Rocky IV returning to cinema with extra 40 minutes in director’s cut version

"I must break you."

We will start with this - if Rocky IV is not in your Top 2 of Rocky movies, we may fall out. The 1985 film was the fourth in the Rocky Balboa series and pitted the eponymous hero from Philadelphia (played by Sylvester Stallone) against Russian destroyer Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren). Balboa gives up his world title and, against the wishes of his wife, heads to Russia to avenge his fallen friend, Apollo Creed. The movie itself is montage heavy and features an incredible scene where Rocky out-runs a vehicle carrying K.G.B agents, in the show, before pegging up a snow-capped captain and bellowing 'DRAGO!!!' Anyone that is familiar with that film will not be surprised to hear that some scenes were cut out for the sake of brevity and keeping a steady pace (hence the montages). Anyone that loves Rocky IV will be thrilled, then, to learn that an extended version is coming to cinema screens, next month. 'Rocky V. Drago: The Ultimate Director’s Cut' is set to be screened on November 11 across the United States, while there may be additional screenings - depending on demand - across the globe. The movie was directed by Stallone himself, and he always wanted to go back and add to it, especially when it comes to the finale fight itself. Rocky V. Drago will feature 40 more minutes of never-before-seen footage. A release announcing the screenings reads:

'The fight scenes are more intense, the music is more powerful and the drama is heightened as world heavyweight champion Rocky Balboa must defend his title once again, this time against his most formidable opponent: Ivan Drago.'

The feature itself will also include a Q&A with Stallone himself and some behind-the-scenes footage of when the movie was being made. MGM and Fathom promotions are behind the November 11 one-night-only theatrical screenings while the extended version will be available to rent from November 12. To get you in the mood, here is a trailer for the director's cut edition: "He's not a machine! He's a man!"

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