This tremendous documentary primarily follows four elite bodybuilders in their lead up to the 1975 Mr Universe & Mr Olympia titles in Pretoria, South Africa. Mike Katz, Ken Waller, Lou "The Hulk" Ferrigno & Arnold Schwarzenneger are all shown training hard, posing down and attempting to psych each other out in the quest for the sport's top prizes. Also featured in the film are some of the other key identities from bodybuilding in the 1970's...Ed Corney, "The Black Prince" Robbie Robinson, Danny "The Giant Killer" Padilla, "The Sardinian Superman" Franco Colombu, Frenchman Serge Nubret & Frank Zane. George Butler's intriguing film is based around the book of the same name by fitness author Charles Gaines, who also wrote the novel "Stay Hungry" that was filmed a year earlier to "Pumping Iron" with a young Schwarzenneger as bodybuiler, Joe Santos !

Butler's probing camera focus's very much on the psychological aspects of the sport and much of "Pumping Iron's" running time is shown on the behind the scenes issues and mental preparation by the athletes and all important confidence boosting by their family and peers. Especially interesting is the intensely close relationship between ex-NYC cop Matty Ferrigno and his shy 24 year old son Lou, as the two ferociously train and methodically prepare to topple untouchable Arnold off his perch as the world's number one bodybuilder. However, we soon see why Arnold achieved the heights of fame and numerous titles, as he psychologically dismantles his opponents confidence and rattles their faith with his laid back & unnerving comments on their physiques !

Although "Pumping Iron" looks a little dated (lots of flared pants and bad haircuts), it is easily the best documentary ever made on competitive bodybuilding and is still compulsive viewing for anyone genuinely interested in one of the oldest, and often most mis-understood sports on the planet !


The original is great, but this version is edited for Arnold   September 23, 2003
 31 out of 83 found this review helpful

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...


Just Saw DVD, Not Edited   October 17, 2003
 28 out of 32 found this review helpful

I just watched this DVD and can confirm that it is NOT edited. If you really want to see Arnold smoking, eating pastries and carrying girls on his shoulders, it is still here. More importantly, the movie itself looks great as are the extras. One great extra is the making of documentary including a "Pumping Iron" reunion and shots of Arnold's bachelor pad from the 70s. Pretty funny.


It is the spirit of BODYBUILDING.   December 16, 2000
 27 out of 29 found this review helpful

I bought the Pumping Iron back in 1987 when I started bodybuilding at 16 years of age and from that time all the heros of that movie were an insperation and motivation in my life not only in bodybuilding. Arnold, Franco Columbo, Lou Veregno, Serge nubret, dany padilla, mike katz, robby robinson, Ed Corney, Ken Waller and every body that appeared in that movie were my heros until know I still cry when I see this movie, bodybuilding was at it's best and all bodybuilders were artists too not like the todays budybuilders and Judges, the only thing that matters to them is size and they forgot the buity of the sport of bodybuilding. THIS VIDEO IS A MUST FOR EVERY BODYBUILDER AND EVERY ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER FAN OR ANYONE LOKING FOR INSPARATION IN ANY SPORT OR IN HIS LIFE. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THIS MOVIE IN DVD.


The Best Weight Training Video Alive Still!   December 22, 1999
 23 out of 27 found this review helpful

My husband is a big Arnold Fan. He started weight training after reviewing some Arnold's earlier times. He really has fun in the video and shows you an all around good time around the gym. It makes yu really realize that your goals in life are not just around the corner but very easy to reach once you've given a little hard work. I'm still amazed when I see him in a new movie. At his age he still looks great! Plus, he has one of the best minds bussinesly speaking not to mention comically. We love him! I really wish they would bring back Pumping Iron to DVD since our VHS copy is really showing it's age.