Northern California world premiere: Arrow documentary spotlights South Bay company
By amusementtoday | January 14, 2016
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Legacy of Arrow Development, a documentary that highlights former South Bay amusement ride manufacturer Arrow Development, will be shown at a world premiere event at the Montgomery Theater in downtown on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 7:30 pm.
Arrow Development is famous for pioneering tubular steel roller coaster track, an innovation that swept the amusement industry. First used on Disneyland’s Matterhorn Bobsleds in 1959, the revolutionary track eventually led to the first modern roller coaster with upside down inversions — Corkscrew at Knott’s Berry Farm in 1975. Arrow is also credited with producing the first log flume ride — a staple in amusement parks even today — all from its Mountain View, Calif. facility.
Highlighted are numerous parks from around the country including California’s Great America, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Cedar Point, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Kennywood and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which is the title sponsor of the premiere event.
Nicholas Laschkewitsch, film director, as well as video promotions coordinator for American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE), says, “ACE is all about the preservation and enjoyment of roller coasters. The whole organization is proud to help tell the unique story of a company whose creations have been admired and enjoyed by millions.”
Producer Kris Rowberry says, “Everyone knows Silicon Valley as a hotbed for technological innovations, but not for amusement parks. It truly is a forgotten piece of our local and national history.” Rowberry is also known as the host of the award-winning television series, “The Lost Parks of Northern California.”
Tim Baldwin, communications director for American Coaster Enthusiasts is thrilled that the project is now complete. “The time and energy that went into this project are exhilarating. This is the type of historical information that can just be lost if someone doesn’t take time to document it. People love amusement parks and this is a part of history that most people just don’t know much about.” Baldwin adds, “Preserving history is vital, and what’s been put on film will be a great resource for decades to come.”
Seating is limited for the premiere at the Montgomery Theater, and the production team has been encouraged by initial ticket sales. Tickets for the film are available at SanJoseTheaters.org. General admission is $10 for the film only, or a $20 VIP admission that includes a reception and Q&A with the filmmakers.
About ACE: Founded in 1978, American Coaster Enthusiasts is a nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion, appreciation and safe enjoyment of roller coasters. With more than 5,000 members worldwide, ACE is the largest and longest-running enthusiast organization in the world. Members of ACE receive exclusive park benefits, newsletters, magazines and the opportunity to attend national, local and even international tours at parks. ACE has been prominently featured on various news programs and many cable networks such as the Travel Channel.
