DVD THE MAN IS SIMPLY A MACHINE.

Byline: Rob Lowman Entertainment Editor

It's fairly unlikely that we've ever had a governor before whose nude backside will be familiar to millions of people. But Arnold Schwarzenegger worked extremely hard for last summer's ``Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines'' to look as physically fit as he did in the first two man-vs.-machine films back in 1984 and 1991.

Of course, all those workouts (and makeup) couldn't erase the age lines on his face; so when Schwarzenegger's cyborg says he's an older model, he means it in more than one sense. Still, the actor/politician is an impressive physical presence in the film, which pales a bit in comparison to the first two.

However, there are a lot of people who will be curious - especially in light of the election - to see Arnold in what is likely his last film role. Also out today on DVD is ``Pumping Iron - The 25th Anniversary Special Edition.'' This 1977 documentary about the curious world of competitive bodybuilding is more revealing about Schwarzenegger than his brief nude shot in ``Terminator 3.'' In it, the then-28-year-old bodybuilder/aspiring actor craftily fends off competitors for his Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympia titles. What's clear is that, even then, Schwarzenegger was a master of manipulation as he psyched out his opponents. At one point, our next governor explains how during a pose-off - a final moment during the competition where two bodybuilders flex before cheering crowds - he would make eye contact with an opponent and nonverbally agree to stop. Inevitably, when his opposite unflexed, Arnold would pump himself up one more time, leaving his deflated competition, well, deflated.

At another point, Arnold explains his hold on the other bodybuilders: ``Franco (Columbu) is pretty smart, but Franco's a child, and when it comes to the day of the contest, I am his father. He comes to me for advice. So it's not that hard for me to give him the wrong advice.''

There are no real smoking guns in ``Pumping Iron'' about Arnold, who was behind the release of the film. He doesn't come across as a Nazi or a sex fiend. Sure there are scenes of him cavorting with women, comparing bodybuilding with sex, smoking a joint and eating unhealthy foods, but he was as much a product of his times - the sexually liberated, pre-AIDS '70s - as he was of his ambitions. Since he helped with its re-release, our future governor is clearly not ashamed of his past, which is refreshing.

Underneath the the youthful exuberance, Arnold comes across in ``Pumping Iron'' as very hard-working, ambitious and perhaps a bit too brash for some people.

Having seen the film from George Butler and Robert Fiore during its initial release, it was hard then not to be impressed by Schwarzenegger's youthful lust for life. Seeing it again doesn't change that - even if you disagree with his politics. The film itself remains a fascinating and sometimes bizarre behind-the-scenes peek into a world few of us have seen.

``Pumping Iron'' was written by Charles Gaines, who wrote a novel and later the script for ``Stay Hungry,'' a 1976 Bob Rafelson film. In it, Schwarzenegger plays Joe Santo, a masked bodybuilder. What's interesting about the character is that, much like Arnold, people may see Joe superficially as just a hulk, but in reality he's sophisticated and intelligent. Santo delivers the film's message when he turns down a rich woman's proposition to take care of him, saying he always prefers to ``stay hungry.''

As for ``Terminator 3,'' maybe Arnold should have stayed a bit hungrier. Even with the addition of the Terminatrix, the sexy killer cyborg played by Kristanna Loken who is out to stop John Connor (Nick Stahl) from his destiny as leader of the resistance against the machines, the film often falls flat in places. James Cameron - the director of the first two - turned over the reins to Jonathan Mostow (``U-571''). While Mostow shows off a talent for creating excitement in big action scenes, he lacks Cameron's ability - hokey as it may be - to bring emotion to a popcorn blockbuster.

So, basically, you get shoot-'em-ups or heavy destruction scenes that slow down for jokes (not all of them good), explanations or vague attempts at humans trying to connect. It's the usual roller-coaster ride; you chug uphill until you hit the top and go flying downhill, which makes ``Terminator 3,'' despite its slickness and entertainment value, as forgettable as hundreds of other summer films.

``Terminator 3'' does indeed tie up (we hope) the overall story, but the ending is not a huge surprise, not one that's going to have you going back to figure out the pieces. Neither are the DVD extras much of a surprise - the obligatory commentaries and making-of stuff.

``Terminator 3 - Rise of the Machines'' (Warner; $29.95) includes commentary by Schwarzenegger, Stahl, Claire Danes, Loken and Mostow; an introduction by Schwarzenegger; a behind-the-scenes feature; a gag reel; and a build-your-own-effect-sequence segment.

``Pumping Iron - The 25th Anniversary Special Edition'' (HBO; $19.98) includes ``Iron and Beyond,'' a new featurette looking at the impact of the film; ``Raw Iron,'' the making of the film including outtakes; a new interview with Schwarzenegger; and video bio of Schwarzenegger.

Rob Lowman, [phone]

robert.lowman(at)dailynews.com

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