Apocalypse Now Blu-ray Review

• 8th Jun 2011

Finally the long wait is over. Ever since the Redux version appeared on DVD a decade ago – fans of this epic have been waiting for an edition that included the original cut along with the magnificent Hearts of Darkness: A Filmaker’s Apocalypse documentary.

But it doesn’t stop there. Not only do you get a pristinely beautiful transfer of both editions of the film in this Blu-ray package along. There is also the director’s commentary for the film. And this represents the best of disc one.

The second disc houses a vast array of bonus features. There are two hour interviews. One with Coppola and Sheen, the other with Coppola and writer John Milius. There is various behind the scenes videos on different aspects of the film including: rehearsals, sound, editing, helicopter sequence and soundtrack. There is also a look at the Redux in Cannes ten years ago. And there is even a radio recording of Orson Welles and the Mercury theatre reading from the original book.

The third disc comprises the documentary (which also comes with a commentary from the Coppolas) along with a collection of photography, Marketing tools and script excerpts. The documentary – while not even remotely recent is still a gripping watch as you watch all manner of problems rise for Coppola to tackle, not least his main actor suffering a heart attack mid-shoot!

There is literally no stone unturned for this edition. The interviews with Sheen and particularly Milius are very telling of the creative process. The smaller featurettes do occasionally have repetitive archive footage, but they are no less impactful for the content they are delving into.

It’s about time we had this edition and the wait was worth it. The film itself is just gorgeous to look at. Whether you prefer the longer cut compared to the original up to the viewer. Both versions are of a five star rating, one just happens to be 50 odd minutes longer that the other.

Steven Hurst