Blu-ray Review: Unique Array of Movies Assembled in ‘Francis Ford Coppola: 5 Film Collection’

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CHICAGO – “Francis Ford Coppola: 5 Film Collection,” a four-disc/five-movie set from Lionsgate, is a unique offering in that it certainly doesn’t include “the best of” its namesake or even four movies that are thematically intertwined. There are two undeniable classics in here, two of the most important films of the ’70s, and their inclusion on Blu-ray makes the set interesting, but it’s far from a comprehensive look at the legendary director; more of a sampler set.

Rating: 4.5/5.0

What would be the ideal Coppola Blu-ray set? Well, all three films of “The Godfather,” of course. (Yes, even the third one if just to complete the saga). Those aren’t here but are available in their own gorgeous Blu-ray. Then fans would probably go to “Apocalypse Now,” which is included in the Lionsgate set in two forms: the original and the very-different (and inferior) “Apocalypse Now Redux”. After that, I’d say the brilliant “The Conversation,” which is also included here. Those three movies — the two versions of “Apocalypse” and “The Conversation” — are must-owns for any movie nut. If you don’t have ‘em this is a great way to go. Then I’d probably go to “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” but we’re getting off track because that’s not included here either. Just consider the inclusion of “Tetro” and “One From the Heart,” two decent films but not the director’s best, as bonus material. At least they’re better than “Jack.”

Francis Ford Coppola: 5 Film Collection was released on Blu-ray on December 4, 2012
Photo credit: Lionsgate

Synopsis:

Apocalypse Now

Nominated for eight Academy Awards, Francis Ford Coppola’s Vietnam War epic stars Martin Sheen as a troubled Army captain sent to assassinate a renegade American colonel (Marlon Brando) barricaded in a remote outpost.

Apocalypse Now Redux

This is the definitive version of Francis Ford Coppola’s stunning vision of the heart of darkness in all of us, reedited and remastered with 49 minutes of additional footage.

The Conversation

Gene Hackman stars in this harrowing psychological thriller about an expert surveillance man whose wiretapping job sends him spiraling into a web of secrecy, murder and paranoia. Costarring Cindy Williams, Frederic Forrest and Harrison Ford.

Tetro

After naive 17-year-old Bennie (Alden Ehrenreich) is reunited with his long-lost brother, the volatile and melancholy poet Tetro (Vincent Gallo), the two brothers grapple with the haunting experiences of their shared past. Costarring Klaus Maria Brandauer.

One From The Heart

Teri Garr and Frederic Forrest shine as a Las Vegas couple whose 4th of July break-up leads to a night on the strip in pursuit of their romantic fantasies (Raul Julia, Nastassia Kinski). Featuring the Oscar-nominated music of Tom Waits.

Special Features:
o Features Are All Imported From Previous Releases

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com [email protected]