Rocky: The Knockout Collection
review by Bobby Blakey
![ROCKY_4FLM_WW_4KSLIP_FINALSKEW_2D_1000825269[1] (1)_edited.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/088b68_11f7ef14adea42cf91ccf8b252230cf2~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_318,h_399,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/ROCKY_4FLM_WW_4KSLIP_FINALSKEW_2D_1000825269%5B1%5D%20(1)_edited.jpg)
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 more recently got a new director cut from Stallone himself.
Now the first four films in the franchise are coming together in an all-new 4K collection that also includes the Ultimate Director’s Cut, Rocky VS. Drago for the first time. This collection contains a Blu-ray disc featuring the hour-long behind the scenes documentary on the making of this extended director’s cut of Rocky IV, Rocky IV: Rocky VS. Drago as well as a selection of previously existing EC.
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) 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 of the films look great here and brings them back to life like they should be seen, especially the fights which are always great across the board.
There is a reason this franchise is so popular because Stallone crafted not only an exciting boxing film, but a fighters 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.
The Ultra HD Blu-ray disc featuring the films Rocky, Rocky II, Rocky III, Rocky IV and the Rocky IV Ultimate Director’s Cut, Rocky VS. Drago will feature
Dolby VisionTM HDR that dramatically expands the color palette and contrast range, and uses dynamic metadata to automatically optimize the picture for every screen, frame by frame.
I am bummed it isn’t the complete Rocky collection, but still excited to get the new cut of Rocky IV finally on disc. Step back into the ring and grab your copy of the Rocky: The Knockout Collection available now on 4K for the first time from MGM and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.