The film famously utilized "flashing" (pre-fogging) the film stock to achieve a dreamy, low-contrast, and slightly hazy look, expertly executed by cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond . The 1080p transfer preserves this stylistic choice perfectly, offering a cinematic look that maintains detail in the shadows while highlighting the pastel-drenched 70s fashion.
Elliott Gould plays private investigator Philip Marlowe as a "Rip Van Winkle" character—a man out of time, wandering through the hazy, self-absorbed, and morally bankrupt landscape of 1970s Los Angeles.
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
Detailed scene-by-scene breakdowns by film historians and critics who analyze Altman’s subversion of classic noir tropes and the movie's unique production design. the long goodbye 1973 extras 1080p bluray 2021
The Definitive Review: The Long Goodbye (1973) 1080p Blu-ray (2021 Release) with Extras
"The Long Goodbye" (1973) 1080p Blu-ray is a highly recommended purchase for:
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. The film famously utilized "flashing" (pre-fogging) the film
A crime fiction critic traces the history of the private investigator trope from pulp magazines straight through to the 1970s neo-noir movement.
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).
The audio presentation features a crisp, uncompressed linear PCM monaural track, faithfully reproducing the film's original theatrical sound design. The Altman Sound 2021 Blu-ray release of Robert Altman's The Long
In 1973, director Robert Altman released a film that would become a classic of American cinema: "The Long Goodbye". Based on the novel of the same name by Raymond Chandler, the film follows the story of private investigator Philip Marlowe, played by Elliott Gould, as he becomes embroiled in a complex case involving a missing person, a wealthy client, and a trail of deceit and corruption. Nearly five decades after its initial release, "The Long Goodbye" remains a masterpiece of neo-noir filmmaking, and its recent re-release on 1080p BluRay in 2021 offers a fresh perspective on this timeless classic.
Released in 1973, The Long Goodbye stands as one of director Robert Altman’s most daring cinematic subversions. Adapted by legendary screenwriter Leigh Brackett ( The Big Sleep , The Empire Strikes Back ), the film transposes Raymond Chandler's iconic 1950s private eye, Philip Marlowe, into the hedonistic, self-absorbed landscape of 1970s Los Angeles.
Elliott Gould delivers a career-defining performance as Marlowe. Unlike Humphrey Bogart’s sharp, hyper-competent iteration of the character, Gould’s Marlowe is a mumbling, chain-smoking anachronism. He wanders through a landscape of fitness-obsessed neighbors, corrupt cops, and violent gangsters, muttering his trademark mantra: "It's OK with me." He is a man of honor trapped in a world that no longer values it. Vilmos Zsigmond’s Dreamlike Visuals