1973 Extras 1080p Bluray 2021: The Long Goodbye
This release is definitive for The Long Goodbye on 1080p Blu-ray. The extras provide a complete understanding of the film’s production, style, and legacy. Highly recommended for film noir, 1970s cinema, and Robert Altman enthusiasts.
This package is widely considered the definitive home video release of the film, notable for its new 4K restoration (presented here in 1080p) and a collection of documentaries that analyze Altman’s unique deconstruction of the noir genre.
Absolutely. If you own an earlier DVD or the bare-bones Olive Films Blu-ray, the upgrade is non-negotiable. The The Long Goodbye 1973 extras 1080p Blu-ray 2021 release is a gold standard for catalog titles. It transforms the film from a dusty curio into a living, breathing artifact of New Hollywood.
For the noir purist, the Altman completist, or the casual fan who just wants to see Elliott Gould walk around in a rumpled suit while buying cat food, this disc delivers. The extras don’t just inform; they re-contextualize. You will never watch the final freeze-frame of Marlowe dancing down the Mexican beach the same way again.
Final verdict: 5/5 stars. It’s okay with you.
Where to buy: Check Kino Lorber’s official store (Region A) or Arrow Video (Region B). As of 2025, this edition remains in print but is a frequent target for collectors, so act fast.
The Kino Lorber Studio Classics 2021 Blu-ray release of Robert Altman's 1973 film The Long Goodbye
is a definitive special edition featuring a new 4K restoration from the original interpositive. This release significantly upgrades the visual experience, resolving the "soft focus" and "hazy" look of previous editions into a crystal-clear transfer of 1970s film stock. It also features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track. New Supplemental Features
This edition introduced several exclusive extras not found on previous discs:
Audio Commentary by Tim Lucas: A "film class in a box" track where the historian provides a fact-filled comparison between the final film, Leigh Brackett's original script, and Raymond Chandler's novel.
David Thompson on Robert Altman: A 21-minute featurette covering Altman's career from industrial films to his unique interpretation of The Long Goodbye.
Tom Williams on Raymond Chandler: A 14-minute overview of the author’s career and Altman’s subversion of his most influential story.
Maxim Jakubowski on Hard-Boiled Fiction: A deep-dive into the history of noir and pulp fiction, discussing why Elliott Gould’s Marlowe may be closer to the literary source than previous portrayals.
Trailers From Hell: A 3-minute segment featuring screenwriter Josh Olson discussing the film's impact. Archival and Bonus Material the long goodbye 1973 extras 1080p bluray 2021
The 2021 Blu-ray ports over significant legacy extras from earlier MGM and Kino releases:
Rip Van Marlowe: A 24-minute featurette with Robert Altman and Elliott Gould discussing the concept that Marlowe is a man out of time, applying 1950s ideals to the 1970s.
Vilmos Zsigmond Flashes The Long Goodbye: A 14-minute technical discussion where the cinematographer explains his "post-flashing" technique used to create the movie's distinctive look.
American Cinematographer 1973 Article: An animated reproduction of the original magazine article detailing the film’s unique photography.
Vintage Promotional Media: Includes two theatrical trailers, five radio spots, and a TV spot.
Collectible Packaging: The release includes a limited edition O-card slipcase and reversible cover art featuring Jack Davis's original theatrical poster artwork on one side. The Long Goodbye Blu-ray (4K Restoration)
The Long Goodbye: A Cinematic Masterpiece Reborn in 1080p Blu-ray Glory
In 1973, director Robert Altman brought to life Raymond Chandler's iconic character, private investigator Philip Marlowe, in the film adaptation of "The Long Goodbye." This neo-noir mystery-drama, based on Chandler's 1953 novel of the same name, would go on to become a cult classic, praised for its complex narrative, memorable characters, and Altman's signature directorial style. Nearly five decades after its initial release, "The Long Goodbye" has been reborn in a stunning 1080p Blu-ray edition, offering a fresh and exciting viewing experience for both old and new fans of the film.
A Faithful Adaptation
"The Long Goodbye" tells the story of Philip Marlowe (played by Elliott Gould), a hard-boiled detective who becomes embroiled in a complex case involving a wealthy, troubled veteran, Terry Lennox (played by David Niven). Lennox's wife, Sylvia (played by Margot Kidder), hires Marlowe to follow her husband, who is suspected of being unfaithful. However, as Marlowe delves deeper into the case, he discovers a web of deceit, corruption, and murder that leads him on a perilous journey through the dark underbelly of 1950s Los Angeles.
Altman's adaptation of Chandler's novel remained remarkably faithful to the source material, capturing the essence of the author's distinctive writing style and the character of Philip Marlowe. Gould's portrayal of Marlowe, in particular, brought a new interpretation to the character, infusing him with a sense of vulnerability and humor that resonated with audiences.
A Masterclass in Direction
Robert Altman's direction in "The Long Goodbye" is a masterclass in cinematic storytelling. His use of location shooting, coupled with a deliberate pacing, created a sense of realism that immersed viewers in the world of 1950s Los Angeles. The film's cinematography, handled by John A. Alonzo, added to the overall atmosphere, capturing the bleakness and desolation of the city's landscape. This release is definitive for The Long Goodbye
Altman's innovative approach to storytelling also involved experimenting with non-linear narrative structures, often blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. This technique added to the film's complexity, making "The Long Goodbye" a rich and rewarding watch.
The 2021 1080p Blu-ray Release
The 2021 1080p Blu-ray release of "The Long Goodbye" offers a significantly enhanced viewing experience compared to previous home video releases. The transfer, supervised by director Robert Altman and cinematographer John A. Alonzo, presents the film in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio, with a crisp and detailed picture that reveals new textures and nuances.
The audio transfer, presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, has also been significantly improved, offering a clear and robust soundtrack that preserves the film's original sound design. The disc includes a range of bonus features, including interviews with Altman and Gould, which provide valuable insights into the making of the film.
Extras and Bonus Features
The 2021 1080p Blu-ray release of "The Long Goodbye" includes a range of extras and bonus features that enhance the overall viewing experience. These include:
Conclusion
The 2021 1080p Blu-ray release of "The Long Goodbye" is a significant upgrade for fans of the film, offering a stunning new transfer that brings out the best in Robert Altman's neo-noir masterpiece. With its complex narrative, memorable characters, and Altman's signature direction, "The Long Goodbye" remains a must-watch for fans of cinema. Whether you're a longtime fan of the film or new to the world of Philip Marlowe, this Blu-ray release is an essential addition to any home video collection.
Technical Specifications
Availability
The 2021 1080p Blu-ray release of "The Long Goodbye" is widely available from online retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, as well as from local specialty video stores.
Recommendation
"The Long Goodbye" (1973) 1080p Blu-ray is a highly recommended purchase for: This package is widely considered the definitive home
Don't miss the opportunity to experience this cinematic masterpiece in a whole new light. Get your copy of "The Long Goodbye" 1080p Blu-ray today and immerse yourself in the world of Philip Marlowe like never before.
The 2021 Kino Lorber Studio Classics 1080p Blu-ray of Robert Altman's The Long Goodbye
(1973) features a brand new 4K master. Released on December 7, 2021, this special edition includes a mix of newly commissioned content and legacy archival materials. 2021 Special Edition Extras The release includes the following supplements: The Long Goodbye Blu-ray (Arrow Academy) (United Kingdom)
In this film Marlowe is a laid-back, soft, frequently confused and out of sync with reality man who somehow always gets it right - Blu-ray.com The Long Goodbye Blu-ray
The Kino Lorber Studio Classics special edition Blu-ray of The Long Goodbye
(1973), released on December 7, 2021, features a brand new 4K master and an extensive collection of bonus materials. Audio & Video Specifications Resolution: 1080p High Definition. Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 (Widescreen). Audio: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono. Subtitles: Optional English SDH. New Special Features (2021 Release)
Audio Commentary by Tim Lucas: A new, fact-filled track by the film historian.
David Thompson on Robert Altman: A featurette (approx. 21 mins) exploring the director's career and this film's place within it.
Tom Williams on Raymond Chandler: A featurette (approx. 14 mins) on the author’s life and Altman’s adaptation.
Maxim Jakubowski on Hard Boiled Fiction: A discussion on the evolution of the genre and the Marlowe character. Archival Features (Ported from Previous Editions) The Long Goodbye (Special Edition) (Blu-ray) - Kino Lorber
Product Extras : * LIMITED O-CARD SLIPCASE NO LONGER PROMISED FOR NEW ORDERS. KINDLY REFRAIN FROM ASKING. * Brand New 4K Master. * Kino Lorber The Long Goodbye Blu-ray (4K Restoration)
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)
This is a newly recorded commentary track specifically for this release. David Thomson is a respected film historian and the author of The New Biographical Dictionary of Film.