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'Goodbye, Columbus': A Timeless Classic Rediscovered
31 Jan
Summary
- New Blu-ray release features a 4K master from the original negative.
- The 1969 film was a box office success and Oscar nominee.
- Special features include commentary and interviews with cast/crew.
Paramount's 1969 film "Goodbye, Columbus" achieved significant box office success and an Oscar nomination for its screenplay but later drifted into obscurity. A new Blu-ray release from Fun City Editions, utilizing a 4K master from the original negative, offers a chance to experience the film as cinematographer Gerald Hirschfield intended.
The film's release coincided with Philip Roth's literary superstardom following "Portnoy's Complaint." While Roth considered "Goodbye, Columbus" the best adaptation of his work, he harbored reservations about Hollywood's artistic merit.
"Goodbye, Columbus" explored themes of consumerism versus artistic integrity, resonating with audiences and drawing parallels to "The Graduate." While its popular music and stylistic choices firmly place it in its era, it lacked the lasting impact of similar films.
Often viewed as a bridge between "The Graduate" and "Love Story," "Goodbye, Columbus" stars Richard Benjamin and Ali MacGraw. The film's nuanced performances and effective satire, despite a broader tone than Roth's novel, contribute to its enduring appeal.
Beyond the film itself, the Blu-ray boasts significant special features. These include an extensive audio commentary by film historian Bill Ackerman, a new interview with composer Charles Fox, and a panel discussion featuring Benjamin, MacGraw, and director Larry Peerce.
