| | | | Rocky IV
(1985) |
ocky IV, in my opinion, overcame the inherent disadvantages of being the fourth installment completely. Some people wouldn't agree, but I love it and know lots of others do too.
There is something about part 4 that stands out for me, and I have more than a few theories as to what it could be.
Does it have something to do with the film's release date? 1985 seems to be a great year for 80's movies. What about the clarity of the sound and video? It could be just me, but it seems like the overall quality, lighting, filming methods, and so forth seem to be a cut above the rest...
Another possibility is the "attitude" the film displays, it really has an in your face, sorta "flashy" feel to it doesn't it? And it pulls it off too!
Not to mention an awesome soundtrack that boasts a score by synth maestro Vince DiCola and a selection of hard hittin' 80's rock featuring the likes of "No easy way out" by Robert Tepper. (This song is used in one of the best scenes in the movie).
This movie really makes you want to get involved.
Written and directed by Sylvester Stallone himself, Rocky IV is a masterful technical achievement in the fields of direction, editing and montage creation. In fact, it's difficult to think of another movie in history with such dynamic and motivational musical montage sequences. To help create them, Sly turned to a highly skilled, special montage editor, James Symons. James managed to take the powerful music and match it perfectly to a dizzying montage of equally powerful and dynamic visuals. James, wherever you are now, we salute you.
At any rate, Rocky IV is a very entertaining film, and if by some chance you haven't seen it, you should make it a point to. Endlessly quotable, I have many fond memories of me and some of my classmates in high school quoting this movie at ideal times... For example, if somebody sprained their ankle in gym, I would look at a nearby buddy very seriously and exclaim: "If he dies, he dies". Everybody that got it would succumb to riotous laughter, the ones that didnt just stood there with an odd look on their face.
Another fave would be to emit the thunderous "Nooooooooo!" that Duke let out when Apollo dies, (in response to a less than desirable homework assignment of course). This segment of the rocky saga has a lot of intensity, and although it strays a bit from the others, this only serves to improve it. The training sequences have reached full throttle. I guess rocky was just warming up in the first three. Paulie is of course priceless again, saying things that have been known to make people choke on popcorn and spit their beverage out laughing.
The movie, I must say, is a little bit predictable, but aren't all movies of this type?
But then again, what Rocky fan could live without Rocky's unique way of speaking (I call it Rockonics), Paulie's antics, Adrian's shyness interrupted by outbursts, and Apollo's attempts to be stylish and cool? All of which contribute to the predictability, but at the same time make us love it all the more.
One aspect that has changed in part four is that Rocky starts taking charge a little more. It seems he has realized that he has what it takes to shape his life completely on his own. Another difference is the focus on technology, and muscle development. (I don't want to give anything away to those of you who have not seen it, but think robots, machines, and steroids) This film is definitely the "hi-tech" one of the bunch.
And just for good measure they threw in James Brown to bump it up a notch. Rocky 4 has been called "ludicrous but shamefully enjoyable" -well what is so ludicrous about destroying logs, dragging rocks and running up a mountain?
Nothing! I mean it is one of the top box office earners of the 80s. One very mysterious thing about some of the Rocky films on DVD is that the picture quality improves for the final fights. Is that coincidence or something more sinister?
Rocky IV is one of the most openly patriotic movies of all time, whilst attempting to also warm the troubled waters of the cold war with its "everyone could just get along" message. I still regret not showing this movie to a Russian exchange student I knew from school, I know she would have enjoyed it. -Although she might have been confused as to why some of the Russians in the crowd were wearing Bud Light t-shirts. It is also worth mentioning that the English translations of what the russians are saying are removed on the DVD, what a drag, the American people like to know what they are chattering about.
I have heard people call Rocky 4 everything from "trash" to "the defining cinematic portrait of the eighties", I tend to think the second label is more fitting, since I enjoyed the flick alot. However, if I could add one thing to this movie that I feel had been wrongfully left out, it would be that guy from Home Alone, who should have grabbed Rocky's kid's arm and said "Look what ya did ya little jerk!" when he sprayed Paulie with the whipped cream, that was just uncalled for :)
I won't go into much detail about it, but watch for Paulie's long-overdue speech, he finally comes to his senses and admits that he knows something... and is thankful for it. Well as for what becomes of Rocky...
This is his chance to prove that he is not "a tomato" as Mickey puts it, and lets hope he can come up with something better than Ivan Drago's eyebrow raising remark: "I defeat all man".
 Don't forget that Rocky IV is now available to order on Widescreen DVD using our special 80s Retro Assistant...
|
| | | | 
In my experience Rocky IV is often peoples fave of the series, and though it is true that it isn't as well rounded as the first one, it is still a very entertaining and powerfully produced movie.
I don't think reviewers appreciate the film as much as they should because they compare it to the first film(s) too often. Rocky is not just about head-pounding brawls, its about willing something to happen. If rocky didnt believe he could win, it wouldnt matter how much he trained, he would lose, you have to have heart.
In this movie, courage conquers technology and ultimately two nations who at first were divided by hate, ignorance, and stupidity came to understand and even appreciate one another. There is deeper meaning than flying fists if you look closely...
|
| | | |  | 
Sylvester Stallone, Burt Young and Tony Burton, are the only actors to have appeared in all six 'Rocky' movies. 
| |
Sylvester Stallone was carrying only 5 ody fat whilst filming for rocky 4. Realistically, if Rocky had reduced his calorie intake so drastically that he appears more like a 'bodybuilder' in the ring as opposed to a 'real' boxer (George Foreman bodytype for example), he would have been too weak to fight Drago. -Thanks to Peter
Despite what a lot of people in the USA think, Dolph Lundgren is from Sweden and not Russia as depicted in the movie. -Thanks to Stefan Wadstedt
There was a scene in the trailer that wasn't in the movie. It dipicts Rocky standing in front of a boxing commission who states that Rocky will be stripped of his title if he fights in Russia. This scene appears in the DVD trailer. -Thanks to Tony Cross
"Rocky IV' is the only film in the series in which Rocky is referred to professionally by another nickname than "The Italian Stallion". In the pre-fight commentary, the American commentator refers to Rocky as "The Iron Horse." -Thanks to Ryan Long
Drago's wife in the movie, Brigitte Nielsen, is Stallone's ex wife in real life! -Thanks to Nick And Reyes
Rocky IV is the highest grossing boxing film of all time. -Thanks to James
During the second training montage, Drago is once again seen hitting the pad that measures the pounds of pressure per square inch. The number shown is 1850. The second number shown is 1990. If you're a ROCKY bluff like I am, you will remember that ROCKY V was released in the year 1990. -Thanks to Zach
« Click
here to add some Rocky IV trivia
Rediscover your favorites! If you like
Rocky IV or 80's Action classics, then be sure to
check out this list: ..... Angel ..... Raiders of the Lost Ark ..... Beverly Hills Cop ..... Die Hard ..... Predator ..... Terminator ..... Black Rain ..... 48 HRS ..... Untouchables ..... Lethal Weapon ..... Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior ..... Top Gun ..... Highlander ..... Streets Of Fire ..... Commando .....[More]
| | | |
In some of the fight scenes in the ring in this movie, Stallone actually had to stand on a box to reach Dolph! You, of course, don't see the box but it was there for some of the punches to drago's face, in order for him to reach Lundgren. -Thanks to Chris Lennon
Sylvester and Dolph, at some points of the film, actually did box for real. Sylvester thought this would add to the realism. Well apparently it got too real, he injured his rib area and his heart temporarily!
During this film, it was still undetermined whether Burt Young had got over his crush on Talia Shire, which might account for his great performance toward Rocky, his true feelings coming through as tension, anger, and jealousy.
The scene(s) where Rocky is supposed to be in Siberia are faked, he's in Wyoming...
In the 15th round when Rocky is just dodging Drago's punches. Rocky moves back to avoid a punch but slips. Drago actually sticks his arm out to make sure he doesn't fall.
Text of the Soviet anthem is incorrect.
The words that the Russian (the one that is called later "big mouth") tells Drago when he is in the ring, just before the song "Livin' in America" starts, are not real Russian language. When played to a friend who is Russian, she didn't understand any of it. -Thanks to Jose
The fight with Drago is scheduled for Christmas Day. But upon arriving at the remote spot in Russia where Rocky will train, Paulie complains that he won't get to watch the Rose Bowl. The Rose Bowl is played on New Year's Day, a week after Christmas and the fight.
Drago's Soviet Army uniform has the wrong rank insignia for a Captain.
Rocky gets a great tan while bundled up, training in the snow, somehow.
Just before the fight between Apollo Creed and Ivan Drago, there is a scene in the ring where Apollo is yelling "I want you! I want you!", across to Drago. If you look closely you will see Apollo without any gloves on pointing his finger towards Drago while he is making that statement. The scene immediately widens out and you see Apollo with his white boxing gloves on. -Thanks to The Many People Who Wrote In To Mention That!
Rocky goes out in the snow in Russia to run with minor stubble, when he returns to see Adrian at the cabin to greet him he has a fully grown beard. How long could a man run for in the snow without food? :-) -Thanks to Kris J
During the fight between Rocky and Drago, Duke is seen celebrating Rocky's performance with Paulie (his hand is on Paulie's head!!). Several minutes later, this exact same footage is repeated. -Thanks to Paul Price
Just before the Rocky/Drago press conference, the movie shows a series of press clippings. If you pause the DVD version you will see that the text below the headlines is from unrelated topics, including a United Auto Workers article. -Thanks to Nathan
In the original 'Rocky', Rocky says he's 30. Less than a year later, 'Rocky II' takes place, making Rocky about 31 (This is when he and Adrian marry). There is a scene in 'Rocky III' when a newscaster states that Rocky is 34. Notice at the beginning of 'Rocky IV', Rocky just finished his fight recently, and had a 'rematch' with Apollo as his owed 'favor' to Creed. This rematch could not have been more than a few months, or even a couple years, before Rocky defeats Drago in Russia. Yet, Rocky says to Adrian, "...It's been almost nine years since you married me." Rocky shouldn't be older than 35 or 36 in 'Rocky IV'. But, according to Rocky's anniversary statement, he should be about 40. The math doesn't add up. That being said... I love 'Rocky IV'! -Thanks to Aaron
This actually has a bit more to do with Rocky V than Rocky IV, but when Rocky leaves for the Soviet Union his son looks to be about six or seven years old. When he comes back to America in Rocky V his son is about fifteen years old, but it is obvious that Rocky and Co. immediately came back after the fight due to the bruises and cuts still all over Rocky's face. -Thanks to Patrick
The fatal punch that kills Apollo starts off as a left hook but when it cuts to a close up, becomes a right cross. -Thanks to Dc
When Rocky tells the Russian crowd "That's better than 20 million people killing each other", the ring announcer translates it as "Ehta luch'e chem dvadtsat millionov dollarov", which means "That's better than 20 million dollars".
«
Click
here to add a new Behind-the-Scenes item for Rocky IV
|  |  |  | | Rocky IV
Locations |
|
| | |
The filming of the movie ranged all over, from Wyoming to California to Canada and finally Nevada.
When Rocky & Co. arrive in "Russia", the airport is actually the airport in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Additionally, all of the "Siberia" training scenes are around Jackson Hole, with many of the "Russian" extras being played by Jackson Hole natives. For one brief scene, the famous Grand Teton can be seen towering in the background. [Thanks to Dustin Birch]
The shots that were supposed to be Russia wasn't Wyoming: they were shot in Vancouver [Thanks to Donny]
The scenes filmed in the mountains were filmed in Canada. [Thanks to Diego]
Can you help? Do you know any of the Wyoming filming locations used for Rocky IV? [Please send them in]
|  | | | | ![[16:9 -Widescreen Enhanced]](16_9.gif) | ![[5.1 CH SURROUND]](dd5.gif) | Trailer |
| Our
Comments: Remastered Edition |
| | ![[Letterbox -NOT 16:9 Enhanced]](lbx.gif) | | Trailer |
| Our
Comments: Part of box set only. |
|
| | | |
The soundtrack is one of the towering greats of the 80's. Buy it without regrets, but be careful if you play it in the car... Tickets will follow..
Track listing:
1. Burning Heart - Survivor
2. Heart's On Fire - John Cafferty
3. Double Or Nothing - Kenny Loggins & Gladys Knight
4. Eye Of The Tiger - Survivor
5. Training Montage - Vince DiCola
6. War - Vince DiCola
7. Living In America - James Brown
8. No Easy Way Out - Robert Tepper
9. One Way Street - Go West
10. The Sweetest Victory - Touch
11. Training Montage - Vince DiCola
Rocky IV is the only film in the series with music not scored by composer Bill Conti. Vince DeCola composed the film's music as well as many of the songs on the soundtrack such as "No Easy Way Out" and "Hearts on Fire". Bill Conti, who composed the famous Rocky theme "Gonna Fly Now" and the music for Rocky I, II and III, would return to do the score for Rocky V. -Thanks to Charles
«
Click here to add new music trivia for Rocky IV
Soundtrack Available:
On CD
| | | |
 NEW!
Use our radical Retro Assistant to show you the most accurate information for hard-to-find Rocky IV products anywhere on the web...
At a glance, you can now see all the Movie
releases, Soundtracks
or Movie
Posters, Scripts and Books ever available with online price comparisons, even if they're
rare, out of print or only available in another country!
Over 3 years in development and covering more than 10,000 of the
best products hand picked by our editors, we think it's the most fun and retro way to celebrate the era --and find what you
want.
It covers Rocky IV DVD,
VHS,
Blu-ray,
HD-DVD,
Downloads,
Soundtrack
CDs, Movie
Posters, Scripts, Books and more... Why not give
it a try...
The
80's Movies Rewind is proudly a spam-free
non-commercial site, written by movie fans... for movie fans.
If
you enjoy this site, please help to support us and keep us
POP UP & SPAM FREE by ordering your stuff through our services.
As you probably already know, we
are not a corporation, but just 80's fans like you...
| | |
 | | Recent
Additions |
March 3, 2008: Commando USA / UK Blu-ray Coming Soon.
February 28, 2008: Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Soundtrack Update.
Previous
additions
We're always updating and improving, so please and check back with us regularly...
|
| | |
