Almost 50 years ago, Sylvester Stallone made his breakthrough to global stardom with the boxing drama Rocky. In collaboration with “Sly”, the book “Rocky. The Complete Films” collects the entire Rocky saga.
First, take a quick look at the “Rocky” book for a rough overview. But then, just a few pages later, you are already immersed in the material. The heavyweight (the book weighs over three kilograms) immediately casts a spell over the reader. It’s as if you’re right back in the middle of the Rocky saga. Head cinema – the legendary films come to life again.
How it all began. Numerous details everywhere, in words and pictures. Because “Rocky. The Complete Films” shows original film scenes and plenty of making-of material from the shoot. A photo feast for Rocky fans. Then, on page 20: a picture with Rocky and Mr. Gazzo. The loan shark reads his far too soft bill collector the riot act: “From now on, you do what I tell you, because it damages my reputation, you understand?” (An iconic movie snippet, the book contains many of them.
“Rocky. The Complete Films” skillfully reproduces many film scenes, and it’s hard to stop leafing through and reading the 320 pages. In addition, a foreword by Sylvester Stallone and a number of interviews he gave during his career provide background information on the characters and facts of the legendary film series. On the final pages, a lavish poster gallery – from Rocky (1976) to Rocky Balboa (2006) – rounds off the XXL work.
“Rocky. The Complete Films” is not a superficial quick-fire work with hastily compiled images, but the attention to detail is evident on every single page. At 75 euros, the English-language book has a hefty price tag, but for fans and collectors of the Rocky saga, it is certainly worth the money.
Text: Frank Schwantes
Rocky. The Complete Films
Hardcover, 25 x 34 cm, 3.08 kg, 320 pages
Illustrated by: Sylvester Stallone
Publisher: Paul Duncan
Language: English
Price: 75.00 euros
ISBN: 978-3-8365-9919-1
Published by: Verlag Taschen
