Search - The Olympic Series: Golden Moments 1920-2002 on DVD

Okay, but not great

T. Schmutzler | Madison, WI , USA | 09/12/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"As far as price goes, this DVD collection is a good deal--3 discs for about $20.

But you do get what you pay for--the documentary itself lacks coherence, it feels rushed. They pack in many highlights, perhaps too many. Performances are not shown in their entirety, which is important when it comes to more artistic sports like figure skating and gymnastics.

There is one glaring ommission from this collection--the 1996 Women's Gymnastics Team (aka the "Magnificent Seven") is not included, nor is Shannon Miller (the most decorated US gymnast who finally won her golds in 1996) or Kerri Strug. It's a shame, really.

I do recommend this DVD, but more of an introduction or overview. It is not a definitive Olympic collection by any stretch."

Wow!

Roger Long | Port Clinton, OH USA | 11/16/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"OK, so these 3 disks don't cover every single event in the history of the Olympics. If they did, no one would have time to watch them. And it may not include every event that some viewers think should be there, but it's still excellent. Not all of the US vs. USSR hockey game is there, but it is the finale most will want to see, and it is there.

I really liked the wide selection of material, some that I remembered, some I'd never seen, and some that I'd somehow forgotten. Anyone with the mildest interest in Olympic athletics should be thrilled with this set."

Olympic Highlights of Excellence

Jonathan Musere | West Los Angeles, California | 10/08/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am mostly a track enthusiast, so can hardly comment on the ice Olympic events. This DVD is over 6 hours long, containing many of the outstanding performances, including Jesse Owens, Bob Beamon's magnificent world record breaking by nearly 2 feet in the long jump at in 1968 in Mexico (Beamon broke down into a seizure, not believing what he had just done...the delay in the result was because the length of his leap was beyond the measure of the equipment), Boxing's Teofilo Stevens of Cuba, winning gold 3 times consecutively at the superheavyweight, Uganda's John Akii-Bua (RIP) becoming the first to run under 48 seconds at the 400 meter hurdles, Lee Evans in 1968 becoming the first man under 44 seconds in the 400 meters (the black power salutes by Tommy Smith and John Carlos are not left out), Cuba's Alberto Juantorena becoming the first Cuban track gold medallist when he won in (and first man ever with golds at both Olympic events)both the 400 and 800 meters run. The list goes on and on. These are brief defining and emotional moments that include many other gold performances by such greats as Kip Keino at 1500, Abebe Bikila in the marathon, Florence Griffith Joyner, Jackie Joyner Kersee, Herb Elliot, Sebastian Coe, Edwin Moses, Haile Gebresellasie, Al Oerter (RIP) winning 4 consecutive golds at the discus, etc. This DVD is constructed to display significant wins of the games, and any viewer will likely wonder why some of the highlights are ommitted. Yet, the DVD captures many amazing moments of the Olympics, well worth more than the approximately $10 i bought the DVD. Notably, Michael Johnson who holds both the 400 and 200 meter records is missing in the highlights (though images of him are displayed in the openings). In 1996, Johnson won the 200 meters in a record that may hold for many decades to come...19.32 seconds (if I am not mistaken). Johnson, an alumnus of Baylor University in Texas, has also run the most sub-44 seconds 400 meter runs. I will alwasy treasure this limited edition DVD"

Historically Insightful

Dr. W. G. Covington, Jr. | Edinboro, Pennsylvania | 03/27/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Two key elements make this collection pertinent for goal-setters, the storyline and the challenge of overcoming obstacles. Well-edited and written, this 3 DVD set covers nearly a century of Olympic competition. The various achievements are put into a context in such a way that if you are not familiar with the event and competitors involved, you can figure out what is happening because the narrator explains to you the background before telling you the outcome.

Both individual athletes and teams are highlighted in this collection of human accomplishment. Oksana Baiul's story was one of the most touching. To hear of the odds she had to overcome to reach her goal causes one to realize others have encountered terrific challenges and made it. In that sense, the story is about more than sports. Sports is an analogy with implications for other arenas.

Going back to 1920, this documentary set captures the flavor of the various modern games. Not only eras and locations, but a wide range of Olympic events are included. Many inspiring stories are found in this 3 set collection."