Rocky: Special Edition (PG)

The only real knockout in the Rocky series has aged pretty well. Grittier and nastier (well, relatively) than the four sequels, the dingy look, solid performances and triumphantly teary ending make it easy to understand how this bagged itself nine Oscar nominations and three statuettes (including Best Film).

DVD Extras:

Audio commentary with cast and crew, video commentary with Sylvester Stallone, behind-the-scenes featurette with director John Avildsen, tribute to Burgess Meredith, tribute to cinematographer James Crabe, trailers.Not exactly championship material but still able to go the distance, this is an enjoyable, well-assembled package. The video commentary (basically a glorified interview with Mr Sly) is entertaining stuff, especially if you never realised just how much of a shoestring affair making the film was (dodging in and around Philadelphia trying not to get nabbed by the authorities, grabbing shots wherever they could). Also look out for John Avildsen's 8mm behind-the-scenes footage (an amusing peek at how the fight was assembled) and the genuinely touching tributes to Burgess Meredith and James Crabe. Completists will be glad to know that the Special Edition is also available as part of the Rocky Anthology box set, but, let's face it, this is the only film worth owning.

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