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Pumping Iron (25th Anniversary Special Edition)
Directors: George Butler (II), Robert Fiore
Actors: Ken Waller, Joe Weider, Jimmy Williams, Patrick Reynolds, and Serge Nubret
Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Retail Price (not our price): $14.98
Release Date: 2003-11-11
Theatrical Release Date: 1976
Studio: Hbo Home Video
Run Time: 85 minutes
Format: Array
Format: Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, Full Screen, Special Edition, Subtitled, NTSC
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Discs: 1


Editorial Reviews (supplied by Amazon.com):

1) Amazon.com essential video
Arnold 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

2) Description
In 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 gallery

Customer Reviews (supplied by Amazon.com):
Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5

1) Pumping Iron - A Classic For Anyone Competing in Sports   [Rating: 5 out of 5]
I remember having seen this when it first came out. Of course I was much younger then, and who would have ever guessed that Arnold would go on to become not only an action movie mega-star (Conan, Predator, Commando, True Lies with hottie Jamie Lee Curtis! , etc.) but the Governor of California no less! The movie has the qualities of a documentary, but the main reason I bought it is that my 17-year old son has been lifting weights for about one year and is really getting into it. After seeing this movie, he's more "pumped up" than ever! And so am I!! I've been working out for about 7 weeks quite intensively, and now I want to work out even harder. This is a must see for anyone who can use that extra dose of motivation.

2) The quiet classic   [Rating: 4 out of 5]
I don't recall if "Rocky I" came first, but "Pumping Iron" is anothe period piece which really connected with the public. With Rocky Marciano/Charles Atlas/Sly Stallone images in our head, we wondered if we too could join a gym and go a few rounds....It's interesting to watch this low-key oddball with 2008 vision. Body-building was not really considered a competitive "sport" to be taken seriously and it had no firm infrastructure in the marketplace. The workout settings were pretty funky. Just like Rocky's.I'm not sure if the Governor formerly known as the Bodybuilder had the most beneficial technique (against present day standards), but still it was all huffing and pufing and bumping and grinding with loose weights. What was "nautilus" then?There are many poignant scenes with Lou Ferrigno and his Father, who apparently was included in the filming because he was lens-friendly and had a commanding presence, which fit right in, as it's been suggested that Lou was considered "learning disabled" by some, and so his family was around to remind people that he may not express himself at the level he thinks.The big star (though of course Lou went on to fame on TV) was Arnold, who is a dominating presence, whose sense of humour and perceptiveness provides an interesting counterpoint to the corporeal setting. There's also something arrogant about him, but a successful athlete shows his "game face" and uses it for leverage...and attention.It is revealing when AS drops his poses and says at the end...I'm through folks. It was on to Washington (?). (By way of California and Massachusetts and California).The extras are interesting for a while - apparently filmed around 2001 - but somehow they diminish the actual documentary. Reminds me of the Muhammad Ali "When We Were Kings" video I bought - the contemporary dialogue by those who were there in 1974 and those who weren't just puts the whole historic event in an overly ornate box.

3) Very good and interesting   [Rating: 4 out of 5]
Very interesting to watch and it does show you a side of arnold you wanted to know about.

4) Schwarzenegger's Bible   [Rating: 5 out of 5]
Recently when I purchased Pumping Iron I had only viewed the original up until now. After watching the special edition I was very pleased. This film has everything you can expect from a great Docu-Drama and will not let you down. From cut scenes to awesome interviews with Arnold you're definitely getting your money worth. So hurry get yours now.

5) 100% Pumpatude   [Rating: 5 out of 5]
this is one of the greatest movies of all time.you MUST have it.