Francis Ford Coppola is probably best known by the masses for the
"GODFATHER" films and "APOCALYPSE NOW."  But, "students" of film tend to prefer "THE CONVERSATION."  This lesser known, but brilliant film won a cult following upon its release in the 1970s.  Gene Hackman gives one of his best performances as Harry Caul, a surveillance expert.  As we watch him devise ingenious ways to spy on people's most intimate of conversations, we, the audience, become accomplices of sorts, spying on him!  The plot is intriguing.  Caul is hired to tape a complex conversation taking place in a park.  As he begins to decode what he's taped, evidence begins to surface of a horrible murder being planned.  While audiences will probably be disappointed that more time isn't spent on the actual participants of the murder, the in-depth study of Caul's character "is" worthwhile, and Coppola's decision to make this a character study, is one of the boldest decisions of his career.
The transfer to this PARAMOUNT dvd release is excellent!  While the color values are fine, they're intentionally subdued.  The clarity of the image is nearly flawless. There is some grain, but it's minimal. The 1.85:1 aspect ratio is intact with 16:9 enhancement.
PARAMOUNT has elected to remaster this release with Dolby Digital 5.1 sound. While it's not an overly aggressive mix, filled with directional effects and heavy bass, it's free of distortion and the front soundstage has distinct separation effects. Surround sounds are limited to minor atmospheric effects.
PARAMOUNT has included two separate audio commentaries with this release. Coppola's comments are insightful, but it's disappointing that for a director known for his attention to detail, little technical information is
provided.  Instead, he focuses on the subtext and various themes he was
trying to explore. 
The second commentary, with sound designer Walter Murch, focuses on the technical aspects in great detail.  In fact, it's so detailed that it tends
to drag.  Still, he actually offers his own interpretation of some of the
film's themes, and "here" is where he shines the most!
A featurette, "CLOSE-UP ON THE CONVERSATION" was made during the film's original production, with behind-the-scenes footage.  Unfortunately, it's very short.  The theatrical trailer is included in non-anamorphic widescreen.