Rocky: The Undisputed Collection

'Rocky' (3/5 stars) – Most everyone was hoping for a newly remastered version of the old classic, but this is the same transfer as the 2006 Blu-ray release. Framed in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio and given a 1080p/MPEG-2 transfer 'Rocky' has its problems, but overall, it looks very solid on Blu-ray. While this definitive set of the series begged for a cleaner print, this is the best it's ever looked. The image is hampered by frequent noise from the original print. Night and indoor scenes suffer too. They appear way too soft and crushing shadows overtake the actors on screen. Daytime scenes fair much better and give the closest representation of what 'Rocky' should look like in high definition. Detail is solid in the daytime scenes, and facial detail is something that really pops out compared to the murky DVD releases. Seeing that MGM didn't take the time to remaster the original this time around, it would seem this is the transfer we'll have to be satisfied with for many years to come.

'Rocky II' (3/5 stars) – This is where fans are getting excited. Finally being able to see the meat of the 'Rocky' franchise transferred over into high definition. 'Rocky II' switches up from the MPEG-2 treatment of the first film and is given an AVC-encode. Sadly, the transfer for 'Rocky II' suffers from the same softness and delineation problems as 'Rocky,' though not as much. Source noise abounds, as it does from the first film's transfer. While the transfer does suffer from an overall softness, there are some noticeable times where images appear a tad sharper than they do in the first film. These instances are few and far between, but the climactic fight is one of those times. It's slightly better than the first transfer, with a bit more added detail, some color enhancements, but overall it feels the same.

'Rocky III' (3.5/5 stars) – 'Rocky III' is a solid 3.5 stars when we're talking about quality of transfer. This print is cleaner than the first two, keeping the white blips and spots at bay, with only the occasional appearance. Although, be warned, during the funeral scene you'll feel as though you're being swarmed by specks. After that scene the specks subside again. Details here are much more defined than the first two films. Close-up shots of Rocky, Thunderlips (Hulk Hogan), and Clubber Lang (Mr. T) provide some fantastic facial details. Apollo Creed's perfectly barbered afro is also a sight to behold. Skin tones fair much better in this transfer too, giving everyone a very natural look. While blacks are consistently dark throughout, 'Rocky III' does suffer from crushing shadows in some of its excessively dark sequences.

'Rocky IV' (4/5 stars) – Those of you that consider this their favorite of the franchise will be pleasantly impressed with the high definition treatment it was given. With it's 1080p/AVC-encode 'Rocky IV's image glistens on the screen with pumped up detail and colors. You'll notice right away the difference in deeper, richer colors as the shiny boxing gloves, at the beginning, come into view. Facial details are also given a much needed boost, even compared to the third film. Rocky's thick stubble is perfectly defined as he begins growing his Grizzly Adams beard while working out in the Soviet Union. Both Rocky and Drago's bodies shine with a thin sheen of sweat. Skin tones are represented even slightly better than 'Rocky III.' Black are the best they've ever been up until now, making delineation much less of a problem. Some anomalies pop up during this transfer though, most notably a bright streak along the right side of the screen during the mountain climbing scenes. Also, some contrast dithering and blurriness do occur. Source noise is kept at a minimum, but does pop up every now and then. Compared to the DVD release, this one is no contest. It's a far superior upgrade. Sure the noise could be cut down even more, and the minimal artifacts could be tended to, but overall this is a stunning transfer for a film that is over 20 years old now.

'Rocky V' (3.5/5 stars) – Softness in detail and picture quality makes a return in 'Rocky V.' The AVC-encoded transfer is plagued by softness, which makes fine detail hard to see. The film's grain is, for the most part, nicely balanced throughout, but it does cause a few scenes to become so bogged down that all fine detail is lost. The overall picture is darker, and not nearly as vibrant as the fourth film. It doesn't suffer from the delineation issues of the earlier films, with its consistently deep black levels and even contrast, which is nice touch. Artifacts are kept at bay, but noise does flare up on occasion.

'Rocky Balboa' (4.5/5 stars) – The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 is the very same transfer you got on the 2007 release of the film. Where detail is concerned this transfer is the best of the bunch. Fine detail, like Sly Stallone's craggy face, is done to perfection. Blacks are nice and inky. The transfer is clean from artifacts and buggy noise. Whites do seem fairly overpowering though, and colors overall seemed a tad over saturated. The fight scenes look tremendous. They are really given a level of clarity that is unmatched throughout this collection.

The collection has a disc dedicated to just special features, but because 'Rocky Balboa' is the same disc that was released already, the special features for that film are contained on that disc.

Most of the features on the bonus features disc are the special features that can be found on the Special Edition that was released in 2006 on DVD. You will, however, not find the extra commentaries that were present there.

Bonus Features - Disc 7

• Three Rounds with Legendary Trainer Lou Duva (SD, 4 min) - Famous boxing trainer Lou Duva dispenses wisdom on boxing and training.
  
• Interview with a Legend – Bert Sugar: Author/Commentator and Historian (SD, 7 min) - A brief featurette where historian Bert Sugar talks about the 'Rocky' franchise and character, and how it surpasses the idea of boxing and becomes something much more.
  
• The Opponents (SD, 16 min) - Interviews with all of the "villains" from the 'Rocky' universe, except for Mr. T. It is discussed how Rocky is a perpetual underdog and why that was so important to the story as a whole.
  
• In the Ring: Three-Part Making-Of Documentary (SD, 76 min) - Part one of this extensive look at the making of 'Rocky' gives us insight on what it was like to shoot the movie in a paltry 28 days. Part two focuses on the performances of Talia Shire (Adrian) and Burgess Meredith (Mick). Part three gives us a good overview of the characters of Apollo Creed and Paulie. While Paulie drives me up the wall for most of the films, it was interesting to learn his motivations.
  
• Steadicam: Then and Now with Garrett Brown (SD, 17 min) - Garrett Brown, inventor of the steady-cam, gives us a brief history of the technology and gives us insight on how the new technology was used in 'Rocky.'
  
• Make Up! The Art and Form with Michael Westmore (SD, 15 min) - Michael Westmore, make up artist, gives us insight on the importance of make up and what it meant to a film like 'Rocky.'
  
• Staccato: A Composer's Notebook with Bill Conti (SD, 11 min) - Composer Bill Conti, creator of some of the most memorable themes in soundtrack history, tells us what it was like creating the 'Rocky' music and how the music impacts the movie on an emotional level.
  
• The Ring of Truth (SD, 9 min) - James Spencer, art director, talks about the overall look and aesthetic of 'Rocky' and gives us an idea of what it took to create the film's look.
  
• Behind the Scenes with John Avildsen (SD, 12 min) - John Avildsen, director, shows some archived footage that he used to base the fights in 'Rocky' off of.
  
• Tribute to Burgess Meredith (SD, 8 min) - Stars of the film, including Sly, give a warm tribute to Burgess Meredith, who played Mick. He died in 1997.
  
• Tribute to James Crabe (SD, 4 min) - Another tribute, but this time it's for James Crabe. He was a cameraman who worked on the film and was given credit for giving 'Rocky' the gritty feel that they were going for.
  
• Video Commentary with Sylvester Stallone (SD, 29 min) - A very nice, in depth, piece with Stallone talking frankly about 'Rocky' and what influenced him in writing the movie. He talks about all sorts of experiences involved with the film from his motivations in creating Rocky, to the actual filming of the movie.
  
• Sylvester Stallone on Dinah! 1976 (SD, 17 min) - Well, maybe this is something the older generation might remember. Stallone appeared on 'Dinah!' to promote the movie in 1976.
  
• 'Rocky' Trailers - Theatrical and teaser trailers for 'Rocky' are here, and presented in just standard definition. While all subsequent 'Rocky' films have trailers that are presented in high definition.
  
• Rocky TV Spots - This is just 3 TV spots that were used to promote 'Rocky.'
  

'Rocky Balboa' – Disc 6

• Audio Commentary - Stallone provides one of the most thoughtful and endearing commentaries I've ever listened to. You can tell how proud he is of not only 'Rocky Balboa,' but of the entire franchise and how iconic his story of Rocky has become. He's easy to listen to and gives some great anecdotes about the filming and stories that are quite personal.
  
• Deleted Scenes and Alternate Ending (HD, 23 min) - There are seven deleted scenes here, that were most likely cut for pacing of the film. An alternate ending is also included that shows us what would have happened if Rocky had won his last fight.
  
• Boxing's Bloopers (HD, 1 min) - A short blooper reel, but worth a watch as it's funnier than most of the other generic blooper reels floating around out there.
  
• Skill vs. Will: The Making of 'Rocky Balboa' (HD, 18 min) - Pretty short for a making of documentary, but it still offers up some good cast and crew interviews that don't feel overtly promotional.
  
• Reality in the Ring: Filming Rocky's Final Fight (HD, 15 min) - This is a behind-the-scenes look, with Stallone, on how utterly exhaustive it is to edit together a coherent fight scene.
  
• Virtual Champion: Creating the Computer Fight (HD, 5 min) - This featurette shows what went into creating the CGI fight we see replicated on ESPN in the movie. Motion capture of the actual actors was used.
  
• Trailers - Trailers – With no effort tohide the fact that this is the same exact disc that was released a few years ago, these dated trailers are included 'Casino Royale,' 'Talladega Nights,' 'Stranger Than Fiction,' 'Gridiron Gang,' and 'The Pursuit of Happyness.'