The original 1973 trailer is a bizarre artifact. The 2021 release includes it in crisp 1080p, complete with the squeaky-clean announcer voice trying to sell a “hip new detective” while the film’s cynical tone completely undermines it.
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:
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. the long goodbye 1973 extras 1080p bluray 2021
"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.
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)
1. Audio Commentary by Director Robert Altman The original 1973 trailer is a bizarre artifact
2. Original Theatrical Trailer(s)
3. Image Gallery
The 1080p extras on the 2021 The Long Goodbye Blu-ray transform this release from a simple movie purchase into an educational archive. The combination of the retrospective documentary and the technical breakdown by Vilmos Zsigmond provides a holistic understanding of Altman’s vision. For cinephiles, this collection represents the gold standard of physical media curation.
Final Rating of Extras Package: 9/10
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 Van Pallandt and Rutanya (2021)
: 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
: 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)
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.
1. The Long Goodbye: Dis-location (2021)
2. Gould, Van Pallandt and Rutanya (2021)