‘Apocalypse Now’ Documentary ‘Hearts Of Darkness’ Heading To 4K UHD Steelbook
by David Lewis
Francis Ford Coppola’s Vietnam War epic Apocalypse Now had one of the most notoriously difficult shoots in history. The 1979 film was plagued by typhoons, heart attacks, Marlon Brando‘s ego, and whatever drugs Dennis Hopper was on. Lucky for us, Eleanor Coppola was there to document it all. The result is Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse, one of the most candid and genuinely gripping behind-the-scenes documents of all time, now headed to 4K UHD steelbook release from Lionsgate.
First released in 1991, Hearts of Darkness reveals Coppola’s struggles to mount the pricey Joseph Conrad adaptation in the jungles of Southeast Asia while struggling with the elements and his own hubris, coming off the wild success of the first two Godfather movies. Among the interviewees are a very verbose Francis, Apocalypse stars Hopper, Martin Sheen, Laurence “Larry” Fishburne and Robert Duvall, plus collaborators John Milius and George Lucas, and others.
The set also includes Eleanor’s making-of footage of daughter Sofia Coppola‘s films Marie Antoinette (2007) and The Virgin Suicides (1999), as well as her profile of Francis directing 2007’s The Rainmaker (2007) with Matt Damon. Bonus features include commentary from both Coppolas, a special edition art book, four of Eleanor’s early short films, trailers, and more.
The Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse 4K UHD steelbook will be available May 19 exclusively at Lionsgate Limited.
