It's amazing what kind of magic can be worked on the floor of the editing room. I'm so glad Stallone put this masterpiece together. The story has been transformed from the weakest entry in the series (in my opinion) into one of the best by adding a depth to Rocky and Creed's relationship, de-jackass-ifying Rocky in the aftermath, and getting rid of that damned robot. Instead, the themes that are touched on in the original cut are much more fleshed out here. We understand the East v. West conflict a lot better, and the stakes of the fight. We understand Rocky's grief, and the motivations for both fighters to undertake the challenge of Drago (especially Creed). Overall superior in most ways, and well worth a watch.
Rocky IV: Rocky vs. Drago - The Ultimate Director's Cut
(2021 TV Special)
The definitive Rocky IV
10 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers