Up and Down, Side to Side: Roller Coasters of the 1970s
Riding a rollercoaster today is a very different experience from what it was in the 1970s, when the art of coasters meant finishing an era and getting ready to start the next. Riding the most extreme rides was something you could do with your entire family, at your own risk.
A new wave of rollercoasters began in the 1970s, a wave that redefined everything for adrenaline junkies, with plenty of loops, odd layouts, and the constant sense of danger knocking at your door.
And while big movies and international franchises weren't yet part of the rollercoaster scene, the movie Rollercoaster did come around.
Step right in and secure your seat, because here we go.
The Start
Every great rollercoaster started with a giant pillar.
Carousel
Here's the tallest carousel in the world being made.
In the woods
There weren't many restrictions when constructing new rollercoasters, so a lot of them were surrounded by nature.
Colorful ride
Going crazy wasn't really a thing, as lots of coasters were for the entire family.
Safety when
Bright colors were an indicator that rollercoasters were for kids, with or without safety measures.
Freefall
Rollercoaster pictures were something else.
On rails
This is where sci-fi writers thought of flying cars.
Japanese coaster
Japan was a fierce competitor in the rollercoaster space.
Flying Ducthman
Have you ever seen a theme park that isn't extremely crowded?
Eye in the sky
This is what your typical 70s rollercoaster would look like from the sky.
Action Zone
You could spend a day in a theme park trying all the roller coasters, and that was normal.
Sunster Coaster
No cellphones, just vibes.
Looping
It seems like it was almost mandatory to have a great view while on a rollercoaster.
Intricate designs
The 70s started a renaissance for rollercoasters, bringing shapes and turns never seen before.
Coaster landscape
Some rollercoasters were simple but very rewarding.
Loop
Others were one-trick ponies, but everybody wanted to experience that rush.
Intricate designs
There was no right or wrong when trying to revolutionize the roller coaster world, and some designs were too much.
Coaster lot
Everybody wanted in on the rollercoaster action.
Suspense on rails
You just had to make sure not to watch Rollercoaster (1977) before going to one.
POV
The POV from the rollercoaster hasn't changed that much.
