IGN has the scoop on the full release details for the
Apocalypse Now Blu-ray, and they include two welcome surprises. Firstly,
Hearts of Darkness, the acclaimed documentary on the grueling shoot of Francis Ford Coppola's classic (included only in the
Full Disclosure Edition), will be presented in high-definition 1080p resolution. Secondly, both cuts of
Apocalypse Now will be presented in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1.
The framing of
Apocalypse Now has been the object of a long controversy. The film was shot on Super Technovision (anamorphic 35mm), which has a projected aspect ratio of 2.35:1 (actually, 2.39:1). However, all of the DVD releases of the movie have been in a modified aspect ratio of 2.00:1. Back in 1999, two of the producers of the movie
confirmed
that it was cinematographer Vittorio Storaro's decision that "for home video + broadcast, he would transfer the film with a slightly modified framing: 2.0:1." Hence, this BD release of
Apocalypse Now is the first release (including the LaserDisc) to sport the original theatrical aspect ratio.
Contents include:
2-Film Set
- Apocalypse Now - 1979 Cut
- Apocalypse Now Redux
- "A Conversation with Martin Sheen" interview by Francis Ford Coppola
- "An Interview with John Milius" interview by Francis Ford Coppola
- Complete Francis Ford Coppola interview with Roger Ebert at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival
- Monkey Sampan "lost scene"
- Additional Scenes
- "Destruction of the Kurtz Compound" end credits with audio commentary by Francis Ford Coppola
- "The Hollow Men," video of Marlon Brando reading T.S. Eliot's poem
- Featurettes:
- The Birth of 5.1 Sound
- Ghost Helicopter Flyover sound effects demonstration
- A Million Feet of Film: The Editing of Apocalypse Now
- The Music of Apocalypse Now
- Heard Any Good Movies Lately? The Sound Design of Apocalypse Now
- The Final Mix
- Apocalypse Then and Now
- The Color Palette of Apocalypse Now
- PBR Streetgang
- The Color Palette of Apocalypse Now
- The Synthesizer Soundtrack" article by music synthesizer inventor Bob Moog
Full Disclosure Edition
Like the 2-Film Set above, plus:
- Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse
- Optional audio commentary with Eleanor and Francis Ford Coppola
- 48-page collectible printed booklet with special note from Francis Ford Coppola, never-before-seen archives from the set, behind the scenes photos and more
- John Milius Script Excerpt with Francis Ford Coppola Notes
- Storyboard Gallery
- Photo Gallery, including images from photographer Mary Ellen Mark
- Marketing Archive