Should I get both versions of Apocolypse Now? (1 Viewer)

[StephenA]

I've never seen the movie. I wanna get it, and was wondering if I should get the regular version, Redux, or both. Thanks.

 

[Bruce Hedtke]

Get the Redux version. A superior film. If you want, rent the first version first, then watch the Redux so you can see what was added (alot) and how it drastically changes the film. But, buy the Redux and you are set.

Bruce

 

[ScottR]

I just watched the Redux version on Sunday, and I could not imagine watching another version. It was gripping, and absolutely great. Buy the Redux.

 

[Jovan J]

Well, I got both.

 

[Bruce Hedtke]

Congrats. Now you and I are equals.
Bruce

 

[Dave H]

Redux has a noticably better transfer, looking cleaner and better color corrected.

I sold my original version after viewing Redux.

 

[StephenA]

Ok, thanks everyone. I'll probably get both.

 

[oscar_merkx]

Perhaps you should get neither as there is a superb 2 disc set out on R2 from DVDzone2.com an e-tailer in France which has the 1979 press conference plus more goodies. I am waiting for my copy as we speak.
www.dvdzone2.com
Regards
Oscar

 

[BrentPollard]

Oscar
Not much info, any idea what's on the 2nd disc

 

[Bill J]

Here are the specs for the R2 Apocalypse Now Redux 2-disc set. Do you think that the commentary will be in French?

FEATURES

Video :

16/9 (1.85:1) anamorphic

Side : Single

Regional coding (zone2) : yes

Audio :

English : Dolby Digital 5.1

French : Dolby Digital 5.1

Subtitles : French

Special features :

Audio Commentaries from the Producer

Interviews : "Claude Berri : sa position face au film en tant que distributeur en 1979"

Miscellaneous : "Extrait de la conférence de presse de 1979"

Miscellaneous : "Conférence de presse 2001"

Interactive menu : yes

Scene selection : yes

Theatrical teaser : no

Runtime : 202 mins

 

[Eric T]

Whatever version you get, it's a great film, no doubt about it. One of my all-time favorites.

 

[andrew markworthy]

Hate to disagree with everyone, but I'd get the original version first and see if you like it. If you do, *then* get the Redux version, which you can only really appreciate if you've seen the original first. The Redux essentially adds information to the basic plot, but (and I can only guess this, having seen the original first like most others on this forum) if you saw the Redux version first, it may be a little too complex and overlong.

If you love the movie, you'll want both versions (personally, I prefer the original, but the Redux is a must-see as well). It's worth stressing that the Redux version isn't just the original with bits added. It's subtly different in a lot of ways.

 

[LukeB]

I agree with Andrew. I saw "Redux" in theaters and much preferred the original cut. The additions were okay...except for the big Plantation scene, which in my opinion just threw off any pacing the movie had going for it and added running time.

The original cut is so much more compact and the stronger film, without the unnecessary additions. Plus the original DVD has more extras too. I bought the original DVD recently from Columbia House. If they re-release a nice set with both versions, I'd get it, indeed.

But the Redux is the inferior cut indeed, IMO.

 

[Jon_W]

I would get the original cut and if you like it then also get redux. I prefer the original cut myself

 

[GuruAskew]

I definitely prefer the original cut. The extra 49 minutes of footage are interesting and thus justify me owning "Redux" as well as the original cut, but as a film "Redux" is poorly paced. I proudly own both versions and wouldn't have it any other way, but I'll almost always choose to watch the original cut over "Redux".

 

[Colin Jacobson]

Get the Redux version. A superior film.

Sez you! I watched Redux once and that was enough for me - I STRONGLY prefer the original, even though I can't stand the last third of it. The first two-thirds are terrific, but Redux mars even those parts...

 

[Derek Faber]

Redux...no no no no...it kills the movie. Get the original, if you're planning on only buying one version.

I have both, and well, the original will get all the play most likely. But, I'll keep Redux, just because I love the original. Strange? :p)

 

[Jim_K]

Buy the original version.
Then rent the Redux if you are curious.
The original is far superior IMO. Sometimes less is more.

 

[John P Grosskopf]

I prefer the original cut, but like the new cut as well. I've finally gotten to see the mythical missing footage, and have had another one of life's curiosities satiated.
My only big difficulty with Redux is length and pacing. It's now so long and a bit of a labor to watch in a single sitting it should be called "Apocalypse Now...and Now...and Now...and Now...and Now..."

 

[Bill J]

I've finally gotten to see the mythical missing footage, and have had another one of life's curiosities satiated.

Actually you haven't seen all of it.......