Review of Apocalypse Now Redux

Introduction

"The Deer Hunter", "Full Metal Jacket", "Platoon", "Born on the Fourth of July". Those are just four of the myriad of films that have been conceived about the Vietnam War. But perhaps the quintessential Vietnam War film is Francis Ford Coppola`s "Apocalypse Now", based on the book by Joseph Conrad, "Heart of Darkness".

Martin Sheen in Captain Benjamin Willard (Martin Sheen), a deeply troubled American soldier based in Saigon. The rigours of war having taken an extreme toll on Willard, so much so that it is evident that he cannot go back to a "normal" way of life. He spends his days in his room in Saigon, his brain awash with the horrors that he has experienced, and the liquor that he uses to suppress it. After a particularly bad experience where he hallucinates that his air fan is actually the blades of a helicopter, he is taken from his hideaway by two fellow soldiers, who take him to meet US Army commanders. The commanders inform him of the story Colonel Walter E. Kurtz (Marlon Brando), whom it seems has succumbed to similar rigours of war. Kurtz, however, has instead commandeered an army of loyal followers who will do anything he commands. Willard`s mission is simple: "terminate" the command of Kurtz - "terminate, with extreme prejudice".

First released to cinema in 1979, and then to DVD in 1999, the version of the film under review here is entitled "Apocalypse Now Redux" (2001), which in truth is just a fancy name for Director`s Cut. 49 minutes of extra footage have been added by Coppola, including the much-fabled French Plantation scene, which was stripped entirely from the original version of the film.

Video

Video is presented in the unique aspect ratio of 2.00:1, and is 16:9 enchanced. It is also, of course, PAL. According to American Zoetrope, Coppola`s own production company, the original theatrical release was a 2.35:1 presentation, and Coppola - in conjunction with original cinematographer Vitorio Storaro - has made this amendment to 2.00:1 so that viewers will be able to experience a slightly "taller" image, whilst losing very little from each side. Whilst this has caused much controversy, since "Redux" is basically a Director`s Cut version of the film, I have no problem with Coppola making changes; this is his vision of the film and that is the essence of any Director`s Cut. Although don`t forward that opinion to any fans of "Blade Runner".

Away from this issue, this is a glorious transfer which is noticeably better than the original DVD release. In particular, the colours are remarkably vivid considering this film is 25 years old. As an example, in the opening scene with Willard, as he looks out the window onto the streets of Saigon, we are met with a stunning arrangement of bright colours which will make you glad that you can now buy movies on disc rather than tape. The film was released in 1979, so of course there is going to be some grain on the transfer, but this issue is beyond minor, and frankly I can`t imagine how this transfer could be improved upon.

Audio

Audio is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and is superb, especially in the context of the age of the film. Many people are familiar with the Coppola`s use of The Doors` "The End", which blends so spectacularly with the opening images. It sounds fabulous here too, of course. Clearly, a lot of effort has gone into this 5.1 mix, as the surround channels are used heavily - beware of those helicopters seemingly over-head!

Some viewers may find, in the most action-packed sequences of the film, that the sound effects get a little in the way of the dialogue, but this is another creative choice by Coppola, trying to put across the fact that during these strikes, totally chaos ensued. Even such a legendary filmmaker, however, cannot legislate for the mumblings of Brando, and there are certainly some scenes in the Kurtz compound where you will require the use of the subtitles.

There is only one alternative language track, which is Italian Dolby Digital 5.1.

Features

The only extra present is a theatrical trailer, which notably is for the "Redux" version, and not for the original 1979 film. They haven`t put much effort into this trailer in terms of video quality, as it looks awful compared to the actual film transfer.

Conclusion

I won`t hide my opinion that Apocalypse Now is the greatest Vietnam war film ever made. I feel justified in saying that, even though it would be virtually impossible to study them all at such great length.

Francis Ford Coppola once described this film not just as a film about war, but as a film about going into a personal hell. And, during filming, so it came to pass: Martin Sheen had a heart attack (whilst only in his mid-30s). The helicopters borrowed from the Philippines` government often left the set, without notice, to battle rebel forces. Shooting took 16 months instead of the projected 17 weeks. And Francis Coppola lost over 100lbs in weight, had a nervous breakdown, two extra-marital affairs, and threatened suicide. I could go on, but there are quite literally entire books that are devoted to the subject.

In any case, whether or not it was due the circumstances that beset the film, the acting performances here are excellent. Martin Sheen is superb as the army Captain who ponders what could possibly have happened to the mind of the over-achieving Colonel Kurtz. Frederic Forrest (unrecognisable from his role in Coppola`s "The Conversation"), Sam Bottoms, Albert Hall, and a 14-year-old Laurence Fishburne are all very good in guise of Willard`s boat-mates as they make their way towards Kurtz`s compound. Dennis Hopper is excellent in his role as an American photojournalist who is enchanted by Kurtz`s apparent intellect. And Brando is very good - although this opinion is not shared by many others - as the tired, mumbling Colonel-cum-philosopher who has been struck by "the horror".

The excellent acting is equalled by the superb cinematography of the film, with some beautiful, picturesque camera shots, contrasting the beauty of Vietnam with the horror of the war.

The music of the film is another triumph. I have already mentioned the use of the The Doors` "The End", and the Rolling Stones` "Satisfaction" is also used to great effect. However, the most lasting musical memory of the film - for me, at least - is the spectacular helicopter scene with Lieutenant Kilgore (Robert Duvall), which plays to the sounds of Wagner`s "Ride of the Valkyries". Truly one of the great moments in film.

Before summarising I must comment on the comparisons between "Redux" and the original cut of the film. With 49 extra minutes added into the film, taking its length up to a hefty 194 minutes, there are going to be some who prefer the much quicker pace of the original. That is fair, as the film is certainly slower with the extra scenes incorporated. However, I feel that "Redux" adds a tremendous amount to the character of Willard that you simply do not get from the original. Also, the story of Lieutenant Kilgore is expanded, with hilarious results. The only area that I question this version of the film, is in the restored French Plantation scene. Whilst it does have its merits in explaining some of the history - "You Americans fight for the biggest nothing in history" - of the war, at over 20 minutes in does push into tedium.

All in all, though, this is a superb film which is an absolute must to anyone interested in this genre. The DVD itself is also excellent, although with a behind-the-scenes story like this film has, the lack of a 2-disc set is criminal.