This 8mm behind the scenes footage is very interesting and may point to the reason Colbys death was left out which in turn meant dennis hoppers death was also removed.

https://youtu.be/FAGq9pnfzOE?si=mm00M6cWrRxvFHTW

There is some good air cavalry coverage in this shooting but reference Colbys death right near end of video looks like the special forces knife was on a wire. Well the wire is plain as day to see in sunlight. Seems this explains Colbys line that he explains as he dies “special forces knife…” because they felt it neccesary to crop out the knife flying on the wire I suppose. Also dennis Hoppers squibs or bloodbags when shot by Colby shotgun is shown uncropped. Look pretty graphic.

If Coppola cut the scene because the wire looked bad I can understand that. But could easily be removed digitally today. Choice would be knife shown (without wire) in Colby’s chest no dialogue falls straight off ledge into water. I lean towards him only saying “Kill Kurtz” i really like his bug eating scene too. Quite entertaining.