[Request] Rocky (1976) 1080i HDTV rips (open-matte))

[AngelEyes67]

I love Rocky (1976). I would love to find a version of this masterpiece in high quality in its original open-matte format. As far as I know, the original DVD as well as several LaserDiscs were released in this ratio. Subsequent releases, including the beautiful Blu-Ray and 4K home releases, have only been in the original 1.85:1 theatrical release. My only saving grace--and this is a real Hail Mary--is that it was perhaps aired on TV in the early 2000s in 1080i and uncropped. We were fortunate to have that happen with True Lies (1994) and the Matrix (1999) and others. Conspicuously, these releases were much close to the era of HDTV. Anyone have any clue of whether or not a movie from the Rocky-era would've been aired on HDTV?

Comparison by me of what the open-matte frames look like, sourced from an old trailer. I happen to think they look gorgeous.

P.S. I am new here--If there are more obvious resources for me to check out, please let me know. It looks like more discussion has been about finding the LaserDisc version for audio reasons.

[AngelEyes67]

Good news! I finally have a lead on a potential open matte HDTV broadcast.

The Bulgarian release group 4PLAY captured a 1080i version of the film, and it is encoded in x264. Unfortunately, there is currently only one seeder active on the entire network. Updates if he turns his computer on...

If I can find it, then I can sync my English Blu-ray or DVD audio to it. Exciting.