Released in late November 1976, Rocky is a true underdog story in every facet of the word. Hard to imagine, but United Artists was even skeptical it would succeed, because they initially wanted either Robert Redford or James Caan to play the lead role of Rocky Balboa. However, determined to portray the character as he had written him, a young, relatively unknown Sylvester Stallone refused to sell his script unless he was cast in the role. In fact, it is said that Stallone turned down substantial offers from several studios, holding out for someone who would allow him to portray Rocky. Having the foresight to know exactly what he wanted for himself and Rocky, it all paid off, because Rocky came out of nowhere to become the highest-grossing film of 1976, winning three Academy Awards in the process.
Truly inspiring, Rocky would be the launching pad for Sylvester Stallone’s superstardom within the framework of Rocky and other significant roles. Going onto another big box office hit in 1979 with Rocky II, the prize fighter Rocky Balboa went from an unlikely contender to Heavyweight Champion. At this point, leaving the character at a crossroads, Stallone added nuance in 1982’s Rocky III, where Rocky is forced to confront himself, wondering whether his success was all smoke and mirrors, in the wake of tragically losing his trainer and adopted father, Mickey (played by the diverse Burgess Meredith). This made the story equally intriguing, and Rocky III would be another hit, leaving you to wonder where the character would go from here.
Looking back, it is said that Stallone considered not continuing with the character after Rocky III, but given the fanfare, it seemed unfair to do so. As a result, Stallone went to work in 1984, writing what would be Rocky IV. Hoping to keep Rocky’s trajectory interesting to moviegoers, Rocky IV finally arrived on Thanksgiving 1985. Uncertain whether the Rocky saga would still resonate, Rocky IV would turn out to be the most unique of all the series in terms of style, pace, and mood. In fact, some might argue that the film’s thought-provoking messaging played some part in ending the Cold War with the Soviet Union. While there is no tangible evidence of this (because the Soviet Union’s collapse did not occur until late 1991), in the hearts of many viewers, Rocky IV struck a very intense nerve.
A film that became the most financially success of any Rocky, Rocky IV was pure ‘80s Pop culture golden with sleek filming, a razor edge soundtrack of Rock music (including the pivotal songs Robert Tepper “No Easy Way Out, Survivor’s “In The Burning Heart,” and John Cafferty’s “Heart’s on Fire,” plus sesnational instrumentals by Vince DiCola), plus some of the most memorable montages in cinema history. With that in mind, Rocky IV would also hold the title for the highest-grossing sports film for over twenty years after its release.
Unbelievable, it is proof that the opinion of fans supersedes that of fickle critics who have historically had negative commentary about Rocky IV. You may want to take a cheap shot, but this film is one of the most decade-defining of the 1980s. Even 35 years later, Rocky IV remains connected with audiences, and it clearly stuck with Stallone, who opted to revisit the material in 2020. Devoting himself to Rocky IV once again, he went through tons of extra film (that he saved himself) and recut it, releasing it in 2021 as Rocky IV: Rocky Vs. Drago – The Ultimate Director’s Cut. Substantially different from the original theatrical release, Stallone removed nearly 40 minutes of footage and replaced it with roughly 40 more minutes of never-before-seen character development and fight sequences.
Astounding that he could undertake this project so many years later, Rocky IV: Rocky Vs. Drago – The Ultimate Director’s Cut hit theaters on November 11, 2021, for one night only before arriving on demand the very next day. A reimaging that also included a new 4K Ultra HD transfer, fans had a chance to purchase the latest edition of Rocky IV as part of 2023’s Rocky: The Knockout Collection, and again in 2024’s Rocky 6-Film Collection release. Bringing this new perspective to dedicated fans certainly left an impression, but how many would pine for the chance to see Rocky IV: Rocky Vs. Drago – The Ultimate Director’s Cut in a theater again?
The answer is probably a whole lot, and that hope became a reality thanks to Fathom Entertainment, which brought it to theaters in 2025 as part of the film’s 40th anniversary celebration. The last of Fathom’s Big Screen Classics 2025 series, Rocky IV: Rocky vs. Drago (Ultimate Director’s Cut), arrived on November 5th and 9th back in theaters everywhere. Quite exciting: while this edition of the film has already been out for 4 years, chances are many have only seen it at home. Raising this point, it cannot be stressed enough that seeing Rocky IV: Rocky vs. Drago (Ultimate Director’s Cut) on the silver screen is an entirely different experience.
In truth, seeing Rocky IV: Rocky vs. Drago (Ultimate Director’s Cut) in the theaters gives you the true essence of what Stallone envisioned when spending hours editing it again. The pace, mood, and emotion of it all truly come to life on the big screen more so than just sitting on your couch. Reshaped with a more serious tone, you are awarded a deeper look into Apollo Creed’s psychology, witness more involvement from Adrian Balboa (played by Talia Shire) as part of the storyline, and get to see a lovely, emotional eulogy to Apollo (portrayed by Carl Weathers) from both Duke (played by Tony Burton) and Rocky.
Altogether, seeing Rocky IV: Rocky vs. Drago (Ultimate Director’s Cut) in a movie theater is a special treat. A limited screening event not to be forgotten, Cryptic Rock gives Rocky IV: Rocky vs. Drago (Ultimate Director’s Cut), and its theatrical release, 5 out of 5 stars.
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