2008 Summer Olympics Continue to Woo Viewers with New DVDs

By Pamela Mortimer

Is there anything more exciting than cheering for your country as top athletes from across the globe? Honor and competition go hand in hand and millions of people worldwide shouted at the tops of their lungs each time a medal was won.

The 2008 Summer Olympic Games were held in Beijing this year, which of course you already know unless you live under a rock. The media coverage was constant over the course of 16 days and what you couldn’t see on television, you could find online.

As one might expect, highlights of the Summer Olympics have been recorded onto DVDs for public consumption. While there are certainly many DVDs to come, the current offerings are: The opening ceremonies, highlights of the 2008 Olympic Games, and of course, a DVD focused on the amazing accomplishments of American swimmer and world record holder Michael Phelps.

The atmosphere in Beijing was unsurpassed in terms of enthusiasm and unique architecture. The games will be remembered for a lot of things from Phelps to Jamaican runner Usain Bolt to the Chinese gymnast age controversy but perhaps most of all, one of the most talked about features were the unique buildings housing the games. From the giant Bird’s Nest to the brightly illuminated Water Cube, viewers will get a chance to see at least part of the city of Beijing.

Included on the DVDs is commentary from various sources including reporters, athletes, and International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge.

One can expect to see DVDs coming out soon with the magnificent closing ceremonies, complete with medal winners and a stunning fireworks display that lit up the night sky.

Before the Olympics began, Beijing promised to deliver a memorable and exceptional gala throughout the 16 day course of events and, according to all who attended or watched, the city and the country delivered. There were some concerns regarding the choice of Beijing as the location considering the country’s often turbulent political state. Organizers worked hard to ensure that the athletes, staff and guests would be safe and protected throughout the events.

IOC President Jacques Rogge was quite pleased with the games and will surely be proud that the committee’s efforts will be captured on film. Rogge referred to the Summer Olympics as "truly exceptional Games" when he addressed the world at the closing ceremonies.

"Through these Games, the world learned more about China, and China learned more about the world. Athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees came to these dazzling venues and awed us with their talent," Rogge said.

Rogge also declared that the Games would be "cherished forever." He added: "New stars were born. Stars from past Games amazed us again. We shared their joys and their tears, and we marveled at their ability. We will long remember the achievements we witnessed here."

Rogge also congratulate the athletes, calling them "true role models". "You have shown us the unifying power of sport," Rogge said. "The Olympic spirit lives in the warm embrace of competitors from nations in conflict. Keep that spirit alive when you return home."

The next Summer Olympic Games will be held in London in 2012. Some say the English city will have a hard time keeping up. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.