The First Olympics: Athens 1896

While this is certainly a fictional version of a true story (a contradictions in terms?), it was an enjoyable and entertaining ride. There was a lot of heart put into this production and seeing it unfold on the actual site of the first modern Olympics was a delight. David Ogden Stiers did a wonderful job of carrying this series, representing the heart and spirit of the entire project. If you want a lightweight version of "Chariots of Fire" look no further.

The movie came in expected condition. They shipped quickly and did a great job.

For years my wife and I watched our scratchy VHS copy that was recorded from the original airing of FO; it's one of our favorite miniseries ever (although we tend to consider it a long movie, rather than a miniseries). We were thrilled when it was finally released on DVD.

If this is to be your first viewing of FO, be assured that this is a splendid dramatization of the events surrounding the First Modern Olympics and, particularly, America's participation in the games (although other countries are represented in the proceedings). It's impressive in scope in some places, but in others its made-for-TV budgetary origins are apparent. If made today, with this same approach and screenplay, it would not be inappropriate on the Hallmark Channel. All of the performances are wonderful, and the necessary expository scenes, particularly those at the beginning of Part 2, are not overly cumbersome. There's also significant comic relief, particularly from the Americans' ignorance of the proper dimensions of certain track-and-field apparatus (not to mention proper athletic garb), and the USA's seeming lack of a national anthem (although some historical liberties are taken here).

The DVD transfer is clean and crisp and about as good as can be expected when transferring from a film that did not enjoy the greatest cinematography to begin with. That I did not award this DVD five stars was only because of the dearth of extras.

By the way, the cover image is simply a promotional shot; it has nothing to do with the miniseries; in the 1896 Olympics, athletes had yet to take up the practice of draping themselves in their flag as they took a victory lap.

It's on DVD!!! I bought it on VHS years ago and bring it out every 4 years in honor of the Olympics. Yes, it isn't the most historically accurate movie, but it is so family friendly that it's a great way for kids and adults alike to learn about the first modern Olympic Games.

I cannot express how happy I am that this mini-series has finally made it to DVD. My family taped off of the television years ago and I can not say how many times I have watched it. It is, however, fitting to re-release it right before the Olympic games since it discusses the original purpose of the games, to have the world come together. Today the Olympics are quite different, as can be seen by the amount of corporate advertising and the presence of professional atheletes, but there are occasional vestiges of its original intent. This series can help remind us of what it should be.