Director Francis Ford Coppola chose to follow up his 1979 film Apocalypse Now with 1982’s One from the Heart, a romantic comedy/musical with a far lighter tone. It’s the 4th of July, and Las Vegas couple Frannie (Teri Garr) and Hank (Frederic Forrest) have been together for five years. However, their relationship has become a bit stagnant, with each wanting different things. Hank seems content to just live in the same starter home together, and never seems to make an effort anymore, opting to cook at home instead of taking Frannie out to a nice restaurant. Meanwhile, Frannie wants to be romanced and go on an island getaway to Bora Bora. She’s tired of waiting to live her life. This leads to an argument and the pair decides to break up.
Each of them seeks solace from their best friends. Maggie (Lainie Kazan) is tired of the dating world and doesn’t wish it upon Frannie. But Frannie soon catches the eye of the charming Ray (Raul Julia), a piano player at a nearby hotel. Meanwhile, Harry’s best friend Moe (Harry Dean Stanton) encourages him to pursue beautiful circus performer Leila (Nastassia Kinski) who expresses interest. While Hank is up for a physical relationship with this flexible young female, his heart still has feelings for Frannie and he doesn’t want to let her go so easily. So he sets out for the Las Vegas Strip to find her, and stop her before she falls into the arms of another man. But the couple is constantly having near misses, whether it’s walking in the neon streets of Vegas, trying to reach one another on the phone, or even passing one another inside their home. Will these two find their way back to one another, or move on to new love?
I had never even heard of One from the Heart until I saw the announcement for the One from the Heart: Reprise 4K release, and was curious to check it out. The film has a bit of a controversial past, with a runaway budget and underperforming at the box office. In 2003, Coppola restored and re-released the film in a slightly shorter version. But now, another 20 years later, it has been restored yet again and re-released in an even shorter One from the Heart: Reprise cut. However, even though the Reprise is shorter overall, it actually includes six minutes of footage have been added to replace the original negative, previously thought to be destroyed.
One from the Heart is quite a unique film. While the characters don’t break out in song, it is very much a musical, with Oscar-nominee Tom Waits providing the score and songs sung by Crystal Gayle and himself. Instead of filming on the actual Vegas Strip, everything was shot on sets on a soundstage. The film has a very beautiful, stylized look, and almost feels like a play. Backdrops like the mountains are obviously matte paintings, several scenes feel more like sets than reality, but it is part of the charm of the movie.
The movie is filmed like a motion picture, but also makes use of many different theatrical techniques. There are scenes where we will be following Hank and Moe talking, and then, like it’s being projected on a stage scrim behind them, we see Frannie and Maggie in the background performing their similarly-themed scene. The focus then seamlessly transforms into that scene instead. These give the film a fantasy like feeling. There are also other scenes where the lights fade out as characters move from one room to the next. The wipes between are nice and seamless.
The music is constant throughout the film, and sometimes even takes the forefront over the dialogue. In the first act, these original songs tend to inform what’s going on with Frannie and Hank and the state of their relationship. In the second act, thigs become more of a score, as the film breaks out into a huge dance number between Frannie and Ray (choregraphed by Kenny Ortgea who went on to do Newsies and High School Musical). We also see Hank conducting an invisible orchestra in a junkyard as Leila performs on a tightrope. For the final act, the songs are back, serving their troubadour purpose of informing the audience of what’s going on. One of these had a very West Side Story “Cool” kind of feeling to it.
Lionsgate’s new 4K release includes the new Reprise cut on the 4K disc, and the original 1982 theatrical cut on the Blu-ray disc. It does not contain the 2003 restored version, which previously appeared on the Francis Ford Coppola: 5-Film Collection Blu-ray release. I’m not sure of all of the differences between these different versions—each has some new footage not included in the others. However, some of the initial arguments between Frannie and Hank were removed from the new Reprise version. The film still works, and you still get the sense that Frannie is unhappy and a bit bored.
The film opens with a disclaimer trigger warning that the film contains historical attitudes that some may find offensive. I suspect this was in regards to one scene where one of the waiters makes some comments about Raul Julia’s character. The tone of the film is a bit all over, from drama, to romance, to huge dance spectacles, to comedy. It even goes all-out slapstick at one point in the final act. I enjoyed how the film would often cut between Frannie and Hank showing how each was reacting to the situation, doing something similar, but in very different ways from one another—often with a bit of a comedic effect. It was kind of like a here’s how guys handle this, here’s how girls handle this type of thing. The main cast is great, especially Teri Garr, who has wonderful chemistry with both Forrest and Julia. She brings a lot to the more humorous moments, and nails the dance number with Julia.
Lionsgate Home Entertainment has released One from the Heart on 4K disc for the first time featuring the latest Reprise cut of the film. The picture quality looks excellent, with beautiful, clean picture throughout, with an excellent level of detail and just a pleasant amount of film grain. The neon colors of the Vegas strip really pop, but never bleed or look over-saturated. And the stylized look of the film really shines. Even in some of the film’s darker sequences, the level of detail remains strong. The release includes both stereo and surround audio options. While the music and dialogue is primarily in the front/center channels, the surround sound is well-utilized to provide an immersive feel of the hustle and bustle of the Vegas Strip, or the blustering winds during the opening title sequence.
The 4K release comes with both 4K and Blu-ray discs, each with a different set of bonus material. Nearly all of the material on the 4K disc is new, with over an hour of behind-the-scenes featurettes featuring previously-unseen footage, and a brand new 25-minute interview with Baz Luhrmann. Also ported over from the previous Blu-ray for the 2003 version is a Francis Ford Coppola commentary and a restoration comparison. The Blu-ray disc includes over 2 hours of other legacy bonus material, including behind-the-scenes featurettes, rehearsal footage, deleted scenes, a music video, alternate songs, and more.
The discs are placed on either side of the case. There was no slipcover on our review copy, but it does contain an insert with instructions to redeem a 4K digital copy of the Reprise cut of film at Fandango at Home.
What’s Included:
Film: (Reprise: 1:33:39, Theatrical: 1:43:07)
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4K UHD:
- 2023 Reprise Version
- 2160p / Full Frame 1.37:1
- Dolby Vision / HDR10
- Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, English 2.0 LPCM Stereo
- Subtitles: English SDH
- 1982 Theatrical Version
- 1080p / Full Frame 1.37:1
- Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, English 2.0 LPCM Stereo
- Subtitles: English SDH
- 4K digital copy of the Reprise cut (Not Movies Anywhere Compatble) redeemable at Fandango at Home
Blu-ray:
Digital (may not be valid after 5/7/2025):
Extras:
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4K Disc:
- Francis Ford Coppola Feature Commentary (1:33:39)
The director provides an interesting and informative commentary, discussing his fable about love. He shares lots of behind-the-scenes stories about the production, and discusses some of the differences between the theatrical and restored cut. This was originally included on 2012 Francis Ford Coppola: 5-Film Collection Blu-ray release. - The Look of One from the Heart (17:22)
The filmmakers discuss the unique look and style of the film, and how it was brought about. Includes storyboards, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with director Francis Ford Coppola, cinematographer Vittorio Storaro, electronic cinema editor Murdo Laird, production designer Dean Tavoularis, construction coordinator John Rutchland, special visual effects Robert Swarthe, and matte artist Rocco Gioffre. This brand new behind-the-scenes featurette makes use of mostly-unseen footage shot from 1980-1981 during the making of the film at Zoetrope Studios. Presented in full frame format. - The Cast of One from the Heart (21:46)
The cast and filmmakers discuss the characters, the film, the experimental filming process, and working with the director. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with director Francis Ford Coppola, and stars Lainie Kazan (“Maggie”), Teri Garr (“Frannie”), Raul Julia (“Ray”), Harry Dean Stanton (“Moe”) & Frederic Forrest (“Hank”). This brand new behind-the-scenes featurette makes use of mostly-unseen footage shot from 1980-1981 during the making of the film at Zoetrope Studios. Presented in full frame format. - The Choreography of One from the Heart (24:51)
The filmmakers discuss the movie’s dance sequences and the training and rehearsals involved. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with choreography consultant Gene Kelly, choreographer Kenny Ortega, director Francis Ford Coppola, and stars Raul Julia & Teri Garr. This brand new behind-the-scenes featurette makes use of mostly-unseen footage shot from 1980-1981 during the making of the film at Zoetrope Studios. Presented in full frame format. - Reinventing the Musical: Baz Luhrmann on One from the Heart (25:04)
In this brand new interview, director Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge!) discusses the film, Francis Ford Coppola’s role as an operatic storyteller, and the evolution of movie musicals. - One from the Heart: Reprise, Restoration Comparison (3:54)
Side-by-side comparison of some of the restorations done to clean up the picture between the 2003 and 2023 versions of the film. - 2024 Trailer (1:01)
- The Making of One from the Heart (23:21)
This vintage featurette gives viewers a look at the making of the film with the cast and crew. Some of this footage also appears in the various new featurettes included on the 4K disc. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, storyboards, and interviews with director Francis Ford Coppola, production designer Dean Tavoularis, cinematographer Vittorio Storaro, composer Tom Waits, and star Nastassia Kinski (“Leila”). Presented in full frame format. - The Dream Studio (28:24)
Teri Garr narrates this 2003 featurette looking at the formation of Francis Ford Coppola’s Zoetrope Studios, his desire to bring back the old studio system, and some of the conflicts surrounding the production of One From The Heart. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with Coppola, Zoetrope Studios producer Ronald Colby, director Michael Lehmann (Heathers), artist Ronald Gress, art director Angelo Graham, Zoetrope Studios president Bob Spiotta (1980-82), stars Teri Garr & Frederic Forrest, and more. Presented in full frame format. - The Electronic Cinema (9:34)
This 2003 featurette looks at the experimental electronic research department of Coppolo’s Zoetrope Studios, and some of the technological advancements used for this film. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with Zoetrope Studios producer Ronald Colby, co-inventor of “Avid Film Composer” Tom Ohanian, co-editor Randy Roberts, cinematographer Vittorio Storaro, director Baz Luhrmann, and more. Presented in full frame format. - Tom Waits and the Music from One from the Heart (13:28) Composer Tom Waits and the filmmakers discuss the music for the film. Includes behind-the-scenes footage. Presented in full frame format.
- Deleted Scenes (34:11)
Collection of 12 deleted/extended scenes. Play All, or select from:- Early Opening Sequence with Director’s Commentary (4:23)
- Early Opening Sequence with Wait’s Overture Medley (4:23)
- Frannie’s Dream (1:30)
- Y.A Tittle Time (1:04)
- Old Little Boy Blue Without Effects (3:13)
- Little Boy Blue Alternate Version (1:29)
- Frannie and Hank Drive Home (Extended) (1:52)
- Early Version of Ending (2:20)
- Laundromat Meeting/Hank & Moe Meet Leila (1:53)
- Laundromat Meeting with Director’s Commentary (1:53)
- Original U.S. Release Opening Scenes (9:02)
- Original Rooftop Sequence (1:06)
- Videotaped Rehearsals (8:57)
Footage from the rehearsal sessions. Play All, or select from:- Early Stage Rehearsal: Frannie Meets Ray (1:37)
- Las Vegas Rehearsal: Couples Meet on the Street (:43)
- Stage Tech Rehearsal: Vittorio Shoots Frannie with Groceries (1:09)
- Stage Rehearsal: Frannie and Hank Fight (1:15)
- Stage Rehearsal: Frannie and Hank Fight Again (4:18)
- Francis Ford Coppola Speaks to the Exhibitors (1:30)
Francis Ford Coppola provides and introduction to a preview color dupe version of the film. - Press Conference at the Studio (7:31)
At a Zoetrope Studios Press Conference held on February 4, 1981, Francis Ford Coppola narrates some videotape footage presented to the crowd, gets upset by some press questions, and introduces the cast. - This One’s from the Heart Music Video (4:09)
- Stop-Motion Demo (3:26)
Visual effects supervisor Robert Swarthe narrates this footage of the motion control camera filming the opening title sequence. - The Tom Waits Score – Alternate Takes (24:23)
Alternate audio tracks for some of the music from the film. Play All, or select from:- Wages of Love – Uptempo (4:01)
- Pickin’ Up After You – Early Demo with Edie Lehmann (3:24)
- I Beg Your Pardon – Take 1 (5:26)
- Candy Apple Red – Bass Solo (1:05)
- Cold Chisel – Work in Progress Version of This One’s From The Heart (8:28)
- Take Me Home – Wait’s Vocal (1:59)
- 2003 Theatrical Trailer (2:09)
- 1982 Theatrical Trailer (3:03)
Most of this is new to this release.
Blu-ray Disc:
This material has all been ported over from the previous Blu-ray release.
Final Thoughts:
Must Own For Fans
I had never heard of One from the Heart before checking out this 4K release, but I was pleasantly surprised. It is a unique viewing experience, mixing a romantic comedy with a musical—but as a story that’s driven by music rather than the characters breaking out in song. It has a beautiful, stylized look that often feels like a play, and there are some really well-choreographed dance numbers. It features a great cast, and some fun comedic moments mixed in with the romance and drama. It’s certainly worth a look for musical fans. The stellar technical presentation and loads of bonus material also make this a must own for anyone who’s a fan of the film.
One From The Heart: Reprise [4K + Blu-ray] [4K UHD]
21% Off $30.99 $23.33 (as of November 1, 2024 22:32 GMT -05:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
One From the Heart: Reprise
37% Off $38.99 $24.55 (as of November 1, 2024 22:32 GMT -05:00 – More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
