The First Olympics: Athens 1896

I just wanted to point out a few things about the mini-series. It does indeed focus on the American team, but it represents the other countries rather well. It gives an especially good appearance to the Greeks, who are shown as being loyal, caring, and respectful people. Ironically, I think that this mini-series actually cast the worst light on America, who is shown as not even being willing to back up their team (the president at the time, and the ivy-league schools refuse to even back up the American Olympic Team), and at the same time, the Americans are shown with many of their own problems; they can't even manage to get along with each other through most of the mini-series.

On a completely different note, for those who are looking for it, the series was just released a few days ago in DVD format.

This is one of the most delightful miniseries I've ever seen! We've watched it as a family as part of a unit study on the Olympics. I thought we would learn the history of the first Olympics, but we learned that and so much more. We also discovered an engaging, entertaining, funny, perfect family film.

There are a few curse words here and there - such as calling someone an "a**," but this was certainly not overbearing. The humor inserted into the film was great.

I would highly recommend this to anyone!

Sonya

www.thehomeschooladvocate.com

This is a terrific miniseries, a wonderful story splendidly told. The origins of everything from the starting position for sprinters to the impulsive selection of the Star Spangled Banner as the national anthem, this story of the first Olympics in 1500 years is filled with drama, wit, and unforgettable characters.

I just got done watching the DVD of the 1984 NBC Mini Series, The First Olympics and I want to say that I thought it was very thoroughly researched. The details concerning the life of Spiridon Louis may or may not have been true. That's because the details in his life have never been made quite clear. Edwin Flack had, in fact, already finished college by the Games the had commenced and was employed by the accounting form of Price, Waterhouse, and Company. The facts surrounding Robert Garret's participation in the Discus Throw were also 100% accurate, though I don't ever remember reading about a similar incident involving the Shot Put ever having taken place. I supposed some amount of "Literary License" had to be granted in making this fine and historically accurate (for the most part) film.

I saw this movie when it was on TV and have looked for it ever since.

What amazes me is they do not show it more. THE GOOD news is NETFLIX now has it on DVD (2 disc).

1984 does not date this film but should be popular today, maybe around current Olympic season.

This movies has everything, some funny things but not a comedy. Facts, pretty good, great Directing, great acting, great Scenery.

The actors are very real as today, with modern physical training, they are 'beefed' up but these kids look like what the kids in college looked like in 1896 but were no professional but just good athletes.

The part about them thinking they were to be nude like the original Olympians is worth watching. And that Greek story about the USA National Anthem was great.

If you have never seen, you are missing a great treat.

Come on Sony, get with it. Bring it back to the public.