Rocky - Special Edition [DVD] [1977]

Sylvester Stallone does something on this DVD which is very brave and very uncommon for a 'hollywood star', nevermind directors/ producers etc. He sets up a camera in front of himself in a quiet dull room and simply talks to it like it was someone grilling him about the film. But he doesn't just talk- he relives the processes he went through to take the film from an idea in the back of his head, right up until walking down to the lobby after the films premier. Its seldom if ever you will have such a full account of the creative processes of a film as old as this. Stallone lived and breathed this story and here, its written all over his face.

Theres also some footage they shot for the boxing in the final fight which is little more than a curiosity really, the commentary is good and the 'hidden extra' is Stallone meeting 'Rocky' after all this time for a quick stroll down memory lane ('Why'd you make me eat all those eggs?')

All round a great film and excellent DVD.

Rocky: Begins with background info to Rocky's life in the slums of Philadelphia, when World Heavyweight Champion Apollo Creeds opponent pulls out of a bout, the champ selects Rocky as his opponent because of his Italian Stallian nickname. Rocky agrees to the fight and under some good training by trainer Mickey prepares for the fight, whilst meeting his new girlfriend Adrian. This film is my 4th favourite in the series as it drags on for quite a while in the first hour.

Rocky II: After the prestigous first encounter, Rocky retires and marries Adrian, at first life is good as he has made a fortune and quickly spends it on luxuries. Things turn bad for him when he struggles to find a job and the money runs out, while Rocky is struggling Apollo is being mocked by people for the fioght and is getting frustrated, he provokes Rocky into a rematch which Rocky accepts despite Adrians plea's because of his battered eye. Brilliant training sequence including the "proper" 118-118 advert run and a quick prayer before the bout to put his mind at rest sets up a fight which matches the the 1 from the first film. This is my 3rd favourite in the series.

Rocky III: Now World Champ and 10 successful title defences, Rocky faces Clubber Lang in which will be his most difficult test up to date. When Mickey dies of a heart-attack and under pressure from the hostile press and public, its former rival Apollo Creed who agrees to train Rocky up for the bout. This is just my favourite of the films because of the excellent opening sequence showing his title defences to the theme of "eye of the tiger" and then a great training sequence which shows Rocky train in Apollo's backyard.

Rocky IV: When new Russian boxer Ivan Drago arrives in America, no-body expects him to make a big impact. This is until he shows off his hi-tech training centre and fights Apollo where he Kills him in under 2 rounds. Rocky, feeling hurt and guilty for Apollos death goes to Russia to fight the gigantic Russian in front of a hostile crowd, after what is surely Rocky's most intense work out in the freezing conditions of the Russian mountains. This is my 2nd favourite film because of the excellent soundtrack throughout the films and training sequence.

Rocky V: Despite many bad reviews i still believe this is still worth watching. Now retired and suffered brain damage, Rocky returns home from Russia to a hero's reception, but Paulie has blown Rocky's fortne and the former boxer must sell all of his assets and return to his previous neighbourhood seen in the 1st Rocky film. He reopens Mickey's former gym and finds a young talent in Tommy Gunn, Gunn becomes a success but Rocky begins to neglect his child and struggles balancing the 2 together in his life, Gunn betrays Rocky and signs a deal with a promoter who is ponly intrested in seeing Rocky fight again, the finalie of the series ends in Rocky and Gunn exchanging Blows in a hardcore street fight. Unfortunately this is not as good as the other films and has to be 5th in order.

Finally there is the special features, nothing special but a helpful booklet telling you information and the usual original trailors used are something intresting to see.
Still unsure to buy it? Then all i can say is Wonderful story-lines and great training scenes that will make you want to work out for the rest of your life is a great incentive to buy.