Cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond utilized a technique known as "flashing" (pre-exposing the film negative to a small amount of light) to desaturate the colors and soften the contrast. This gave the sunny southern California locations a hazy, pastel, pastel-noir aesthetic. Furthermore, Altman kept the camera in constant, restless motion, drifting past characters and peering through reflective windows to emphasize Marlowe's alienation. The Video: A Gorgeous 1080p Presentation
For cinematography buffs, this is the crown jewel of the bonus features. The legendary Director of Photography sits down to explain the technical mechanics of post-flashing. Zsigmond provides invaluable insight into how he achieved the film’s faded look, details his use of a constantly moving camera (the camera in the film never stops panning, tracking, or zooming), and shares his philosophy on using light to evoke mood rather than just illumination. 3. David Thompson on Robert Altman
A featurette (approx. 14 mins) on the author’s life and Altman’s adaptation.
What truly elevates the 2021 release is its deep dive into the production, reception, and legacy of the film. The curated supplemental material provides viewers with a masterclass in 1970s filmmaking. 1. Audio Commentaries and Critical Analysis the long goodbye 1973 extras 1080p bluray 2021
: The legendary cinematographer explains the "flashing" technique used to create the film’s hazy, dream-like 1970s Los Angeles look.
A 45-minute documentary produced exclusively for the 2021 Blu-ray. Featuring new interviews with:
★★★★½ (4.5/5)
The 2021 release of The Long Goodbye (1973)
: 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.
: Interviews with the cast and crew, including Elliott Gould and Robert Altman, offering insights into the film's production. The Video: A Gorgeous 1080p Presentation For cinematography
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.
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.