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40 Years of Rocky: The Birth of a Classic

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40 Years of Rocky: The Birth of a Classic
Film poster
Directed byDerek Wayne Johnson
Written byDerek Wayne Johnson
Based onRocky
Produced by
  • Derek Wayne Johnson
  • Chris May
  • Emmett James
Starring
Narrated by
  • Sylvester Stallone
Music byGreg Sims
Production
company
Cinema 83
Distributed by
  • MGM/Epix
  • Branded Studios
  • Virgil Films
Release date
  • June 9, 2020 (2020-06-09)
Running time
30 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

40 Years of Rocky: The Birth of a Classic, also known as Becoming Rocky: The Birth of a Classic, is a 2020 American short documentary film directed by Derek Wayne Johnson about the making of the original Rocky.[1]

Story

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The film tells the story of Sylvester Stallone and the creation of the first Rocky film when he was an unknown actor. It is narrated by Sylvester Stallone as he takes the audience through rare and never-before-seen home movies, rehearsal footage and behind the scenes footage, giving insight into how the low budget fan-favorite film was made.[2]

Cast

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The film is narrated by Stallone with archive footage starring the Rocky cast, including Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers and Burgess Meredith.[3]

Production

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Talking about the making of the film, Johnson describes how the series of events conspired that meant he was hand picked by Stallone to create this documentary.[4]

Distribution

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40 Years of Rocky: The Birth of a Classic was originally acquired by MGM for their streaming platform Epix, but has also been subsequently released on Transactional Video on Demand platforms Amazon and iTunes in the US and Canada by Virgil Films and as Becoming Rocky: The Birth of a Classic internationally by Branded Studios.[5][6]

Reception

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References

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  1. ^ Buick, Chris (June 6, 2020). "Becoming Rocky Documentary Film Review". UK Film Review.
  2. ^ Alexander, Bryan (June 8, 2020). "'40 Years of Rocky': Sylvester Stallone's best revelations in the new documentary". USA Today.
  3. ^ Evans, Nick (April 10, 2019). "Sylvester Stallone Previews 40 Years Of Rocky Documentary". Cinema Blend.
  4. ^ "Sylvester Stallone Fan Podcast Network: Going The Distance - Derek Wayne Johnson Interview". goingthedistance.libsyn.com.
  5. ^ Lang, Brent (November 13, 2019). "MGM Buying '40 Years of Rocky' to Air on Epix (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Penske Media Corporation.
  6. ^ George, Maya (June 1, 2020). "Christchurch company to release new Rocky documentary to worldwide audience". Bournemouth Echo.
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