the package landing in my mail-box - and communication from the vendor was also excellent.

Bruce Kennewell
Canberra
Australia


Additional remarks by Bruce Kennewell:
Narration: There was no narration.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: A little rough around the edges.
DVD Value: Excellent Value!
Recommend to others? A "Must Have"!

This is a VERY different DVD. We're not sure of the origins of this particular 2-Disc DVD, but we're pretty sure it's a quasi-training DVD for a Microsoft Train Simulator Add-On that they once distributed. At the end of the video it states "Would you like to run your own Surfliner?". Well the web address they provide is no longer valid, and the status of the add-on for the simulator is unknown as well.

What we do know is that this is a very high quality DVD. It's basically the entire trip from Los Angeles to San Diego in real time. What makes the movie so unique is that the camera is situated without obstructions (except for a little bit of the windshield), and the camera does not pan around. It just sits there the entire ride. Superimposed on the screen is the real time speed of the locomotive, the block name, the signal status, milepost marker and permitted speed. It's real interesting to watch and unlike anything we've seen before.

The special features include some weather running (rain, fog, night), train meets, and an interesting tour of the consist.

It's a little pricey (we've tried to bring the price down from list), and it's probably not everyone's cup of tea, but we think you'll find it an interesting addition to your collection.

Additional remarks by Train Video Depot Crew:
Narration: There was no narration.
Would kids enjoy this? Definitely!
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Good Value
Recommend to others? A "Must Have"!

I always wanted to ride aboard trains again, therefore this movie will take me to places never before seen (from the engineer's perspective)! I love the onscreen information of the signal aspects, train speed, etc., as well as the radio transmissions from the crew of Amtrak and from the axle detectors. Overall, my favorite part of this and any train ride is passing through the railroad crossings, where the train is always first!

Additional remarks by Borse99:
Narration: There was no narration.
Would kids enjoy this? Definitely!
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Excellent Value!
Recommend to others? A "Must Have"!

This is probably the BEST train video I have ever purchased!! Everything about it is great. The audio is amazing and the image quality is fantastic. You can even hear the engineer's radio. If you like cab rides you will love this video!!

Additional remarks by Metrolinkkid874:
Narration: There was no narration.
Would kids enjoy this? Definitely!
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Excellent Value!
Recommend to others? A "Must Have"!

Wow. An absolutely fantastic video. There is nothing quite like it made by any one, any where. A head end view from Los Angeles all the way to San Diego California.
With screen graphics along the way, you always know where you are, what is coming for the train in route which includes the light signals as the crew sees it. Watch as the viewer see all the sidings, crossovers, wyes, and much of the landscape along the way. There is so much in this video that it will be viewed many times over.
It's being in the locomotive from from your living room.
Top marks for one of the finest videos made.

Just viewed the video, and I must say A++++ on the ride!!! Great for those you have Facing Point's Surfliner Add-on for MSTS, which lets you see the real route, before you go to the sim version!!! But for those who don't, still an awesome video. Full audio, radio communications, speed, signals, stations, mileposts, and more... Everything you could ask for, and also a full tour of the Surfliner trainset!!! Highly recommend, for Surfliner lovers, and all others....

Thanks for a good custermer service and info about the DVD and its working perfect on my DVD player.

Additional remarks by Edward Reinholdt:
Narration: Could have used more.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Good.
DVD Value: Good Value
Recommend to others? Yes.

Didn't know what to expect when I purchased this dvd but was pleasantly surprised. Really enjoyed the view from the cab as if you're the one driving and seeing the sites like cars on the freeway, going up overpasses and the ocean views as you drive by. Even nice to watch if you just want a relaxing dvd or just have on as pleasent background entertainment. My nephew thought it was pretty cool so kids can enjoy it as well!

Additional remarks by Murray:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Yes.
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.

Being a former RR employee as well as a railfan (one of the few RR employees I know who admits to being a railfan) I think its fun to get back in the cab. Would like to have seen a little more of the cab and controls included.

Additional remarks by Mike Selway:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? I doubt it.
Image quality: Good.
DVD Value: Good Value
Recommend to others? Yes.

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.

I have had this DVD for a while, It is a good DVD. I wished that they could have filmed from San Diego to Los Angeles.

Additional remarks by webone1040:
Narration: There was no narration.
Would kids enjoy this? I doubt it.
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.

This is likely the best cab ride video I've seen. The real-time data in the corner (speed, max allowed speed, and signal info) plus the recordings of the train crew talking to each other makes this the most informative as well.

One other benefit is that you really learn how signaling systems work in the real world. As much as I studied websites trying to explain signaling, I never fully understood until I watched this video.

Only disappointment (and it's not with the video itself) is in reality how little high speed running there is. Just about 6 minutes out of a nearly 3 hour ride is 90 mph running. Boy does that train accelerate slow. Hey Amtrak, how about putting another loco on that train!

If you like cab ride videos, I would recommend this one in a heartbeat. You will enjoy it.

Additional remarks by John:
Narration: There was no narration.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Good Value
Recommend to others? Yes.

I like the fact that the video showed the entire line from L.A to San Diego. I loved all the info on the right side of the screen and the narrative of the engineer and conductor. This was the most informed video about trains I have seen to date. I wish more train videos were like this.

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

A great cab ride DVD. I enjoyed the sound of the loco working and to me it was just like riding in the cab. My only gripe is common with this and other cab rides Videos is that you tend to see only ahead and not around you which could be overcome with a wide angle lens and having the camera strapped to the front of the locomotive. On the whole its a great DVD and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys cab rides DVDs.

Additional remarks by Rex M:
Narration: Could have used more.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Good Value
Recommend to others? Definitely.

My wife and I rode the Surfliner from San Diego to Santa Barbara. This was such a treat to relive the scenes that we enjoyed on our trip. This is a great DVD.

Additional remarks by Ked:
Narration: There was no narration.
Would kids enjoy this? Yes.
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Excellent Value!
Recommend to others? A "Must Have"!

The quality of the video was excellent, there could have been a bit more narration, I wish they had spoken more about the various train yards on the trip, I've made the round trip, and the cab ride was just like being there, except my train never got over 60 mph.

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

I love cab rides. This one is especially interesting because it has no narration but there is a display of the actual speed and the indicated speed, as well as the status of track switches (divergences),the upcoming station, etc. There could have been a bit of narration to explain other factors. Otherwise, I love it.

Additional remarks by Jim Sanders:
Narration: There was no narration.
Would kids enjoy this? Yes.
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Good Value
Recommend to others? Definitely.

If you're a train buff as I am, this DVD is a must have.
It's like driving your own train to San Diego. This DVD I will watch over and over again! Great DVD! If you love trains. This DVD is for you!

Additional remarks by Donald Van Heel:
Narration: There was no narration.
Would kids enjoy this? Yes.
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Excellent Value!
Recommend to others? Definitely.

Great DVD! This shows the entire trip from LA to SD on the Surfliner from the cab. The image quality is amazingly good, and there is just so much going on during the trip. Radio chatter, MPH, signals, blocks and more. We really enjoyed it.

And my son loves it too! Luckily there are no grooves on a DVD as he would have worn this thing out by now.

Additional remarks by trainfiend:
Narration: There was no narration.
Would kids enjoy this? Definitely!
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Excellent Value!
Recommend to others? A "Must Have"!

What a trip! The whole run from LA to San Diego! If you like cab rides, then this one is for you!

Additional remarks by Trainman Sez:
Narration: There was no narration.
Would kids enjoy this? I doubt it.
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Excellent Value!
Recommend to others? A "Must Have"!

This is the best DVD that I have purchased, the quality
is excellent and I will watch this many times.10/10
Brian

Additional remarks by Trainman502:
Narration: There was no narration.
Would kids enjoy this? Definitely!
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Excellent Value!
Recommend to others? A "Must Have"!

This video was probably the best amtrak video I've bought which I have only bought 4 of them. I really like how the speed, speed limit, junction speed limit, light signal, explanation of light signal, location, and station name are all shown on the side of the screen. I also like the mile marker sound and the dispatcher on the radio can be heard. I will do my best to buy more videoes.

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

A good video for the money. You must like cab view to enjoy this video.

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

Excellent video! I can't stop watching it! Definitely worth buying. Thanks for having it in stock!

Additional remarks by ConrailAmtrakFreak:
Narration: There was no narration.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Excellent Value!
Recommend to others? A "Must Have"!

As a railfan, I enjoyed it very much, must be interested in railroads to appreciate this DVD. Not a "scenic" train ride.

Additional remarks by LES:
Narration: There was no narration.
Would kids enjoy this? I doubt it.
Image quality: Good.
DVD Value:: Fair.
Recommend to others? Not unless they REALLY were interested in the subject matter.

DVD is 14:3 format but being copyrighted in 2005, that is par for the course. There is no narration but radio transmissions amoung the crew are included but the volume is too low to easily understand them. Kids younger than teens do not have enough attention span to watch more than a few minutes. For a person interested in cab rides and authentic railroad scenes such as me, this is a must. It has a nice menu to choose viewing from. The only thing that is missing from my point of view is there is no view even fleetingly of the train.

Additional remarks by JerryS:
Narration: There was no narration.
Would kids enjoy this? I doubt it.
Image quality: A little rough around the edges.
DVD Value: Good Value
Recommend to others? Yes.

If you enjoy a view from inside the cab looking forward then you should enjoy this DVD. Bringing down the contrast helps greatly with bringing out some of the ground detail and the blue tones in the sky.

Additional remarks by emdpoweratnotch8:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? I doubt it.
Image quality: Good.
DVD Value: Excellent Value!
Recommend to others? Definitely.

Well done. I grew up in San Diego and rode the southern half of the route when it was Santa Fe's San Diegan. The on-screen indicators were especially appreciated. Could have used a couple more, ie: air brake, throttle/dyn brake position. Overall a good video for hardcore railfans.

Additional remarks by Stephen:
Narration: There was no narration.
Would kids enjoy this? I doubt it.
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value:: Fair.
Recommend to others? Definitely.

Not what I expected. I thought I was getting a scenic video shot from head end of train. What I got was low res video probably more useful to people learning the route. The video quality is low, it looks like a computer simulation.
Still, very comprehensive, some "real" video and tour of train. If you are very interested in operating this route or simulating it the video would be great. I should have read the description more carefully.
The price is great and shipping was free.

Additional remarks by Paul:
Narration: There was no narration.
Would kids enjoy this? I doubt it.
Image quality: A little rough around the edges.
DVD Value: Excellent Value!
Recommend to others? Not unless they REALLY were interested in the subject matter.

Great Ride. My first Cab Ride DVD. The Engineer was busier than I thought they would be. My next DVD will be more shots of the Engineer and the controls and gauges. I want to see exactly what the Engineer does to control the Engine, speed of the train and braking. Suggestions for a DVD of this would be appreciated.

Additional remarks by Prezz:
Narration: There was no narration.
Would kids enjoy this? I doubt it.
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Excellent Value!
Recommend to others? Definitely.

Loved the cab ride dvds. Very good quality, and they hold your interest all the way to the end.

Additional remarks by MT5500:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? I doubt it.
Image quality: Good.
DVD Value: Good Value
Recommend to others? Yes.

Showing a few seconds of the engineer and control panel would have added interest, and revealed whether the train was in push or pull mode. However, judging by the engine sounds, it appears that the train was in pull mode.

Some commentary explaining the signals would have added interest, and would help keep the viewer awake.

Additional remarks by Eric:
Narration: There was no narration.
Would kids enjoy this? I doubt it.
Image quality: Good.
DVD Value: Good Value
Recommend to others? Yes.

One of the better quality videos I have purchased.

A small amount of narration might have added to this video.

Hope there might be a re-release of the MSTS add-on for this route.

Additional remarks by T. O'Connor:
Narration: There was no narration.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Excellent Value!
Recommend to others? A "Must Have"!

It was a very nice cab ride film! I watched the whole thing and there was no talking or disruptions

Additional remarks by Connor:
Narration: There was no narration.
Would kids enjoy this? Definitely!
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Excellent Value!
Recommend to others? A "Must Have"!

While watching the video, I had questions, like who is the engineer talking to throughout the video. Some narration might have cleared this up. The reason I gave it a low score when asked if this is a good video for kids, was due to the lack of narration. If not for the view, there was nothing to learn in this video. Also I could not see any of the signal lights. I have been a passenger on this train many times, this was for sure a different view of the trip. For a three day weekend in California, where was all of the people? There was hardly any one on the beaches for a Sunday in July.

Additional remarks by WEM3:
Narration: There was no narration.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Excellent Value!
Recommend to others? Definitely.

This DVD is well produced, however nothing was filmed of the crew operating the controls plus any comments they would have made during the filming.

Additional remarks by The Dodger:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Good.
DVD Value:: Fair.
Recommend to others? Not unless they REALLY were interested in the subject matter.