The 2021 Kino Lorber Studio Classics Special Edition Blu-ray of Robert Altman's The Long Goodbye
(1973) is headlined by a brand new 4K master and a robust collection of both legacy and newly commissioned supplemental materials. Newly Produced Features (2021 Release) The Long Goodbye Blu-ray (4K Restoration)
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 the long goodbye 1973 extras 1080p bluray 2021
, 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
: 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 The 2021 Kino Lorber Studio Classics Special Edition
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 original 1973 trailer is a bizarre artifact. The 2021 release includes it in crisp 1080p, complete with the squeaky-clean announcer voice trying to sell a “hip new detective” while the film’s cynical tone completely undermines it.
A standalone featurette focusing solely on the cinematography. The 1080p transfer allows you to see the subtle imperfections Zsigmond loved: the lens flares, the under-exposed shadows, the handheld jitter during the Mexican border climax. This extra explains why the film looks the way it does.
For a 2021 Blu-ray release of "The Long Goodbye" in 1080p, you might expect:
Video Quality: A 1080p resolution offers high-definition viewing, ensuring that the film's detailed cinematography is preserved. Robert Altman's direction and the film's aesthetic are likely showcased beautifully in this format. Video Quality : A 1080p resolution offers high-definition
Audio: Enhanced audio, possibly in a lossless format like DTS-HD Master Audio or Dolby TrueHD, which can provide a more immersive experience, bringing out the nuances of the film's score and sound design.
"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.
The 2021 Blu-ray is considered a "film school in a box" for this specific title. The inclusion of Leigh Brackett's perspective (via archival footage) is the highlight, as it demystifies the script's radical changes from the novel. For fans of 1970s cinema, the visual essay by Ben Sachs provides excellent context on why this version of Marlowe is the definitive "End of the Sixties" character.
Technical Report: Supplemental Features
Subject: The Long Goodbye (1973) Source Media: Blu-ray Disc (1080p) Release Year: 2021 (Indicator Series / Powerhouse Films, Region B/Free) Film Resolution: 1080p High Definition