![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.filmdetail.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/Martin-Sheen-in-Apocalypse-Now.jpg\" "\\"Martin")
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One of the greatest films of the 1970s gets a worthy Blu-ray release which ranks amongst the finest ever in the format.<\/p>\n
The reputation of Francis Ford Coppola\u2019s Vietnam War<\/a> drama has enhanced considerably since its release in 1979 and it looks stunning in this restored version, which includes the original cut, the 2001 redux version<\/a> and Hearts of Darkness<\/a>, the 1991 documentary about the making of the film.<\/p>\n Part of the joy of seeing Apocalypse Now<\/strong> in high-definition is that the original film set new standards for visual and audio presentation, whilst at the same time remaining a relevant story about the corrosive horrors of war.<\/p>\n It really is a case of new technology reminding you of the brilliance of a timeless classic.<\/p>\n The pristine high-definition transfer was personally overseen by Coppola and it isn\u2019t an exaggeration to say that it almost looks like a contemporary release.<\/p>\n Presented at long last in the film\u2019s original aspect ratio of 2.35:1, the 1080p image is stunning and the details and colours look sublime.<\/p>\n The film is rightly famous for its pioneering approach to audio and the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is simply on another level.<\/p>\n Coppola and Walter Murch essentially pioneered what would become known as 5.1 sound with Apocalypse Now and the use of sound in the film is astonishing.<\/p>\n The masterful blend of helicopter rotors with hotel fans in the opening sequence and the innovative synthesised score by Carmine Coppola are just some of the aural elements that are presented on the lossless audio track with sparkling fidelity.<\/p>\n Aside from the quality of the film and its HD presentation, this 3-disc package comes with an abundance of extras, which break down as follows.<\/p>\n DISC ONE<\/strong><\/p>\n Two versions of the film are included on disc one: the original 1979 theatrical cut<\/strong> (2h 27m) and Apocalypse Now Redux<\/strong> (3h 16m).<\/p>\n Although the Redux cut is interesting I much prefer the original theatrical cut, which has more punch and narrative drive.<\/p>\n My advice is to watch the original version before viewing the Redux edition, as it does contain some interesting scenes, notably a lengthy sequence on a plantation and a different introduction to Col. Kilgore (Robert Duvall).<\/p>\n Coppola recorded a separate commentary for each edition and they are worth listening to as he describes his reasons for excluding the scenes which were later inserted into the Redux edition.<\/p>\n DISC TWO<\/strong><\/p>\n Most of the extras are found on this and although some of it has appeared on previous DVD editions, Coppola has recorded three special interviews especially for this release.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.filmdetail.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/Apocalypse-Now-Blu-ray-Cover.jpg\" "\\"Apocalypse")
<\/a>Long-time fans of the film will geek out at so many of the memorable set-pieces such as the opening, the helicopter attack set to Wagner and the climax but a younger generation of viewers used to CGI-fuelled epics might also find the film a revelation.<\/p>\n\n