Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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56 of 64 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
An enormous rip-off., December 6, 2006
When I saw that the Rocky Anthology - which originally came out in 2004 (look it up on Amazon, it is still available for order) - was being re-released, I was excited because I figured it would finally include special features for all the films. You see, this is the THIRD time they have packaged the entire series together - first in 2000 when the original Special Edition of the first film came out, then again in 2004 when the entire series was re-released with hi-def picture, and now again.
But guess what? There are no special features on the discs.
Which wouldn't bother me on the sequels - but when ROCKY: SPECIAL EDITION has just come out (with two discs and a free ticket to see Rocky Balboa), I consider it a major rip-off to find out the box set doesn't include any of the bonus material from this two-disc edition. They both came out on the same day, yet this Anthology was created without the inclusion of any of the other edition's extra features.
Essentially this is the EXACT same box set as the one from 2004, with identical artwork (the tagline on the back of the box is even the same), only this newer 2006 edition has smaller cases inside (those new, tacky, plastic snap-cases that TV shows are often issued with).
So, if you bought the last Anthology box set, skip this and just buy the Special Edition of the first film, which is also available now and has far better packaging and bonus features.
If you don't own the anthology already, I'd still recommend waiting for the price to drop and just get the Special Edition of Rocky.
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15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Rocky 2 a Slow Sequel to Rocky, January 4, 2007
Released in 1979, Rocky II picks up where the original "Rocky' leaves off, the movie beginning with the last round of the first fight with Apollo Creed. This second installment of the 6-part Rocky series is very slow to develop. The audience is made to wait the entire film to see the much-anticipated climax where Creed and Rocky square-off for their long-awaited rematch.
In essence, this film is a remake of the original "Rocky" movie, as it has all the same elements: Rocky courting (and this time marrying) Adrian, Rocky's passionate heart-felt love for Adrian, Rocky getting into fighting shape under the firey guidance of Mickey his trainer, and finally the epic fight against Creed. While the fight with Creed is exciting, the prelude leading up to the fight is at times tedious and overdrawn. So while the film is essentially another "Rocky", it fails to capture the audience's passion like the original.
Bill Conti, the musical genius of the original "Rocky", returns with much of the same upbeat inspiring music, adding a long "Vigil" piece, where Rocky is waiting and praying for his stricken wife, Adrian, to recover from a coma. (Adrian goes into premature labor, gives birth to a son, and lose so much blood, she falls into a deep coma). Conti's "Vigil" is a beautiful and haunting instrumental piece that depicts Rocky at Adrian's bedside, praying at the hospital Chapel, and waiting with trainer Mickey for Adrian to get better. While many viewers will find this tedious, and perhaps outright boring, I found it to be a further character insight into the man, Rocky Balboa. He is about to fight Apollo Creed for the heavyweight championship of the world, and yet, he is ready to give it all up because of his intense loyalty and love for Adrian. His manager, Mickey (played again by the cantankerous Burgess Meredith), begs him to train, but Rocky is so emotionally empty without Adrian, that he cannot possibly leave her side. Adrian finally revives, and Rocky tearfully and tenderly tells her, "I knew you'd come back to me." Despite its corniness, I still found it a touching tear-jerking scene. In gratitude for her revival, Rocky promises Adrian he will give up fighting forever if that will please her. Instead, Adrian tells the Rock the one thing she wants most of all: "Win, win!".
With Adrian behind him, Rocky eagery submits to Mickey's training regimen, and in a replay of the first film, Rocky returns to fighting shape while Conti's "Gonna Fly Now" plays in the background.
The fight with Creed is brutal, with Creed battering the outmatched Balboa. Despite taking a terrible beating, Rocky's indominable fighting spirit cannot be bent or broken, and he gets up off the mat repeatedly thoughout the fight. Going into the final 15th round, and far behind on points, Creed and Balboa touch gloves in the center of the ring, and Creed demands, "You're going down!". Rocky, unwavering, unbroken, and defiant, simply replys through broken and swollen lips, "No way".
The fight has a surprise ending that keeps fans wondering who will win up until the very last second, Exact details will not be revealed, but the insightful reader will realize there is a Rocky 3,4,5, and 6, and should be able to ascertain the ending.
Rocky II follows the formula of the original "Rocky", but with a less satisfying effect. It is certainly entertaining, but does not come close to the original offering. Thus, like most sequels, it falls short of the glory of the inspiring original. I still recommend it, but not nearly as highly as the 1976 award-winning "Rocky".
Jim "Konedog" Koenig
p.s. I took a girlfriend to see Rocky II in May of 1979 in Bemidji, Minnesota. It was our first date. I ended up marrying her in 1982, had 6 kids, and we have been together ever since. Like Rocky, I don't know what I would do without my "Adrian".
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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
YO ADRIAN!!!........, March 7, 2003
This review refers to the MGM/UA VHS edition of "Rocky II".....
Sylvester Stallone once again, brings us another feel good story in this first of four sequels to "Rocky". Even if you don't like boxing(and yes there are some of us that could do without it), you gotta like these Rocky flicks. This one, with the entire cast reuniting, is nearly as good as the first.
"Rocky II" picks up where "Rocky" left off. Apollo Creed(Carl Weathers) and Rocky(Sylvester Stallone) have beaten each other to a pulp. Apollo, on a split decision, has been declared the champ once again. Poor Rock's injuries are so bad that the Doctors strongly advise him not to fight anymore. He and Adrian(Talia Shire) marry and decide to live a normal life. The Rock tries his hand at acting in commercials, this doesn't work out(not a big surprise there), can't get hired at an office job, and finally ends up working at a meat packing plant where he is promptly laid off. The pregnant Adrian becomes the bread winner and Rocky is feeling very unmanly.
Creed, wanting a re-match, taunts Rocky out into the public and Rocky takes the challenge, against the wishes of Adrian, of course. Mickey(Burgess Meredith), after much coaxing decides to train him, but alas, The Rock's heart is not in it. What will it take for him to be the old Rocky we know and love?
Of course there are the wonderful scenes of Rocky training and getting pumped up for the fight, with all the great "Rocky" music that goes along with it. The intense bout with Creed is outstanding. Can Rocky go the distance this time...well...you know.....
The lines are priceless...after Rocky gets out of the hospital, a reporter asks.." Hey Rocky, did ya get any brain damage?", and Rocky's answer..."Yo, I don't see any.." There's a ton of those. Oh and don't forget the irrepressible Pauly(Burt Young), he's back too and in rare form!
Now I know, most everybody has seen this, and I didnt really need to tell you what it's about. It's just a little refresher on how good these movies make us feel. I watch them often and always find myself smiling. It's a series to be enjoyed by the whole family(if you haven't seen"Rocky V", don't stress over it) and for future generations to come.
The VHS is a a pretty good picture and the sound is in Dolby Surround(stereo), and also fairly decent.
"Yo Adrian...I DID IT!"(Rocky)......Laurie
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