Yeah It did look like a stretch. However the scenes on the DVD are slightly better on the DVD full disclosure edition probably the same as on Bluray too. Probably same video source. That is what that 2nd attempt is from on 2nd youtube link. Where as the 1st youtube link is the VCD as you say.
It seems we are looking at some censorship in Apocalypse now too. But it is not anything that alters the plot.
I think realistically. What is in the workprint that is’nt in the film (Redux) is not that much.
I have just studied the workprint vs the Redux version and this is my observations.
On opening sequence with “The End” song by the doors. Willard with the prostitute would be placed where the flash forward to Kurtz compound would be placed. This is strange choice to include Kurtz compound here. Music is also combined with Jim Morrison saying “fuck, fuck yeah”
Martin Sheen doing handstand and full frontel nudity would probably first choice version of scene but perhaps Martin sheen had reservations on it
On streets of Saigon only the final bit with the Army truck is relevant.
Upon landing in the helicopter to get the mission briefing Martin Sheens voiceover here in Redux makes no sense. That voice over should come later after the briefing on the montage linking up with the rest of it. This then raises the question about the surrounding footage in the workprint being intercut with sound of helicopter blades. Perhaps people on the base and the Ranger sign on lieu of that narration moving.
Pretty much everything else is included as of this point until the “booby trap” shootung at the toy boat scene.
I think if the chromatic abberation could be solved on the VCD then it would be possible to then start thinking about then trying to sharpen and upscale it. Willard in the opening montage would probably be somewhat Opaque or could be on some other B-Roll of flames or something. I reckon done in the right order could get a somewhat better result.
Noticed Lance shooting at water buffalo not in deleted scenes only on VCD.
Monkey Sampan is fairly decent quality. Would be useable but Just considering the plantation. The funeral bit is good I wonder if the french “conspiracy theory” bit was to perhaps intercut with footage from the monkey Sampan scene making it much more brief.
There is quite alot of opacity effects in the film to show time passing / surrealism and dreamlike smoke for instance. A lot of smoke.