Search - Pumping Iron II: The Women on DVD

Historic and fun

MarvelousMarla | Way down in Dixie | 06/05/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This short documentary explores the world of competitive female bodybuilding during the early 1980's. This film is true to the era with heavy makeup, spandex, bad hair and a moonwalk included during a posing routine. The film ponders the the level of acceptable muscularity that a woman should posess and examines the judging of a competitor who at the time was bigger than any other woman who ever stood on the competitive stage -- Australian power lifter Bev Francis. By current standards, Bev would fit right in and might actually be on the small side as compared to other female professional bodybuilders, but by 1983's standards, she was considered a freak. Neither the judges nor the competitors could come to a consensus about the ideal. The first Ms. Olympia Rachel McLish was more along the lines of what the public expected of female bodybuilders -- sleek, with some definition and feminine. McLish and the others look more like today's fitness competitors. Carla Dunlap had considerable size, but was still smaller than Francis who she said "Has muscularity that most men would envy."Female bodybuilding is still a fringe activity, and this film shows some of what the pioneers endured in the early days. And much like today, the officials and trainers are mostly male.I enjoyed this movie for its camp value, but it's also a nice history lesson for female physique competitors."

Documentary of Wos. Professional Bodybuilding's top contest

Garry K. Mason | 04/08/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In 1985, Women's Professional Bodybuilding was in it's infancy. Men's Bodybuilding had already been explored in the "Pumping Iron" documentary, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Now, we are taken in the gym and backstage at the premiere Professional Bodybuilding event for Women. Controversey arises, when one entrant (Bev Francis) is more bulky and muscular than other more svelte (Rachel McLish) entrants. Just what constitutes a Women's Bodybuilding Champion? The woman that is most muscular, or the one that looks more like the average woman's ideal?"

Glory Days Remembered

Garry K. Mason | 12/20/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lynn from Chicago was way off on saying women's bodybuilding
was in it's infancy in 1985.
1985 was the middle of the glory years.
Rachel had already won Ms.Olympia title several times.
Kike Eloma won one, and Carla Dunlap was an
Olympian. Cory Everson was on to her 2 title win in
1985. Late 70's to 1990 was the very best of female
bodybuilding. What it was will be greatly missed.
This film documents the beginning of the end of women's
bodybuilding. Sad thing to watch, but worth it."

Bodybuilding History Video

Garry K. Mason | 03/10/1999

(2 out of 5 stars)

"If you like female bodybuilding, you can't miss this video. You will experience the beginning of this sport, its most important competition -- The Ms Olympia -- and the formers females competitors who had the courage to break the "rules". It is an important documentary, in bodybuilding history."