Editorial Review

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 Read more

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Reviews (20)

The Best
This was my favorite of the (I believe?) three Prefontaine movies out there. "Without Limits" and "Prefontaine" are both good Hollywood/drame type movies, and while all three stay true to Pre's story, "Fire on the Track" is much more moving. It tells the story documentary-style with real footage and interviews with those who knew Pre best, tied together with strong narration and driven ultimately by the raw story of Prefontaine. If you're a runner and looking for motivation, or a runner/non-runner looking to learn about one of the greatest American athletes of all time, look no further than to "Fire on the Track."

Inspirational
I highly recommend this movie to ANYONE who needs inspiration or motivation. Perhaps you are in sales and need a little extra drive to get over the rejection of a lost sale,etc. This movie will tell you to never quit no matter what your odds.
A very long run for a short slide....
Very little actual running here. Mostly a Nike commercial. Lots of silly interviews that don't add anything. Watch one of the movies, instead. ... Read more

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Reviews (5)

Excellent Research on the Black Dahlia Case
It is a great review of the brutal case and current research.I have often wondered if the Black Dahlia event, was really the first murder performed by the Zodiac. There has to bea triangle of terror, linking the three cases of the Jack the Ripper,Black Dahlia, and the Zodiac .London artist Walter Sickert had passed away ,in 1947.He is considered ,by some researchers ,to be the leading Jack the Ripper suspect.And the wealthy ,oddball art patron Dr.George Hodel ,is now suspected of being the BD killer,by even his own son,retired LAPD cop,Stephan Hodel. Beth Short lived in Vallejo(NorCal), as did the leading Zodiac suspect Arthur Leigh Allen. Their houses were three streets apart .In time the cases will show a definative connection between the three directly,i'm sure of this.The film adds more insight and raises many questions of interest for the Black Dahlia case.

Tv film- Black Dahlia
This is info to the reviewer from Marion, Ind who wanted to know if there was ever a film made on The Black Dahlia. Yes there was back in the 70's with Lucie Arnaz . It was a tv film and don't think that it was ever put on VHS. I'vebeen looking for it myself and they don't seem to repeat this film on tv.

GREAT DOCUMENTARY
An exceptional documentary, with dramatized re-enactments.Most chilling is the re-enactment of author John Gilmore interviewing the most likely suspect.This segment, showing Gilmore and the suspected killer talking in a bar is followed by a re-enactment of the murder, as it was presented in Gilmore's book, SEVERED: THE TRUE STORY OF THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER.A fascinating exploration into the twisted and strange Black Dahlia case, one of the most sensational, unsolved murder cases in the history of American crime. ... Read more

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Editorial Review

Anne Lamott is your run-of-the-mill recovering alcoholic and drug addict, born-again Christian, left-wing liberal, and single mother who just so happens to have written Read more

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Anne Lamott is an inspiration
I watched this film after reading "Bird by Bird" and "Hard Laughter" and found that Anne Lamott was just as I expected her to be...funny, sentimental, sometimes emotional, caring, loving, kind, passionate and considerate.She truly is a beautiful person who has grown through pain and talks very candidly about her faith and what it takes to get to a place in one's life where it feels good to be alive.I laughed and I cried when watching this video and really appreciated her honesty about the things she has struggled with.She has a lot of strength. Quintessential Anne Lamott!!
I love this Video!I am a Lamott fan and first heard her on a radio show.I was attracted to her wit and humor BUT that humor and wit (as with so many comedians) was clearly grounded in deep personal pain and suffering.So, I started reading her books and was pleased when this short video became available!It is short! Only an hour long,but it follows Anne through some interesting vignettes in a one year period of her life.There is one scene where she presides over the gay marriage/wedding of two men in an outdoor wedding ceremony that may not be for all or appreciated by some.Other than that I liked her letting us in to her life to show us that one can lift themselves from rock bottom of addiction and suffering.There is a scene of Anne with a piece of paper, a bottle of white out, and her writing on the page looks like that of a school child's!!!Yes, she writes like all of us did, excrutiatingly trying to get something, ANYTHING!, down on paper.Read more

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Reviews (9)

A burning love in a burning war.
There are many questions without answers.Romanov's family was a family like others..Nicholas and his wife had a lifetime sticky relationship followed by romantic love letters.They lived in the era of 'noblesse oblige'(whatever they do,they are right), they enjoyed comforts,but out there...people were miserably starving and exterminated!!
Nicholas and Alexandra
This is a very informational and educational presentation of the last Imperial Tsar of Russia and his family. I would recommend it to anyone who desires more knowledge of this extrodinary family.

a grand sweep of modern Russian history in one volume
I could not put this book down.It gives the big picture.....the end of Russian imperialism and the beginning of communism...and then brings it down to the personal tragedy of the imperial family.I found myself grieving for them and wishing that they could have somehow survived.A thousand "what ifs" crossed my mind as I read this book.What if the Tsarevich had not been hemophilic....what if another country could have offered the imperial family assylum and had provided them with a way of getting out of the country before they were murdered...what if the Tsar would have been more in touch with the common Russian people...what if the Empress could have been more rational about her son's illness and about the insanity of Rasputin's interference in her husband's government.This book touches all the bases and has made a confirmed Romanov fan out of me. ... Read more

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Reviews (2)

BBBOOOORRRRING!!
My 8th graders hated it.As an art teacher I support what the producers are trying to do, however, this video has a weak script, uninspired performances and is simply boring.The basic dramatic conflict of the story is too internalizedfor middle school and too childish for high school. The performances are so underplayed and amateur-ish that there's nothing to hold students' attention.There are really very few insights into Homer the man, the artist, his techniques or his life beyond the fact that he was an illustrator during the Civil War. Save your money for a documentary video on Homer.

Weaving A Story And Art
Super family video that is interesting, historically accurate and educational. Subtle story and paintings are woven together well. Makes the viewer believe it's really 1874 in New York. Creativity balances the theme of the horrors of war. Found it engrossing and entertaining. "It was funny and sad, interesting and about war." "The way the artist worked was great, how he saw things and painted them." "I liked the kids messing with the man, and the boy and girl being sweet on each other." Ages 8-12. ... Read more

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Editorial Review

Though Shakespeare is heralded as the world's most influential and admired writer, little is known about the man himself. That didn't stop A&E Read more

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It's ok...
As an English teacher about to teach several of Shakespeare's works, I purchased this video in the hopes that it would provide a short history of his life.In actuality, it proved to be just that--short.I was left with many questions. Nevertheless, it is a good buy since it does cover most of the basic info and is only 50 min in length (my class meets for 45 min).

Informative and Helpful Resource for Shakespeare
This video by A and E contains a 50 minute biography about the life and works of Shakespeare. What is gratifying is that this is not a video that tries to portray only the good of Shakespeare, but also the conflicts and controversies that presented themselves during his time. Some controversial topics are thrown in (whether you can choose to believe or not believe), such as the possibility that Shakespeare was bisexual and the idea that Shakespeare "borrowed" material from other written fiction. Still, this is a great film that can be used as an introduction to Shakespearean works (I am an English teacher, and use this before a drama unit with Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, or Julius Caesar).
Maybe not.
After whetting our appetites with the observation that little is known about the man behind the plays, the A&E team provides a bland, surprisingly unengaging "5-act" biography of William Shakespeare.As the story proceeds, the producers rely more and more on quotations from the plays rather than on any "extrinsic" evidence.The result is a program that confirms what we already knew, or should have known, all along--the life of William Shakespeare is at best a mere footnote to the life of the plays themselves.Credit the producers for not indulging in this series' customary approach and sensationalizing the records (by claiming Shakepeare was really Queen Elizabeth, etc.).On the other hand, teachers and students of Shakespeare, as well as fans of the Bard, may find it difficult to justify an investment of money in a video this slight when, say, Olivier's "Henry V" orBranagh's "Much Ado About Nothing" are available at a comparable price. ... Read more

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Reviews (3)

HOORAH for A&E!
No one makes documentaries in such a superior research manner or beautiful presentation as A&E does.I consider these biographies as my most prescious and invaluable DVD's.Can't wait to see what's next!

Highly Recommended
I purchased this video at the Lincoln Memorial gift shop in Washington, DC...so, evidently I'm not alone in recommending this fine, compact biography.There are many Brady (or Brady-esque) photographs that I had never seen before, Some splendid drawings and political cartoons of the era, great narrations of Lincoln's writings; and, some uncharacteristically lively interviews with historians representing many different points of view on the great man.Like the previous reviewer, I found this to be an unusually engaging A&E.It made me laugh out loud at times, tear up with sympathy, and catch my breath in astonishment.Very worth anyone's time and a great instruction aid for home school or any teacher.

very interesting video about a fascinating man
This video documentary shows unusual depth in it's study of Abe Lincoln. Shows his dark side as well as his terrific sense of humor. Read more

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A good overview of an extraordinary life
It seems that the more you know about Benjamin Franklin, the less you know about him.He was a brilliant man who somehow managed to be both simple and very complicated all at the same time.If I tried to list all of his accomplishments here, I would surpass the maximum word limit before I could even get my review started.At the birth of the new Republic, his was the face of America to Europe.I must admit, though, that I have never been all that enraptured with Franklin, despite all of his brilliance.He broke with the British Empire only after being excoriated by the Privy Council for his role in the "Hutchinson affair," he was not what you would call a humble man, he went years without seeing his wife (his first "short" trip to England lasted seven years, and he could have come home much sooner had he wanted to), he has always struck me as something of a dandy and a skirt-chaser, and it is hard for me to embrace anyone who was more at home with the French than with his American compatriots (the French simply adored Benjamin Franklin).
A&E looks at Benjamin Franklin, the original American
The theme of Biography's look at "Benjamin Franklin" is that he was the first citizen of the world.However, it seems to me this misses the fact that Franklin was the first American, not only in terms of what the rest of the world thought about American colonists but also in terms of the ideal American citizen that has been created by our history and our culture.Here was a self-made man, who could profitably expand his printing business and take advantage of being postmaster on the on hand and on the other could refuse to patent his invention of the Franklin stove because it would help people keep warm.Here was a scientist who did seminal work on electricity and a humorist for made Poor Richard's Almanac a colonial best seller.After watching this biography it seems clear that everything we think defines the nobility of the American character, as well as some of our choicest foibles, are captured in the personage of Benjamin Franklin. Superb biography of an extraordinary man
In my opinion an additional two hundred years of history has not changed the fact that Benjamin Franklin is the most talented American that has ever lived. His inventions, which include the lightning rod, Franklin stove and bifocals, were some of the most practical of the eighteenth century. He was also the most read author in the American colonies, with his Poor Richard’s Almanac being a source of humor and wisdom that can be read and reread without a loss of interest. Finally, his role as a public servant is extraordinary and where he made his greatest mark on the world. He was one of the driving forces behind the creation of the professional police and fire departments in Philadelphia as well as the founding of a lending library. Considered essential today, they were unusual in his time. Read more

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Milton Hershey's Biography is Enjoyable and Inspirational!
A & E does a terrific job of telling the story of Milton Hershey. He was one of America's truly great entrepreneurs. He made excellent quality chocolate available to the common man when previously only the rich couldafford it. He cared for his employees' quality of life and well being at atime when business owners were known to be ruthless and abused theirworkers. This is a great video and I highly recommend it to anyone who hasever enjoyed a piece of chocolate! The video moves fast, and isfascinating, motivating, as well as informative. ... Read more

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Reviews (4)

Inspiring
As a recovering communist/socialist, I found this riveting film highly entertaining, and enlightening. It is not hard to see why Mr. Walton achieved such great sucess. His hands on ability, and perservience allowed his company to achieve unparalleled greatness. Great Story of A Great Man
This biography does justice to the man behind Wal-Mart, it tells of a quintessential American entreprenuer, whos goal was to make the consumer the number one. Today Wal-Mart is successful because of the principles Sam Walton instilled in it, this biography gives a real feel for this incredible man and his story.

Sam Walton,sPromice
I know a long time ago Sam would not let his employees be treated like employees are treated today.Today many are employeed at his Walmart stores are not beeing treated fairly.New assoiates making less money are hired every day to replace their loyal assoiates that have been there through the good and the bad.No one seems to care in management because they to are tring not to get replaced.(Store 1121 for exsample)1121 is laying off loyal assoiates and cutting houres claiming WalMart cant pay them,but hire new ones when we cant live off 20 or less hours.Is Sam Waltons promice rembered now about WalMart beeing a family store?No.The book should make his promice keept say (I hope my promice will be keept.) ... Read more

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Great primer -- but don't stop here!
Towering over his compatriots and fellow founders of the American republic in image as much as in physical stature, George Washington was *the* father of all Founding Fathers: primus inter pares, the closest thing the United States ever had to a king.Yet, relinquishing power both as commander in chief of the revolutionary army and as president, he, like nobody else, not only set the parameters but also the boundaries of the office of President of the newly founded democratic union.("If this is true, he is indeed the greatest of men," none other than British King George commented when he heard that Washington had voluntarily resigned from his position as commander in chief at the end of what we now know as the War of Independence.)Read more

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Magnificent Biography of a Magnificent Actress!!
The A&E Biography of the life and career of the famed actress Elizabeth Taylor is a must see!!Liz Rules!! ... Read more

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mark twain adventures
this movie was a great learning expeirience for me because it was very discriptive and told me about the amazing adventures of mark twain. it shared his events in life and told about his characters, overall i enjoyed this film very much

a half-hearted attempt for an american classic
the graphics are weak, using book illustrations to illustrate much of the narrative, they didn't even pick a wide variety, nor the best, but instead we see some of the same sub-standard illustrations over & over. The voice of "Mark Twain" sounds like a geriatric Forrest Gump. And the explanations of his life and decisions are superficial, glossing over the deep contradictions of this intelligent and tormented genius. Still, the interviews with Twain scholars are informative, and one's appetite is whetted to learn more of the this influential american classic. ... Read more

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This was the most marvelous man in entertainement.
This piece about Mr. Showmanship himself will fulfill all of the amatur fans of Liberace as well as the fanatics like myself.I have never enountered anything that moved me with as much ethereal passion as hismusic and his delicate voice.It brings me back to the old shows at RadioCity Music Hall and his performance live at the park in San Francisco.Ithroughly cannot recommend this enough.If Liberace is not your man then,you're not my man... ... Read more

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Editorial Review

All these decades after his assassination at the age of 39, Malcolm X remains one of the most controversial figures in modern American history, and this segment from the A&E Read more

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Great for an introduction
I was disappointed that you rarely heard from Malcom X. I was disappointed that I heard more from James Cone. I appreciate his thoughts, but I could read his book for his thoughts. I thought the video should have captured more comments from various people such as Ossie Davis who did his eulogy. I did enjoy the comments by Peter Goldman. It is an excellent video to be introduced to Malcolm X. If you are familiar with Malcolm X then I think you will be disappointed as I was. ... Read more

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Editorial Review

Born a sickly infant in an Italian hospital charity ward to an unwed mother, Sophia Loren had a long, hard climb to her status as an international film star, Oscar winner, and United Nations Goodwill Ambassador. This 45-minute Read more

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Reviews (3)

Buy It!
As a man who will be forever in love with this very beautiful and sexy woman I will tell you that this is one very good work on the woman.

A Lasting Star
Fine story of Sophia Loren.With good commentary by co-stars like Tab Hunter.Worth purchasing.K Nolting

Story of the greatest,most beautiful italian actress ever!!
This A&E Video tells the life story and movie career of what I consider the greatest,most beautiful italian actress ever Sophia Loren.This video is a definite must see!! ... Read more

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Editorial Review

Pia Lindstrom and Isabella Rossellini remember their mother's phenomenalacting career and turbulent personal life with a moving capacity for forgivenessin this installment of Read more

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As good as it gets.
There has always been a sad lack of attention given to this great actress compared to other Hollywood legends, but this video gives her life the attention it deserves.
As time goes by
This is a great video. This is a must for any Bergman fan . Isabella and Pia do a great job showing the world what their mother was really like it is a very sweet video . Buy it now ... Read more

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Franz Kline-Strokes of Genius Series
This is one of the few vhs/dvd's available about Franz and his work so you have to be patient with it, the video starts off slow and seems to be more about the history of the Village and has DeKooning and his wife Elaine talking about the old days and what people did for fun and where people ate and drank. It's very choppy at first and doesn't get around to really showing pictures of Franz and his best known art until the half way point, and in a thirty minute video that's not much time to cover the complex ideas and forms he is famous for creating. However, if you can pick up a used copy then I would buy it at least to have it in my video library of great artists. I only wish it had been longer and more detailed. ... Read more

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