Reviewed by Johnny McNair

 

Fox Home Entertainment – 634 minutes – 1976 – 2006 – Rated PG – 1080p Widescreen 1.85:1 – DTS-HD Lossless 5.1- LCPM 5.1 Audio Mix

 

 

When the original Rocky film was released over 30 years ago, who would have thought that anyone would still talking about it today, or that it would spawn five sequels? Well a guy named Stallone did, and because of his drive to never stop, (even in his 60’s) a southpaw from Philadelphia has become apart of not only the American culture, but exploded on a global scale. Rocky Balboa is the ultimate underdog, and finally for the first time all six Rocky films are available in one collection in glorious high definition Blu-ray as the Undisputed Collection from Fox Home Entertainment. Lace up those gloves, pump up Bill Conti’s theme, and get the eye of the tiger, because the bell has just rang.

 

ROCKY (1976)

 

On the tough streets of Philadelphia in the mid 70’s, a local club fighter named Rocky Balboa is about to get an opportunity that will change his life forever. Rocky makes a living working as a collection leg-breaker for a loan shark, but doesn’t even have the heart to hurt a guy who can’t pay off his debt. The only light in his life is that he has crush on the shy girl who works at the pet shop across the street from the gym he goes to named Adrian (Talia Shire), who happens to be the little sister of his grouchy best friend Paulie (Burt Young). Rocky gets a lucky break when the current heavyweight champion of the world, Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), picks his name out of a book because he likes his “Italian Stallion” nickname and gives him a shot at the title because another contender dropped out. Everyone considers this one big publicity stunt and have no faith in Rocky even making it through the first round, but with the support of the girl he loves and a cranky old manager, Mickey (Burgess Meredith), the pug from Philly is going to take the shot just to prove that he is more than just another bum from the neighborhood, and he can go the distance.

 

Like the movie itself, the backstory of Rocky is just as inspiring because Stallone was a struggling actor with a wife and kid and $100 in the bank, who wrote the script, but the studio didn’t want him to play the title role because he was a nobody. Hanging in there just like the character he created, the film lose its Hollywood perks, and was reduced to a low budget production with a B and C list cast and handed to director John G. Avildsen. Something in the universe lined up correctly and this little film exploded into not only a success, but also won the Oscar for best picture in 1976, and triggered a phenomena. Every building with stairs had people running to the top Rocky style; “Yo Adrian!” became a catch-phrase; and Bill Conti’s ‘Gonna Fly Now’ transformed into the theme of triumph.

 

So many films have copied Rocky’s underdog theme over the last three decades, because audiences will always identify with the average person trying to succeed despite the impossible odds. Yes, Rocky is about a boxer but the metaphor goes beyond the ring, because it’s not about the fight, it’s about the determination to do what others say cannot be done. With Rocky, Stallone has created a character that is larger than life, and long after he’s gone will still be identified with. Unfortunately, not many films of made today inspire you the way Rocky does. Some may say the first film is the only one that matters and the sequels are overkill, but to them I say have you ever experienced being in a theater during the training sequence or climatic fight of one of the Rocky movies? World leaders can’t even have this effect on people or inspire them with positive energy the way a Rocky montage can. No one can argue that Rocky is one of the greatest motion pictures ever made.

 

ROCKY II (1979)

 

It won the Oscar for best picture, inspired people to work out, and introduced us to the Italian Stallion…of course there would be a sequel, because remember, Rocky got respect but he didn’t win the fight. “There ain’t gonna be no re-match.” Oh yeah, there’s a rematch. Rocky II picks up literally where the last film left off after the big fight, and Apollo Creed’s credibility has been destroyed because a no name southpaw has not only knocked him down, but gone all 15 rounds with him, something that no other fighter has done. In order to get his reputation back he has to get Rocky back in the ring for a rematch; the only problem is that the Italian Stallion doesn’t want to fight anymore, and has decided to settle down and marry his girlfriend Adrian. Rocky becomes a local celebrity, but still is seen only as a bum from the neighborhood that is forced to go back to the Mickey’s gym and dump the spit bucket to earn a living for his family. Having no other choice and finally getting Adrian’s approval, Rocky gets in shape via a kick ass montage and jumps back into the ring, this time defeating Creed. “Yo Adrian…I did it!”

 

Stallone not only wrote the sequel, but also jumped behind the camera to direct it; something that’s very common now, but back then no one did this. Yes, Rocky II is not as solid as the first film, but it still has magic and pulls you in because Balboa is so likeable. And this was the last Rocky film of the 70’s, so it still has that gritty ad gray feel, whereas all the sequels after are glossy with quick editing. Honestly, if Rocky II were the only sequel it would be satisfying just to see him finally win, proving that believing in oneself outshines everything. The supporting cast, Talia Shire, Carl Weathers, Burt Young and Burgess Meredith do a great job at reprising their roles, which have made them a part of current pop culture. This is definitely a worthy sequel that will keep your adrenaline flowing.

 

ROCKY III (1982)

 

Hollywood loves trilogies, so Stallone stepped up to the plate to deliver the next chapter in The Italian Stallion’s life with Rocky III. Balboa is now the heavyweight champion of the world, earning success and respect for the first time in his life, but all these has changed him and made him softer. Breaking onto the scene is a hungry new fighter named Clubber Lang (Mr. T), who wants to break Rocky down and take away his title. On the verge of retirement, and despite Adrian’s cries not to, Rocky accepts Lang’s challenge for one last fight to prove he doesn’t just fight set-ups. The fight is a disaster for Balboa because he not only loses his championship title, but also his manager and friend Mickey. Enter Apollo Creed with an offer Rocky can’t refuse; he’ll train the Stallion for a rematch with Lang, and bring back the eye of the tiger that he’s lost due to success.

 

Rocky III was again written and directed by Stallone, and because this is the first of the series that takes place in the 80’s, the film’s style looks completely different from the previous two movies. This is the first film where Stallone used muscle to sell the character, because in Rocky I and II he had a doughy brawler build, but in Rocky III his body is cut and sculptured, a trademark he will use in basically all his films (Rocky, Rambo, etc.) for the next two decades.

 

There are many reasons why this film shouldn’t work, but it does, and again it’s because anyone can relate to Rocky Balboa. Even as the champ he is still and underdog. Mr. T as Clubber Lang is also one of the main highlights of the film, making him the first super villain in the Rocky franchise with classic lines such as, “No, I don’t hate Balboa, but I pity the fool.” Another memorable element form the film is the song Eye of the Tiger by one hit wonder Survivor, which to this day is still gets people pumping in gyms around the country. And the climatic bout between Rocky and Clubber Lang, which is completely over the top, makes you want to jump into the ring and go a few rounds. While not as well structured as Rocky I and II, Rocky III is still a winner.

 

ROCKY IV (1985)

 

Most would have stopped at three, but not Stallone. In the heart of the Reagan era he found a way to fuse the southpaw from Philly into the cold war with the Soviet Union, by having Rocky fight WWIII all by himself. For its time it was the perfect gimmick, but it pushes all realism out of the door, and turns Rocky into a superhero instead of the ‘everyman’ character he originally created. This time Rocky goes up against Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren), a Russian super boxer pumped up on the best genetic enhancements science has to offer. Rocky takes the challenge after Apollo Creed takes on Drago in an exhibition match and is killed in the ring, as the goliath Russian utters, “If he dies…he dies.” Despite Adrain’s pleas to not do it because he can’t win, and Paulie’s negative mumbling, Rocky travels to Russia and trains hard to do battle with the reds. Does The Italian Stallion win against all odds? Of course, because no one wants to see Rocky lose.

 

Unlike the previous films that are based on characters, Rocky IV is just about the big fight at the end. Stallone again writes and directs, making the film seem like one big music video with tons of montages, and even an appearance by the Godfather of Soul, James Brown.  Dolph Lundgren has very few lines, but he’s a scene-stealer just as Mr. T was in Rocky III, offering the perfect villain to stand toe-to-toe with Rocky. Without a doubt, of all the Rocky films, Stallone’s body looks the best in this one, because between him and Lundgren there are so many muscle shots that is becomes overkill. It’s very hard to take Rocky IV seriously, but it is entertaining and line such as “I must break you” have become a part of pop culture.

 

ROCKY V (1990)

 

Okay, we all thought that when we saw Rocky wrapped in the American flag as the world cheered his name, that it was clearly the last time he would fight again. Nope. Ask any Rocky fan and they will tell you that Rocky V should have never been made and it discredits everything the previous films built. Rocky V takes place directly after the events in IV, as Rocky Balboa returns home to discover that his finances have been diminished because of shady deals and he is left with nothing. Not only is he broke, but because he’s taken such a beating in the ring, his doctors tell him that he can no longer fight. With no other options he has to go back where he came from to walk the tough streets of Philly again, wearing his hat. Adrian and Paulie are of course back, but this time Rocky Jr. (played by Stallone’s real son Sage Stallone) is focused on in hopes of making Rocky less superhuman and back to his underdog roots.

 

Rocky now runs the gym that was left to him by Mickey and lives a pathetic life, but then he is approached by a hungry young fighter that named Tommy Gunn (Tommy Morrison) who idolizes him. He takes Tommy under his wing and attempts to give him the eye of the tiger, but when a shady fight promoter named George Washington Duke (Richard Gant) stirs up Tommy’s desire to be the champ faster, he drops Rocky and goes to the dark side. Tommy gets the championship, but doesn’t get respect, so he challenges Rocky to a fight, but this fight won’t be settled in the ring, it will be fought on the street.

 

Stallone wrote the script, but this time the director of the original Rocky, John G. Avildsen, steps in to direct, but even with the original team back in place the magic is gone. Nothing seems to work, because Stallone is so damn rich he can’t play Rocky as a poor man anymore; Tommy Morrison is a lame duck compared to Mr. T and Dolph Lundgren; and Sage Stallone has no on screen charisma. Rocky never even steps into the ring this time, and the whole film feels more like a made for TV movie, rather than an actual part of the Rocky saga. If this was the last we saw of Rocky, it would be a shame, but fortunately…there is another.

 

ROCKY BALBOA (2006)

 

When Stallone turned 60, everyone knew for sure his Rocky days were over and done. Wrong. Let’s face it, Rocky is like Freddy Krueger and Jason, he will always be back. But fortunately, even though the idea of another Rocky may have sounded like a bad idea when it was announced, Stallone should be credited by crafting a well done film that bookends the Rocky saga once and for all. (Right?)

 

The best thing about Rocky Balboa is that it instantly makes you forget that Rocky V ever happened. Rocky’s fighting days are long over and now he runs a local Philly restaurant called Adrian’s, named after his wife who has died. His days revolve around running his business and going table to table telling customers stories about his famous fights. His relationship with his son Robert, (Milo Ventimiglia) have been strained and they barely talk. Paulie is still there, but basically Rocky’s life that was once fanfare and glory is now as average as can be.

 

This all changes when a sports show does a computer animated simulated fight between Rocky and the current heavyweight champ, Mason ‘The Line’ Dixon (Antonio Tarver), and Rocky wins. This gets the interest of fans going, and Rocky is approached to do an exhibition fight. Being that he has nothing else, Rocky is up for it and begs the boxing commission to let him fight despite his age and heavy body damage. The event is labeled “Will vs. Skill” and Rocky is once again the underdog (damn Stallone is good at this). No one expects Rocky to even make it through the first round, but he still has the eye of the tiger and goes the distance.

 

Stallone writes and directs, and realizing his mistakes with the past Rocky films, he makes the character human again and settles him into his roots. Even the training sequence is made more realistic to display that he is now an older man and can’t do the same things he did before. The homage to Adrian is also well done, because even though Talia Shire is not in the film, you always feel her presence because she has always been Rocky’s inspiration. This film is the closest to the original in terms of character focus, and even those who believed that another Rocky film wouldn’t have been taken seriously 30 years later, may be pleasantly surprised by its spirit. This one is for the die hard fans who have seen this character fight through many roman numerals and kept coming back. Message to Mr. Stallone, you have definitely redeemed Rocky and we forgive you for the fifth film, but please don’t make anymore because Rocky has gone out in good favor, so let’s leave that image in our hearts. “Yo Adrian, I did it.”

 

VIDEO

 

All six films provide a full 1080p image in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, but as expected it’s the most recent films that stand out more in high definition. Before now, only Rocky and Rocky Balboa were available as individual titles on Blu-ray, so this is the first time Rocky II, III, and IV have been available on anything higher than DVD.

 

ROCKY  (VIDEO)

 

This is probably the best this film will look, but because of the source material it leaves a lot to be desired. Be warned there is a lot of grain and fuzzy images, particularly in darker scenes. On the other hand, most close ups do look very good displaying plenty of detail on faces, and colors look decent. This is definitely a step up from the standard DVD you have sitting on your shelf, so if you’re interested in upgrading, this is your shot.

 

ROCKY II (VIDEO)

 

This one most likely uses the same source material as the first film since they were shot two years apart, so the same issues with grain that plagued Rocky are here as well. Colors stand out more for some reason, most likely because they used a different film stock, so this adds to the high definition transfer. Again, this is a leap over the standard DVD, and for now the best way to watch this movie.

 

ROCKY III (VIDEO)

 

This Rocky film has a different look than the previous two, offering many more bright colors and big 80’s hair, just look at Stallone’s fro. This transfer is both hit and miss, because there are some scenes that look pretty solid, such as anything in bright light like the beach run, or when Rocky is presented with his statue. But most of the interior shots, such as when Apollo takes Rocky to his old gym, or any of the Clubber Lang training scenes look grainy and dark. Close ups are nice, especially during the ending fight where you see all the sweat and blood on Rocky and Clubber’s face.

 

ROCKY IV (VIDEO)

 

Released in the heart of the 80’s, this chapter looks like anything that was on MTV at the time, so it works well on Blu-ray. Colors pop nicely, so when James Brown sings Livin’ in America, it’s all splash. This film is filled with so much red, white and blue that you’ll still be seeing those colors long after the film is over. There’s a nice tint that makes skin tones glow, particularly Drago who looks like he’s been animated in certain scenes. Grain does pop up in places, but for it’s high definition debut, Rocky IV punches hard and will not disappoint.

 

ROCKY V (VIDEO)

 

This is the worst of the Rocky saga in terms of entertainment, but visually it makes up for it, offering a sharp image and solid colors. Skin tones look natural, and details such as the backgrounds in the Philly streets remain clear. Oddly, the big fight scene that takes place at night on the street has a lot of grain pop up and looks flat compared to the rest of the movie. This is a good transfer, but not as good as Rocky IV.

 

ROCKY BALBOA (VIDEO)

 

Obviously being the newest kid on the block Rocky Balboa looks the best because it was given birth in the era of high definition. This movie was shot in two different formats; the dramatic part on film, and the finale fight scene on HD video. The mix works perfectly because the big fight is set up to look like a TV broadcast so that glossy HD to film mesh stands out. The image quality is so sharp that you can count all the stubble on Paulie’s face, and of all the films this one has the richest levels of black so night scenes and dark interiors shots hold up. Like Rocky himself, this transfer goes the distance and flies.

 

AUDIO

 

The Rocky films have always offered great sound, whether it is the punches and swings in the ring, or the music of Bill Conti, Survivor, or the Godfather of souls himself, James Brown. Rocky I, II, III, IV and V offer a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix and Rocky Balboa ups the anti with a LPCM 5.1 soundtrack.

 

ROCKY (AUDIO)

 

The first time you hear Rocky’s theme over the opening title it will bring a tears to your eyes. This is a dialogue heavy film, and they have as good of a job as they could to make every word clear. Rocky mumbles a lot of his dialogue, so unless you’ve seen this a million times you may need to pop on the subtitles. The ending fight fills your speakers with plenty of crowd noises, and when Rocky’s theme comes up as he is searching Adrian at the end of the fight, you’ll be in heaven.

 

ROCKY II (AUDIO)

 

This one basically offers the same package as the first Rocky, with cleaned up dialogue, but it’s still not as super crisp as you would desire. All the work went into the ending fight sequence, which is filled with a combination of sound effects, background crowd noises and music all blended together to pump you up.  There’s not much of a difference over Rocky I, but it’s still effective.

 

ROCKY III (AUDIO)

 

Here is when the Rocky films began to get louder, have much less character dialogue, and more catch phrases. Hearing Survivor sing Eye of the Tiger in the opening scene still packs a punch. Also, you’ll notice that in the first two films the sound effects for the fight sequences attempted to be realistic, but in Rocky III they are so exaggerated that you can hear a gush of wind every time Clubber Lang swings. Still it’s the combination of all the sound effects in the climatic fight that will win you over.

 

ROCKY IV (AUDIO)

 

This film was following the 80’s music video formula anyway, so it’s obvious that is sounds like one. Rocky IV probably has the least amount of dialogue than any of the films in the serious, and just focuses more on music and sound effects. Your rear speakers and sub woofer will get more of a workout than your center speaker, and with the film’s multiple fight and training sequences you’ll get your money’s worth.

 

ROCKY V (AUDIO)

 

The sound in the fifth Rocky film is like having a slice of pizza when you’re starving, it hits the spot, but so what. The dialogue is silly, even in scenes that should be powerful like when Rocky and his son are arguing. The sound is filled with way too much music that shouldn’t be there, and the ending fight scene that takes place on the street sounds as if there are several thousand of people on the street cheering, but there are maybe actually fifty at the most. Overall, the sound is good, but because of the film itself you won’t be as immersed.

 

ROCKY BALBOA (AUDIO)

 

Rocky Balboa goes out with a bang offering a LPCM 5.1 sound mix that is so good it sings. Dialogue is crystal clear and ambient background sounds flow natural. Unlike the last two films that depended on music video styled blaring music, Rocky Balboa keeps it subtle. Even the ending fight sequence tones down on the usual exaggerated sound effects, but still delivers a thrilling energy. Without a doubt of all the six films in the package, this one will give sound lovers the fix they need…Rocky style.

 

EXTRAS

 

Rocky: The Undisputed Collection comes in a seven disc Blu-ray set; six for the movies and one dedicated to the bonus features. Even though there is a good variety of stuff, it’s still mainly items ported over from the original Rocky Blu-ray. Rocky fans want more.

 

Sylvester Stallone provides a video commentary, which is basically a thirty-minute solo, with Sly talking about the incredible story of how Rocky got made.

 

Feeling Strong Now is a trivia game that has you answer questions related to all of the Rocky films as you go up against the opponents the Italian Stallone has fought.

 

Interview with a Legend: Bert Sugar has the famous sports writer talking about how the Rocky films are a metaphor for real life issues.

 

Three Rounds with Legendary Trainer Lou Duva discusses the training a boxer must endure to win and relates it to Rocky.

 

In The Ring is a documentary that runs an hour and fifteen minutes and is split in three chapters, focusing on the making of the first Rocky film. Great stuff.

 

Steadicam: Then and Now with Garrett Brown shows how Rocky was one of the first films to use the Steadicam and how it has evolved on the last thirty years.

 

Staccato: A Composer’s Notebook with Bill Conti looks at how music plays a big role in the Rocky films.

 

The Opponents focuses on all of the fighters Rocky fought in the films, and includes interviews with Dolph Lundgren and Carl Weathers.

 

Behind the Scenes with John Avildsen gives a glimpse of how the director took on the task of bringing Rocky to life.

 

Tribute to Burgess Meridith offers interviews with the cast of the films talking about working with the veteran actor.

 

Stallone on Dinah shows Sly as he promoted the film in 1976 on Dinah Shore’s talk show. This is worth it just to see Stallone’s wardrobe. You won’t stop laughing.

 

BOTTOM LINE

 

The Undisputed Collection is a must have for all fans of the Rocky films. This is the first time all films have been available in high definition, and even though the image quality ranges from decent to excellent, this is still the best offering of all the movies you can get. It would have been great if even more bonus features were included to focus on each film individually, but the package as-is satisfying. Just like Rocky himself, this Blu-ray set is a winner.

 

SCORES: (Out of 5):

 

ROCKY:

 

The Movie: 5.0

Video: 3.0

Sound: 4.0

 

ROCKY II:

 

The Movie: 4.0

Video: 3.0

Sound: 4.0

 

ROCKY III:

 

The Movie: 4.0

Video: 3.5

Sound: 4.0

 

ROCKY IV:

 

The Movie: 3.5

Video: 4.0

Sound: 4.0

 

ROCKY V:

 

The Movie: 2.5

Video: 4.0

Sound: 3.5

 

ROCKY BALBOA:

 

The Movie: 4.5

Video: 4.5

Sound: 4.0

 

Bonus Features Disc: 3.0

 

Bottom Line: 4.5