Category: Rocky

Limited Edition Rocky Figures and More!

Craig / / 2006, Rocky, Rocky 2, Rocky 3, Rocky 4, Rocky 5, Rocky Balboa

Jeremy Padawer, head of Entertainment Marketing for Jakks Pacific checked in to remind SZoners about the cool line of “Rocky” figures that are they’re producing.

Here’s what Jeremy had to say:

We’re producing the Rocky action figure line – literally manufacturing and marketing practically every important character from the Rocky movies.

Including: Rocky, Adriane, Mick, Paulie, Thunderlips, Roberto Duran, Joe Frasier, Mike Tyson (cameo Rocky Balboa), and 30+ others.

I’m running a promotion on my personal website – http://www.jeremy.com.

Basically, we did a 1:50 Pre-Production Rocky Balboa bronzed figure in a polybag packaging for 2006 NYC Licensing Show. We’re going to follow up with a 1:1000 bronze figure in regular Rocky packaging that we give away on the streets of Philadelphia in late August!

I’m really looking forward to the release of these figures! Check out Jeremy’s Blog for full details and news about other cool products!

– Craig Zablo [July 6, 2006]

Everlast “Rocky” Equipment

Craig / / 2006, Rocky, Training

On June 20, 2006, Everlast Worldwide Inc. announced a licensing agreement with MGM Consumer Products to produce Everlast/Rocky sporting goods and a toy collection to include youth boxing equipment, heavy bags and inflatables.

Set to launch in October of this year to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the original “Rocky” film and the December 22nd release of “Rocky Balboa”, the Everlast/Rocky products will be available at select retailers and online stores. Everlastplans a comprehensive marketing strategy that will include special events, retail promotions, direct mail and cross-promotions featuring all six of the “Rocky” motion pictures and more. Consumer prices for Everlast’s/Rocky merchandise will range from $15 to $60.

Representatives from both Everlast and MGM expressed great excitement about this joint venture. Seth Horowitz, Chairman, President and CEO of Everlast Worldwide, announced, “This license agreement unites two icons, namely the beloved Rockycharacter with Everlast, one of the sporting world’s preeminent brands. The Rockycharacter brings to life Everlast‘s key brand attributes – toughness, durability, and staying power.” Travis Rutherford, executive vice president of MGM Consumer Products and Location Based Entertainment, added, “We are elated to be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the “Rocky” franchise and the release of the new Rocky Balboa film,” said . “This co-branded initiative with Everlast will bring a new offering of high-quality products to sports and boxing enthusiasts and Rocky fans through all generations.”

For more details click HERE. – Craig

– Craig

Sly and Butkus!

Craig / / 2006, Celebs, Rocky

Sly will be featured in a new book titled Men & Dogs: A Personal History From Bogart to Bowie by Judith Watt and Peter Dyer. The book features photos and anecdotes from 80 of the world’s “most famous and fascinating men” from all walks of life, past and present are included. Sylvester Stallone, George Armstrong Custer, Muhammad Ali, Clint Eastwood, Clark Gable, Gregory Peck, Bob Hope, Ian Fleming, Truman Capote, and Paul McCartney are just a some of the men included.

Here’s some of Sly’s entry: – Sylvester Stallone, cuddling with his briard (1994): A nearly broke Stallone was on the verge of giving away his longtime friend Butkus, a bull mastiff, when he sold the script for “Rocky.” Butkus not only got to stay, Sly even cast him in the movie. The actor continues to keep dogs, as does his mother, who claims that dogs “have clairvoyant powers. They predicted George W. Bush’s election victories in 2000 and 2004.“

For more on the book, click HERE. – Craig

A Brief Word with Sly

Craig / / 2006, Rocky

The June 15, 2006 issue of The Las Vegas Sun posted John Katsilometes‘ brief interview with Sly who was in town to accept his award at the CineVegas film festival. As he was heading down the red carpet for a special screening of “Rocky”, Sly said,”The story of ‘Rocky’ is that everyone, no matter what walk of life you are from, wants a shot at the golden ring – to fail or succeed, but to have a chance to prove themselves based on their own abilities.”

For the full report, click HERE. – Craig

“Rocky” Honored Again!

Craig / / 2006, Honors, Rocky

On June 14, 2006 the American Film Institute announced it’s list of the 100 most inspirational films of all time. The announcement was made in conjunction with AFI’s 100 Years…100 Cheers special aired on CBS. A jury composed of 1,500 film artists, critics and historians made the selections.

“Rocky” came in at #4!

For the full report, click HERE. – Craig

PS – You can also read about it HERE. Thanks to Wes Bennett for the tip!

Exclusive Photos from Sage Stallone

Craig / / 2006, Celebs, Family, Rocky, Sage

Sage Stallone, Sly‘s oldest son, and a talented actor, writer and director in his own right, recently checked in with some photos that he thought SZoners might enjoy. They were taken by his mother, Sasha Stallone.

Sasha, Sly‘s first wife, is an accomplished photographer. Many fans will know her from her photos of Sly which appeared in books, magazines and even posters back in the day.

This is a shot of Sly and Rocky producer, Irwin Winkler, taken in 1976.

Sage writes that this photo was taken by Sasha on the streets of New York City before Rocky!

Sage writes that this photo was taken “way before Rocky…  dad was writing “Poe”… and posing as Poe!”

Sage goes on to say, “Mom tells me this was taken at Bloomingdales in ‘71!

I want to thank Sasha Stallone for allowing us access to the rare photographs from her personal collection.  Most fans know that Sasha was Sly’s first wife and the mother of his two sons, Sage and Seargeoh.  Sasha and Sly were together years before “Rocky” made him an international superstar.

Sly has always credited Sasha with being totally supportive in his quest to make it as actor / writer / director. Not only did Sasha type his scripts, but when they were nearly broke and she was pregnant with Sage, Sasha totally supported Sly‘s decision to turn down hundreds of thousands of dollars to sell the “Rocky” script and let someone else take the starring role.

Sasha‘s photographs have appeared in national magazines, books, and posters. Sasha occasionally acts. She most recently took a role in Sage‘s film “Vic” where she also served as set photographer.

 

I want to thank Sage Stallone for allowing us access to the rare photographs from his family’s personal collection.

Most fans know Sage as Sly‘s real-life son or as Rocky‘s kid from “Rocky V.” What many people forget is “Rocky V” was released 16 years ago! Sage is now a young man,  about the age that Sly was when he made “Rocky.”

In addition to acting, Sage is also a writer, director and  co-founder of Grindhouse Releasing. His short film “Vic” will be on the festival circuit this year.

I’m hoping to interview Sage in the near future, so if you have any questions you’d like to throw his way, e-mail me  and you may get your answers!

I’ll also keep SZoners updated on which festivals Sage will be attending so that we can go out and support his efforts.

Thanks again to Sage and Sasha Stallone! – Craig

“Rocky” Makes All-Time Greatest Screenplay List

Craig / / 2006, Honors, Rocky

“Rocky” Makes All-Time Greatest Screenplay List

In 2005, ballots were sent out asking all Writers Guild of America members to list up to ten of their favorite produced screenplays. Any film [past, present, or foreign language or otherwise] was eligible. The resulting list featured films from every decade from the 30’s on, films with big name stars that achieved blockbuster status as well as little films that went largely unnoticed by the masses. The one thing that they did have in common was a great screenplay.

“Rocky” made the list. It came in at 78. Quite an honor for a little film written by a then unknown Sylvester Stallone.

To see the list click HERE.

.Thanks to Wes for the tip. – Craig

Gerardo Moreno’s Rocky and Rambo DVD Packages!

Craig / / 2006, First Blood, Rambo 2, Rambo 3, Rocky, Rocky 2, Rocky 3, Rocky 4, Rocky 5, Sly Fan

Gerardo Moreno checked in to the SZ with pics of his design work for a Rocky and Rambo dvd packages sold
overseas.

If you’d like to see more of Gerardo’s work; he specializes in illustrations [traditional and digital], graphic design,  as well as sculpture and photography; then check out his website and tell him I sent you! – Craig

“Rocky” USA Weekends’ Best Sports Movie

Craig / / 2006, Honors, Rocky

Rocky Balboa Teaser Hits the Net

The March 3-5, 2006 issue of USA Weekend contained an article called “Our Oscars go to…” USA Weekend opened the article with: “We asked our experts for their picks for Best Movie in the categories that you really care about, from sport and food to romance and pets.” As you’d probably guess, “Rocky” won for Best Sports Movie. Here’s what was said:

BEST SPORTS MOVIE
Rocky (1976)
The Judge: Jorge Cruise, FitSmart

OK, this one might seem a little cliche. But I think there’s a reason Rocky won for best picture: Everyone can relate! It’s about personal struggle, being the underdog and fighting the odds, which is how many people feel when they’re trying to lose weight or get fit. The fact that he doesn’t win makes it even more relatable.

Rocky makes another “Best Movie” list thirty years after it’s release! – Craig