Product Details

• Actors: Joe Newton, Matt Dettman, Eric Dettman, John Fisher, Connor Chadwick
• Directors: Matthew Arnold
• Format: NTSC
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: LGL Productions, LLC
• DVD Release Date: October 14, 2008
• Run Time: 88 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B001GWUHNQ
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #54,813 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Coach Joe Newton has used the sport of Cross Country Running to teach simple but important lessons to high school boys for the last 50 years. "Always do your best", "be on time" and "it's nice to be great but far greater to be nice" are mantras, which have turned the Boys Cross Country team at the public York High School in Elmhurst Illinois into the most winning high school team in any sport in America. Along with mastery of their sport, Newton turns boys into men, who carry his teaching and his love for each of them throughout their lives. The Long Green Line documents the York Duke's 2005 Cross Country season as the runners seek their record 25th state title in 50 years. In the sport of Cross Country only the top 5 athletes per team score points and only seven are included in competition. The York team has 221 athletes participating under the tutelage of Coach Newton. Though 214 boys know they will have no influence on the season's scores, they are moved to participate just to be in the presence of Coach Newton. Such a large team is a blessing and curse. Newton is able to spread his influence further but life lessons can go unheard when they have to trickle to so many ears. In the middle of the season, two of the star athletes are expelled from school after committing over $1 million in arson damage. The York team is forced to rebuild -- to face a true test of what they have learned both physically and mentally. The team is colorfully decorated with characters like the All-American winners the Dettman Twins, Sophomore John Fisher, a high functioning autistic with a heart of gold, out of shape former football players who reside on the lowest rung of the team and Freshman Connor Chadwick who has cerebral palsy but is able to run without leg braces for the first time in his life. The Long Green Line is not only a team but also, a rite of passage. It is a lifeline for these young runners as they move from adolescence to manhood.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A profile in excellence!, December 26, 2008

By 

Kevin Quinley "GeezerJock" (Fairfax, VA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Long Green Line (DVD)

Likely few sports fans or many people at all have ever heard of Joe Newton, yet the guy may be one of the greatest coaches in the history of American sports. "The Long Green Line" chronicles a season in the life of the York High School (Elmhurst, IL) cross country team, coached by Joe Newton. Newton has 50+ years of coaching experience and over 25 Illinois state Cross country championships to his credit.

Newton is old school, doling out tough love with daily motivational quotes to his charges. More than great runners, he aims to develop young men of strong character. Challenges abound in this quest as teens are tempted by booze and the lure of petty crime. The story lines are compelling and the movie is an inspiring glimpse of one man's commitment to excellence in his craft.

"The Long Green Line" is superb!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing film... Inspiring and autentic, November 11, 2008

By 

David Victor "Book Hunter" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Long Green Line (DVD)

We heard about the Long Green Line and purchased a copy based on a friend's recommendation. While I am athletic and never ran cross country this movie goes far beyond that. Similar to the hero himself, Joe Newton, it's about more than a sport. It's about excelling beyond your own expectation, surpising yourself with accomplishment.

I wish I had a mentor growing up that had half of the energy of this coach.

The film is well shot, well edited and has a nice narrative. HIghly recommned.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Long Green Line Inspires All, November 11, 2008

By 

H. Dean - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Long Green Line (DVD)

This is one of the best documentaries and movies I have ever seen. It is very inspiring. Coach Newton's sayings have more to do with life than running. It is great even if you don't do sports. It is a true testament to young athletes and people everywhere.