One From The Heart: Reprise [4K + Blu-ray] [4K UHD]

I've owned the 2003 cut of ONE FROM THE HEART on DVD since, well, 2003. I've watched it eight or ten times over those years and become more convinced each time of its brilliance. I truly find it a sentimental, somewhat bonkers, and absolutely one-of-a-kind masterpiece that lives up to its title in every way imaginable. It gives me goosebumps to see its visual ideas taken a step further in films like TUCKER: THE MAN AND HIS DREAM and TETRO. It sent me to the moon when I read an offhand remark by an early viewer of MEGALOPOLIS (surely sworn to secrecy but spilling a few beans anyway) comparing it to this landmark reinvention of the musical.All of that put me in an awkward place while watching this new REPRISE edition. This new 4K scan/restoration/presentation looks heartstoppingly gorgeous. I forewarn you, though. It's also a significantly re-edited film. Bits -- and entire scenes -- have been removed -- including some of my favorite transitions. The order of scenes has been changed in places. It's startling, even disappointing. I'm not saying the changes don't work, but they'll take some getting used to.This disc set, though, is essential for two reasons: all of the wonderful bonus features from the 2003 DVD are included once again and they're joined by a few new greats like videotaped rehearsals, an eye-opening piece about the visual design, and an enthusiastic appreciation by Baz Luhrmann. It's a treasure trove and some of the documentaries are worthy of multiple viewings, a rarity. The other and far bigger reason is the inclusion of the 1982 cut. I'd never seen it before. It's a revelation. And it's once again significantly different than the version I'd known all these years, and in very good ways. This original cut will be my go-to from now on.The reception of ONE FROM THE HEART broke Coppola's heart -- and pocketbook. With the two re-edited re-releases, he seems to be apologizing, trying to turn it into something lovable. But why? Why is he apologizing for something that was so lovely to begin with?

The Reprise cut is horrible. Many scenes that are central to the story have been cut -- like the argument in the first few minutes. So, you have the two main characters stepping out on each other not knowing why. Also, the early Harry Dean Stanton and F. Forrest scene at the sign graveyard is missing. No established relationship before they are walking in Vegas and meek Kinski.The missing scenes that are central to telling the story make the REPRISE version a horrible mistakeI returned this 4K two-disc set and got my money back.I bought the UK import which has the 1982 version in 4K.

Francis Ford Coppola’s stylistic classic “One from the Heart” was a critical and commercial failure though some critics and films fans figured out it out. It’s a triumph of style over content. That isn’t a bad thing in this case, as Coppola combined then current technology to recreate a nod back to 50’s films.The film follows a dysfunctional couple Hank (Frederick Forest) and Frankie (Teri Garr) are at a crossroads in their relationship. They live in Las Vegas. Frankie works at a travel agency but goes nowhere. Hank works at a junkyard that collects what Vegas no longer needs. Frankie feels stuck and wants to see the world while Hank takes her for granted and can’t commit to her. The two break up, embark on affairs with a singer/piano player (Raul Julia) and magician’s assistant (Nastassja Kinski) thinking that this will revive their lives.Brilliant visually with great cinematography by Vitorrio Storano and Ronald Garcia, Coppola used video technology so that he could see real time what they had just shot to push the shooting and editing process to a faster conclusion. In many respects, this is a musical though the actors don’t sing. Tom Waits and Crystal Gayle represent the characters point of views and also act as a Greek chorus commenting on the drama.The problem with the film is its slight story which is overwhelmed by the stylistic innovation and the brilliant musical score by Waits. The actors don’t have much to work with as the characters are thinly drawn. Even if it is style over substance, what style! It’s a brilliant example Coppola’s visual compositions.The U.K. release if one has 4K is the one to get. The U.S. release has the Reprise re-edit that Coppola did. It is an interesting variation of the original but the theatrical cut from 1982 really was the right version. It was just ahead of its time. The U.K. Release has both the Reprise cut and the original 1982 theatrical version on region free 4K discs. There are region locked Blu-rays as well. The U.S. version has a 4K and Blu-ray for the Reprise re-edit but the Blu-ray ONLY for the 1982 version. Including another disc with the 4K wouldn’t cost them much and wouldn’t increase the cost much either.The set has five featurettes on the production of the film plus a commentary by Coppola all for the Reprise edit. The original theatrical cut has videotapes rehearsal footage, it also has a making of featurettes, deleted scenes and all the special features from the previous Blu-ray release.If one has 4K, the U.K. Cut is the better version to buy with both versions in 4K. Special features are carried over from the previous Blu-ray plus new ones for the Reprise version. It’s a four disc set and is comprehensive.While flawed, “One from the Heart” is a brilliant stylistic musical that needed a better story, better character development. All shot on the Zoetrope sets (there’s nothing that was shot on location in Vegas), the film failed to resonate with audiences in 1982. I saw it then and recognized the brilliance of the direction but just wish that Coppola would have spent more time on the script. It is a massive departure from what Coppola did before and after this.

I was contacted by the seller that the Blu Rays in the 4 disc set are Region B. They won't play in the USA, unless you have a Region Free Blu-Ray player.

The restoration was reference quality and the film itself is way better than its reputation. Highly recommended!

Excellent 4K with extras, only issue with it being why add the additional blurays as well ? I will never play them, I have the 4K instead. I guess one thing that would be great to do, check the 4K and check the blu ray and see if one is really that much better on my TV to justify the very large cost of the set. No booklet included which is always a disappointment but still it is one of my favourite films, so I can figure that.

Good film to watch, good 4K transfer.