Rocky Anthology

None of the movies in this series has ever failed to keep me entertained no matter how many times I watch it. Yes, even number 5. Here's a little mini-review of each one:

Rocky 1: This one started it all and is my second favorite film, but technically the best. It won Best Picture for good reason. It's dialogue, acting, storyline, and climax are all brilliant!

Rocky 2: Not my favorite because it is basically the same film as Rocky over again with a slightly different ending. I will admit that the end fight is much improved though. This is my fourth favorite film.

Rocky 3: This one is definitely my favorite! It isn't better than Rocky, but it is more fun the way I see it. This is where the films changed from reality-based drama to fantasy-like action. The transition works well because this movie really knows how to push your buttons as far as entertainment goes. It is also the last movie with dialogue and acting as excellent as the first movie.

Rocky 4: This one is a lot of fun too and is even more "out there", but the series seems to be getting tired at this point. There isn't a whole lot of difference, storywise, between this and Rocky 3. They kill off a main character, build up an opponent that seems to be invincible, and throw in some nice training sequences. The only difference is that Mr. T was a better villain than Drago, who has absolutely no personality. This is my third favorite for its great training sequences and fun end battle, but Rocky's character is starting to get unbearably cheesy and the comedy that worked before is not really funny anymore.

Rocky 5: This just proves the fact that the Rocky series has lost its steam. This movie is far from horrible because it still has that Rocky "goodness" that really has no description and the story is at least decent in concluding this great series, but this movie is the worst of the series. At many times, Rocky's character is just like a silly cartoon character and the villains weren't anything like what we've seen before. In a bad way. The dialogue has completely gone sour and there is some truly horrible acting in there. You can judge for yourself whether or not this movie is worthy of the Rocky name, but I am willing to say it is since it certainly did entertain me.

Get this boxed set now! You won't regret it!


"Philadelphia Salutes Its Favorite Son...ROCKY BALBOA!!"   June 15, 2001
Mr. (USA)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

I've grown up with the Rocky movies my entire life. My dad was a boxer and still works out at the Upper Darby Boxing Gym. Everytime a Rocky film came out he took me. I don't remember the Original or Part II very well because I was very little, but I do remember my experience with Rocky III. It blew me away! Star Trek II was playing at the same time and after we saw Rocky III a million times my dad saw it. All he could hear was "Eye Of The Tiger" playing in the theater next to him and thinking, "I should've gone to see it again instead".

The Rocky Saga is something we in Philly take great pride in. Rocky has always been about "Heart" and "Going the Distance". He has inspired millions with his simple but effective tale of an underdog going against the odds, which is what this city stands for. We always route for the "David" rather than the "Goliath".

"Rocky I" is the classic that was hailed by critics and moviegoers alike. The love story between Rocky and Adrian (Talia Shire) is quintessential and is the core of the film itself. Stallone's mannerisms give Rocky the quality of a man people can really identify with, and Sly's writing is topnotch. Simple things, such as feeding his pets ("Heeya go...Heeya ya go. You wanna see your friend, Moby Dick, huh?") just add to the layers of brilliance ("Hey, how'dya spell Del Rio?" "Look it up in the dictionary, Rock!"). I love that after the last fight is over and Adrian is running to him, Rocky goes "Where's your hat?", because that's how into her he really is. The cast is wonderful, the film is a triumph. No movie collector should be without it!

"Rocky II" continues the story further. Now married to Adrian, Rocky does his best to make a life for the two of them. The damage he sustained to his eye from the previous fight against Apollo has pushed him out of boxing and into working at a meat factory. But Apollo wants a rematch to prove the first fight was a fluke, and puts the pressure on Rocky to fight. The drama is still there, with a pregnant Adrian, falling into a coma after complications during birth. I love when he's reading and talking to her while she's in the coma...so touching. Sure you know how the big fight is going to end but it doesn't matter. The training montage is great, with kids running with Rocky up the stairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Strong 2nd effort. "Yo Adrian, I did it!"

"Rocky III" keeps things cooking as we witness Rocky's rise to fame and stardom while at the same time losing the killer instinct that gave him the heavywieght title to begin with. Plenty of humor and drama alike, with Rocky fighting pro wrestler, Thunderlips (Hulk Hogan) in a no holds barred fight to the death, only Rocky doesn't know it ("Listen, uhh, after the match, how 'bout if we get a polaroid together, ok?"). The death of Mickey (Burgess Meredith) effects me everytime I see it. The scene was done beautifully by Burgess and Stallone. When I lost someone close to me, I cried the way Rocky cried in that scene, sort of screaming at the same time..."Don't go away!! We've still got more to do!" And when Rocky throws his helmet at his own statue, the message is clear. He thinks he's a fake fighter and has lost his spirit. Mr.T as Clubber Lang is very convincing as Rocky's opponent. With the help of Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers), Rocky starts over in the "old school" tradition of training. But it's Adrian who gives him back his spirit. The final fight rocks. Truly Inspiring!

"Rocky IV" is a film aimed more toward the male crowd. I say that because the love story, though still present, is not as dominant as it was in subsequent chapters. This one is heavily testosterone laden, with Rocky facing Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren) a Russian fighter. Again, the training sequence is great, with Rocky training in the snow and with farm equitment, while Drago trains with state of the art machines (and steroids). Great fight at the end ("I see three of him out there! Hit the one in the middle!").

"Rocky V" is of course the only film in the series not to be a box office success. I personally enjoy the movie, but can understand why most people do not. I mean after all his hard work and fighting, what is Rocky reduced to? He loses all his money (thanks to Burt Young's, Paulie) and has to go back to the old neighborhood. I never really did like this idea. We like to see our heroes happy and successful at the end of their career, and this just isn't the way you want to see Rocky go. However the acting is still quite strong, and having Sage Stallone (Sly's real life son) play Rocky's son was a stroke of genius. With all its flaws, I'm still happy to have it as a part of my Rocky Collection!

If you love Rocky, then this Collection is for you. True, it's sad that only the original film has special features, my favorite being Stallone's video commentary. But the picture and sound quality look great. I wish Parts II & IV had cover art on the DVD discs themselves like all the other ones do. And why did they use a picture from Rocky II as the cover art for original Rocky DVD? Miss the english subtitles for parts I, III & V, but that's about it. Really love the box set itself, putting all the cases together gives you the cover of Rocky IV. A great collection! "Go For It!"


The Rocky Anthology   February 12, 2005
Zack H.
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

These five films are great. Stallone portrayed this character well, and these films, no matter which one you watch, will keep you entertained. The "Rocky Anthology" box set has the films remastered in HIGH DEFINITION, meaning that you get the clearest picture POSSIBLE. If you've never seen these films, do yourself a favor and buy this boxset. If you have seen these films, and don't own them, do yourself a favor and buy this boxset. If you're looking for some entertainment, do yourself a favor and buy this boxset.

I give this boxset my highest recommendation.


'Rocky, Rocky, Rocky!'   September 16, 2001
nix (Wellington, New Zealand (Nicholas Lal))
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

This is the ultimate collection. Actually I bought the region 4 version in NZ. It only comes with 3 covers, but all 5 discs. I love the Rockys. Actually I guess I love them all. Now about each disc.

Rocky 1: Special Edition- Great transfer, great movie and great Dolby Digital 5.1 mix. It's a true classic, with everything in it. Great Video Commentary by Stallone. Must Buy! Recommend!

Rocky 2- Not very good transfer, still ok though. Sound quality not that good, but like I said about video transfer, it's ok! A good enjoyably film anyway.

Rocky 3- A Dolby Digital 5.1 transfer that's ok. I like it, but Eye Of The Tiger doesn't sound in DD 5.1. I can remove the vocals on DD 5.1 discs, but in Rocky III, I can't remove the vocals like in Rocky IV. But an entertaining movie, Excellent!

Rocky 4- The best Rocky ever, the best music and I love the song 'Heart's On Fire', I reckon it's the best Rocky theme ever. Great training montages and great last fight. Man I love the music!! Dolby Digital 5.1, thumbs up.

Rocky V- I really like this one. Very entertaining, and I don't know why people don't like this one. I reckon it's one of the best Rockys. Great moments in this, and the credits give good memories. It would've been kool if it was Dolby Digital 5.1.

About the 1.85:1 ratio: I notice that all the Rockys cut of bits on top and bottom with the black bars. It's because it's the director's vision. But they all have 3 formats, Widescreen, Anamorphic and Full Screen. And I love it.