‘Apocalypse’ Then, and Now: “Restored films and directors’ cuts are too often a fraud, pretexts for commercial

rerelease. The second thoughts don’t amount to much and rather support the idea

that it is part of being an artist to make the crucial decisions at the living moment.

But what Mr. Coppola and his old friend and editor, Walter Murch, have now

done is not simply to exercise calm and reflection when 1978-79 was a scene of

dismay and uncertainty. Nor is it just that they’ve restored 53 minutes of original

footage to Apocalypse Now Redux, which Miramax will release on Aug. 15,

22 years after the original. It’s rather more that they have finally trusted and

freed the proper film. Even those who were never persuaded by the original

may now find it not just a new film but a masterpiece.” On August 16, 1979, I was in line enjoying the company of good friends much of the afternoon waiting to get in to opening night. Coming out of the theatre afterward, I didn’t need persuading, even though ‘Vincent Canby said the effect was of

“something borrowed and not yet fully understood.” ‘ Looking forward to revisiting it, in what it appears will be a more thoughtful form. New York Times