Coppola’s commentary for the movies is actually quite good. He kicks things off by telling the story of how the opening sequence came together by accident: it was actually filler footage from one of the cameras during the “Ride of the Valkyries” sequence. The director speaks eloquently about the film’s themes and doesn’t shy away from the stories behind infamous moments, like how he allowed the scene where Martin Sheen smashed the mirror and cut his hand to go on even though the actor was really drunk and bleeding. Coppola tells all kinds of fascinating anecdotes, like the origin of Colonel Kilgore, and provides many factoids, like the creation of the “Valkryies” sequence, associated with making the movie. The Redux commentary is essentially the same but with new comments over the added footage.

Coppola always does a great track & this one is quite good (not as good as the Godfather series tho...). The only criticism I have is that it gets a bit dull sometimes, almost like he thinks he has to talk constantly. It's ok to pause every once in a while, dude! The best moments are when he talks about the reinserted scenes in the Redux vers.

I'm not a huge fan of FFC commentaries (I don't remember much about the Godfather commentaries, hence the reason I didn't review them, but I do remember that he rattled on about some things for minutes at a time that had little to do with the film) but this seems to be decent enough to keep the viewer (but only the fan of Apocalypse Now) entertained. FFC talks about the harsh times during the filming (though he understates it by a long way) and what it was like on location, in post-production, and other aspects. Most interestingly, he talks over the redux portion as well, thus telling us how and why these scenes were cut.

P.S. In my opinion, even with the explanations, I enjoy the original version over the redux.

Like always Coppola has a lot to say. He is prepared and talks very vivid. He touches nearly every aspect of this movie. The development of the script, the actors, the lighting, the locations, working abroad, the cost overrun, the finance, the camerawork, the cutting etc. With a part of the stories you are familiar with, but there are a lot of new things on the track.

Pure gold are his stories about Brando. Also the parts about the Redux footage are very good.

Terrific track without any big gaps. 10 out of 10.

A great commentary track for a truly great film. FCC is fascinating to listen to, well prepared, enthusiastic and provides all the technical information you need.
My only complaint would be that this track is a little too technical, it possibly needed a few more candid anecdotes. However, those subjects are generally covered in the documentaries on the DVD / Blu Ray as well as being in the Hearts of Darkness documentary.

Why would anyone complain that a Director's commentary is too technical? That's what they're there for, not everything is about set gossip or anecdotal nothings. Cmon!