The Long Goodbye 1973 Extras 1080p — Bluray 2021
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 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.
2021 Blu-ray release of Robert Altman's The Long Goodbye (1973) is a "Special Edition" from Kino Lorber that features a new 4K master and an extensive set of supplemental materials. Kino Lorber Technical Specifications
: 1080p high-definition transfer from a new 4K restoration of the film from an interpositive. : English 2.0 Mono DTS-HD Master Audio. : Optional English SDH.
: Includes reversible art and a limited edition O-card slipcase (available on early pressings). Kino Lorber Special Features & Extras
The release combines newly produced content with archival materials from previous editions. Cinema Retro New to this Edition Audio Commentary
: An informative track by film historian Tim Lucas that compares the final film to the original Leigh Brackett script and Raymond Chandler novel. David Thompson on Robert Altman
: A featurette (approx. 21 min) with the film historian and critic discussing the director’s career and this specific film. Tom Williams on Raymond Chandler the long goodbye 1973 extras 1080p bluray 2021
: A featurette (approx. 14 min) exploring the author's work and legacy. Maxim Jakubowski on Hard-Boiled Fiction
: A deep-dive rumination on the hard-boiled and noir genres. Trailers From Hell
: A segment featuring screenwriter Josh Olson discussing the film. The Digital Bits Archival Features The Long Goodbye Blu-ray (4K Restoration)
The 2021 Blu-ray release of Robert Altman's 1973 film The Long Goodbye
, distributed by Kino Lorber Studio Classics, features a significant upgrade in both picture quality and supplemental content. This "Special Edition" was released on December 7, 2021, and is built around a brand-new 4K restoration from the original 35mm interpositive. 2021 Special Edition Extras
The release includes a mix of newly produced features and archival materials ported over from previous editions:
New Audio Commentary: Featuring film historian and critic Tim Lucas, providing detailed analysis and comparisons between the film, Leigh Brackett's script, and Raymond Chandler's original novel. Exclusive New Featurettes: The 2021 Blu-ray release of The Long Goodbye
David Thompson on Robert Altman: A look at the director's career and his unique approach to this adaptation.
Tom Williams on Raymond Chandler: Biographer Tom Williams discusses the author's background and his vision of Los Angeles.
Maxim Jakubowski on Hard-Boiled Fiction: An exploration of the history of the "hard-boiled" and pulp detective genres. Archival Featurettes:
"Rip Van Marlowe": A 24-minute documentary featuring interviews with director Robert Altman and star Elliott Gould.
"Vilmos Zsigmond Flashes The Long Goodbye": Cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond explains the "post-flashing" technique used to give the film its signature desaturated, hazy look. Promotional & Vintage Materials:
Trailers From Hell: A segment with screenwriter and podcaster Josh Olson.
American Cinematographer Article: An animated reproduction/text piece of a 1973 article on the film's photography. The inclusion of Leigh Brackett's perspective (via archival
Audio/Visual Spots: Two theatrical trailers, a TV spot, and five radio spots. Packaging:
Reversible Art: Features original poster art by Jack Davis on one side.
Limited Edition O-Card Slipcase: Included in the initial print run (availability may now vary). Technical Specifications 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)
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.
The 2021 1080p Blu-ray changed the conversation entirely, thanks to a meticulous 4K restoration sourced from the original 35mm camera negative. But the extras are where this release truly cements its legacy.
For a 2021 Blu-ray release of "The Long Goodbye" in 1080p, you might expect:
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.