Rocky:
Ultimate Knockout Collection
review by Bobby Blakey
There is no denying that one of the most iconic film series of all time is Rocky. The series has had its ups and downs, but not only launched Stallone’s career, but also helped to relaunch his resurgence. The original 1976 original spawned five sequels and the spin-off Creed series. Of them all only 1985s Rocky IV has seemed to have outshined the original thanks in part to the epic showdown between then newcomer Dolph Lundgren and Stallone which got a new director cut from Stallone himself a few years ago.
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Recently they had brought the first four films to one new 4K collection, but sadly had left out the final two installments, but kind of made sense leading into the Creed franchise. Now they are bringing the entire series together for the first time featuring Rocky V and Rocky Balboa along with the first four films and director’s cut of both Rocky IV and Rocky Balboa.
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These films have been reviewed a billion times and I admit that I love them all. Sure, there are some films in the Rocky franchise that aren’t as strong as others, but I enjoy every one of them. (Yes, including Rocky V. I love the street fight in
that film) This set makes sense though as it builds everything around the lead in to the Creed franchise and with the new film just recently in theaters it packages everything you need to know it one nice set in glorious 4K. All the films look great here and bring them back to life like they should be seen, especially the fights which are always great across the board.
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There is a reason this franchise is so popular because Stallone crafted not only an exciting boxing film, but a fighter’s journey that we are getting to enjoy, cry and cheer for that takes us on every aspect of Rocky’s rise, fall and triumphs of life. For those that have not had the chance to check out the Rocky vs. Drago cut you are in for a treat as it is a so much better film than the original theatrical cut. This set alone is worth it to finally get my hands on that version of the film, but coupled with the rest makes it yet another championship win for the Italian Stallion.
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The collection contains a Blu-ray disc featuring the hour-long behind the scenes documentary on the making of the extended director’s cut of Rocky IV, Sylvester Stallone’s commentary on Rocky Balboa along with an alternate ending, deleted scenes and four behind the scenes featurettes from the film. The disc also includes a selection of previously released special features.
Step back into the ring and grab your copy of the Rocky Ultimate Knockout Collection finally all together available now on 4K from MGM and Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment.