Rocky: The Knockout Collection 4K Ultra HD

Rocky: Ultimate Knockout Collection features six MGM films in 4K Ultra HD Dolby Vision: Rocky, Rocky II, Rocky III, Rocky IV, Rocky V and Rocky Balboa. The films were released on 11/20/1976, 6/14/1979, 5/24/1982, 11/21/1985, 11/13/1990 and 12/13/2006 respectively, along with the Rocky IV with Rocky Vs. Drago: The Ultimate Director's Cut and Rocky Balboa: The Director's Cut. The soundtracks are in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. The collection contains a Blu-ray disc featuring the hour-lon

Rocky (1976)
Nominated for 10 Academy Awards®, this 1976 Best Picture Winner inspired a nation. A struggling Philadelphia club fighter (Sylvester Stallone) gets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fight for love, glory and self-respect. Featuring a legendary musical score and thrilling fight sequences, this rousing crowd-pleaser scores a knockout!
The film is directed by John G. Avilsden from a screenplay and story by Sylvester Stallone. The film is produced by Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff and stars Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Tony Burton, and Burgess Meredith.
Rocky received ten Academy Award nominations and won three, including Best Picture. Best Director and Best Film Editing. In 2006, the Library of Congress selected ROCKY for preservation in the United States National Film Registry for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".

Rocky II (1979)
After club fighter Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) goes the distance with the world heavyweight champion, boxing fans clamor for a rematch. But Rocky, having sustained massive injuries, announces his retirement. Though he tries to make a new life for himself, Rocky realizes that he can’t escape his true calling. The ring beckons once more, and the “Italian Stallion” must prepare for the fight of his life.
The film is directed by Sylvester Stallone from a screenplay and story by Stallone. The film is produced by Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff and stars Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Tony Burton, and Burgess Meredith.

Rocky III (1982)

As Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) fights his way into the hearts of millions, life couldn’t be better. But when Clubber Lang (Mr. T) KOs Rocky in a humiliating defeat, it becomes apparent that the “Italian Stallion” has lost his edge. Considering hanging up his gloves, Rocky receives encouragement from an unlikely ally: his old nemesis, Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers). With Creed’s help, Rocky strives to regain the “eye of the tiger” before confronting Lang in a grueling rematch!
The film is directed by Sylvester Stallone from a screenplay and story by Stallone. The film is produced by Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff and stars Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Tony Burton, Burgess Meredith, and Mr. T.

Rocky IV (1985)

Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) holds the world heavyweight boxing championship but faces a new challenger: Drago (Dolph Lundgren), a 6'4", 261-pound fighter who has the backing of the Soviet Union. Rocky prepares for a powerfully charged fight, in which he must defend not only himself but the honor of his country!
Also included is Rocky IV: Rocky vs. Drago. Stallone masterfully reshapes Rocky IV in the ultimate director’s cut!
The film is directed by Sylvester Stallone from a screenplay and story by Stallone. The film is produced by Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff and stars Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Tony Burton, Brigitte Nielsen, and Dolph Lundgren.

The original aspect ratios are 1.85:1 and 2.35:1.

Rocky uses MGM's 2014 remastered Blu-ray now in its native 4K and Dolby Vision. The picture exhibits a very natural appearance that captures the era in which it takes place. Film grain is smooth. The color palette is natural throughoiut. Flesh tones appear accurate. HDR. contrast is good with deep black and revealing shadow delineation, particularly during night scenes,
The “original” DTS-HD Master Audio mono mix is repurposed as a folded-down version of a stereo track with subtle surround attributes.

Rocky II exhibits more vibrant imagery with bold reds and other primaries. It offers similar grain levels, textures, and depth as the original.
The DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack is undistinguished and disappointing.

Rocky III’s picture is definitely an improvement over previous home video editions and delivers satisfying imagery.
The DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack is satisfying.
Rocky IV exhibits a vivid-looking picture.
Rocky IV: The Ultimate Director's Cut exhibits a 2.35:1 matted aspect ratio and, shares a similar color palette as the original. Rocky's infamous "night driving" montage, exhibits a cooler desaturated color palette with deep black levels and shadows.
Bot versions of Rocky IV sound satisfying.

Overall, the collection is satisfying and an improvement, both visually and sound wise over previous editions.