Rocky II (RPKG/DVD)

Great movie

Good watch

Released in 1979, the mostly stellar and poignant "Rocky II" has often been maligned by critics over the years as being a virtual remake of the Oscar-winning 1976 original (right down to the climatic showdown with bombastic champion Apollo Creed). To some extent, such criticism is deservedly fair, but "Rocky II" is significantly different in at least two respects: 1. actor-screenwriter Sylvester Stallone also assumes the director's chair here with impressive results; and 2. the film humbly takes audiences on an intriguing journey of an everyman's life after achieving a seemingly impossible dream. Make no mistake: the underrated magic of "Rocky II" would not have been possible without exceptional performances by the franchise's familiar ensemble: Talia Shire, Carl Weathers, Burt Young, and Burgess Meredith, and, yes, Stallone. The end result is that "Rocky II" still stands up as arguably one of the greatest sequels (not to mention, sports movies) of all time.Set in early 1976, the sequel follows newlywed Rocky and Adrian Balboa's lives over the course of approximately 10-11 months after the Italian Stallion's amazing display of raw determination against the seemingly unbeatable Apollo Creed. While the struggling Balboas experience a limited amount of newfound wealth and the birth of their only child, a resentful Creed is elsewhere seething over the public perception that he must have somehow fixed the big fight because he could not annihilate a supposed chump like Balboa. To Creed's credit, he doesn't fear facing the Italian Stallion once more; rather, he wants to wreak some proper vengeance over the pounding his once-immaculate image has taken. Meanwhile, trainer Mick declines to train Rocky knowing full well that Rocky has likely suffered a career-ending injury to his peripheral vision in one eye. Still, one knows that Creed's constant public goading will inevitably force the Italian Stallion to abandon his unwanted retirement to settle unfinished business in the ring on a fateful Thanksgiving Night.Give Sylvester Stallone's acting talents credit here: Rocky Balboa is made incredibly believable as a hard-working, not-so-bright Average Joe Palooka whose perennial underdog status touches a nerve in almost everyone who has the tenacity to never give up, no matter what. Stallone's efforts are matched by Talia Shire as introverted Adrian, whose quiet demeanor hides the resolve to ultimately support her husband's dream to the end. Backed by the familiar, vintage Bill Conti score, including the classic anthem, "Gonna Fly Now," the scenes of Rocky's low-tech training, especially another memorable jog through the streets of South Philadelphia to the city's art museum, remain an example of how a film can both entertain viewers and still truly inspire them.The only inevitable problem with "Rocky II" is that the Rocky-Apollo II clash's outcome becomes a foregone conclusion. Yet, it is also ultimately the reason why viewers bought tickets to see this film. For all participants involved, Rocky's life-changing victory is a most rewarding experience. "Rocky II" delivers the truly graceful ending viewers deserve, and demonstrates why anyone can relate to the Italian Stallion's poignant (and ongoing) saga.Rating: 8.5/10 (A little slow at times, but it is definitely a sequel worthy of its namesake).

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This is my favorite Rocky movie of the whole series. It is a classic from start to finish with no down time. An incredible dive into what makes Rocky not only the warrior he is is but a true hero. My one question is why are so many children roaming the streets of Philly unsupervised

ROCKY II continues Directly from the last fight scene in the first ROCKYaccording to the Judges in the first Rocky, the fight was a Tie not Rocky or Apollo wonso rocky is asked/forced to come back for a rematch on APOLLO CREED in this brilliantly written sequel by Sylvester stalloneso it's better to watch ROCKY & ROCKY II back to back to get the full 4 hour storyProduced again by Irwin wrinkler but Directed by sylvester stallone this time in his first Directing Debutreleased in 1979 sylvester brings back Carl weathers, Talia shire, Burt young, Burgess meredithand also brings back an exceptionally Great Actor that never got the respect he Deserved as an ActorJOE SPINELL, Joe spinell has more screen time in this sequel than he did in the first RockyJoe plays Rocky's best friend in this sequelbrilliant performance by sylvester stallone as ROCKY as he had to Act some very emotional sceneswhen Adrian played by Talia shire had to go into Hospital from suffering pre-mature laborwhich made her go into a Comaand also his emotional scenes with Mickey played by the Great Burgess meredithSylvester gives an excellent effort Directing the film at the same time as Acting in itMGM this time gave this ROCKY sequel a new 4K HD transfer just like MGM did for the 2014 reissue of ROCKYand the picture quality does look much better and much sharper for sureagain no new Audio mix, just the same 5.1 Master audio mix from the previous releaseand no new special features either not even a Theatrical trailer for some reasonit would've been Great if there was a new Audio commentary by Sylvester stallone or a new interview with stallonegiving his recollections on Directing this sequel, but tragically nostill time to upgrade and get this new 4K transfer of this Great sequeli gave this new reissue only 3 stars based on no new special featuresbut there's a new HD transfer of the film

Rocky  was one of the biggest films of 1976. Millions saw Sylvester Stallone play Rocky Balboa, a struggling Philadelphia boxer who ultimately got a bout with heavyweight champion Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) and fought him to a split decision.Given how popular the film was, it was hardly surprising that a sequel would follow--"Rocky II" was released in 1979. In this film, Rocky marries Adrian Pennino (Talia Shire) and the two begin their life and family together in a working-class section of Philadelphia.Rocky initially has no interest in a rematch with Apollo, but economic setbacks lead him back into the ring. Burgess Meredith plays Mickey Goldmill, Rocky's trainer. Mickey trains Rocky very hard and makes key changes to his fighting style in the time leading up to the rematch.The cast members are again very good in their roles, and Brent Musburger even makes a cameo appearance. "Rocky II" didn't garner as many plaudits or awards as the original did, but it is my favorite of the series--the climactic scene of the fight is one of my favorite movie scenes ever, and the film is inspiring and imparts the values of hard work and battling adversity.

Product was a week Late OK

Great excellent brilliant . . .'.. . .'.. . . .'.. . .'.. wonderful.. . . . . . .Stallone at his best . .

takes a long time to receive from uk to the usa.I does play on us region 1 psp's. so it is probably region free code.so yes! I would recommend this movie to everybody

Although it is spoiled, I bought it for listening to the word "winning" which is the name scene of Rocky 2, but it was worth it.

thanks

Came in great condition