Francis Ford Coppola’s The Conversation restored in 4K for its 50th anniversary

Studiocanal has released this week the 50^th-anniversary 4K restoration of Francis Ford Coppola’s The Conversation, just after re-entering UK cinemas on 5^th July. Following its theatrical release, the film is available for home viewing on a special 2-disc 4K UHD Collector’s Edition and digitally starting 15^th July. This restoration marks a pivotal moment for the 1974 Palme d’Or-winning neo-noir thriller, providing both new and longtime fans the opportunity to experience the film in unparalleled quality.

Directed and written by Francis Ford Coppola, The Conversation stars Gene Hackman, John Cazale, and Cindy Williams, among others. The film is celebrated for its intricate narrative revolving around Harry Caul (Hackman), a surveillance expert caught in a web of privacy invasion, ethical dilemmas, and potential murder. This release not only commemorates the film’s 50^th anniversary but also showcases new artwork by Laurent Durieux and includes a wealth of special features such as a 64-page booklet, exclusive tape cassette soundtrack, posters, and interviews with the cast and crew.

The 4K restoration process involved accessing the original negative for the first time, scanning it in 4K, and using an approved reference print for colour grading. The restoration also includes a 5.1 soundtrack created in 2000 by Walter Murch, alongside the original 1974 mono track – fully approved by Coppola himself. The legendary director expressed his pride in the film and its enduring legacy, highlighting the collaborative effort with editor and sound designer Murch that contributed to its success.

The Conversation is renowned not only for its critical acclaim, including Baftas for editing and sound, but also for its exploration of themes that remain relevant today, such as the impact of technology on privacy and the ethical challenges it poses. This restoration offers a unique opportunity for audiences to engage with Coppola’s favourite film in a new light, ensuring its continued relevance and appreciation for years to come.

This re-release is part of Studiocanal’s commitment to preserving cinema history, boasting a significant investment in the restoration of classic films over the past five years. As Europe’s leader in the production, distribution and international sales of feature films and series, Studiocanal continues to play a crucial role in bringing timeless stories back to the big screen.

The editorial unit

The Conversation is available digitally and in 4K UHD Collector’s Edition from 15^th July 2024.

The 4K UHD Collector’s Edition includes

– 64-page booklet with new essays

– Exclusive tape cassette soundtrack

– 2x posters of original artwork

– Extras material:

Q&A with Walter Murch, filmed at Curzon Soho, 2017
Behind the Scenes Stills Gallery
Feature commentary with writer-director Francis Ford Coppola
Feature commentary with editor Walter Murch
Close-up on The Conversation
Coppola script dictations
Cindy Williams screen test
Harrison Ford screen test
Composer David Shire interviewed by Francis Ford Coppola
Interview with Gene Hackman (1973)
Harry Caul’s San Francisco: Locations Then & Now
No Cigar (1956 short, Francis Ford Coppola)
Theatrical Trailer
50^th anniversary Trailer (2024)

– Cert: 12 / Runtime: 113mins