Even in modern film transfers Sony are usually a notch behind their competitors but this anamorphic, dual-layered and progressive DVD has a strong visual representation. The film has an intended dark appearance at times and I see no digital manipulation to offset that or any prevailing artifacts produced by the rendering.

There is a healthy 5.1 track that has its moments with separated crowd noise and bombastic haymaker punches. Subtitles are Sony's usual choice of annoyingly bright yellow.

Supplements include a very good commentary by Stallone. He is such an easy target but is actually an articulate and intelligent man and his insights into the details of production are very much worth listening to. There are 7 deleted scenes, an alternate ending, a blooper reel and three featurettes. Sums up to being about 50 minutes worth of extras. The commentary, even with a few gaps, is by far the best of them all.

Say what you will about Stallone - he captured some spark with the original Rocky and this, hopefully, final entry is as close as the series has come ever since. Strengths are the moody shots and restrained dialogue supported with impassioned speeches - and weaknesses are, as always, the boxing choreography and the absurdity of the plot. Still, I give the man credit - he doesn't appear to be afraid of work and although there are obvious limitations - he isn't deterred. There is some of Rocky Baloboa's character in that as well. Kind of a 'to succeed at anything you have to try first' attitude and I also applaud that. Anyone buying this will get exactly what they think they will.   

Gary W. Tooze