The Long Goodbye 1973 Extras 1080p Bluray 2021 2021 -

The 2021 Blu-ray release of The Long Goodbye (1973) Kino Lorber Studio Classics

is a notable upgrade for fans of Robert Altman’s revisionist noir. Sourced from a brand new 4K restoration

, this 1080p edition significantly improves on previous transfers by better managing the film’s difficult, hazy photography—a result of cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond’s "post-flashing" technique—offering richer colors and more refined grain structure Blu-ray.com Special Features & Extras

This "Special Edition" combines archival materials with several newly produced supplements: New Audio Commentary : Featuring film historian

, providing deep context on the production and Altman’s unique style. Rip Van Marlowe (24 mins)

: An archival featurette with director Robert Altman and star Elliott Gould discussing their unconventional take on Philip Marlowe. Technical Deep Dives Vilmos Zsigmond Flashes The Long Goodbye : A discussion on the film’s distinctive visual look. American Cinematographer 1973 Article

: An animated reproduction of the vintage industry article detailing the film’s lighting and photography. New Critical Featurettes David Thompson on Robert Altman

: Reflections on the director's career and this specific film. Tom Williams on Raymond Chandler the long goodbye 1973 extras 1080p bluray 2021

: Biographer Tom Williams discusses the original author’s life and vision of L.A.. Maxim Jakubowski on Hard-Boiled Fiction : A deep dive into the history of the noir genre. Promotional Material : Includes a Trailers from Hell

segment with Josh Olson, five radio spots, a TV spot, and two theatrical trailers. Cinema Retro Physical Specs The Long Goodbye Blu-ray (Arrow Academy) (United Kingdom)

The Timeless Classic: A Look at "The Long Goodbye" (1973) in High Definition

In 1973, director Robert Altman released a film that would become a classic of American cinema: "The Long Goodbye". Based on the novel of the same name by Raymond Chandler, the film follows the story of private investigator Philip Marlowe, played by Elliott Gould, as he becomes embroiled in a complex case involving a missing person, a wealthy client, and a trail of deceit and corruption. Nearly five decades after its initial release, "The Long Goodbye" remains a masterpiece of neo-noir filmmaking, and its recent re-release on 1080p BluRay in 2021 offers a fresh perspective on this timeless classic.

The film's adaptation from the novel was a challenging task, given the complexity of Chandler's writing and the distinctive voice of Marlowe. However, Altman and his co-writer, John Kathleen Simon, successfully translated the novel's themes and characters to the screen, capturing the essence of Marlowe's world and the moral ambiguity that defines it. Elliott Gould's portrayal of Marlowe is particularly noteworthy, bringing a sense of vulnerability and wit to the character that is both faithful to the novel and freshly cinematic.

One of the standout features of "The Long Goodbye" is its use of Los Angeles as a character in its own right. The film's cinematography, handled by John A. Alonzo, captures the city's sprawling landscapes, bleak architecture, and eerie landscapes, creating a sense of disorientation and unease that mirrors Marlowe's own confusion and frustration. The film's LA setting was also a deliberate choice by Altman, who sought to use the city's sense of disconnection and moral decay to underscore the themes of the novel.

The recent 1080p BluRay release of "The Long Goodbye" offers a stunning restoration of the film's visuals, allowing viewers to appreciate the intricate details of Altman's direction and Alonzo's cinematography. The film's sound design and score, handled by Lalo Schifrin and Michael Small, respectively, have also been meticulously preserved, providing an immersive experience that draws the viewer into the world of the film. The 2021 Blu-ray release of The Long Goodbye

The extras included with the 2021 BluRay release offer additional insights into the making of the film and its enduring legacy. Interviews with Altman, Gould, and other key cast and crew members provide a wealth of behind-the-scenes information, while critical commentary and analysis offer a deeper understanding of the film's themes and cinematic techniques. These supplements are a valuable addition to the film, allowing viewers to appreciate the complexity and craftsmanship that went into creating "The Long Goodbye".

In conclusion, "The Long Goodbye" (1973) remains a landmark film of American cinema, and its recent re-release on 1080p BluRay in 2021 is a welcome event for fans of the film and cinephiles in general. The film's exploration of moral ambiguity, corruption, and the fragility of human relationships continues to resonate with audiences today, and its use of Los Angeles as a character in its own right adds a layer of complexity and depth to the narrative. With its stunning visuals, immersive sound design, and thoughtful extras, this BluRay release is a must-have for anyone interested in exploring the art of filmmaking and the enduring power of neo-noir cinema.

2021 Kino Lorber Studio Classics Blu-ray release of The Long Goodbye

(1973) is a definitive special edition that finally does justice to director Robert Altman and cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond’s unique visual style. Based on a new 4K restoration

, this release offers a significant leap in fidelity over the previous 2014 edition, making it a "revelatory" upgrade for fans of this neo-noir masterpiece. Visual Presentation Restoration Quality

: The new 4K scan manages the film’s difficult "flashing" technique—a process used by Zsigmond to create a hazy, dream-like pastel look—with far greater precision than earlier home video transfers. Contrast & Detail

: Colors are deeper and more vibrant, and black levels are significantly improved without being crushed. While the film retains its intentional softness, fine details in costumes and décor now stand out more clearly. Film Grain New Productions: Featurettes created for this release (e

: The transfer preserves a consistent, filmic grain structure that resolves naturally, avoiding the "scrubbed" look of heavy digital noise reduction. Audio Performance : The disc features a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio mono track

: While constrained by the age of the original mix, the audio is clean and problem-free. It effectively captures Elliott Gould’s "mumble" performance and the iconic, recurring John Williams/Johnny Mercer theme song. Subtitle Support

: Optional English SDH subtitles are included, which are helpful for following Altman’s signature overlapping dialogue. Blu-ray.com Comprehensive Bonus Features

2. Video Quality of Extras

The extras are presented in 1080p High Definition (with standard definition upscaled material where applicable).

New Productions: Featurettes created for this release (e.g., the critical appreciation) display excellent contrast, stable black levels, and crisp audio.
Archival Material: Older documentaries and promo materials retain their vintage aesthetic but benefit from the codec efficiency of the Blu-ray format, appearing cleaner than previous DVD iterations.

The 2021 Extras That Solve Decades-Old Mysteries

The 2021 extras finally answer three questions:

Why does Marlowe repeat “It’s okay with me”? – Gould reveals it was Altman’s note to show that Marlowe has learned nothing from the 1960s counterculture; he’s a fossil.
Was the cat a trained actor? – No. The cat belonged to a crew member. The famous scene where Marlowe tries to get the cat to eat from the fridge took 14 hours to shoot.
The ending: Does Marlowe really...? (Spoiler). Altman’s commentary confirms he wanted to destroy the Marlowe myth forever.

Comparing the 2021 Blu-ray to Earlier Releases

Overview

The 2021 Blu-ray release of The Long Goodbye offers a significant upgrade in picture quality (from a 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative) and includes a robust set of special features. These extras are notable for their depth, featuring both new and archival material that explore the film’s production, its subversion of film noir, and its lasting influence.

The Long Goodbye (1973)

"The Long Goodbye" is a film adaptation of Raymond Chandler's novel of the same name. The movie stars Elliott Gould as private investigator Philip Marlowe. It's known for its complex narrative, which explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and betrayal.