The First Olympics: Athens 1896

The First Olympics: Athens 1896

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Director: Alvin Rakoff
Actors: David Ogden Stiers, Hunt Block, David Caruso, Alex Hyde-white, Benedict Taylor
Studio: Sony Pictures
Category: DVD

List Price: $19.94
Buy New: $11.72
You Save: $8.22 (41%)



New (46) Used (9) from $9.84

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars 29 reviews
Sales Rank: 10877

Format: Color, Dolby, Dvd-video, Full Screen, Subtitled, Widescreen, Ntsc
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Subtitled), French (Subtitled)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Region: 99
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Number Of Discs: 1
Running Time: 237 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.5
Dimensions (in): 7.4 x 5.3 x 0.6

MPN: COLD26783D
UPC: 043396267831
EAN: 0043396267831
ASIN: B001A4YNPI

Theatrical Release Date: 1984
Release Date: August 5, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

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Customer Reviews:   Read 24 more reviews...

4 out of 5 stars Wonderful Re-Creation   October 17, 2008
Backpacker Lady (Spokane, WA)
I saw this movie when it first came out years ago and was so glad to find it out on DVD. Even though there are personal story sections that are a bit "dragged-out", the athletes accomplishments and how they got there make for a great story. I thought they did a great job making this movie, and appreciated re-seeing it again.


4 out of 5 stars A family classic   October 15, 2008
J. Biallas (St. Charles, Illinois, USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

We recorded this mini-series when it was first broadcast on NBC. We nearly wore the tape out over the years until someone "borrowed" it and did not return it. We have been searching for a copy until now. It is not an oscar-class big budget movie, but for us, it has fond memories. It harkens back to a more simple time, and some of the scenes, such as when the results of the first day's competition reach the US by telegraph are tear inducing. A very good movie to watch each Olympic season!


4 out of 5 stars Great Movie About the Olympics   September 28, 2008
D. Steensgaard
Outstanding movie. I don't believe it is historicly correct, but, is very well done and very entertaining.


5 out of 5 stars Awesome movie FINALLY on DVD   September 16, 2008
L. Jones
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

This movie is a slightly glossy version of American atheletes involvement in the first modern Olympics in Athens, 1896. David Caruso fans will really enjoy this early performance as an working class Irish American determined to triumph over racial prejudice and win gold in the Olympics. The casting was very good. Despite the fact that most of the actors are little known, the quality of acting is good and keeps the viewer engaged throughout the story.

I taped this movie off the TV when it was first aired in the 1980's. My family and I watched the First Olympics many, many times over next couple of decades until our sad VHS copy finally gave up the ghost. Every four years, with each summer Olympics, I have eagerly awaited this movie's release on DVD. Finally it is here.

The sound and picture quality of this copy is far better than the original television airing. I would highly recommend this satisfying, feel good movie to anyone.



5 out of 5 stars great movie   September 14, 2008
J. Whitten (lewiston, ME United States)
i've been waiting years for the release of this movie. it's finally out.
i love it. watch it you'll like it.