The experts had Muhammad Ali out for the count even before he stepped into the ring against George Foreman in Zaire in 1974. But the "Rumble in the Jungle" turned out to be anything but a "Disaster in Kinshasa", as Ali fought his way to a remarkable victory. Leon Gast's Oscar-winning documentary not only focuses on Ali the athlete, but also examines his importance to the African-American community at large. With telling contributions from Norman Mailer, George Plimpton and Spike Lee, and footage from the soul concerts that accompanied the big bout, this exceptional film proves beyond any doubt that Ali was "The Greatest".

It's 1974. Muhammad Ali is 32 and thought by many to be past his prime. George Foreman is ten years younger and the heavyweight champion of the world. Promoter Don King wants to make a name for himself and offers both fighters five million dollars apiece to fight one another, and when they accept, King has only to come up with the money. He finds a willing backer in Mobutu Sese Suko, the dictator of Zaire, and the "Rumble in the Jungle" is set, including a musical festival featuring some of America's top black performers, like James Brown and B.B. King.