Product Details

• Actors: Frank Shorter, Alberto Salazar, Bill Bowerman, Ken Kesey, Steve Ogle
• Directors: Frank Shorter;Erich Lyttle
• Format: NTSC
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Chambers Productions
• VHS Release Date: June 30, 1995
• Run Time: 58 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 0964083817
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #3,859 in Video (See Top 100 in Video)

  #7 in	Video > Sports > Documentary
  #6 in	Video > Sports > Independently Distributed
  #1 in	Video > Sports > Olympics > Documentary

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

Original VHS direct from Production Company

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 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!

18 of 19 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.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fire On The Track: Steve Prefontaine, August 15, 2001

By	Shawn James (Orinda, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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

This video is a must for any Prefontaine fan. Those who saw him run, met him, or have recently been introduced to the "Legend of Oregon" would get tremendous value from this 58 minute video. Excellent footage of Pre's races, interviews, and comments about his views on the need for change towards athlete's in the 70's. I watch this for motivation and inspiration. No Hollywood story here, it's the real thing!