Rocky IV-Rocky vs Drago: Director’s Cut (1985)

(dir. Sylvester Stallone)

By: Tarek Fayoumi

Rocky IV-Rocky vs Drago: The Ultimate Director’s Cut, Added Footage

Written and directed by Sylvester Stallone, this is the 4th installment of the Rocky franchise with much more punch. Stallone has returned to the 1985 genre classic to add meaningful footage with added components, which in turn adds value to the franchise. Rocky IV-Rocky vs. Drago-The Ultimate Director’s Cut is truly the one and only 4th installment that is monumental as the 4th film in the franchise. That is because the pain and heartache from all the championships have greater meaning due to the additional choreography  in this one-of-a-kind feature. Stallone is Rocky, and this uncut work-of-art delivers the depths and measures of success to the finest of the series. 

Fathom Entertainment Features:

Leonard Maltin delivers a featurette discussing why Stallone went back to redo the fourth film in the series. He also loops in facts about Dolph Lundgren (Ivan Drago). Audiences get a glimpse of how Stallone’s  success Stallone was on the rise, and doing the edits brought faith to his vision. However, that has not changed the amazement of the boxing components of the many cuts and changes of the film itself. Especially with the combat between Stallone and Lundgren–it is a fight that is like a sudden death match for the ages. 

Worth the Time?

For those who want to experience the true pugilistic  moments, this event was well worth it on the big screen.  While the event may have passed, The Rocky collection is available for purchase on many online retailers. Overall, the cinematics of the director’s cut blew me away. The punches are surreal as well as the championship mindset  to never give up. As the ringside bell dings, Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger" still rings into eternity. Rocky IV-Rocky vs. Drago: The Ultimate Director’s Cut is the legendary match audiences will not want to miss. Stallone brings in all the right punches for a winning experience.