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.
Robert Altman’s 1973 neo-noir masterpiece The Long Goodbye remains a towering achievement in American cinema. By transplanting Raymond Chandler’s iconic 1950s detective Philip Marlowe into the hazy, narcissistic landscape of 1970s Hollywood, Altman created a cynical, sun-drenched deconstruction of the private eye genre. For decades, home video enthusiasts chased the definitive presentation of this uniquely photographed film. In 2021, boutique physical media distributors answered the call with a definitive 1080p Blu-ray restoration. This release not only preserved the film's complex visual aesthetic but also compiled a treasure trove of bonus features that contextualize its rocky initial reception and subsequent legendary status.
Directed by : Robert Altman. Cast : Elliott Gould, Nina van Pallandt, Sterling Hayden, Henry Gibson, Mark Rydell, David Carradine, Kino Lorber the long goodbye 1973 extras 1080p bluray 2021
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Zsigmond and Altman utilized a technique known as "post-flashing"—exposing the film negative to a small amount of ambient light before processing. This process intentionally degraded the contrast, desaturated the color palette, and created a hazy, pastel, dream-like quality designed to mimic the look of an old photograph left in the California sun. The audio transfer, presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2
The combination of new audio commentary and specific featurettes on cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond and writer Leigh Brackett provides a holistic understanding of the film's production.
: A presentation of a contemporary magazine article about the film's production, brought to life with animation. This release not only preserved the film's complex
: The original previews used to market the film.
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.
: A 3-minute segment featuring screenwriter Josh Olson discussing the film's impact. Archival and Bonus Material