The Long Goodbye 1973 Extras 1080p Bluray — 2021 ((new))
: Interviews with the cast and crew, including Elliott Gould and Robert Altman, offering insights into the film's production.
A fascinating look at the film’s visual style. Cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond discusses the technical challenges of the shoot, including his signature use of zoom lenses and pre-flashing the film stock to achieve the desaturated, hazy look that defines the movie. 4. "David Thompson on Robert Altman"
Below is an in-depth analysis of the film's legacy, the 2021 video and audio restoration, and a comprehensive breakdown of the on-disc extras. The Film: Altman's Neo-Noir Masterpiece the long goodbye 1973 extras 1080p bluray 2021
Upon its initial release, The Long Goodbye baffled audiences. Altman’s decision to have Marlowe mumble, repeat the phrase “It’s okay with me,” and drive a vintage car in a modern world was seen as a betrayal of Chandler’s hero. The original cut was butchered by United Artists for television prints, and VHS copies were pan-and-scanned nightmares. Even early DVDs offered little more than a trailer.
Critics universally praised the upgrade. The color timing is richer and deeper, capturing the unique "flashed" look that cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond pioneered, where the negative was pre-exposed to lower contrast and create a dreamy, sun-baked texture. Fine details of costume and décor now stand out with remarkable clarity, and the natural film grain resolves in a pleasing, organic manner. While some minor issues with black levels creeping toward crush in the darkest moments have been noted, the consensus is that the presentation is "pretty remarkable," representing a near-perfect viewing experience for a film that has never looked better. The accompanying lossless DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track cleans up the audio, allowing Altman's famous overlapping dialogue to remain clear and distinct without becoming a muddy mess. : Interviews with the cast and crew, including
(25 mins): An essential featurette where director Robert Altman and star Elliott Gould discuss the film's unique, revisionist take on the Marlowe character. Narrated by Altman and Gould (though not together), it explains the film's themes and its updating of the classic noir detective to the counter-culture era.
The 2021 Kino Lorber release is the most comprehensive edition available in the US (Region A). It's important to note a few key differences: Altman’s decision to have Marlowe mumble, repeat the
5/5 stars. It’s okay with you.
The 2021 Blu-ray extras are for both casual viewers and scholars. Highlights include Tim Lucas’s commentary (essential for Altman fans) and Imogen Sara Smith’s video essay, which places the film in its cultural moment. The inclusion of technical material on Zsigmond’s cinematography is rare and valuable. The only minor absence is a full-length cast reunion or deleted scenes (none known to survive).