DescriptionIn 1977, an independent documentary movie shone a light on the world of bodybuilding, becoming a huge box office hit and creating an international sensation. It launched one man's multi-million dollar career and changed the world of bodybuilding and physical exercise forever: PUMPING IRON. Starring five-time Mr. Olympia, Arnold Schwarzenegger, the movie followed the 28-year old bodybuilder as he competed for his 6th title. DVD Features:BiographiesDocumentaryInterviewsOuttakesPhoto galleryAmazon. com essential videoArnold Schwarzenegger works the crowds, plots strategies for defeating multiple opponents, shares his parents' values with the press, and inspires legions of admirers with his resolute optimism about the future. And all of this long before he decided to run for governor of California, in 1977's hit documentary, Pumping Iron. Larger than life, though not necessarily larger than his rivals for the Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympia bodybuilding titles (especially a young Lou Ferrigno, hot on Arnold's competitive trail but much less interesting), Schwarzenegger still comes across, at age 28, as a consummate politician, smart, likable, and crafty about exploiting others' psychological weaknesses. The film still feels redundant (there's only so much beefcake the human eye will tolerate), but the emotional dramas--the unrewarded hard work, the unanswered hopes--are compelling. Complete with a revealing 2003 interview with Schwarzenegger and a reunion of the film's bodybuilders and director. --Tom Keogh
Well worth it just to see the possible future governor of California lean back with marijuana cigarette and a plate of pastries on his lap. This scene will haunt him.
Rating: 3 / 5
Yeah, Arnold can lift weights, and he can teach, but this isn’t really a MOVIE, with adventure and plot- it’s a weightlifting documentary type film, so ARNOLD FANS and Action fans, don’t go out and rent this with a bag of popcorn in hand, because you will be turning on C-SPAN 2 before reaching the end of this film. Pumping Iron is good for studying and learning how to work your muscles. It isn’t good for a Friday night flick. PUMPING IRON (1979) Rated: PG 3 1/2 stars out of 5.
Rating: 3 / 5
just s bunch of cheating, juiced up, meatheads lifting weights and talking about it. I could go to a Golds Gym and get the same experience.
Rating: 1 / 5
You’ll have to forgive the lies of reviewer motek42. . . saying that this version is edited, that the pot-smoking scene has been removed (because Arnie’s a Republican, naturally). Oops, it’s STILL in there. . . ya think that motek42 might be a closet democrat? Nothing against the party historically. . . it’s just their current crop of lying, self-grandeurizing narcissistic representatives will stop at NOTHING to paint the truth any color they want. . . If they had one IOTA of Arnie’s sense of purpose, perhaps they’d think before they’d prattle, and we wouldn’t have such good samaritons as motek42 and his ilk. SHAME, SHAME, SHAME! “It’s not a toomah. . . it’s a liberal!” WAY TO GO ARNOLD, GIVE THEM HELL IN SACRAMENTO!!
Rating: 5 / 5
The original VHS version (which I have at home) is a fantastic, very dated, documentary about body-building, starring Arnold right before his big break into movies. However, he bought the rights to the film, so this newly released DVD version was re-edited. Gone is the scene where he smokes pot (he’s a republican, after all) and they probably took out some of his nasty comments to other competitors as well, since the original showed him in an unflattering light. Try and see the original. Buying the new DVD only supports his current campaign. . .
Rating: 2 / 5