Apocalypse Now

4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (918 customer reviews)
Francis Ford Coppola's groundbreaking classic!
  • Starring: Marlon Brando, Martin Sheen
  • Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
  • Runtime: 2 hours 28 minutes
  • Release year: 1979
  • Studio: Lionsgate
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Apocalypse Now

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Product Details
Synopsis: Francis Ford Coppola's groundbreaking classic!
Starring: Marlon Brando, Martin Sheen
Supporting actors: Robert Duvall, Frederic Forrest, Sam Bottoms, Laurence Fishburne, Albert Hall, Harrison Ford, Dennis Hopper, G.D. Spradlin, Jerry Ziesmer, Scott Glenn, Bo Byers, James Keane, Kerry Rossall, Ron McQueen, Tom Mason, Cynthia Wood, Colleen Camp, Linda Carpenter, Jack Thibeau, Glenn Walken
Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
Genre: Drama, War
Runtime: 2 hours 28 minutes
Captions and Subtitles: Details
Release year: 1979
Studio: Lionsgate
MPAA Rating: Rated R for disturbing violent images, language, sexual content and some drug use (Redux version)
ASIN: B0045INOCO
Rights & Requirements
Purchase rights: Stream instantly and download to 2 locations. Details
Format: Amazon Instant Video (streaming online video and digital download)

Other Formats and Versions


Theatrical Release Information
  • US Theatrical Release Date: August 15, 1979
  • MPAA: Rated R for disturbing violent images, language, sexual content and some drug use (Redux version)
  • Production Company: Zoetrope Studios
  • Filming Locations: Philippines | Baler Bay, Baler, Aurora, Philippines | Baler, Aurora, Philippines | Chavon River, Dominican Republic | Dominican Republic

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
544 of 564 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I'm a hardcore Apocalypse Now fanatic, and this, the original version of the film, is what made me one, several years ago. Reviewers like to debate endlessly over which version is better, this or the Redux. Personally, I like both, but I find this original version to be more surreal, relentless, and, to quote another reviewer, more "dangerous." The fact is, Coppola used different shots and edits in the Redux, in some cases diluting the surreal impact of the original. Plus the characters Kilgore and Kurtz come off more strongly in the original; sure, we get to see more humanity from Kilgore in the Redux, but his exit in the original is much more memorable, much better than the "tossing megaphone into the air" antics as shown in the Redux. And Kurtz is a more powerful Evil One in the original version, not much more than a shadow.

What gets me is that, in the press releases that came out with Redux, Coppola claimed that he no longer considered the 1979 version of Apocalypse to be "unusual." He felt that, today, it comes off as a rather ordinary film. So he integrated an extra 50 minutes into the movie, to make it more unusual. The thing is, the Redux is, if anything, MORE normal than the original. After all, you get more character development, a romantic subplot, etc; all the things the unusual (and unique), original version lacked. The very lack of these things is what gives the original such a mysterious, dangerous edge. There is no levity in the original, no stealing of surfboards, no Playmates for the PBR crew. Only the dark jungle, and the mission.

If it's true that Coppola wanted to make the original version even more unusual, then I wonder why he chose to add the Plantation sequence and the Playboy Bunnies escapade.
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89 of 100 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars More Mesmerizing Than Ever... February 24, 2003
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This review refers to the Widescreen Collection(Paramount)DVD edition of "Apocalypse Now - Redux"......

In 1979's "Apocalypse Now", Francis Ford Coppola presented us with a mesmerizing, stunning look at the horrors of Viet Nam. It was a film that looked at the hearts and minds of the soldiers and the effects the brutualities had on them. A magnificent work at the time, you wouldn't believe it could be any better. But now, more than 20 years later(and well worth the wait), Coppola has seen his vision completed, with the reediting of the film and the addition of previously deleted scenes, to bring us this gift of the even more mesmerizing "Apocalypse Now Redux".

There is an additional 49 minutes now, and although I don't feel that every minute of it was essential to making this classic film an even better one, there is a new story here that helps us relate to the frame of mind of the soldiers. A scene where the boat crew takes time out for a rendevous with the playboy bunnies is one example of that.And although this scene may be a bit of a shocker at first, as it introduces a sexual situtaion where it was previously non exsistent, it gives us a greater understanding of what's going on in their heads. The added scene of the time spent on the French Plantation was again an eye-opener, and the funeral for "Mr. Clean" also was a welcome addition as it gives us a closure to the closeness we felt to this character. And of course, a little more time with the insane Colonel Kurtz was enlightning as well (who wouldn't want to spend a little more time with any character of Brando's?).

The original film from 1979 received 8 nominations by Oscar, including Best Picture, Director, and a supporting actor nod for Robert("I love the smell of Napalm in the morning")Duvall.
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83 of 96 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Not complete, but still worth it. 4 1/2 stars August 17, 2006
Format:DVD
The Film 5/5

There have been countless books, websites, and even a documentary (Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmakers Apocalypse) about this film that it seems almost pointless to write about it. One of the most troubled productions in film history, the film went on to recieve universal acclaim and is now a cinema classic.

For those of you getting into this film for the first time, do not expect your typical vietnam war film. In fact you could argue that the film is not really about the Vietnam War, but is instead about man's descent into "the heart of darkness" if you will. The film follows Captain Benjamin Willard (Martin Sheen)who is given a mission to proceed up river into Cambodia to assassinate a Green Beret Colonel (Marlon Brando) who has gone insane.

That is the basic story of the film. But, it is much more than that. The movie is essential one sureal moment after another. From a helicopter attack done to the tune of Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries", to surfing calvary men, to the much debated ending.

If there ever was a film that must be experienced just once in your life this is it.

The Video 5/5

The film was shot in the scope widesceen format of 2:35:1, but is present here (as with other DVD versions) at a slightly cropped 2:00:1 format. This decision (made by Cinematographer Vittorio Storaro) has caused much controversy over the years, and while I would love to see it in it's original format this version doesn't bother me.

That being said this is the best I've ever seen Apocalypse Now look. The colors are much more vivid and flesh tones are more realistic. For a film that was released in 1979 it stands right up there with any modern blockbuster. Each film is spread across two discs for higher picture quality.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars great movie
great price great special features great quality what else can be said but glad i purchased it when i did nice addition to my collection
Published 2 hours ago by William Planz
5.0 out of 5 stars Coppola!
War and the human psyche as masterfully filmed by Coppola. He did it to the classic "Godfather" and he does it again to Viet Nam.
Published 1 day ago by H. Seo
5.0 out of 5 stars Best movie about Vietnam
The Vietnam War was such a waste of lives and resources. The tenor of this movie accurately displays the horrifically confused policy of the GOVT in those days.
Published 1 day ago by Fred Bischof
1.0 out of 5 stars Tell customers it will not play in the United States
Got this movie after looking on line for it, had good reviews so I ordered it. Came in good time just before fathers day and when we went to watch it, wont play because it says... Read more
Published 2 days ago by tweetybird
4.0 out of 5 stars Not as good as Conrad's book
Make no mistake-this is a great movie. Lot's of fun. And it makes a good point about the insanity of war and the hypocrisy of claiming its murderous consequences can be subject... Read more
Published 2 days ago by Robert D. Goldberg
4.0 out of 5 stars Milestone Movie
I watched in interest as I hadn't seen this movie since it was first released. I noticed many things now that I couldn't have been aware of at the time. Read more
Published 2 days ago by R. D. Little
5.0 out of 5 stars Never gets old
I absulotly love this movie. Real emotion and organizes confusion
A little gory in places but then so is war
Great video and a little humor thrown in. Read more
Published 4 days ago by Michael Cole
4.0 out of 5 stars Not for the light hearted
This is a look at the real inner dimensions of our lives. How low man can fall and how choices have to be made regardless if we want to make them or not.
Published 4 days ago by beau
2.0 out of 5 stars Maybe great in its day, but….
Known to be a "Classic"; pretty boring. NO direction in plot. Drawn out-.acting not great, except a young Sheen did well. Read more
Published 5 days ago by dm
5.0 out of 5 stars The Redux is a hit.
Say what you will about this movie, the Vietnam war or war in general, this movie still ranks high in my book of American film-making milestones. Read more
Published 5 days ago by Michael B.
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