Apocalypse Now [Special Edition] [2 Discs] [Blu-ray] [1979]

Apocalypse Now is one of the great films of American cinema. Most people have only seen it on television or on well-worn videocassettes, more often than not the 35mm print. This DVD features the full 70mm film, with an absolutely first rate transfer. The picture is simply gorgeous and the remastered 5.1 Dolby Digital sound makes the battles more realistic and the jungle more eerie. The extras provided - excerpts from the theatrical program as well as footage of the Kurtz compound destruction (with commentary from Coppola) - add a richness to the film. If you are truly a fan of great films stop reading about this one and go see it! Coppolla's "Apocalypse Now Redux" is a real gem. The basic story flows vividly yet mysteriously up the river into the dark jungle. Coppolla, as you may have heard, adapted the story from Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" with the exception that H.O.D. is set in the African jungle based on a journey that Conrad took into the Upper Congo, then controlled by Belgium as a colony, whereas A.N. is set in the jungles of southeast Asia during the height of the Vietnam war. For Redux, Coppolla went back to the raw footage, or dailies, and re-edited the entire film from scratch. The added scenes enhance rather than detract from the film, I felt. The film is set during the Vietnam War, but it is more about the dark side of human nature, and also how those in power often try to twist and distort the truth to fit meet their own ends. Is there a "method" to Col. Kurtz's madness? See the film and decide for yourself. It is interesting to watch the profound transformation that Capt. Willard (Sheen's character) undergoes.

There is a reason this film is on AFI's list of great films, must view for those that haven't seen it and has the best version that is available on Blu Ray. My former instructor was a 2nd unit director on this film and the stories he told us about Martin Sheen when he was in his Charlie Sheen party days when they shot this really are apparent on the screen, Mr. Sheen actually had a mild heart attack early in the shooting. Martin Sheen and Marlon Brando turn in 2 of there best performances of all time and great cameo by Sterling Hayden.

This movie brings me back to my youth. Not only is this the last movie made with Marlon Brando but it also features an all star cast. Brando's performance is stellar & offers a final entertainment kick for his fans. Also Robert Duvall, Harrison Ford & many other young actors give a great performance that would launch their careers by getting some recognition, would go on to become distinguished actors in their own right. I am glad to see it finally available on Blu-Ray.

The Steelbook packaging itself very attractive with inside artwork and also on the back of the case itself, not pictured. Not much to say about the film, you'll love it or hate it. As I've gotten older, I have moved into the Love-it camp, After purchasing this I bought The Full Disclosure Edition which includes 3 Blu-rays and the Feature Length Making-of Documentary "Heart of Darkness". For the casual fan this Steelbook will make an excellent edition to your Blu-ray collection.

I love this movie, its one of the best ever made. But if you buy this steel book you should know it doesn't come with any special features besides a commentary from Coppola, and it also comes with a uv copy. If you're really interested in special features then get the three disk version, but if you don't care or just want a really good looking steel book then get this version. The pq and sound are amazing on this blu ray transfer.

This great film gets a great release. The Blu-ray is first-rate, and there's plenty of special features throughout. It even includes both the theatrical and Redux versions of the film. The set includes many of the older features (such as Coppola's awesome commentary) along with new content for this release. And finally the amazing "Hearts of Darkness" documentary has been included. It's easily one the of best Blu-ray releases ever.

Get this Blu-ray while it lasts. A Best Buy exclusive, this features both the original and the "redux" versions of the film, and both are classics. The only thing this Blu-ray lacks, however, is special features: in particular, the making-of documentary "Hearts of Darkness". But for the price, this is still a great deal, and even includes an UltraViolet digital download. Check it out if you can.

Apocalypse Now is a 1979 American epic adventure war film set during the Vietnam War, produced and directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall and Martin Sheen. The film follows the central character, Captain Benjamin L. Willard (Sheen), on a secret mission to assassinate the renegade and presumed insane Colonel Walter E. Kurtz (Brando).