Product Details

• Actors: Frank Shorter, Scott Chambers
• Directors: Erich Lyttle
• Format: NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Number of discs: 2
• Studio: Chambers Productions
• DVD Release Date: June 30, 1995
• Run Time: 58 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000FEB9DS
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #14,435 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The legendary distance runner Steve Prefontaine blazed across tracks and into America's consciousness before meeting a tragic death in an auto accident at the age of 24. In this tribute to "Pre," narrated by writer Ken Kesey, a number of his contemporaries speak movingly of him as an athlete and a person. After setting high school running records in his native Oregon, Prefontaine went on to the University of Oregon, where as a freshman he began to dominate the American track scene and appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated. He was a distinctive character and archival films demonstrate the charisma and astounding confidence he brought to his sport. His race in the 5,000 meters at the 1972 Munich Olympics is shown in detail, with other runners in the race offering commentary on the gutsy performance of the 21-year-old. Pre didn't win a medal in the race, but as his sister puts it, the race "matured him" and made him determined to win gold at the 1976 Montreal Olympics (which he wouldn't live to do). Though one of the world's best athletes, after college he was forced to survive on food stamps, and he became a spokesman for the plight of amateur athletes. This is a touching look at a brilliant athlete and a charming character who still inspires runners today. --Robert J. McNamara

Product Description

"Pre" embodied the spirit of athletic excellence. He had a belief in self and sport that transcended all but the outer reaches of human speed and endurance. As a freshman, he appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated, which hailed him as "America's Distance Prodigy". By the time he died in a tragic auto accident at the age of 24, Pre held all 7 American records between 2,000 and 10,000 meters. Off the track, he fought relentlessly for the rights of amateur athletes to prosper for their sacrifices. Narrated by Ken Kesey, Fire On the Track is the story of this young lion's life, as told through rare footage and the memories of those who knew him best - his teammates, coaches, family and friends. Interviews include David Bedford, Frank Shorter, Ian Stewart, Bill Bowerman, Jeff Galloway, Dick Buerkle, Lasse Viren, Dana Carvey, Mac Wilkins, Kenny Moore, Dave Wottle, Alberto Salazar, and many more.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What could have been, February 18, 2000

By 

Bill Consolo (El Segundo, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fire On The Track: The Steve Prefontaine Story [VHS] (VHS Tape)

If only the two major motion pictures on the life of Steve Prefontaine could have been as good as this video documentary! This short film on the life and times of Steve Prefontaine is a must for anyone who cherishes the memory of America's greatest runner ever! Not only do we see clips of some Steve's greatest races but we're sadly reminded about what could have been. Personally speaking, Steve Prefontaine has been a constant source of inspiration to run hard and give your best at all times but most importantly to never quit. For anyone who loves track and field or sports in general then this video is for you, GO PRE!

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pre, in all his tragic glory, November 23, 2000

By 

A. Hogan (Brooklyn, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fire On The Track: The Steve Prefontaine Story [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Steve Prefontaine was the most charismatic distance runner this country has yet produced[and probably its best]He brought mythic proportions to the track,enlivining a sport that was limited to agate type in major newspapers and the track and field news. This documentary is by far the best presentation of his short,brilliant life.He ran,as someone once said, like an oregon timber fire,and this documentary shows it.Fromhis early success at oregon under bill bowerman,to the 72 trials held in eugene, to the illfated race against finnish policeman Lasse Viren in Munich,1972,held a couple of days afetr the massacre there,this documenray covers it all very,very well. The narration by ken kesey is surprising;y good, the interviews weaved throught are seamless and cogent/Wonderful footage,lovely words of a man who inspired many, who NIKE shoes were founded upon,literally{the first shoes ever made were done from lasts of his},who ran through the running landscape, and died too damn soon.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must have for any Pre fan...GO PRE!!, June 26, 2006

By 

Kelly Mc "bookworm" (Libertyville, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fire on the Track: The Steve Prefontaine Story (DVD)

I became one of "Pre's People" after watching "Prefontaine" (the Jared Leto version of Pre's career). After watching it a few times I wanted to learn more about the real person. I had never even heard of him until I saw that movie and now I was hungry for any info. Fire on the Track is GREAT!!! I loved it. It showed Pre in action...doing interviews...it interviewed the people in his life. He was a great athlete and will live on thanks to the books and movies and his great fans. GO PRE!!!