The Long Goodbye 1973 Extras 1080p Bluray 2021 -

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.

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 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)

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

: 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

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.

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:

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.

Title: The Last Goodbye to the 70s: Deconstructing Altman’s Noir in 1080p

There is a specific moment in Robert Altman’s The Long Goodbye—roughly forty-two minutes in—where Philip Marlowe (Elliott Gould) stops looking for his friend Terry Lennox and starts looking for a ghost of himself. He stands in a grocery store, buying cat food for a cat that doesn’t belong to him, in a Los Angeles that has asphalted over its dreams. Watching this film in 2021 via Kino Lorber’s 1080p Blu-ray transfer is not merely watching a detective story; it is watching the 1970s cannibalize the 1940s.

But the real excavation happens in the extras. And for a film about moral decay, hidden motives, and the death of the "old world," the 2021 Blu-ray extras serve as a forensic autopsy of American cinema.

The Transfer: A Dirty, Sunny Hangover

Let’s start with the obvious: Vilmos Zsigmond’s cinematography has never looked this beautifully bleached. The 2021 1080p transfer (sourced from a new 4K master) refuses to scrub away the flaws. The halation around car headlights, the grain in the Malibu beach house, the sickly yellow-green of the LA smog—it’s all intact. This is not a shiny, HDR-blasted revision. It is a hangover. You feel the heat radiating off the frame. The extras contextualize why: this was Altman’s "flattened" look, meant to make the wealthy (Sterling Hayden’s drunken writer) look just as grimy as the street thugs.

The Commentary Track: Listening to a Funeral

The primary gem is the audio commentary by film historians. Unlike modern puff-pieces, this track treats The Long Goodbye as a eulogy. They walk you through the corpse of old Hollywood. Did you know that Altman bought the rights to Chandler’s novel specifically to "break its back"? The commentators dissect how Gould’s Marlowe isn't a hero; he’s an anachronism. He says "It’s OK with me" to everything because he has realized the code of honor is worthless. the long goodbye 1973 extras 1080p bluray 2021

One specific extra delves into the casting of Arnold Schwarzenegger (yes, pre-Terminator) as a silent, muscle-bound thug. In the featurette "Rip Van Marlowe: 1973 vs. 2021", they argue that Arnie’s character represents the future: brute force without dialogue, spectacle without reason. Marlowe talks; Arnie just punches. Watching that in 2021, you realize Altman predicted the death of the literate protagonist.

The Deleted Scenes: The Cat’s Second Act

The most haunting extra is the 8mm dailies of the cat. If you know the film, you know the opening ten minutes—Marlowe trying to get his finicky cat to eat the wrong brand of food. The 2021 Blu-ray includes a silent, grainy reel of Altman directing that cat for six hours. No dialogue. Just the director whispering, "Walk left. No, stop." The featurette "Feline Noir: On Set Mayhem" explains that the cat was a rescue who hated Gould. The metaphor is unavoidable: the 1940s Marlowe (the cat) refuses to cooperate with the 1973 version. Eventually, Altman gave up. He kept the cat's resistance in the final cut. That’s the thesis of the whole film: you can’t train the past to eat your present.

The Audio Interview (1975): Elliot Gould’s Wounded Heart

Buried in the menu’s "Archival" section is a 1975 radio interview with Gould, digitized from a crackling reel. He is raw. He talks about how the studio (United Artists) hated the ending. Spoiler: Marlowe kills his best friend in cold blood and walks off whistling. The studio wanted a shootout. Altman refused. Gould says: "Bob said, 'Elliot, in this town, friendship is just the time between betrayals.'"

Listening to that interview after watching the 2021 transfer, you understand the "extra" value. It’s not about technical specs. It’s about the anger. The Long Goodbye is an angry film. It’s angry at the 1940s for lying to us about justice. It’s angry at the 1970s for being too stoned to care.

The Visual Essay: "The Long Take of the Long Goodbye"

Finally, there is a 22-minute visual essay by a critic named Imogen Sara Smith. She tracks a single, unbroken shot from the police station scene. As Marlowe is booked, the camera never cuts. In the background, a cop eats a donut. Another files his nails. Smith argues this is Altman’s thesis: the system isn't evil; it's boring. Indifference is the real villain. She overlays the shot with footage of 2021 LA—homeless tents, self-driving cars, influencers filming themselves. The essay concludes: "Marlowe didn't lose because he was weak. He lost because he expected someone to care."

Final Verdict: The Disk as Time Capsule

Most Blu-ray extras are fluff. Commercials for the film’s legacy. But the 2021 The Long Goodbye extras are a mirror. They force you to watch the film not as a period piece, but as a prophecy. Altman’s Los Angeles is our Los Angeles. The wealthy are still insane (Sterling Hayden’s wife-beating writer is just a less online version of today’s moguls). The police are still indifferent. And somewhere, a man in a rumpled suit is trying to buy the right brand of cat food for a cat that will never love him.

Upgrade to the 1080p for the grain. Stay for the supplements. They won’t give you closure. Because, as Altman knew, a long goodbye is just a death you refuse to name.

Rating: ★★★★½ (Five stars for the film, four for the hope that we learn anything from it).

Watch it with the lights off. And don’t trust your friends.

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

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

First, let’s address the technical upgrade. The 2021 Blu-ray presents the film in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio in 1080p high definition. While not a native 4K UHD disc, the 1080p presentation is sourced from a 4K scan, resulting in:

A 45-minute documentary produced exclusively for the 2021 Blu-ray. Featuring new interviews with:

Previously thought lost, these include:

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.

The Kino Lorber Studio Classics release of The Long Goodbye (1973), published on December 7, 2021, stands as a definitive high-definition edition of Robert Altman’s neo-noir masterpiece. This 1080p Blu-ray is headlined by a brand new 4K restoration that finally captures the film’s unique "flashed" visual aesthetic with modern precision. Comprehensive Special Features and Extras

The 2021 Special Edition is "stacked" with supplements that provide deep historical and technical context:

Audio Commentary by Tim Lucas: A new "film class in a box" track where the film historian compares the final film to Leigh Brackett's script and Raymond Chandler's novel. This release is definitive for The Long Goodbye

Rip Van Marlowe (24.5 min): A legacy featurette featuring director Robert Altman and star Elliott Gould discussing the film's controversial reception and Altman's improvisational style.

Vilmos Zsigmond Flashes The Long Goodbye (14.5 min): The legendary cinematographer explains the "flashing" technique used to create the film’s hazy, dream-like 1970s Los Angeles look.

David Thompson on Robert Altman (21 min): An overview of Altman's career and his penchant for deconstructing classic Hollywood genres.

Tom Williams on Raymond Chandler (14.5 min): A biographical look at the author and the enduring legacy of the Philip Marlowe character.

Maxim Jakubowski on Hard-Boiled Fiction (14.5 min): A crime critic’s rumination on the evolution of the hard-boiled genre.

Trailers From Hell with Josh Olson: A brief (2.75 min) discussion of the film layered over its theatrical trailer.

Archival Promotional Materials: Includes the original 1973 American Cinematographer article with animation, radio spots, TV spots, and two theatrical trailers. Technical Specifications

Video: 1080p High-Definition transfer from a 4K master, presented in its original 2.39:1 aspect ratio. The new restoration offers richer contrast and deeper black levels compared to previous releases. Audio: English Master Audio Two-Channel Mono. Subtitles: Optional English SDH.

Format: Region A locked, single-disc standard Blu-ray case (initial orders included a limited O-card slipcase). Film Background and Legacy

Released in 1973, The Long Goodbye famously transplants Raymond Chandler’s 1950s private eye, Philip Marlowe (played by a "mischievous" Elliott Gould), into the hedonistic, cat-obsessed culture of 1970s Hollywood. While initially divisive, it is now celebrated for its original vision and its iconic filming locations, such as the High Tower Apartments in Los Angeles. The film also features a notable early, non-speaking appearance by Arnold Schwarzenegger as a mob thug.

For those looking to secure this edition, it is available through the Kino Lorber official store and major retailers like Amazon.

In 2021, Kino Lorber Studio Classics released a definitive 1080p Blu-ray of Robert Altman’s 1973 neo-noir masterpiece, The Long Goodbye. This Special Edition serves as a significant upgrade over previous home video versions, specifically the 2014 Blu-ray, by introducing a brand new 4K master and a robust collection of new and archival extras. A New 4K Restoration for the 1080p Format

The standout feature of this 2021 release is the 4K restoration, which addresses the unique technical challenges of the film's original production. Director Robert Altman and cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond famously used a technique called "flashing"—exposing the negative to controlled light before development—to achieve a hazy, muted "old postcard" aesthetic.

Enhanced Visuals: Reviewers from The Movie Isle noted that modern technology finally captures the film’s dream-like visuals without losing fidelity, offering a cleaner grain structure and improved sharpness compared to older, "snowy" transfers.

Audio Quality: The disc features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track, providing clear dialogue and a strong presentation of the protean variations of the theme song by John Williams and Johnny Mercer. Special Features and Extras

The 2021 edition is "stacked" with supplemental material, mixing newly produced content with essential archival pieces. Key Supplements Included

The release is packed with both new and legacy content, including a detailed audio commentary by film historian Tim Lucas, featurettes with experts David Thompson and Maxim Jakubowski, and a discussion on Raymond Chandler. Archival extras include the "Rip Van Marlowe" documentary with Altman and Elliott Gould, an interview with cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond on the "flashing" technique, an American Cinematographer article, and various promotional materials like radio and TV spots. Packaging and Verdict The Long Goodbye Blu-ray (4K Restoration)

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 Long Goodbye, The (Blu-ray Review) - The Digital Bits

Here’s a review focused on the extras of the The Long Goodbye (1973) 1080p Blu-ray (2021 release):

Title: A Noir Classic Finally Gets the Love It Deserves — But the Extras Steal the Show

Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)

If you’re upgrading from the old DVD or a bare-bones streaming copy, the 2021 Blu-ray of Altman’s The Long Goodbye is a revelation. The 1080p transfer (sourced from a new restoration) captures the hazy, sun-bleached Los Angeles grit perfectly — grain is intact, colors are natural without being oversaturated, and that dreamlike, smoky cinematography finally has depth.

But what makes this edition essential is the extras package. Here’s the breakdown:

The only downside: No separate booklet or digital copy, and the menu design is utilitarian. Also, the theatrical trailer is in rough shape (but that’s authentic).

Verdict: If you own the 2014 Blu-ray, the new commentary and Zsigmond featurette might still tempt you. If you’ve never owned it, this is the definitive edition. The extras don’t just pad the runtime — they deepen your respect for Altman’s lo-fi masterpiece. Highly recommended for noir completists and Gould fans. The Kino Lorber Studio Classics 2021 Blu-ray release

Here’s a concise report on the extras included in the 2021 1080p Blu-ray release of The Long Goodbye (1973).