APOCALYPSE NOW 4K UHD Blu-Ray Review - 3 disc & 6 disc sets
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- čas přidán 23. 06. 2021
- Review of the 4K disc release of Apocalypse Now. Based on the 3 disc 'Final Cut' version but also includes the 6 disc set that includes the 1979 original release of the film and the 2001 'Redux'. Earlier Blu-ray is also covered which falls short of the new 4K and Blu-ray discs.
As the claim I have made is that this is the best 35mm anamorphic transfer I have seen so far I have sought the assistance of two other CZcams reviewers and they are also submitting 4K disc reviews of Apocalypse Now. John at Mondo Chelloveck Movies has the 3 disc Final Cut and Leon at Leon Talks Film has the 6 disc set so a broader range of opinion will be available with the inclusion of these two trusted reviewers. Please have a look at their content and subscribe if you like what you see.
Mondo Chelloveck Moves: / @mondochelloveckmovies
Direct link to Mondo Chelloveck's Apocalypse Now 4K review where John also goes through what he considers to be the best 4K discs in his collection to state where Apocalypse Now fits into the chart: • Apocalypse Now 4K Revi... John's video has gone a little out of synch but please don't let this detract as he's put a lot of effort into this one and given a lot of consideration with regards to how good the 4K of Apocalypse Now really is. I think he's nailed it perfectly.
Leon Talks Film: / leontalksfilm
Direct link to Leon's Apocalypse Now 4K review and it's excellent: • APOCALYPSE NOW 4K ULTR...
Alex at The Trailer Project & Alex's Other Movie Videos has created a rather unique perspective video on Apocalypse Now following my own review and it's a good watch so take a look here: • Francis Coppola's Apoc...
To purchase the six disc set of Apocalypse Now from WOWHD UK: www.wowhd.co.uk/apocalypse-no... - Krátké a kreslené filmy
Fun fact: Laurence Fishburne was only fourteen years old when shooting began in March 1976, as he had lied about his age in order to get cast in his role. The film took so long to finish that by the time of its release he was seventeen (the age of his character)
Great work as usual John. This is one disc every 4k enthusiast needs to check out!
And didn't it work wonders for Laurence Fishburne's acting career.? He was good at 14 but now he's one of the best.
John.
And Robert Duvall's Colonel Kilgore is based on General Patton; Bald head, war lover, etc.
Great analysis, this channel really goes above and beyond the usual 4k reviews and brings something more insightful and unique. Keep them coming!
Cinematic works of art deserve to be looked into in detail. Apocalypse Now is one of the most artistic of the greats so I had great fun looking into it and even though I couldn't answer all my own questions, I think I came close. John.
Awesome review of a classic movie in 4k. Great collaboration with Mondo and Leon please continue this format 👍
I'm sure we'll do something else together in the future. Leon's hoping to get his video up next week so I'll link to it in a future video and update the description on here. John.
Superb review of the history of how Apocalypse Now was made and how the restoration - particularly the sound - was achieved. Terrific video as ever. Great job.
Thank you Kieran. it's been hugely enjoyable going back to scrutinize this masterpiece and to try to work out how they did such a good job with it for disc release. Quite amazing. John.
Thank you for all of your videos! I absolutely love the amount of work that goes into each review. You are just awesome.
Thank you Tim. I'm working on a big one right now which I shot at the Hereford Courtyard Cinema with Head of Film, Simon Nicholls all about how a DCP ultimately gets onto the screen. I needed the education because like so many of us, I thought it was all about pressing buttons but there's much more to it.
John.
Great review, just ordered the 6 disc set! Can’t wait to rewatch it in 4K!
I hope you find it as exciting as I did Mike. The only other 35mm transfer I've seen to rival - or possibly better Apocalypse Now - is Jaws. Have a great time! John.
Just like everything else you've done this is such a fantastic and fascinating insight into the film. I'm going into postgraduate Film Directing and it's videos like these that really help with getting into that mindset.
I've been collecting 4ks now for about 3 and a half years and I adore the format, and your discussions around them really are fantastic, I'd love to be able to one day just chat with you about films , you're so knowledgeable! Keep up the fab videos
Thank you Peter. If this channel ever helps to resurrect the British Film Collectors Conventions (www.bfcc.biz) then I hope to be able to meet up with a lot of people I've met via the comments on here. I need to more than quadruple in size before that's really viable though but I'll keep plugging away.
I hope you really enjoy your postgraduate Film Directing classes. That should be a wonderfully interesting course and I wish you the best of luck with it. One recommendation from me when you do finally make it and you're out there making movies - never let your end product get overly long because that is the biggest mistake with so many of today's film makers. Keep cutting and cutting and cutting until a film is so tight that it runs through before the audience has time to draw breath. John.
Fantastic review, really appreciate and enjoy your knowledge you provide
Thank you Derek. Good fun putting this one together and learning all about the film. John.
Fantastic transfer and more importantly, fantastic review!
Thank you Jay. John.
1917, Schindler's List, Paths of Glory, Saving Private Ryan, Full Metal Jacket, Dunkirk - all GREAT war films. But Apocalypse Now is such a journey, you feel nearly as insane as the characters by the end of it all. And making the film is another crazy story in itself
Don't forget Gettysburg! I agree though - great films. And Apocalypse Now probably is the most powerful of the lot despite the strangeness of it. John.
An absolute wealth of knowledge.
Only because the film is so interesting Lee. Lesser films don't tend to fuel my enthusiasm but these historic works of art just need to be learned about. John.
Another great video John, thank you very much....👍
Thank you Andy. John.
Excellent review thank you ☺️
Thank you Scott. John.
Enjoyed that. Thank you, John.
Thank you as usual. John.
one of my favourite classic war movies and looks incredible in 4K
Apocalypse Now on 4K is possibly the best example of how to master a video to match how the original 35mm master prints and 70mm blow-ups looked. The cine to video transfer was from the interpositive because the negative had been re-edited into the version of the film called 'Redux'. That makes this release even more remarkable. John.
I bought my copy of the 6-Disc set used from Amoeba Records in San Francisco for just $15, discs are in perfect condition and the packaging still looks great. An absolute steal, probably the coolest piece of physical media I own, a close second to my Criterion Blu-Ray of Seven Samurai.
What a bargain! I only really wanted the six disc release so that I could see the original and best version of the film in the same quality as the latest edit of the film. I did watch REDUX years ago and didn't care for that version of the film much so it was no surprise that I felt similarly with the latest edit. Wonderful to be able to enjoy the original film as I remember it from 1979 and 1980. The colours... whoa!
John.
Fantastic transfer! This trippy, psychedelic descent into madness is a MUST for any cinephile.
It does seem to play even better today. Too close to home perhaps in 1979 but now the Vietnam fiasco is accepted and understood this film can be watched without the angst that was still so prevalent just a few years after the war finished. John.
Another great video! Keep'em coming.
Thank you James. Might do something a bit different next. John.
Great channel. I've really enjoyed your technical analysis of the films.
No one else I found seemed to understand that the best quality on disc was due to the original quality on film. In that regard, the next video should be a 4K vs. IMAX 15/70. You'll never guess which is better! John.
Probably the most Informative physical media channel on CZcams. You can tell you are doing it because you love film unlike most big youtubers who just review whatever they can get for free from studios
It is tempting to contact some of the distributors but then I'd get a bit trapped on what to review and when. Could have done with a freebie six disc set of Apocalypse Now though!
I still have the Dark Knight trilogy on the shelf ready for a watch and a review but I might do a different sort of video before I get around to that - a sort of round-up video as I've watched a few good titles lately that wouldn't get many views as a dedicated review video. John.
Just discovered your channel when searching for reviews of Apocalypse Now 4k. Wonderful review. I imported the 6 disc set from USA like yourself and was amazed at the quality. Keep up the great work 👌
Good to have you here Peter. We do seem to have a great band of film enthusiasts commenting on the videos so it's been worthwhile setting out on this little adventure. Right now I'm putting a new home cinema together as we've just moved. I hope to get some video shot of the current status and put something up as soon as possible. John.
@@moviecollector5920 wishing you all the best with your new home cinema. The home theater and physical media community is certainly a niche but it's heartening to see so much support for it. I just recently upgraded from 1080p Plasma to 4K OLED so it's always nice to hear different opinions on if the 4k is worth the upgrade or not. 😊
@@PeterMcCluskey I think some reviewers have digital 'enhancements' on their televisions or video projectors and these usually do nothing other than cause a detriment to the image so it's important not to take too much notice and if you like a film simply decide to buy it on that basis. I can point out what looks good and what doesn't on my system but you can rest assured all the digital nonsense is either off or down to its lowest setting. I have always endeavoured to make televisions and video projectors resemble film as closely as possible as that is what I think a film should look like. I rarely see another display setup similarly. John.
@@moviecollector5920 totally agree. I had everything turned off on the plasma and the same again on the OLED and so far everything looks great. Maybe one day I'll have a nice projector set up, but for now the OLED will do with filmmaker mode on and making sure all enchantments are off.
Another cracking review. I first saw this at the Torquay Odeon back in the day. Have had it on widescreen VHS (aspect ratio of 2.0:1), DVD, then Studio Canal’s 3-disc Collector’s Edition from 2011 (which I still have) and the 6-disc 4K set. Your 6-disc set is different, the digipak on mine folds out each disc has its own ‘page” and the stunning front art is on every disc, and on the reverse of the pack is equally awesome artwork of Kurtz’s compound on two panels and the jungle scene with the helicopters against the rising sun across three panels. Magnificent.
At the moment I don’t have a 4K tv, but it does look peachy on my 42 inch Panasonic plasma.
The six disc set I got came from America so it seems there are differences between the USA and UK versions. I believe the UK also has the full colour disc faces on all of the discs rather than the grey with writing on four of the discs and just the colour faces on two of them. And one of those colour faces is slightly off colour too which suggests different production facilities produced different discs. John.
Great review. Love all your tidbits as usual. I've been meaning to watch this film for years and when it came out in 4k I knew I had to watch. Excellent film, very captivating. And the AV quality as you said is up there with the BEST.
Have a look at My Fair Lady. Shot in 65mm and oh my that looked absolutely stunning. Dripping with details.
Thank you Kona. I will get My Fair Lady eventually and I do expect it to look fabulous for the reason you state. One of my mother's favourite films which I ended up liking as a result but normally I can't bare musicals. That one is a bit special though. John.
@@moviecollector5920 Great I look forward to reading your thoughts.
You,Movie Collector,are the guy I turn to for reviews of 4K discs ! But I must say that I,a guy who served during the Vietnam era but was never ordered to SE Asia,have trouble wrapping my mind around the main theme of Apocalypse. But then I've only seen it once...maybe a second viewing would help me.
I think we all presumed Apocalypse Now was an all action war adventure story but it's not really. It's a film about all sorts of things but most of all it's like a great work of art you stick on the wall and admire... apart from occasionally ducking your head so the helicopters don't lop it off!!! John.
The horror… the horror…
this review could have been.. One of mine top 10’s and once again you just nailed it! And you have the courage to share your time here to lift others as well. You have a fan in me. Thanx as always!
I love to get a comment from you in the morning Jørn. It feels like... victory. John.
@@moviecollector5920 😂😂😂
That’s the quote I originally wanted to use, but I couldn’t make it fit..
Someday this comments gonna end..
@@jrnbakken4348 Now that's a clever conclusion there Jørn!
Fantastic review of an absolute masterpiece of a movie! Keep them coming!
Thank you as always! John.
You never got to experience a film like this until you saw it iMAX. What an experience with my dad I will never forget!
It wasn't an IMAX film Luke so just the bigger screen for the added impact. i think the 90 foot at Waterloo might be pushing it a bit far but the Science Museum or Bradford may be within limits. I haven't been to the other two IMAX cinemas in Britain (Glasgow and Manchester) but whichever IMAX you saw it at, no black masking around the top and bottom of the frame. With a screen that big though it doesn't really matter but it would be fabulous if they could mask those huge screens off for masterpieces like this. John.
@@moviecollector5920 Unfortuntely I only saw it in my local cinema near my area in that format but it definitely enhanced it for me. I watched the 4K at home and it didn’t have the same effect but wow! A film from the 70’s can look like it was shot yesterday. The scene where the battle boats float up to shore is possibly the crispiest scene I’ve ever seen from an old film.
It really was a standout, especially for its age. & it really shows up many lacklustre efforts of 4K transfers of more recent films. This is what the format should deliver each & every time, providing the source material is there to work with.
They did wonderful work for this one but thousands of manhours went into it and if it weren't Apocalypse Now that never would have happened. I expect the numbers of discs sold rarely justify more than a cursory re-working because labour is astronomically expensive now. Put Francis Ford Coppola in charge though and I suspect we'd see a general improvement in quality across the board! John.
Watched Apocalypse Now for the first time in 70mm blowup and THX in the early to mid ‘90s then the Final Cut in IMAX with Laser three years ago.
Thank you.
Now there's a perfect opportunity for me to point out that Apocalypse Now could only have been labelled as 'IMAX' when it never was and never could be IMAX. It was shot 35mm and so cannot be magically made into a film format approximately nine times the size. The 70mm was a blow-up but that is still 70mm regardless of how the 70mm film has been struck so that's okay. To be fair to the people running (ruining?) IMAX today, they are trying to survive and are using the famous name to fool patrons into thinking they are seeing something that they are not. It seems to be working though so we've got to give them credit.
John.
Another great video! This is becoming one of my new favorites!
If you've not reviewed this one Alex maybe you should give it a go and I'll give it a mention in a future video. John.
@@moviecollector5920 Sounds like a plan ! Alex
czcams.com/video/VjKLh4v6BOg/video.html
Deadly review.I got it a couple months ago,4k looks great
Thank you David. I was astonished by how good this one looked. It's only 35mm for crying out loud. Puts a lot of larger format film transfers to shame and just about every movie shot on video. Please can we get back to this sort of picture quality in cinemas?!?!? John.
Great review of such a quality movie, I like the look of the six disc edition.
Apparently Amazon UK have it on sale right now but if not, it should still be obtainable from WOWHD UK. John.
Great review, keep up the good work sir. Subscribed
Thank you Ricardo. Good to have you with me. John.
This one is pretty stunning in 4k for sure... but Lawrence of Arabia is something else. Looking forward to you seeing that one!
And that's because Lawrence of Arabia was shot on 65mm for a 70mm release. It's all down to the size of the film frame and Apocalypse Now is so impressive because it's 2x anamorphic 35mm. John.
I’m also a subscriber of Leon and he’s a great guy! Glad to see you talking to us youngsters. I’ve only seen a tv edit and it was a wild ride with that version.
I’m glad to hear you prefer the theatrical. I’ll track down that version to watch as I’ve never seen the full experience.
Apparently Amazon UK have the six disc set on sale for around £18 right now. Seems too good to be true but if it is true, get in there if you possibly can. John.
@@moviecollector5920 I use Amazon just for deals like that. Hopefully they fulfill it!
@@Thecatdrums3 Leon has said in his video that WOWHD UK are selling for around £18 now too. Haven't checked if it's right but it could be a second option if Amazon let you down. John.
I've been using this disc as a test disc for my Atmos setup, melts the face
It is one of the best 4K discs so far. Using the interpositive rather than the negative seemed to work wonders. John.
it's been months since I've watched you channel, and it only takes me seconds to realize why i've missed it.
Should make the next video live tomorrow evening William: Close Encounters of the Third Kind. John.
Great review, thanks. 70mm great format, the best picture quality to date, it is a pity that very few people shoot in this format.
Samsara, Baraka need watching
Apocalypse Now was 35mm but had blow-up 70mm prints for premiere houses. These are struck from the original camera negative to maximize image quality. Standard 35mm prints are three generations down. John.
Interstellar was shot in 70mm as well. I was able to watch a screening outside of Chicago in this format.
Another lovely video, thank you for that. I have an admission: I bought the 6-disc set when it first came out but haven't watched it yet. Apocalypse Now is one of those films I cannot watch just "anytime' it has to feel right, having no distractions etc. The last time I watched it was the Redux version on Blu-ray and it was horrible, I really much prefer the theatrical and that's the 4K I'll be watching when I get to it. Who knows, maybe tonight as your video has definitely got me in the mood for it. The film is something special, they couldn't make anything like it today. Films just aren't like that anymore, films have always been product but back then they could be art too.
If you do watch it tonight you are going to have a very enjoyable evening Ian. The original cut is the best as far as I'm concerned. John.
No other reviewer (that I've seen) has provided as much insight and knowledge on the restoration as you have here, John. It's what makes your reviews truly unique! Though I'll check out the other reviewers you mentioned. If I understand correctly, the inter-positive is always a better source than the original camera negative due to assured colour accuracy? Or was this just the case with Apocalypse Now? Best - Andrew.
I think it's just the case with Apocalypse Now Andrew but I don't really know why. My expectation is that the Technicolor matrices were somehow used to produce the interpositive when Redux was created in 2001 and that was re-transferred to be edited into this 'Final Cut' version. I couldn't establish all the facts but I'm pretty sure all the evidence is there. We just need Hercule Poirot to put the final puzzle together. However, the Interpositive is what has always been used for colour grading so it's possible the information for the grading is with the interpositive and it would tell the modern day video graders how each particular scene should be coloured and graded. That is why I said it could be the way forward for future 4K releases because so many purchasers of the final discs complain that colours have been changed on films they love - Tim Burton's 'Batman' being the prime example but we also had a lot of discussion about the level of green in 'The Matrix'. John.
I managed to get a hold of a copy of the Final cut 4k UHD, because of this channels video on 2001: A Space Odyssey showing me the quality of these high level HD copies. This is the first instance of me getting a copy before you! Also snagged Redux. Can't wait for The Thing! Cheers!
I might actually mention the September release of The Thing in the next video because so many people who watch my videos have asked about it.
Because I have the Blu-ray of Apocalypse Now and it's a little underwhelming I didn't expect too much from a 4K. I think this release, more than any other, illustrates what can be achieved if the people doing the transfer are really focused on reproducing how the film looked in cinemas on original release. This probably looks a little better but essentially, the colour and detailed filmic look has gone over onto video and I couldn't have ever wished for a better looking copy of one of my favourite films. John.
As always most enjoyed it, don't understand all the technical jargon but always a great watch
I don't actually understand the technical jargon myself with this one uncle Cliff. I couldn't find or work out definitive answers as to quite how they transferred this film so successfully but I'm sure I got all the information in this video, it just needs someone who knows more than I to put it all together. I have my own ideas but I can't be conclusive. What a wonderful film though. John.
I saw the Redux in an IMAX theatre in Toronto. One thing that you haven't mentioned is the use of Dye Transfers. The richness, especially in the controlled lighting at the Kurtz compound is amazing. Deep colour. It's mentioned in the wiki article. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apocalypse_Now_Redux I would assume they used this for the 4k disc.
That's the Technicolor three matrices I mentioned and illustrated. I didn't refer to it as 'Imbibition Dye Transfer' because I'd already gone through it in much more detail in the review of The Ten Commandments and I didn't want to repeat myself. However, I don't know exactly how this latest transfer ended up looking so good but my expectation is that it was the result of the three matrices to preserve the original colour. They may have been used to produce the Interpositiive but I don't know and I couldn't find out so all I could do was say what I think may have been responsible. I really needed to get on the phone to Zoetrope but they'd have probably thought I was a loony! John.
Great work John. This was one of my dads favourite movies. I always remember the ceiling fans scenes of the movie. Your thoughts were so interesting and good. I’ve just shared the video so I’m hoping my dad will spot it and watch. Brilliant. Take care.😀👍
@@moviecollector5920 Thanks John. That must have been so cool to see it back in the day at the cinema. My dad loved the video and has just texted me. I was thinking about getting it on 4K during the hmv sale. The trouble is I saw it February this year for the 5th time. I think by the time I get around to watching it again which I will, it may be cheaper.
Morning Carl. I know I've already replied to this comment but CZcams seems to be deleting some of my replies and this is one of them. I don't know what goes wrong but something is amiss. Anyway, I need to catch up on your steelbook collection video so don't let me forget! John.
@@moviecollector5920 I totally understand, I also get so many comments that for some reason I see them and some I don’t but you does not show them under the video. Like the latest unboxing, Scott commented but it’s not under the vid. Strange. Take care.😀👌
Another great video mate... I'm yet to pick this release up but it's definitely on my wants list...The last time I saw it was probably 20 years ago...It was great to see you mention Leon's channel too..I have recently discovered him too and love his videos...I have to check out Mondo too as Leon always mentions him.
I feel I have caught the bug again for collecting because of all the boutique releases I've only just discovered. I lost interest in collecting properly way back in the laserdisc days because I loved the way things were packaged and all the very limited editions which I still have, but some of the boutique stuff is amazing and looks like it's going to be as expensive as when I collected laserdiscs😆
Thanks again for another superb video John.
You're right there - some of the recent 4K releases are as interesting as good ol' LaserDisc. They're never going to match some of those wonderful gatefolds and special boxes though but with releases like Apocalypse Now they are just as exciting to purchase and enjoy. Still much cheaper than LaserDisc though so it's a win, win really.
Leon comes across as such a nice, enthusiastic young film fan that you can't help but like him. John at Mondo Chelloveck is likeable, intelligent and very funny without hardly trying. Videos from these chaps, Euphoria Pictures and Project Ellsworth are more interesting than watching television... although I have to say, I'm very impressed with the standard and presentation on the new GB News. That's a breath of fresh air this country needed and should help to sort out the anti-British Brainwashing Corporation (i.e. the BBC!). John.
Great review
Thank you as always Stephanie. John.
Quality content as always.
Thank you Mr. Baron! John.
Only just discovered your channel. Congratulations. Fantastic content. Now subscribed!
Kevin
Thank you Zephyr. Good to have you here. John.
Thanks for the review. It's an excellent and unconventional war thriller. It has such a doomed mood hanging over it and goes darker and darker as it goes on. A great delve into the descent into madness.
I can't think of any other film quite like it... except perhaps for Ad Astra but that's certainly a little less dark despite having the same basic storyline. John.
Ad Astra I did buy on 4K again, picture and sound are very good, but sadly it still doesn't help the movie. Just as before I found it dull and unsatisfactory. And it is not even worthy being in the same breath as Apocalypse Now, which is 25 minutes or so longer interesting enough.
@@jonastiger1000 I hope it doesn't disappear though like most films do because I think Ad Astra is better than it's given credit for. One day it may be re-evaluated. This happened to a lesser extent with Apocalypse Now but of course Ad Astra is really Apocalypse Now in space so not quite the original production of Coppola's masterpiece. Time will tell. John.
I was expecting a difficult to watch arty film but I found it pretty easy going. I still think The Godfather is Coppola’s masterpiece, totally enjoyed Apocalypse though and what a treat to watch it on a Projector. Great review John !
The Godfather isn't one of my favourites but it's clear to see the mastery of the art in it. Maybe a 4K release projected at home will change my opinion of it but I never particularly like mafia related films, don't know why really. Apocalypse Now seems to be more popular now than it was in 1979 so time does change us all. Good to hear from you Danny. John.
You do good work!
Thank you Tom. John.
Keep the gold coming.
That's the plan. John.
Awesome review, John. The conclusion to the review is as glowing a recommendation any filmmaker could hope for. Coppola himself would probably love this review.
- Erik
Wouldn't it be an honour if he actually saw it. I know, I'm dreaming. John.
Another great review John, thank you so much for all your hard work, looking forward to the next one! Just wondering whether you are planning to add an email address to the community section of the channel, I have some information you may be interested in about interpositives but it’s too detailed to leave in the comments section - if not no problem, just really enjoying the channel
David, get in touch via the contact page on bfcc (dot) biz. There are only three of us on there so I think it's obvious which is me. I'm always looking to learn more about how the films are produced and the interpositive is just about the most important part of the whole process. John.
Amazing movie unbelievable how it was put together 😳 they would never even think about doing now
They probably shouldn't have thought about doing it then!!! John.
I got the 6 disc 4k us version and very happy with it. This film is fantastic. A must have. No drugs needed, just watch this trip...
That's a good summing up Dominus. John.
Glad to hear that we share the same opinion that Apocalypse Now is the best looking 4k from a 35mm print :-) Told you so in an comment not long ago.
One of the reasons I finally purchased a copy Niels. I had quite a few people tell me about it so in the end I capitulated and so pleased that I did... even though it's ended up costing me more money than I expected because it's so darned good! John.
God I love this movie... thanks John
That makes two of us! John.
Excellent review. Keep up your good work, looking forward to your review of the star wars trilogy 4k hopefully soon,
Ho ho! No chance of that Benjamin. I could do a review of the films on Super 8 but there wouldn't be enough interest. I find it very difficult to watch the re-worked versions of the films and as it's so special to have 'Scope features of them on Super 8 there is nothing that will ever replace them. Not many copies left in the world now and they rarely seem to come up for sale which is a shame because it's really been the only way to see the films as they once were over the past decade or so. John.
Great review John & I'm ashamed to admit that I've never actually seen this film, so I will have to sort that out soon.
I hope you do Leon and you find that you're astounded by the achievement of actually getting it made in the first place. It wouldn't happen today and probably shouldn't have happened back then! John.
Thank you
You're welcome.
Great review as always! Well I saw this in the movie theater back in 1979, at the render age of 18. It was a 70mm print projected onto a huge screen and as always I was rather close, not too close, to it, with fantastic image quality and incredible sound.. You were almost living inside the movie. Something about this experience that is hard to describe and impossible to duplicate. The image was not always perfect and you could see when he projectionist smoothly corrected framing or focus in places. You could feel that celluloid (or better: triacetate) was screaming through a gate.
It might have been polyester by then but probably was acetate. At least it wasn't nitrocellulose otherwise the napalm sequence might have set the theatre alight!
I didn't see it in 70mm as I was reliant on a couple of viewings in town cinemas but it was still a very special experience even with mono sound. I never seem to forget how these masterpieces look in cinemas and that is why I ended up with The Fifth Element on 35mm because I wanted to be able to enjoy it just as it looked at the Empire Leicester Square. Alas, clearly they had a premiere print and therefore struck from the negative whereas mass production prints from the internegative didn't quite come up to that standard. It's still magic to own it though. Wish I had an print of Apocalypse Now but that would have to be Redux as the 1979 prints will have all faded by now. John.
@@moviecollector5920 yes the redux version is great. Also saw it in the theater as a nice 35mm print. It wasn't as sharp as the 70mm, but the colors were stunningly beautiful. I have no idea how the technicolor dye transfer process worked, since the camera original was all Eastman. It's the 500T according to IMDb, which is surprising, since the most recent Kodak 500T stock is very grainy. The information might be incomplete. I guess the outdoors daylight footage was shot on slower stock, otherwise you would need to add ND filters and stop down, plus giving up the chance of using even sharper and finer grain stock. Anyhow, this movie is a masterpiece on all levels, even with the added scenes in the redux version, which don't add anything significant IMHO.
@@truefilm6991 Technicolor were able to produce three matrice separations from any negative so glorious Technicolor could be advertised on films that weren't even shot in Technicolor. I think some video graders today try to emuilate the colour saturation of Technicolor and that's why some of them look such a mess because it's not currently achievable as far as I can see. One day someone will crack it though. John.
@@moviecollector5920 thank you for the information. Agreed 100%, most recent color grading cannot emulate Technicolor or Kodachrome for that matter. The movie The Aviator tried to emulate two color film of the 1920s and Technicolor, using modern film. It was fun to watch, but just an attempt.
@@truefilm6991 I haven't seen The Aviator since it was current and I keep forgetting to buy it. Must put it on the list because I thought it was a darned good film and I finally warmed to Mr. Dicaprio. John.
20 seconds in and i liked the video already :)
Thanks Mark. John.
Have been waiting for this review! I agree that this 4K disc is of excellent quality! Can’t wait to see what you review next (possibly the Batman V Superman 4K remaster?)
Next one might be something a bit different - a sort of round up. But it might be the Dark Knight trilogy. John.
4:15 That press release is for the original Blu-ray release, not the 4K. The restoration supervisor confirmed on Twitter that the 4K used the negative.
I was told that the original negative does not exist any longer as it was re-edited into 'Redux'. I'll keep in mind what you've found out though because nothing would surprise me. If the 4K came from the original camera negative though it wouldn't look quite this grainy so it does suggest the next generation (interpositive) was used as that certainly does still exist. Interesting subject so thanks for adding to it. John.
What a fantastic review, John! Thank you so much for inviting me to take part in this review and I’m currently working on my video now, I’m hoping for it to be out sometime next week. I’ve just returned after my month off and I’m back in the swing of things when it comes to videos and I can’t wait to share my thoughts on Coppola’s masterpiece! I’ve learned a ton from this video alone such as the difference between the camera negative and interpositive. Thank you so much for mentioning and linking my channel and your incredibly kind words, John. I hope this is the first of many future collaborations! 😊 Take care and keep creating fantastic videos!
Good to hear from you Leon. I could see in the last video you did that you were back in the swing of things. The cutaways were great fun and Susie and I had a good laugh watching.
I'll link to your video when you get it done and the next video I do after it's live I'll mention it and point people to it so you should get a good raft of views.
Good to have you back. Don't fear your popularity young man and don't take too much notice of your subscriber level going up because most subscribers hit the button and either never return or only look in occasionally. This CZcams lark should mainly be about having fun and doing what you want to do. Don't ever feel pressured to produce more videos if you don't feel like it. I've enjoyed having a few days away from it myself after my previous video on 'Super 8' was not particularly popular.
Keep well and keep up the good work. John.
Good job boss. My favorite movie of all time. I prefer too the 1979 version except it cuts out Kilgore landing for the first time and I do like the French plantation sequence. Thanks for commenting on the Blu-Ray. I haven't obtained a 4K player yet. Thumbs UP!
I find that whole French section a bit tedious and upsets the flow of the film up the river. It's interesting to see it though but I saw it on 'Redux' and decided then that I didn't need to see it again. But because that 4K of The Final Cut was so impressive I really needed to see the original version in the same quality. What a treasure it's turned out to be. And the Blu-ray is almost as good as it's taken from the 4K master so you're not missing out on much at all. John.
Lovely review and reflections on this classic. I may have mentioned to you before about an Italian label, Eagle Pictures. They released this film in various types but most interesting is their 4K Theatrical Cut. It has corrected a few minor errors in the film, and most importantly, people have reported the picture quality as being superior to the SCanal/Lionsgate. It's released under their 4Cult series and their is a thread/discussion about it in the International 4K releases thread on blu ray dot com. Keep up the great work mate really loving these reviews you put out- very entertaining. Greetings from sunny Spain.
Not sunny here today sadly but at least it will mean people will still want to holiday in Spain now that we're at the end of the pandemic and that's a good thing for Spain. Be even better once you join us out of the European Union! Another subscriber mentioned the version from Eagle Pictures which I hadn't heard of. I wonder if they somehow got hold of the interpositive or something and did their own transfer or whether they just put a new set of curves down the existing transfer. It seems unlikely that there could be two great transfers without it originating from the same master. The original camera negative and interpositive do not have any grading on them so the work has to be re-done from scratch so it's possible Eagle have just applied their own interpretation to the same transfer. If you know the answer please let me know. John.
@@moviecollector5920 HI John apologies for delay in reply mate. So the standalone Eagle Theatrical 4K release has a higher bitrate vs. the UK/US but I believe both are from the same transfer and picture differences negligible according to some, while others saying the encode is much better on the Eagle, especially in darker scenes. The Eagle has corrected a few things though- It has Williard’s correct line at the Do Lung Bridge and the audio blip from the Lionsgate disc during the Kurtz sequence is not there. It gets its own disc with no seamless branching. I don't have the disc myself to check but am tempted to add it to my 6 disc 4K set. However, Eagles 4K release of 'Total Recall' is apparently a big upgrade over the UK 4K disc. I've gone thru all the forums, threads and everyone in agreement on that one. I'm not a pixel peeper myself, and the old eyesight is not what it used to be, but I do try to get the very best disc released quality wise, regardless of country of release. Part of the fun of collecting!
@@blurayffan66 I don't expect that the Eagle release will be from a different transfer so assuming I'm right, they've only applied their own grading to it and perhaps a different soundtrack. Not many people know how these things are done and I can only surmise from my own limited knowledge. The effort that went into transferring the interpositive with Francis Coppola present for the mastering process seems a little unlikely to ever be topped but I'm happy to be proved wrong.
John.
6 discs...? Damn, that's a lot of napalm John.
Excellent review, as always.
I love to smell those discs in the morning... smells like... a film show is coming on! John.
@@moviecollector5920 😂
Another great review John,what's next ☺️
Don't know yet. Might do something a bit different next time so a sort of round-up of a few discs rather than just one title. John.
Great review john, love it.
Thank you Johnny. John.
Excellent video, had to order my copy of the 6 disc set found it on Amazon U S for $18 (12.95 pounds) I believe this is a sale price so anyone in the U S who's interested should grab it now.
Also found Spartacus for the same price so double feature this weekend.
You're in for a great weekend Mike. Two of the best 4K releases so far. John.
Another definitive review John! Your technical chops are truly something to behold. I nearly fell off my chair when I saw my home theater. Latest news, the sub blew the adjacent 3 foot x 3 foot bathroom mirror off the wall on the next showing, though I'm convinced one the shock waves in Apocalypse Now loosened it up. I've spent hours clearing up shattered glass. Your reviews really are the best on the net and they keep getting even better! Bravo from California.
I very nearly also showed the shattered mirror Rob but I thought that might be one cheeky step too far. It would have been hilarious to do it though. So glad you saw this without me telling you because I hoped it would give you an unexpected surprise and a bit of a laugh. John.
@@moviecollector5920 I was enjoying your discussion of the negative /interpositive.....and then....You really are doing great work, John!
@@Celestialrob I wasn't able to establish exactly how this transfer was done Robert but my thinking is that an interpositive was created for Redux in 2001 and that somehow involved the Technicolor matrices from the imbibition dye transfer process. That interpositive was then transferred in 4K to re-edit Rediux down into The Final Cut and that is why the image quality on this 4K release is so good. Technicolor was used to restore the colour of the original release so somewhere in there is the full answer. I really needed to speak to someone at Zoetrope or possibly Technicolor but they'd have just thought i was a nutter. John.
@@moviecollector5920 we are nutters.... you didn't already know that? 😜. Seriously, I know it would not be a hugely popular video, but I'd love to see you do a short series on film stocks and their relationship to 4K transfers and another on the whole interpolative, camera negative..... thing. I also think that discussing projecting a large image versus a smaller brighter image is interesting. My son and I have this discussion. he loved his 55" LG OLED but begrudgingly has to admit that a film projected on a 150" screen is wholly different in terms of the experience.
@@Celestialrob I have been trying to cover the different film formats really Robert but respective to which film I'm reviewing. I think many people have realized now that an exceptional 4K release is often down to the large film format it was shot on. There are exceptions of course and not least is the 35mm origination of Apocalypse Now.
Cinema is projection and it can't be beaten. With our Super 8 home cinemas years ago we all used to say that you can't invite someone round to watch the telly but people come round like a shot when they know you're showing a favourite film on a big screen. John.
Watched the Redux version not too long ago on one of the free streaming sites. Hadn’t seen it before. Something about it, doesn’t look old. If I didn’t know any better I would have thought it came out in the early 2000s. Cinematography hasn’t aged.
Now that you mention it, we do have a lot of overly long films these days so that's a good point about Redux because it is more like one of the self-indulgent films of today. The original version is the best - by far. John.
Another great video John. Glad wowhd came through with the box set. Did you never have version of Apocalypse Now on 8mm?
It never got a Super 8 release Steve. Don't think there was ever even a trailer issued. John.
Great video review. I love this restoration. Gives me hope for the God father restoration
I didn't particularly like The Godfather but the mafia was never subject I particularly liked on film. Clearly a great film though and a re-visit after gawd knows how many years may change my opinion. I have the first two Godfather films on LaserDisc but only ever ran them once which is a pity. John.
Had the steelbook DVD version for ages and think it is about time I should upgrade.
Well this 4K is a major improvement on the Blu-ray release of a few years ago so it should be a massive jump from the DVD. Keep the steelbook though because they are usually things of beauty in themselves. John.
@@moviecollector5920 Seems like this is the upgrade I was waiting for
I have the steelbook edition, even the packaging is awesome
I've never even seen a steelbook for this one Wong. I can imagine how good it will look though. John.
I prefer the shorter cut the 2 and a half hour cut. The arc light scene is great on subwoofers. The end by the doors is also great in dolby.
Yes, that arc light sequence is particularly impressive. John.
The sound is pretty fabulous. I was really surprised by it. Sound from that era tends to be subdued.
I expect it's been improved a bit since it's 1979 release but it did always sound good, even in mono. John.
Just purchased
That's one of my favourite 4K disc releases so far so I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. John.
One of my all time favorite films. I'm more than satisfied with the way this UHD was handled and have seen it three time now but still wanted to hear your expert take on it. I learned new technical stuff from this review that I didn't know even after watching all the extras. Thanks.
So much work was put into getting this one right and the end result is there for all to see. The film has grown in stature over the years and it seems that companies seem to want to throw money at it just to have some sort of involvement with what is now considered one of the greatest cinematic works of art ever committed to acetate... or maybe polyester! John.
Excellent review, John, as always.
Thank you Mick. John.
Really enjoyed this review of such a brilliant movie, thank you for reviewing this fantastic release.
Good to hear from you again and thank you. John.
Great info on the interpositive!
It's not something anyone else ever seems to talk about but knowing how a film was transferred to video and from what is vital information in order to understand how it's ended up looking the way it does. John.
Yeah pretty interesting something I’ll have to read about.
@@CrashCarson14 If you find anything more please point me to it too because I haven't found much. That Dolby press release was about it actually. John.
I didn’t realize it was the way to duplicated film for prints. I guess to not wear out the original. So I guess they didn’t have the original but something close to it.
@@CrashCarson14 Exactly. The original camera negative was certainly used for 70mm prints or blow-up prints if it was a 35mm neg but I believe it was also used for premiere theatre prints so that if you went to the Odeon or Empire in Leicester Square you'd see the best possible quality (that happened to me with The Fifth Element and I hoped my 35mm print would put me back to that sort of standard but alas it isn't quite that good). There have been occasions when so many 70mm prints have been struck that the original negative is completely knackered (2001 A Space Odyssey apparently) but owing to the fine grain interpositive it's possible to create a new duplicate negative. From the interpositive all the colour and density grading is worked out and the internegative is struck with that information from the interpositive. All this ensures the original copy of the film is preserved as best as possible. Because it's all such fine grain stock there's not much deterioration from copy to copy but inevitably there is some. I hope all this makes sense. John.
Incredible 4K release. My set has 6 discs in all. I have viewed the theatrical cut 4K disc (easily better than the longer cut, IMGO) and the great Hearts of Darkness. Thanks goodness they kept the entire aspect ratio. For a long time all widescreen releases were cropped to just a bit over 2:1 and it was entirely frustrating.
No film like this could ever be made today without gobs of awful digital sfx.
How true, there is no way a film like this could be made today. I don't think it could be made back then either it's just that Francis Coppola managed to survive and actually got it finished.
With regards to the slight cropping at the sides on previous format releases we have to bear in mind that very few of us had 16x9 televisions so it was a compromise between the 4x3 traditional sets and the newer widescreen sets to try to maximise the picture area displayed. It took most people a long time to come to terms with black bars on the top and bottom of videos. I even used to get calls (in a previous life) from members of the public complaining that ITV were broadcasting an old film in black and white when the person calling had paid for a colour television licence! You couldn't make it up really.
John.
Thanks for confirming that the discs are region free. Now I can safely order the six disk edition. (Hmm, what to do with my Redux box set?)
My original Blu-ray has Redux as an option but the image quality is so inferior to the 4K set that there's no point in keeping that old Blu-ray other than because I like the film so much and it's interesting to have the various releases. John.
I only buy a disc after you review them
Well you can't go wrong with this one HerkDylanJR because it's one of the best of all. John.
I already have the 3 disc blu ray collector's of Apocalypse Now which is great and the hearts of darkness documentary shows the stress the all went through,but i wasn't mad about the redux cut and i haven't watched it since it came out on dvd,
but last month i bought the final cut on 4k from hmv and i am going to have to watch it one day so i can put the surround sound on.
I was astounded by how good the 4K of this 'Final Cut' is Andrew but the Blu-ray is excellent too. I thought I'd be satisfied because I had the original cut on Blu-ray but after watching it again I had to have it on 4K and that's why I ended up buying the six disc set. Worth every penny though. John.
Excellent review of one the greatest war films John. I have found memories of watching it when it came out in 1979 at the Imperial movie theather in Montreal, arguably the city's finest at the time. One of the most memorable movie experiences of my life. I acquired the 6-disc 4K set last year.
I too have great memories of seeing this film back in 1979 too Jesus. it got a small re-release the following year so I went to see it again. Don't remember that screening so well but the way it looked up there on the screen made an impression on me and it's great that the 4K discs have the same effect all these years later. John.
Great review but let’s also mention the fantastic new artwork by Laurent Durieux, the genius Belgian poster illustrator.
I did want to point out the reflection of Marlon Brando in the water and how clever it was but the review was getting so long a few things had to give. John.
8:52 my friend, I think it's time for you to update your sound system, if your doors aren't flapping your not going low enough.
You can't sit in the room at times if I have it at normal level so I have to turn the subwoofer down a trifle compared to the rest of the system. Quite often when I've demonstrated to people they've run out of the room! John.
GREAT MOVIE amazing transfer
full metal jacket next hopefully
Actually, I haven't watched Full Metal Jacket in five or six years so I'm due to pull it off the shelf. Not sure I can justify investing in the 4K disc though. I've spent way too much getting discs in for review in the past few months but it's been a lot of fun. John.
@@moviecollector5920 all good john i still liked your review
@@squidmckay8542 Good man!
Great Review John. Very informative insights as always. On my first watch at the age of 18 on DVD I had a hard time with the movie. Didn't like it that much. On my second sighting at the age of around 30 I was literally blown away. Since then it is one of my top 3 alltime favorite movies. I bought the 6-Disc release as soon as it was available here in germany. My favorite version is the 1979 original. But if I could cut my own favorite version it would be the theatrical cut with only the second meeting with the playmates added. I think this scene adds perfect to the build up of the insanity. When I first saw this scene in the redux cut I instantly loved it. Can't understand why this scene don't get more love. What are your thoughts on this scene? Greetings from germany and sorry for my english.
Perfect English - better than most English speaking natives over here in fact!
I think I only ever saw Redux once and decided I didn't ever want to see it again because it spoiled the film somewhat and I didn't want it clouding my memory of one of my favourite films. So I don't actually remember the second sequence with the bunny girls. I think The Final Cut and Redux are too long and spoil the pacing but I do appreciate that it's these re-workings of the film that are responsible for the amazing product we have today. I though I'd be able to live with the three disc Final Cut package but then I ran the Blu-ray of the original release and the difference was night and day so I had to see it in the same quality as the Final Cut. Hence why I splashed out on the six disc set and I was thrilled when it arrived about ten days later. I could watch it again right now which tells you something about Apocalypse Now. A masterpiece and one of the greatest ever cinematic works of art. Up there with Blade Runner and 2001 A Space Odyssey I think. John.
Coppola’s audio commentary is available separately on CZcams and it’s fascinating, understandably. I also saw and heard his commentary on Godfather part 2 his accidental masterpiece as he simply had no intention of doing it but was urged by Paramount studios at the time
I don't suppose that has him talking us to the film Sunny. At least, I hope it doesn't unless it's an official upload. Actually, I expect it is an official upload because no one would risk ripping off the commentary track and publishing it without owning the copyright. John.
@@moviecollector5920 no . He edits the film 🎥 in pictures appropriate to what he’s talking about . The commentary meanwhile is heard in full , well maybe 90%. The comments have been very positive on his work in any case. He is called M. B. Archives for your information mate .
@@moviecollector5920 I realise that a regular film is 100% covered in copyright. Is this also true on the audio commentary?
@@knownpleasures Everything is copyrighted but there are a few loopholes for 'legitimate usage' when discussing or illustrating a talk or programme. You'd have to have written permission to use the sound off a sell-through copy protected disc though and I don't know how any of us could ever go about getting that permission. Not without money changing hands anyway. I used to think the promotional trailers would be acceptable but Universal had me for using their Jaws trailer to illustrate how an anamorphic lens works. They didn't claim for every shot that had the trailer in it so they were okay with a few seconds but I suppose I had it on screen for two long while the 'Scope lens swung in and out so I only ever use anything other than stills now if I have emailed permission.
John.
Hey John. I really enjoy seeing all the collectibles and movie reels you have in your videos. Your Alien episode was very enjoyable. Quick question: are the 1080p Blu ray discs in the 4K releases better visually or audibly than the blu ray disc releases? If this is true then is this the standard? You mentioned the blu ray in this 4K set is better than the blu ray in it’s own release. Maybe a comparison video is needed like your 4K and 2k video.
Thank you!
If a new Blu-ray has been authored using the same master as a new 4K disc then it should be almost as good as the 4K and therefore better than the previous Blu-ray disc. That is the case with these Apocalypse Now 4K packs. The time and work that went into re-mastering a video version of the film from the interpositive is why whereas the previous Blu-ray appears to have come from a 35mm release print. The two are worlds apart. John.
Love your videos, such interesting commentary on the films and processes by which they are made.
I've been looking at the 6 disc set on WowHD but can't seem to see where the Blu-Rays are region free, do you have anything on the packaging to confirm?
Either way keep up the content, your videos are always a great watch. Cheers.
Well, the Blu-ray discs in both my six pack and my triple pack are zone free Brook so I think you can order with confidence. Apparently the six disc did appear on Amazon UK again shortly after I did this video but as I don't buy from Amazon unless there really is no other outlet there was no way I'd have used them anyway. But it's probably worth you taking a look.
John.
@@moviecollector5920 Thanks for getting back to me John, I really appreciate it. Ok, I will be sure to take a look. It's currently down to around £20 on there at the moment so may have to purchase. It's a first time watch for me so would want all the options to watch.
Cheers.
@@brooksmith2898 I should also have said that all the versions of the film look absolutely fabulous on every disc. Not so the previous release of Apocalypse Now Redux that I have on Blu-ray which was from a weaving 35mm print.
John.
@@moviecollector5920 I've got the standard Final Cut 4K at the moment so will probably watch that first before getting the 6 disc set. From the bits I've had a look at, it's stunning, especially the sequence with Flight of the Valkyries.
Do you have any recommendations for any 4K discs to add to a collection? I've started collecting recently and would be interested to know what your top films on the format are?
@@brooksmith2898 Anything shot with 15/70 IMAX sequences (Interstellar, Dunkirk, Tenet, The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises) plus anything shot 65mm for 70mm release and the pick of all 4Ks so far in my collection is Murder on the Orient Express but there are others out there. The best 35mm transfers are Jaws, Apocalypse Now, Backdraft and possibly Top Gun. Then there are the movies shot on video and I had thought that Le Mans '66 was the pick of the bunch here but a recent re-look and I could see fine film grain so maybe the information on the web is wrong and it was a 35mm shoot after all which would make it among the best of those. Mission Impossible Fallout is a very good video with video IMAX sequences that look almost as good at the 15/70 sequences in the genuine IMAX films. Fast & Furious 8 is another terrific looking movie shot on video so it can be done it's just there is often so much messing around with such things as downscaling to 2K and then back up again that perhaps quality gets lost a little too much at times.
John.
The Bridge on the River Kwai, Apocalypse Now, and Patton are my three favorite war films. It’s a shame Patton probably won’t get a uhd release.
You've got me thinking now. I think The Deer Hunter would be up there too. John.
When it comes to towering masterworks of world cinema there are two war movies that stand head and shoulders above everything else: Elim Klimov's "COME AND SEE" (1985) and Sam Pecinpah's "CROSS OF IRON" (1976).
@@ALLMIMSYWASTHEJABBERWOCK John at Mondo Chelloveck says exactly the same about Come and See but I've not seen it yet. John.
Barry Rider I’m a big Sam peckinpah fan and yet I still have not gotten around to Cross of Iron
@@thejustifier6602 I need to get around to it too. Pretty sure I saw it years ago but unusually, I can't remember so much have been a television screening if I did see it. John.
Great review of what may be my favorite 4k disc I own in terms of immersive sound and visual quality.
I think I may agree with you there. John.
Great review! I was also very impressed by this 4K version.
I would really like to know your opinion on the 4K release of Mad Max: Fury Road and how it compares to the normal Blu-Ray, since some people actually prefer that over the 4K. But you are the only one I can trust on those matters.
I really should get a copy of that. I never much liked the original Mad Max films so it's been hard to generate enthusiasm for a remake but it might prove interesting. I expect it was a video rather than a film but I hope I'm wrong. John.
@@moviecollector5920 Fury Road wasn't actually a remake, but a sort-of sequel. I saw it once and thought it very gripping and exciting, as it is basically one long chase scene, but in terms of story and character it felt shallow. It might be worth watching if you want a fun "ride". And it is a virtuoso production in technical terms.
@@ThreadBomb Hey, I'm into car chases so that's a good recommendation. John.