Rocky VS Drago, The Ultimate Director's Cut Review!

[@BudFuddlacker]

I don’t hear anyone talking about how Sly added Bill Conti’s music to multiple dialogue-driven scenes that really added emotional depth. A few scenes I’m referring to…..Sly trying to talk Apollo out of fighting, the stairs with Adrian, Apollo’s funeral, etc…all have Conti’s music now, and it sounds great. Deepens the scenes and helps tie IV to the other films.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

He did for sure, the Conti score always adds emotion!

[@joey2894]

Rocky putting the pictures on the mirror and Duke coming up to talk to him, they used a track from Rocky V and it made the scene feel amazing!!!

[@daschyt2225]

The most impactful changes in my opinion. Conti’s instrumental pieces are magnificent!

[@tgriffin3059]

Stallone did a clumsy, amateurish job with this director's cut, for the obvious reason...his heart wasn't in it. He's not doing something from his creative heart and soul...he's just desperately trying to procure critical respect. Whenever you're doing something to please someone else, there's almost always a certain awkwardness to it, and this is no exception. For a man in his position to be so needy after all these years in the business...it's as pathetic of a sight as I've ever encountered.

[@BudFuddlacker]

@@tgriffin3059 what is your proof his heart wasn’t in it??? He’s been wanting to do such a cut for years!

[@Vader47000]

The shot Pauly rubbing Duke’s head is used twice in the theatrical version too

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Yeah but they should have cut it!

[@stevo007lol]

Love this review bro, Keep the reviews on this channel coming. The subs will come In time. This is the kinda stuff I miss from Schmoes Know. I could listen to Kristian talk Rocky all day long!

[@TheKristianHarloff]

I appreciate that. Yeah I have said this a lot now but this is definitely the most fun I have had since being in this space. The Big Thing and Sith are def my favorite shows I have done in this space. I prefer Sith 1000 times over to Jedi Council

[@JohnDean16]

I’m currently working on a “fan-edit” that blends the theatrical cut with the director’s cut. I agree with you 100%. The intro ( up until Pauli’s bday ) should not have been altered.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Can you tag me on it when done?!

[@AVILE00]

Yes John keep us updated

[@nluna75]

Are you gonna keep the Nielson scenes and the prefight talk between Rocky and Apollo? This sounds awesome. Keep us all updated.

[@JohnDean16]

@@nluna75 yes. I preferred her presence. Without her, the cuts are very drastic in the director’s cut. There was a flow that she added to the movie that is missing. There’s a fair share of work to do as far as colouring the film so they match. Stallone went and added a blue/grey filter to his cut. The original had much more colour. There’s smaller details that bothered me as well that I will look to fix/ improve on.

[@JohnDean16]

@@TheKristianHarloff yessir!

[@zachwoolley6104]

Hey Kristin I really like how they redid the boxing sound effects it sounded like a real punch landing

[@TheKristianHarloff]

I did too

[@stevewright1539]

The editing of the original makes it a better made film, but I like this version better. Some of the obvious flaws are probably due to missing elements or scenes that were never fleshed out to begin with. This is the version I will continue to watch. Seeing Rocky fighting in his prime on the big screen was pure movie magic. I forgot what a big event these films were.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

That must have been fun

[@ZanzibarBreeze]

There’s already a significantly different version of Rocky 5 out there on the net

[@TheKristianHarloff]

But none with him in the ring.

[@heartofalegend]

Great review, my friend. This is the first I've seen from your channel. I appreciate how well spoken and mature you are. Hard to find, these days. I look forward to checking out some of your other videos. Working on my combo edit of both versions of R4, right now. It's going to be challenging, but fun. Wonderful moments from the original were needlessly cut, and there are NEW wonderful moments from this new version that belong in the film. I just wish the aspect ratio had been the same for the Director's Cut. That makes this project more difficult. I know other fans are already getting ready to do their fan cuts, as well. This movie deserves to be respected as much as it is enjoyed, and this new footage will help give it that respect from fans and casual viewers, alike.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Thank you for the kind words! May I ask how you found the channel? Also, please send me your cut when it is complete!

[@heartofalegend]

@@TheKristianHarloff I found your channel as I was searching for reviews of Rocky v Drago. This movie and its response fascinates me. The reason you stood out is because you were very thoughtful in your critique and I didn't have to sift through a bunch of profanity to hear it. A real breath of fresh air. Looking forward to viewing some of your other discussions, my friend.

[@heartofalegend]

​@@TheKristianHarloff Hey, my friend, since you seemed to like what I said about working on a new fan cut, I thought I'd share what has been done, so far. After adjusting the aspect ratios and making the color changes to the OG to better match the DC, I was able to then focus on putting back all the things I feel should remain in. Also some of the rough dialogue cuts have been smoothed, and moments of lag have been tightened up, and I completely re-cut the opening to feel more in line with the opening of RII and RIII. I'm just partial to that. At 30 minutes in, I'm very happy with this, and I think other fans will find much to enjoy. If I had all the time in the world, I'd polish it further, but I think it holds up so far, and hope you like it! Here is the link: drive.google.com/file/d/1W4WqH0Kn2pVK5GFd9QXhedxZ-vdEzYPk/view?usp=sharing Thanks again for your channel and your great review!

[@Anthonycheesman2024]

Rocky 5 can only be saved if they actually fight in the ring instead of on a street corner .

[@therandysmith697]

What??? The street fight was amazing. I prefer 5 over 4

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Agreed.

[@trevinodude]

I think both cuts are amazing for what they went to accomplish. I think the original cut did a great job mixing 80s fun with the tale of tragedy concerning Apollo, and how cathartic Rocky’s ultimate victory is. Meanwhile the new director’s cut feels more serious and more of a POV take of Rocky IV, where you can feel more of Rocky’s personal feelings. I think the perfect cut would combine aspects of both versions of the film since I think both versions have lots to offer. Rocky IV theatrical cut more naturally expands on the ‘Go big or go home’ vibe that Rocky III introduced, but Rocky IV: Rocky vs Drago cut feels like more of a natural lead in to Rocky V, Balboa, and the Creed films. The fact that this is the Rocky film with two great cuts just shows how important this chapter of the Rocky saga has become over time.

[@thedefinitionisthis]

This is an odd one because like most people out there, I've watched "Rocky IV" too many times to count. So yeah, it is hard to walk into this movie with "fresh eyes", because it's damn near impossible. That being said, I do think that Stallone did somewhat of a decent job with this director's cut. Even with the excess of the montages and 80s music, I felt the movie was more in line with the rest of the series. "Rocky IV" always stood out as the cartoon of the bunch. So a lot of the changes, particularly in the first half, really grounded the movie in a way that was surprising to me. I definitely enjoyed the extra scenes of Apollo explaining his rationale for wanting to fight, so it's more than just foolish hubris (still foolish though). I also appreciated the additional scenes of Talia Shire's Adrian, as we see more of her concerns around both Apollo and Rocky wanting to fight. I definitely appreciated the additional monologues at the funeral. Considering Tony Burton's Duke had been there from the beginning of the franchise, it was great to see his eulogy. Drago himself is given a bit more dialogue, and more shots that subtly show that there was more to this guy than the theatrical cut ever gave him. I took that as an attempt to further connect to "Creed II", where we see that he really was this broken man. Here in his prime, he's more than just some government tool; he wants to achieve greatness for his name. Some of the other cuts or rearranging of shots during the montages seemed kind of necessary to me. But overall, they still worked. I'm happy they cut out the cheese like Paulie's robot, and all the stupid cutaways to his son and friends during the final fight. Some cuts/transitions seemed weird, and almost amateur, ie. the transition from the Drago/Creed press conference to the actual fight itself. You can tell the shot is fading to Vegas already, but as that transition occurs, there's a faint cut to the shot of Drago pushing over the Creed cut-out. Some sloppy editing right there, but at least that was only one. Stallone arguably made "Rocky IV" less fun. Let's face it: all the bullshit is kind of why people like "Rocky IV" in the first place. However, I do think it works as a better movie, and an installment that fits better with the other movies, tonally. It's still a bad movie, but it's also still a cool revisiting of a so-bad-it's-good film.

[@bkh3218]

Totally Agree. us diehards have seen the original version a billion times. We grew up on it. so seeing certain things changed is jarring. but i like the new verison better. its a better film. the only people who can watch this with fresh eyes is the kids who didn't grow up on the original and a new to the franchise via the creed films. it seems like the fandom and the critics are split. LOTS of people love it. others felt it was unnecessary and don't like it. personally i repect both version but prefer to watch this one.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Yeah there is a lot lost that I don't get why.

[@ThaMizphit74]

The fights and the funeral were the highlights for me. I also liked the glove touch at the end of the fight after Rocky gave his speech. Showing a sign of respect after 15 rounds of hell, and it also tied into the deleted locker room scene from Creed II. Sly made some trims to dialogue that could've stayed in. No "Throw in the DAMN towel!" for example. No interaction between the wives before the Drago - Apollo fight. And he made cuts while people were still speaking. "A slip by Creed!!" audio was in, but the slip was cut out, etc. I agree that the new footage could've just been added to the original cut.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Yeah there were some cuts that weren't needed at all.

[@ThaMizphit74]

@@TheKristianHarloff The fan edit community should have fun with this.

[@schemingforsriracha3151]

I can't express how much I love the alternate funeral scene which further enhances the emotion behind Creed 1 & 2. Rocky's love for Adonis was always evident, but now with the Rocky alternate funeral speech, it recontextualizes not just how much Rocky loved Apollo but how indebted he felt to him that he'd want to take care of Donnie. Makes it so much sweeter when they bond and a little more heartbreaking when they argue over what happened to Apollo. My one big minus is how much of Brigitte got cut. I can appreciate them trying to put more focus on Drago and Nicolai, but they could've kept a lot of her lines too, like when she speaks with Mary Anne before the Apollo-Drago fight. Bad move and I don't get it.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Yeah it almost seemed spiteful.

[@robertwild9447]

I liked this new cut of Rocky 4 a lot. Just by cutting the robot I think it's an improvement, haha.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

For sure

[@robertwild9447]

@@TheKristianHarloff I also didn't mind that he moved "eye of the tiger" to the end of the film, instead of the beginning. It ended the film on a more triumphant note to me, instead of starting the film on a triumphant, fun note like the original cut did. This one starts more serious. I really like cutting the exploding boxing gloves because it downplays the cold war and puts more focus on the friendship between Apollo and Rocky. I also don't mind replacing "Heart's on fire" at the end with "eye of the tiger" because the "heart's on fire" montage is still on the movie, it's not like the song was cut from the film entirely.

[@robertwild9447]

@@TheKristianHarloff I also think Stallone cut the scene with Apollo and Rocky right before the fight to make the james brown musical scene more from Drago's perspective, which oddly worked better for me. I agree that this new cut maybe got rid of too much, but I personally didn't miss anything cut while I was watching it.

[@uri123-h2t]

You ever seen the workprint of rocky v

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Some of it

[@uri123-h2t]

@@TheKristianHarloff such a different tone and so.much better but footage is badly damaged so probably never see a version

[@hanziggy6862]

I'd love to now know what Mark Ellis thought of the director's cut since he, like me, really loves Rocky 4 and may think it is the best of the Rocky franchise. Yes, a bit cheesy, but highly motivating and all around great fun. :) Yes, I do think Rocky 4 does stick out like a sore thumb when compared to the other Rocky movies in tone & color saturation. But, it is still 1 of my all-time go-to favorite movies to watch. It would actually be interesting to find out if this director's cut played out better now given all the other movies we have seen in the meantime since the original or if the director's cut would have done better in the theaters back then....sort of like how I think having watched all the other DCEU movies and Arrowverse shows since the theatrical Justice League came out may have actually helped make the Snyder Cut of Justice League even more enjoyable now. LOL...I gotta admit that after watching all these 2.5 hour movies, especially comic books movies, it is harder for me to now just enjoy a 1.5 hour movie without thinking it's way too short and wanting it to be longer. I even thought Venom 2 was way too short. I have not seen the director's cut yet, but hope to soon. Sounds like a big shame, though, that some of the original movie was cut out instead of just adding the new stuff in. The original, to me, still had a lot of heart and I actually enjoyed seeing his kid enjoying watching the fight in the original & thought Brigitte Nielson did bring some good tension and drama to her role in the original.

[@hanziggy6862]

Update: I just saw the director's cut earlier today. I was gonna watch it anyway, but Mr. Harloff's review inspired me to see it asap. It is very good. I cannot honestly say I love it more than the original theatrical cut, but it is a good type of different. Stallone made it a much more intense drama that fits the tone of the Creed movies & Rocky 1-3 & more gritty & less sensationally stylized....and this coming from a guy who considers Rocky 4 his favorite Rocky movie & 1 of his favorite top movies of all time that he's watched countless times. I did not like everything Stallone changed & think I will stick with re-watching the original cut, but I'm also really glad I saw this version. This director's cut also makes me more hungry to see what Stallone could do with Rocky 5 now. I do wish Stallone just added all the new stuff to the original rather than take out some stuff from the original. But, I enjoyed the new stuff, sound FX and more heart added to it. Though, I still think the original had enough heart in it to begin with. I agree with Mr. Harloff that there was way too much Rocky 3 stuff put in the beginning. I think some of the stuff Stallone removed was not just to make the movie less cheesy, but make Rocky seem less of an idiot and more serious. I liked all the more personal heart-felt conversations added. I did not mind him keeping the part with Pauly falling in the snow. I like to think Stallone kept that out of respect for the actor. Maybe it's just me, but I did not think it was as comical as in the original.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

We talk about it on Mon ep, he hasn't seen it yet

[@Johnlindsey289]

@@hanziggy6862 I despise the word "Cheesy" which triggers me and one of my pet peeves! hate that word "cheesy"! as does Ramboraph4life and Ocpcommunications (aka REAL people here on youtube who are critics with a passion for movies), I' gonna be 40 and i don't see the eighties as "cheesy" as i hate that word and one of my pet peeves as eighties was when movies had heart and sincerity. Some eighties and 90s movies had sincerity and heart to them even personality as the 80s was lightning in a bottle what 80s wannabe movies like Censor or IT 2017 fail with some exceptions like Mandy, Final Girls and Joker which don't feel like parodies but have sincerity. That's why some remakes like Elm Street, Robocop, Poltergeist or total recall are bland, boring and lack the heart/soul/personality of the originals. I get so tired of hearing how the 80s were so cheesy but when I point out how cheesy some of those Marvel flicks care people act like I pissed in their cereal. The moment any review throws around the word "cheesy" to describe a movie without using it to call a film cheap? Like it's actual definition? It's a turn off. It's turns me off of the review, and I can't take it seriously. Case in point, sentences or dialogue like this... "Cobra is a cheesy 80's movie." Nope. Done with that critic, like I am done with dinner. Cobra is an awesome movie filled to the brim with that signature 80's charm. There. I fixed it. Ocpcommunications and Ramboraph4life even me would never use that word to describe Cobra but just an awesome classic movie, i agree with them. Stop using the word Cheesy in film reviews. Unless you are using it in a derogatory way. Cheesy is not meant to be used in an endearing way or in positive reviews. Unless you are trying to say the film you like is cheap, unpleasant and unauthentic then don't use it in this particular context. Rant over. And that's why i love the two best youtube critics Ocpcommunications and Ramboraph4life because they are REAL honest people with actual love and true passion for movies.

[@hanziggy6862]

@@Johnlindsey289 Yes, I can definitely see how "triggered" that made you. All movies are subjective and how we respond to them are subjective and also the way we describe movies are subjective. So, okay, cheesy for me may not be cheesy for you and vice versa. But, I also think there is a general consensus among many people on what is and is not considered "cheesy" and what they mean when they describe a scene as "cheesy". I also realize a movie should be judged based also on the time period it came out and what technology and such were available at the time a movie was made. I realize looking back at older movies and tv shows, some things that look "cheesy" to us now may have been meant to be taken seriously at the time. I get that and judge movies based on that criteria myself. But, it still does not change the fact that I, myself, personally do consider some things cheesy and other things not when I see it and that is my perspective. I never saw the word "cheesy" as meaning the same as "bad" or "unpleasant" or "cheap". If that is how you view it, then okay, but it is not the way I do. I am an 80's guy who loves all the Van Damme movies, Cobra, Rocky 4, etc. and a lot of other movies I would still say has "cheesy" moments. By the way, I would not personally consider anything in "Cobra" to be "cheesy". However, as much as a huge Van Damme fan I am, some of his movies were more "cheesy" than others, especially those that went straight-to-video. I would never describe an entire movie as "cheesy" and honestly, thinks it takes a whole lot for me to be call a movie, "bad" and "not enjoyable at all". But yes, I do think there are moments in movies and tv shows that are sometime intentional and other times unintentionally "cheesy" as in goofy, border-line bad dad jokes, and played up for the punchline that does make your eyes roll a bit to the side and does not fit the rest of the tone of the movie or tv show. B-horror movies and monster movies can be "cheesy" and anything featured on Mystery Science Theater or movies hosted by Elvira mistress of the Dark were intentionally "cheesy". But, that is also why people loved those movies. Some people like some cheesiness in their movies and shows. I do and it helps break up some of the monotony and/or too dark of a tone in the rest of the movie. But, it also needs the right balance. There is good cheesy and bad cheesy. To me, many B-horror movies are "cheesy", but they were also meant to be that way. James Gunn's Slither movie had serious moments in it, but also had moments in it that, to me, seemed were intentionally "cheesy", but also not too over-done. By the way, I have never called myself a "movie critic" or "professional movie reviewer". But, there are also movies nowadays where something that was obviously not meant to be funny provokes a laugh from people unintentionally and to me, that sometimes is because it was a "cheesy" moment. To me, Tommy Wiseau's movie "The Room" had many "cheesy" moment. But, cheesy moments does not automatically make a movie "bad" or "unpleasant". Sometimes people like a movie more specifically because of those "cheesy" moments. I believe there are good cheesy and bad cheesy moments. I would consider some moments in Fox's Gotham show as "good cheesy" that were well-integrated into the show. But, c'mon, even growing up in the 80's, Howard the Duck was still pretty cheesy to me when I first saw it. Nobody can convince me there was absolutely nothing in the Sharknado tv movies that were not meant to be intentionally "cheesy".

[@TheRayeZRevolution]

I loved the original Rocky 4, I feel like this one felt more in line & felt more “Rocky” than the original did with the background music & additional scenes. Also, Paulie rubbing Duke’s head in that final fight, he did that twice in the original as well.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Well it should have been cut twice! Ha

[@purplehouse26]

I loved that he put The Eye of The Tiger at the end this time around. I watched it in a packed theater in El Paso Texas and they showed a live interview with Stallone right before the movie started, and it was great. the whole audience went crazy at the end. very cool experience because i never got to watch the original in theaters.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Yeah I liked it better at end as well.

[@orlandoruizjr3834]

I loved the new cut. So great to see in a theater with an audience. I think the main reason the son and his friends watching the fight was removed was because the robot could be seen right behind them. I think this is the only version of this movie I'll be watching from now on. That's how awesome I think it is. It the added scenes or alternate scenes hit way better for me. Especially the funeral scene. That made the movie for me. So glad this cut exists.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Lots of good stuff added for sure.

[@brandenhill71]

The beginning felt clunky and disjointed to me. Like a bunch of jump cuts throw together. I am not sure why some stuff was cut yet they put in this awkward conversation between Rocky and Adrian in the kitchen after dinner..”you mad?” “No”, “ you made though?” “Ummm…no”..”oh ok”. The ending fell a little flat for me too. I felt like eye of the tiger was misplaced. I thought eye of the tiger would have been the perfect song replacing No Easy Way Out in that driving sequence. Maybe the original rocky theme at the end. It felt a little weird for Rocky to acknowledge Drago by touching gloves as he walked out of the ring. Drago was pretty clear that he was not too upset about killing your best friend.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Yeah I think there is a version with the new stuff and stuff he cut that could make a great 2 hour drama.

[@nemospodcast6766]

Just like you Mr. Harloff. I’m a very!!!!! massive fan of Rocky! Stallone was one of the reasons why I became an actor. Everything you said was Right about the new directors cut! I wish Sly would’ve added and not cut I wish the movie was 2 1/2 hours long LOL I don’t think he has that big of a beef with Bridget Nelson anymore because it was up to him, to put her in CREES 2. Then on the other hand she did take half of his money back in the 80s maybe he Didn’t want to stroll down memory lane again she straight up used him. Anyway keep up the great work brother. I hope we work together in the Future one day.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Thank you Nemo! Appreciate it very much. Yeah just wish there was another version of this that added the changes and the old.

[@nemospodcast6766]

@@TheKristianHarloff Absolutely brother. Lol I’m happy we still have the original. I hope he does a directors cut of Rocky V. I saw a bootleg copy a couple years back ANDDDDD oh my god they’re so good Scenes in that movie. I don’t understand why they would cut them out. #GoForIt 😂

[@josearrocha3377]

I’ve always liked 4 but I like this new version more. The additions and changes with Apollo, Adrien and Drago make it feel even more in tune with the first 2 films. And that’s not a shot at 3. 3 is fantastic. But 3 is different because it’s Rocky at his peak. Anyhow. Apollos death has more impact here because we spend a little more time in his head. Though I agree with you on the light hearted moments between Rocky and Apollo. Those were great. But I didn’t miss them. I was focused on how Apollo felt as a warrior. It was serious to him. Drago is more than a generic 80s Russian villain. I thought the edits that showed more of him were brilliant. I watched it in the theater and I’m surprised at the turn out. I expected to be one of 10 people in there. But there were whole families in there cheering throughout and at the end. My lady thought the movie was great too. And I purposely watched the first 3 with her throughout the week without showing her the original 4th just to see her reaction.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Great move!

[@Mr.Quinnn]

The documentary done was good, when his friend who was filming it asked him questions as to why he did this and that during the original filming, I just wanted sly to come out and say " ya know it was the 80's we were all on blow and that's how we were able to shoot that last fight scene for 7 months. And how I got back so quickly from the hospital after Dolph almost killed me."

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Hahahaha

[@Johnlindsey289]

the 80s was lightning in a bottle and creativity was done thanks to cocaine and that's why movies of today some are bland

[@blackbird1119]

Where Paul touches his head twice is in both cuts. Original and directors cut.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Yeah and he had a chance to cut it this time!

[@tomdevinney7280]

If Stallone cut less out, this director's cut would've worked so much better. I get he wanted it to be less cheesy, but there are some legitimate moments cut out. Rocky telling Adrian "maybe all I can do is take everything he's got" gets cut out?! What!? Also getting rid of Hearts on Fire at the end, how dare you! There's better drama in here, but feels even more jarringly quicker than the theatrical. Unless there's some supercut out there combining the theatrical with the deleted scenes in this cut, imma just stick with the theatrical. also hope Ellis is on soon to talk about this with ya

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Yeah there was a lot he cut that shouldn't have been cut like the moment you mentioned.

[@heartofalegend]

Hey Tom, for what it's worth, some Rocky fans who feel like you have already begun cutting together a more complete version of the film by doing what you talked about. As soon as I saw the new footage, I knew I had to do one for myself to enjoy. It's a chore, though. Two different aspect ratios, two different looks to the film, and different sound, as well. But thankfully, I just completed it. If you can forgive my leaving out the Hearts on Fire reprise at the end, I think you might find much to enjoy. This was a meticulous effort to fix everything that was wrong with the Director's Cut, while cutting down on some of the cheese factor of the Theatrical Cut. While it's not perfect, I truly think it holds up and helps to bring dramatic weight to the film, while still keeping everything in the original that makes it fun. Here's a link to stream the new cut: drive.google.com/file/d/1n6khb1NH4IJzolLmLT1nYT0aFvHKBQ3v/view?usp=sharing

[@guypearson0]

The whole scene at the start with Rocky and Apollo in the garden gave me a bad feeling straight away, it felt like it was still in rough cut form, the editing was ropey (pun intended) and it all seems to be using very, very wide shots which feels really weird (I'm guessing there were no good mids?). Also no idea why he's cropped it to 2.35:1, Rocky 1-6 were all shot for 1:85:1 and now people are missing tops of heads etc and it feels way too close up. All in all, it was nice to see but it won't be my go to version.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

I would like to see another version with the new scenes and the old cut.

[@guypearson0]

@@TheKristianHarloff Well if no-one else beats me to it, I just might do that myself. :)

[@ObroStudio]

I was able to see thisin theaters, and the place was PACKED! I haven't been to a movie that people enjoyed this much in years. Everyone clapped when the end credits began to roll. Rock 4 has always been my favorite in the series, but with the exceptions of a couple lines that were cut I prefer this new version myself. It felt more serious and dramatic.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ArynWellspring]

Paulie rubbing Duke’s head twice was in the theatrical cut too

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Yeah I remember but he could have cut it out this time.

[@Djblois1]

The problem is if he removed the montages then would he have enough for a full movie?

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Yeah if he didn't cut a lot of the other stuff.

[@Djblois1]

@@TheKristianHarloff But there is so much more that he should have removed, like the James Brown Music Video. Would the rest of the stuff been enough? It has been a long time since I have seen the original, so I do not remember how much of the rest of the movie was silly - except of course the robot.

[@Dohsoda]

I'd be down to watch this. I love the Rocky series and each movie has its heart in the right place. If anything, the original version will always exist and this will be a nice companion.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Let me know if you checked it out!

[@suthius85]

The piece of musical score from this movie, War (by Vince Dicola?), is my FAVORITE piece of music. I listen to it at least once a week.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

It is really good!

[@Haviq]

I think they could have left the robot stuff in before the Creed fight the same as with the pre-fight talk with Apollo and Rocky. I think it helps the atmosphere feel not quite as dark leading up until the Apollo fight and kind of makes us not take Drago as serious just like Apollo did.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Yeah I get it

[@lukesmale24]

I did really enjoy the new cuts of the fights mostly, but my god was some of the sound editing of the original just handled very badly. Like in the original they had the following: Reporter - Apollo what made you decide to put on an exhibition fight with Drago? Apollo - Oh lets go with a sense of responsibility Now in new version Reporter - Apollo what made... (now before he can even get the full question out) Apollo - Oh let's go with a sense of responsibility Just one of the examples of the bad sound editing. It was the same with the commentator dialogue during the fight. A lot of it has been cut really badly. Lines like "Rocky Balboa has done the impossible" To me this was a very mixed bag. Like Rocky and Apollo's conversation whilst watching the Rocky 2 fight has been cut down severely and it has no flow and feels very unnatural now Cutting out pretty much all of Brigette Nielsen is really petty imo on Sly's part and really affects the movie. Such as now they no longer ask about steroids during the demonstration so when it shows the needle going into his arm it is no longer as effective as it once was. Like you I loved the funeral scene and I enjoyed pretty much all the new scenes even the one with Apollo and Rocky out front as it was just great spending more time with them (it's really the only additional moment with them in the whole movie so it helps it seem like they are closer). Cutting out things like the announcer introducing Apollo as 'Master of Disaster" and even cutting out the announcer introducing Rocky at the fight just baffles me. If you put the new scenes in the original cut of Rocky IV and maybe change some of the shots with Apollo's wife and Adrian's reaction during Living In America that would have been enough for me. Also the ending really fell flat to me with Rocky just walking back to the locker room. Especially when you take into account the opening of Rocky V. Ha sorry it sounds like I hated it, I didn't. Like I said a VERY mixed bag. Loved the new stuff, but just flabbergasted that he took out so much of the old stuff (even Rocky saying to Apollo "you forget something" before he puts in the mouthpiece). When really it didn't need THAT much tinkering

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Yeah I see that

[@lukesmale24]

@@TheKristianHarloff It is frustrating because I feel like an ultimate cut is still out there somewhere that takes the best of both worlds

[@bruce_leon1044]

Just watched it. I agree with everything you said. I like the new footage for the most part and this is definitely a more dramatic version of Rocky IV but some of the alternative takes he uses in replacement of the OG footage weren't always great choices for me. For example, I preferred the translators delivery in the OG version when he translates Rocky's "If I can change, and you can change, everybody can change" line, it's a little underwhelming in this version & had way more "oomph" originally (sorry, can't think of a better way of saying it). I wasn't a fan of Eye Of The Tiger closing out the movie either, I prefer Hearts On Fire. All in all, I still really liked this version and now I have an issue the next time I do a Rocky marathon, do I go OG or R Vs D?

[@TheKristianHarloff]

I think you can switch them out each time.

[@anthonytitone]

5:26 Bridget was likely removed because the criticism at the time was that she had a poor performance & Stallone only added her because they were dating, keeping or removing her was always gonna b a lose lose to some fans (if she’s in the movie it’s nepotism if she’s removed Stallone is a bitter ex) but I don’t really mind her removal & I like this cut more

[@masamune2984]

The only thing that could be better is if Kristian just named the channel “...What the fuck was that? So anyway...” That’s why I love this content, channel, etc. since the early Schmoes days...Kristian and crew lean into the real. Keep up the awesome work, Kristian. The constant name changes may make it hard to follow at times, but the content is SO good, I always make sure to find whatever the current version of the channel(s) is called 🙂👍

[@TheKristianHarloff]

This isn't really a name change. Still SEN, look at the banner SEN presents and the content is the same.

[@breauxcewayne1971]

I like what Stallone was trying to do but wish he would of took more time to properly finish it. He started this when the lockdown began and then when he wasn’t on lockdown anymore he went back to doing new movies. He then came back and finished his work on this version of Rocky 4. Seems to me like he didn’t fully complete his vision for this version. Some of the edits were abrupt. Between the 2 versions is the ultimate edition. One change I didn’t like was when Apollo dies it just goes straight to the funeral and the stare down between Rocky and Drago isn’t there. Also when Duke says Do It was better in the original. I agree with this review he should of just added the new stuff and not taken out so much of the original. The opening before the fight was a lot more realistic. The opening and ending of the fight were good. The middle of the fight was the exact same basically and I wish the middle of the fight would have been re-done. Overall it’s a good version that with a little better of an edit could of been great. Glad we got to see it.

[@breauxcewayne1971]

And the funeral is a lot better. Not sure why it was ever cut other than Stallone at the time being a bit insecure about his acting abilities? Dukes speech was great and what Rocky says in this version was a lot better than what he said in the original. I wish the soundtrack would of been updated. Same songs but just re-done with a more modern sound. The impact of Apollo’s death was felt more in this one. Stallone admitted he was always in a rush back then.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Totally agree. Some things were cut that didn't need to be cut

[@benharrison7855]

Only real annoyances is music being played during press conferences. Also No easy way out because boxing committee scene is stronger.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

I would like to see Ultimate cut with some of the stuff he lost with some of the new stuff

[@clubsteve4636]

loved 1 and 2 and they were so similar, it could have been one whole movie to me. 3 was my favorite....just because it had so much going on. it had some comic relief with thunderlips match (love that part!!) and also major drama with mickey dying and a great plot twist with apollo training him worked amazingly well. that one was kind of short as well but had equal amounts of drama. 4, on the other hand, was quick and music video-like, but it worked. the robot was cheesy, yes, but i think it showed a look into the future in relation to drago and brought some comic relief to the movie. saw the director's cut and i liked it but it was a little serious for my liking. i did like the emotion from rocky at the funeral...it made sense after how he cried at mick's death. all he add to do was add the dramatic scenes to what they already had with the original cut and it would have shown his true vision. i see stallone's reasoning on 4, especially with the success of the creed franchise, to make 4 more serious on par with creed 1 and 2 since there really was no cheese in those films. also, to show apollo's warrior-like mentality. i do know adonis was conflicted about apollo's death, one time blaming rocky and then another time saying maybe apollo died exactly like he wanted to (like a warrior). let's hope stallone releases a definitive director's cut with all the added scenes in addition to the original cut.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Would love it but I think he is pretty happy with this cut.

[@squall9930]

Pretty much agree with all your points, the oddest thing for me was how little Robert there was in the movie, i get wanting to focus on the friendship with Apollo but it felt really odd to me to diminish the father son dynamic that felt stronger before, definitely agree that he could’ve added without taking away at the same time. I think i helped myself by watched Creed right after though but i think that’d help whether it was the original cut or this one lol

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Yeah Creed links well into it!

[@sdprazak]

I think they cut the kid out at the end because the robot was in the room with him.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Ah

[@Reefism]

Sylvester Stallone said that he regrets killing Apollo Creed. He mentioned that Rocky 5 & 6 would've gone in completely different directions, story wise. Also that the Creed films may not have of happened. Man talk about a big what if. I even wonder if Cobra Kai would've have gotten made either. Did Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg use Creed as a reference to create Cobra Kai?

[@TheKristianHarloff]

He did, that doc was awesome.

[@AloisWeimar]

so no Happy Birthday Paulie scene ?

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Cut

[@Vulcanerd]

I’ve only ever seen the original and maybe I’m spoiling myself by watching these reviews, but a recurring theme I’ve been hearing about it is that Stallone cuts a little too much losing a lot of the pre-fight charm. At least fans can choose which to watch.

[@rubenestrada8435]

A lot of people are choosing Rocky IV over the directors cuz is because of nostalgia. I highly recommend you watch this version it fits in line with all the other rocky movies unlike the original.

[@Vulcanerd]

@@rubenestrada8435 Cool, thanks. I'll definitely give it a try.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Yeah I will go back and forth with what versions I watch

[@richardlevantino3119]

I saw this in the theaters back in November, and I enjoyed it very much. I do like it better than the original version. Still waiting for a 4k video release, but nothing has been announced. So I guess I will but it on Amazon Prime nd hold on to it that way.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

I have it on Apple

[@majesticj42]

I think Stallone took out some of Ms Nelson lines out to match her character in Creed II.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

I mean I guess

[@sebam9957]

where can i watch the movie? i don't find it anywhere!

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Apple, Amazon. Search Rocky VS Drago

[@sebam9957]

@@TheKristianHarloff thanks bro, you are right, but in my country Amazon hasn't Rocky haha, only in usa fuck!

[@matteobattaglia9929]

I liked it too. I explained it that I would watch the new version if I was doing a rocky marathon. It fits better. But if I just want to watch a fun nostalgia romp I’ll go with the original version.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Great points and now two versions!

[@goodtimetoner]

Rocky got a lot more credit for body shots to Drago ! The punch sounds were changed too ..the finale speech needed to stay

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Yeah good changes and some eh changes

[@ItchyGoomie]

Stallone just didn’t date Brigitte he was married to her. I never had a problem with the robot. I don’t know how many times over the years I have said in a robot voice “Happy Birthday Paulie.”

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Yeah I meant married, misspoke.

[@robertw8861]

My problem with new cut is it seems like he changed a lot of things just so he could use an alternative shot and not because there was anything wrong with the original version. The training montages for example, the originals were perfect, the new edits don't add anything or make any improvements, they're just re-editing for the sake of re-editing.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

I don't disagree

[@gazzoob6953]

Exactly!

[@scalzmoney]

He was married to Neilsen at the time. So he cut his ex-wife out of the movie. The driving montage just shows that he has access and ownership of ALL THE ROCKY MOVIES. It really strains my suspension of disbelief that he would be driving around thinking of all those things. That sequence could have been cut in half. Otherwise, I really liked the director's cut. It shows how much Stallone really wanted this to be a boxing movie. Mission accomplished.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

True

[@HEYitzED]

It was decent but I still prefer the theatrical cut.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Agree

[@Johnlindsey289]

What do you think of Ramboraph4life''s rant/review of this cut?

[@TheKristianHarloff]

NEver saw!

[@Johnlindsey289]

@@TheKristianHarloff kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpPPeoWwrbFjgaM

[@luvaboy772]

I'm gonna watch it today or tomorrow. I've always loved 'Rocky IV' even though it's tonally a different movie from the first 3. I'm interested to see what Stallone did with it.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Let me know what you think!

[@luvaboy772]

@@TheKristianHarloff Will do

[@TheCreepypro]

I was wondering how this would be the older I get the less this movie holds up so I'll watch this and maybe I'll like this new version better

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Let me know

[@Out-Cast75]

The OG is better. The one scene that I wish was in the OG cut was the funeral scene.

[@OLDTIME47]

@harloff, I know I'm late.... but name change from SEN to your name?

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Still SEN, look at banner. SEN presents. SEN is the overall brand. It will present both MTS and this channel.

[@michaeljeacock]

you're in LA, you know professional editors. give them both versions and a list of notes and they can cut you your perfect version lol.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Hahaha

[@adamj4887]

Paulie rubs Dukes head twice in the theatrical cut too

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Yes he does, more the reason to cut it in this one.

[@WOLFENCT]

Theatrical cut was much better. I was very excited for his DC revision, but feel it fell flat unfortunately. The first act especially felt very disjointed. The only plus I have is some of the montage scenes that was added. I think the final fight w/ Drago was better as it felt even more intense. But again, stick with the original. Still love ya Sly & I still am a huge fan of Rocky IV

[@dbreiden83080]

Have NOT seen it yet. But feels to me this has that Richard Donner Superman 2 cut vibe.. Some great new scenes but ultimately inferior to the Theatrical Cut..

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Wish they would have added things from OG cut with new stuff

[@dbreiden83080]

@@TheKristianHarloff When I saw the runtime was only 93 min my excitement for this instantly dropped. I thought Stallone was leaving in most of the Original Cut, Minus the robot, and simply expanding it with new footage for a cut that was around 2 hrs.. He could have done that..

[@Reefism]

I wouldn't mind seeing the original 2 hour cut of Cobra.

[@guypearson0]

Yes please.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Oh man me too

[@JamminOnThe1]

There was a more serious and somber tone to the movie. There was much more depth to Adrian and Rocky. I loved how he tweaked the end speech and didn’t scream the last line. Rocky seemed more humble and somber but he’s kind of a tragic figure. The guy goes through hell to win in and out of the ring.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Those things I also liked, just wished some stuff wasn't cut and that was added.

[@JamminOnThe1]

​@@TheKristianHarloff Yes. Also agree with you that cutting the kids watching the fight at home was great. Stallone wanted to take out the cheesy sentimentality.

[@rja8907]

I want the Cobra extended cut

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Me too

[@AustinTylerProductions]

Been waiting for this review to see if it’s worth buying

[@robertwild9447]

If you love the original version of Rocky 4 (including the infamous robot) you'll probably be disappointed by this new cut, besides the novelty of a few new scenes. If you have more mixed feelings on the original cut like I do, I think you'll see this cut as an improvement. But if you're a die hard Rocky fan in general, I'd highly recommend checking out this new cut. I definitely think it's worth it.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

I bought it for sure. Wanted to own both versions.

[@StultifiedGraphics]

Im not gonna hate on it, i know what he was trying to do in making it more serious plus i can always go back and watch the original. But i guess the one thing that was gone was a bit not a lot just a bit of the excitement of the original. Like the end with drago getting counted out and the kids counting with the ref. Then changing it to having no count out got rid of that goosebumps moment for me.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

He removed a lot of stuff that didn't need to get removed.

[@StultifiedGraphics]

@@TheKristianHarloff Love your work thanks for the reply.

[@mikerotonda6264]

Lets get 1 thing straight...... Drago fights to win for him!......FOR HIM!.. Dibbie ah sim da, dibbie ah sim da!!!!!

[@robertwild9447]

I agree that this new version does feel closer in tone to the Creed movies, which I really appreciate. I always liked rocky 4 fine as the fun, style over substance one. But it feels really jarring going from that to Creed. Rocky 4 always felt like the one that jumped the shark to me. With this new version, I think Stallone made the narrative stronger, especially in relation to the rest of the series.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Def closer to Creed

[@Bandana_Boi]

I really wish Sly would've cut the Russian crowd from turning on Drago and cheering Rocky. As soon as I heard "A few cheers now for Rocky Balboa!.." I really groaned. Worst part of the OG, not sure why that was left in.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Yeah not sure how he could fix that though

[@bez750]

The worst thing about rocky 4 was having a sentient, self aware robot😂😂

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Ha Stallone got rid of that shit fast

[@Anthonycheesman2024]

The start sound like Arnold doing a Stallone impression lol.as a kid rocky 4 always felt like the not so good version of 3 outside of the training montages nothing about it stuck with me but I'll give this one a shot. Creed 2 did more for drago as a character than 4 ever did.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Haha come onnnnnn

[@nrclpsy27]

Didn't love it, didn't hate it. It just felt strange. It felt like if Led Zeppelin pulled out a bunch of demos and made a 20 minute version of Stairway, then made a radio edit out of *that*. Missing a lyric here and there, cutting key riffs here and there. I noticed all the little differences and it took me out of the experience. Loved the new footage though. I get the reasons for the changes, I get that he only had what he had to work with, but in some cases the alternate takes of the same dialogue just felt more flat. Not dissing any performances, I can just see why the original version used the takes it did.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

I just wish he took the deleted scenes and added to the stuff that worked before. Instead of cut it.

[@nrclpsy27]

@@TheKristianHarloff One of the most surprising cuts for me was the Drago/Rocky stare down while he held Apollo.

[@stevequiroli401]

After credits should of bin the fight with drago that was cut from creed 2

[@TheKristianHarloff]

What was cut?

[@stevequiroli401]

@@TheKristianHarloff kzbin.info/www/bejne/in2qc3mHhL6oiMU Rocky and Drago had a fight in Creed 2 But they thought it would over shadow the final fight of the film, but when he announced A new cut for IV I thought maybe he was adding to it. Also love the new format your at your best just shooting the s%&t

[@stevewalls4701]

I found the new Director's Cut of Rocky IV pretty cool, mainly because of the never before seen footage. But .... this new cut is choppy and awkward. I personally think Sly should have left the movie exactly the way it was, and just added in some of the extra footage, along with alternate takes. Just my opinion.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Def is a bit jarring at times.

[@marianm2680]

I watched it in the cinema today and I enjoyed it also I noticed the same scene Paulie rubbing the head

[@TheKristianHarloff]

It is still avail in theaters?!

[@marianm2680]

@@TheKristianHarloff some Vue cinemas in the UK, one in Watford had one screening today with Q&A with Sly (prerecorded) and there’s one tomorrow.

[@catfishhornet]

Brigette nielsen got the shaft in this cut. Did she even have a speaking line? Didnt notice if she did

[@dbreiden83080]

She only got lines in 1985 because she was sleeping with Stallone..

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Thought her character got pushed aside for sure.

[@tmrevenge]

Apollo should have lasted 5 or 6 rounds imho. 4 rounds of good offense by Apollo. One back an forth and one more when he gets defeated.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

GOAT

[@fultron2611]

Fleshing out characters aside. Sly F'd the end fight with the editing and rearranging of the scene continuity. There are several shots used were Drago's eye is obviously cut before it was cut, took me out of it because that is a pivotal point in the fight showing that Rocky has a chance to win. You can also see a round 15 sign lit up in the rafters of the arena in round 1 or 2. To top it all off Sly uses a scene once the fight was finished that was probably him and Dolph out of character congratulating each other on the fight, MF killed Apollo but "great fight bro...". This was a mess of a cash grab, glad Sly could kill time during Covid to F his movie up.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

I noticed that as well with Drago's eye!

[@Dp_is_Op]

Harloff,just saw that kathleen Kennedy re upped herself with a new 3 year contract

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Yeah, well hopefully they redesign the film division.

[@flintybraz1]

I watched this last night. Gotta say I didn't love it. I know Rocky IV so well that I knew when they cut out half a sentence in a conversation from the original. The editing was a little jarring. Some of it unnecessary.

[@rja8907]

I hope he recuts staying alive & kristian & mark review it

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Haha please!

[@Vulcanerd]

I know I’m just some doofus commenting on your channel, but you’ve got great impressions. I’ve heard your Stallone and a bunch of others and I think they’re great. Not much of a point, just saying.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

That is very nice of you to say and you are not a doofus!! This is very nice and I appreciate it very much!!

[@JamalBernardPulliam]

In my opinion, the director's cut is better than the original cut.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Hey that is fair!

[@gargantuaism]

Unless I saw the wrong movie what he hell is everybody talking about as far as Drago being more "HUMAN?" WHERE?? What was different about his performance in this version? Also I thought he was going to take out some of those awful rock videos but they are all STILL THERE! Why on earth is there a rock song when they fly to Russia? Nice the robot is out.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Yeah there were more nods to Drago thinking for himself.

[@chadchesney3858]

Used to date??? Duuuude?? Are u a fan? They were MARRIED. Anyway I agree with most of your review.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Am I fan? hahhaha I need to know who people were married to to be a fan? The guy was married like 1000 times. I'll take you on in Rocky Trivia jack!

[@MrUnterward]

Used to date. They were married. Lol

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Ha right

[@TheOlympia75]

I hated rocky 4 but I loveeee this version.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Love to hear it

[@josephamato2031]

No love for rocky balboa Kristin 🤔🤔. That movie was great !

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Oh for sure. I like that one a lot but not in my favorite 3

[@Johnlindsey289]

I saw this cut and it's a very bland boring version of an already great sequel! I've been a fan of Rocky since i was 4 seeing the first 3 movies on video then seeing 4 in HBO in 1986 and been one of my fave sequels. This version Saps the energy, fun, and 80s-ness of the original cut. One example of just how 'out of touch' this cut is... Sweetest Victory was a song that I loved on the soundtrack. Oh wow, they are adding it back to the movie? Well.. This is the version they used, a crappy/inferior version: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYrXXqpvfa5omrs Instead of the Much Better Version from the original soundtrack: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWGnhYJmh96gjtE Some i'm saying i'm enjoying the original cut of Rocky 4 for nostalgia, but i know what Rocky IV is as it's one of my favorite sequels of all time since i saw it in theaters as a little kid and know it by heart. I know it can be silly and goofy, but to me it's part of the charm of what makes it's part of the film's personality to be unique and different. That's why i SINCERELY love it, and that's what makes this movie enjoyable. It's a shame it cuts out the robot, i thought the robot was fun as they made it to give it a comic book feel. Sadly...even Sly himself doesn't understand what made the 80s great.

[@TheKristianHarloff]

Fair