Release Date: March 1, 2016
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 133 Minutes

Adonis Johnson (Jordan) never knew his famous father, world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed, who died before he was born. Still, there’s no denying that boxing is in his blood, so Adonis heads to Philadelphia, the site of Apollo Creed’s legendary match with a tough upstart named Rocky Balboa. Once in the City of Brotherly Love, Adonis tracks Rocky (Stallone) down and asks him to be his trainer. Despite his insistence that he is out of the fight game for good, Rocky sees in Adonis the strength and determination he had known in Apollo—the fierce rival who became his closest friend. Agreeing to take him on, Rocky trains the young fighter, even as the former champ is battling an opponent more deadly than any he faced in the ring.

With Rocky in his corner, it isn’t long before Adonis gets his own shot at the title…but can he develop not only the drive but also the heart of a true fighter, in time to get into the ring?

*****

If for some reason you still have yet to see Creed, the movie released on blu-ray & DVD this week so now’s the time to get your copy because you want this in your movie library. When I was younger, I saw the Rocky movies and while I didn’t necessarily gravitate towards them like so many others, the message that has always stuck with me is that of hard work, perseverance, and fearlessness. The message rings strong in the latest movie of the franchise, making this one to watch no matter your love for the sport.

Creed is led by Michael B. Jordan who is captivating in every role, this role as Adonis no exception. He commits to his characters 100% and that is what makes him such a standout talent. Tessa Thompson is just as enthralling as a strong, independent woman, Bianca who is just as driven in her own career goals and just as supportive as Adonis is to her. These two characters fit perfectly together and the dynamic here truly was mesmerizing.

Everything about this story, these characters, and the visuals was just right. You will feel an immense amount of emotions while watching, I know I did. I knew Creed would satisfy but I did not expect it to be as compelling as it was for no other reason than I thought the sports aspect would distract me from zoning in on the heart of the story. But that’s part of what makes the heart beat and looking back, I can’t believe I ever doubted how far this viewing experience would take me.

Creed is wholeheartedly a passion project and it bleeds through the screen in every shot and I love it even more because of that. Because it breathes the same air that Sylvester Stallone does when he’s behind a project and that was so important to see. For Stallone not to just be in front of the screen but for the tone to be set and boy, those expectations were exceeded, I think. Simply put, Creed is a standout film, one of the best I’ve seen in a long time. So whether you’ve yet to see or have seen it and loved it, now’s the time to get your copy.

Special Features:

Know the Past, Own the Future (14:49 minutes) – This feature is the bridge between the Rocky movies that we know and love and the latest, Creed which has solidified its place in the Rocky franchise. We hear from cast and crew who discuss bringing this story back to life and the significance this story continues to have over generations. A feature like this couldn’t be complete without talking about what makes this movie, this world so authentic as we hear from boxing pros and the like. Wonderful feature, definitely worth the watch.

Appearing in This Feature:
Director & Co-Writer, Ryan Coogler
Producers, Irwin Winkler, Charles Winkler, Bill Chartoff, David Winkler
Ring Announcer, Michael Buffer
Mixed Martial Arts Fighters, Miesha Tate, Chuck Liddell
Professional Boxers, Andre Ward, Gabriel Rosado, Tony Bellew
Boxing Trainer & Former Professional Boxer, Freddie Roach
Cast Members, Sylvester Stallone, Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad

Becoming Adonis (5:46 minutes) – This is a very brief feature that focuses on the physical training that Michael B. Jordan had to do in order to get in shape for the role of Adonis and what it was like shooting the scenes in the ring. Talk about hard work and dedication. Truly phenomenal the transformation he took on for this, over a year in the making.

Appearing in This Feature:
Director & Co-Writer, Ryan Coogler
Fitness Professional, Corey Calliet
Stunt Coordinator, Clayton J. Barber
Cast Members, Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone

Deleted Scenes (19:36 minutes) – There are 11 deleted scenes on the special features. For me, deleted scenes are hit or miss and I’m happy to say that these are hits. I really enjoyed the deleted scenes, especially since I felt like I got even more of the Creed story, so I can only imagine most of these were cut for time and a matter of more seamless storytelling. But the deleted scenes are definitely worth the watch.

Own CREED on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, or Digital HD today.