The underdog boxer Rocky Balboa is lacing up his gloves and stepping back into the ring in 4K resolution. MGM has announced upcoming Ultra HD Blu-ray releases for 1990’s Rocky 5 and 2006’s Rocky Balboa, giving the last two films in the iconic boxing franchise sleek visual upgrades. Let’s take a look at what fans can expect from these shiny new home media editions.
Overview of Rocky 5 and Rocky Balboa
In Rocky 5, released in 1990, Balboa has retired from boxing but gets roped back into an unsanctioned street fight with a hungry young fighter named Tommy Gunn, whom Rocky had taken under his wing as a mentor. This ends up being a tragic confrontation that leaves both men battered and broken.
Rocky Balboa serves as bookend to the franchise, with a 60-year-old Balboa coming out of retirement in 2006 to fight the current heavyweight champion, Mason “The Line” Dixon, in a charity exhibition bout. With the raw, pugilistic spirit of the original film, Rocky Balboa explores the underdog narrative that made Sylvester Stallone’s character an icon.
Rocky Balboa- Technical Details of the 4K Releases
The Rocky 5 and Rocky Balboa Ultra HD Blu-ray releases will present the films in 4K resolution with HDR10 high dynamic range for optimal color, contrast and clarity. The discs will also include the standard Blu-ray versions and digital copies.
Rocky Balboa will have both the theatrical cut and an extended director’s cut. The films will come packaged in limited edition steelbook cases featuring iconic imagery from the movies.
Pre-Order and Pricing Details
Fans can pre-order the Rocky 5 4K Blu-ray right now for $40 at major retailers like Amazon and Walmart. It releases on May 16, 2023.
The Rocky Balboa 4K Blu-ray is priced at $65, but is currently discounted to $29 at Amazon and Walmart. This one hits shelves on March 7, 2023.
The Rest of the Rocky Franchise in 4K
With these upcoming releases, the entire Rocky saga will be available in 4K Ultra HD. Other films in the series have been released previously in the format, like the Rocky 1-4 collection, Creed and Creed 2. Even the brand new Creed 3 will launch right away on 4K Blu-ray on March 7 alongside Rocky Balboa.
Closing Thoughts
Rocky is one of cinema’s most legendary underdogs, and now two of his last big fights are getting premium 4K Blu-ray editions. The visually upgraded releases of Rocky 5 and Rocky Balboa will let viewers appreciate the final chapters of Balboa’s journey better than ever before. Old and new fans alike should be excited to add these discs to their collections come March and May. Yo, Adrian, he finally did it.
