The Rocky Anthology (DVD, 2001, 5-Disc Boxed Set)

This boxed-set commemorating the 20th anniversary of the release of the original ROCKY features all five films in the series. See individual titles for further details. ROCKY: The sleeper hit that made its star, Sylvester Stallone, a household name. Italian-American underdog Rocky Balboa gets a one-in-a-million chance at boxing glory when the handlers for heavyweight champion Apollo Creed decide to set up a sure-win title bout with a born loser. It's all part of a bicentennial public relations stunt, but, unfortunately for them, Rocky trains for the fight like a man whose life depends on the outcome--which, in a way, it does. ROCKY II: The Italian Stallion returns for a rematch with Apollo Creed, hoping, finally, to capture the heavyweight title. This time, even his girlfriend, Adrian, gives Rocky her blessing. ROCKY III: Heavyweight champion Rocky Balboa faces his toughest opponent yet: complacency. After 10 successful title defenses, Rocky gets a little soft and loses his belt to brutal up-and-comer Clubber Lang. Will former foe, now trainer, Apollo Creed be able to put the fire back in Balboa's belly? Rocky will need the "eye of the tiger" if he harbors any hope of recapturing the title. ROCKY IV: This time Rocky travels to snowbound Siberia to take revenge against the evil Drago--a Soviet superboxer whose reckless aggression in the ring took the life of Balboa's friend Apollo Creed. ROCKY V: Fleeced by an unscrupulous accountant and unable to enter the ring again because of brain damage from previous fights, Rocky is forced to sell off his possessions and move back to the mean streets of Philadelphia. The former champ pins his comeback hopes on the brawny shoulders of an unformed, streetwise contender whom he grooms for glory. Unfortunately, a manipulative promoter clouds the young fighter's mind with greed.

Sometimes, beign pretty interested on something, you will find yourself willing to see a move, read a book, or buy a CD. But sometimes you just can't. Too much work, the family, or even vacations, and the rigth moment seems to fly. On eBay time freezes, and few items will wait for you to give them a second chance.
So I bouth bought The Rocky Anthology. Now I am ready to see the last fight, and every other fight to come...
Plus, I got bonus material, and some information about the five movies I never paid attention before, as well as the neat features given by a digital remaster... that was what I leked the best!
Ok, I should mention some minor scratches of the packages, but while watching the movies, no one could complain about that!

While these days it is pretty easy to associate Sylvester Stallone with meathead action roles thanks to the ridiculous turns the Rambo films made in the eighties and some of his subsequent meathead action movie roles that followed in their success, the glory of Rocky can never be tarnished. The first film in the series took home three Academy Awards in 1977, and Stallone himself was nominated for the Best Actor and Best Screenplay awards. What started out as a fairly low budget story about the little boxer who could turned into a pop culture icon, and Stallone is the man who deserves most of the credit for that. Rocky is his character, he's played the man in all five films to date, he wrote all five of the films, and he is associated with the character even more often than he is with John Rambo or, God forbid, Judge Dredd.

All five films are given new, high definition anamorphic widescreen transfers in their original aspect ratios of 1.85.1. Rocky III, Rocky IV and Rocky V also have alternate fullframe versions available on their respective discs as well. The colors look very nice, there's not much in the way of print damage to complain about on any of the films and aside from a very natural looking coat of grain present on the five films, the image on each disc is quite clean looking with a nice, high level of detail present from start to finish. Seeing as the previous edition of the first film was rather gritty looking, there is a noticeable improvement here for that film in particular, at least in regards to the overall quality of the image. This doesn't come without a price though, as for some reason there is some slight picture information missing on the top and bottom of the screen. While this only occurs in the first movie as far as I could tell, the fact that it happens at all is rather unusual. It's minor cropping, but it is there.

That issue aside, the first film looks a lot better here than it has on previous editions and the sequels look pretty solid as well. There is some mild edge enhancement (most noticeable on the fourth film for some odd reason), but there aren't any problems with compression artifacts at all on any of the movies. Skin tones look dead on, and the colors are nicely defined, never bleeding into each other and always looking very distinct.

Why fullframe versions are included for the later three films and not for the first two is a good question, but I wouldn't bother watching these widescreen films in fullframe versions anyway so I could quite honestly care less about that – though I know there are people who do still prefer fullframe. For those people, the three discs that do provide fullframe options do so on the other side of the DVD, and image quality on those versions is just as good as it is on the widescreen versions.

Each film comes with its respective theatrical trailer. None of the other supplements from previous releases have been carried over from previous releases (though to the best of my knowledge, the sequels have never been released with anything on the discs as far as supplements go except for trailers anyway).

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Take this film for what it is, the first well written boxing movie, with realistic fight scenes. Rocky makes us belive as few more recient sports movies do that he is a real underdog, with problems. He has more then a few rough edges, these edges give him depth and likability. The writting comes from a place that we can all go to. Mickey being disappointed in Rocky choosing to be a loan shark instead of pushing his natural talent as a boxer. Its easy for the audience to put themselves in Rockys gloves, see things through Rockys somtimes simplistic eyes.

The price was right. Bought as a christmas present. It was the Rocky movies five movies in the box set.

very pleased with purchase Grandson will love this Rocky set of DVD's Fast shipping,well packaged and I got it for a good price. Thanks

My Rocky DVD collection was great. It came exactly how it was described, un-opened, and in excellent condition and at a great price. I looked all over and could not find this DVD collection for under 50.00 un-used. I'm excited I found it. My son is 7 and wanted this for Christmas. I couldn't afford it before, I got it for 20 bucks and only $3 for shipping.

I love the Rocky movies an wanted the DVDs instead of the VHS tapes which I have had for years. On ebay, I got the best price for all 5 movies.

The Rocky Anthology was purchased for my husband's birthday. When the package came today, he was pleased! As he experiences playing each disk, his pleasure will be multiplied. Thank you for the mint condition of the box and dvds.

The DVD's were new and in perfect shape. They were delivered quickly so my son could enjoy them on his birthday. Wonderful seller!

High impressed with the dvd set i recieved top quality and it was a pleasure to do buisiness. The dvd set had the first five rocky dvds which are one of my favorites and it came in new wrapped and never opened. Couldnt say anymore about how good the transaction was and the communication recieved. Class A stuff.

love the faxct that it was completely damage free. i bought it because i had rocky 6 and needed thed rest of them.

Great movies, exactly as stated in listing, quick and cheap shippin, great price, i watched parts of these movies when I was little........................... but wanted to c them again

The merchandise arrived in the condition that it was described. I was happy to have been able to find this out of print item at a good price. I was very pleased with my purchase. This seller is very reliable.

i bought the rocky anthology and was very happy with it. all the dvds work fine and was happy that it was sent to me fast.

#1 boxing movies!A small time boxer gets a once in a lifetime chance to fight the heavyweight champ in a bout in which he strives to go the distance for his self-respect.

It was a great deal and my husband loved it for his birthday present. He watches it all the time with the kids. It is my husbands favorite movie of all time.

ROCK IS THE BEST!!!! i bought this collection because it is a must have in any movie collection!!! the seller was nice and understanding and the dvds were in great condition

I got quick delivery and proper packaging .i was very pleased with my order .
thank you, Char53-2008

ROCKY IS ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES EVERY MADE!!!!! WOOOOTTTTTTT!!!!!!ALL EMOTIONS ARE IN THIS FILM.WITH NONSTOP ACTION.

This movie collection bring you from the beginning to the end of Rocky's voyage thru his boxing career.

A great compilation of the popular movie character. The five dvds are displayed in a hardcase for easy shelf storage. This boxed set makes the perfect gift for the boxing fan in your home. Rocky, the hero---in Philadelphia and at our house!

One of the best movie sets there ever was. Rocky is a classic with a huge cult following. Always a pleasure to watch. Great family entertainment.

I bought this item for my son who always loved Rocky movies. This was a great deal for all of Rocky's movies. The movies were brand new and we loved them.