Start

About This Movie

So, 'Start' from 1972 is this intriguing documentary that really dives into the world of sports education in the GDR. It’s all about the VII District Children’s and Youth Spartakiade held in Quedlinburg. What strikes you is the total lack of narration or commentary; it’s all visuals and sounds, capturing the vibrant atmosphere of youth sports and the community spirit in East Germany. The pacing flows like the events themselves, sometimes frenetic, sometimes contemplative. It's a genuine slice of life that reveals the era's approach to physical education, and the practical effects are just the raw, unfiltered moments of kids engaging with sports—there’s something really special about that kind of capturing. It’s a documentary without pretense, and it stands out for its authenticity.

This title is relatively obscure, making it a curious find for collectors interested in East German cinema or sports history. It is not widely available in mainstream formats, which adds to its allure among niche collectors. Early VHS releases can be hard to track down, and it hasn’t seen a proper restoration, which keeps demand alive for any existing copies among enthusiasts keen on authentic representations of the GDR's cultural landscape.