Apocalypse Now Redux - A piece of History

Rating: 8/10 (27 August 2001)

I give this version an 8 out of 10, original version 8 out of 10 also.
The redux didn't change my reaction to the film, which I have seen probably 10 times. The most significant change is added depth to Martin Sheen's character, Capt. Willard. He gets to have some fun and shows compassion for his crew. Most of the additions lighten up parts of the film with humour and transgressions from the main focus of the plot. The most fascinating aspect of this re-release is the vivid colours and excellent sound. All previous big screen viewings of this film I have seen in the past have been scratched old prints played in a theatre with inferior sound. This new print was made with the mostly defunct Technicolor process (now called Technovision). The yellows and reds jump out with searing intensity, (there are really no blues in the film). Combined with a booming soundtrack, this is a feast for the senses. There is additional material where Kilgore's pre-occupation with surfing is accentuated, including a funny gag where Willard steals Col. Kilgore's surfboard. Later, helicopters are hunting for Willard and crew, with loudspeakers blaring Kilgore's voice, `Return my surfboard'. The next major addition is the boat arriving at a decimated post up the river, where the Playboy girls are stranded. This gives Coppola a chance to infuse sex into the film, as part of his plan to include all the required Hollywood Blockbuster elements. By far the longest and worst addition is the `French plantation' sequence. It feels like a reel from `Indochine' or something was accidentally thrown into a film. It consists mainly of a bunch of French guys arguing about some philosophies that you can't understand. The audience feels like Willard does on-screen; bewildered, tired, and wishing you could leave. But no, a French women has been making eyes at Willard, and drags him into her bedroom. More gratuitous nudity. You almost forget what movie you're in, except that you can see the river outside the window. Oh yeah, the boat, Col. Kurtz, the mission. The few additions of Kurtz don't change your opinion of him, but they don't hurt the film.
When this version comes out on DVD, use the power of the remote to skip the French scenes. Otherwise, this epic has grown well, and the aficionados will have a chance to appreciate the lost scenes, for better or worse.