Goodbye, Columbus Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Goodbye, Columbus Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf March 5, 2026

1969’s “Goodbye, Columbus” attempts to adapt a tale from author Philip Roth’s 1959 short story collection. As with any effort to expand on something limited in scope, screenwriter Arnold Schulman has difficulty trying to extract drama out of an experiential journey for the lead character. Director Larry Peerce works hard to make the picture memorable, leaning into the appeal of youth culture from the era to land a faint take on “Romeo and Juliet,” managing the romantic combustion of the writing with Roth’s vision of Jewish American activities and family ties. “Goodbye, Columbus” has style, with Peerce laboring to find visual energy for a feature that’s not commanding with emotional issues, lacking sharpness when it comes to matters of the heart.

Neil (Richard Benjamin) is out of the military and trying to start his life, living in the Bronx with his overbearing aunt and uncle. Receiving an invitation to spend the afternoon at a country club pool, Neil has a quick interaction with Brenda (Ali MacGraw), the daughter of rich business owner Ben (Jack Klugman). The young man is immediately smitten and soon pursues Brenda, charming her with his humor and intense focus, inspiring a relationship that mostly carries on in secret. Neil is a quick wit and man of knowledge, but he’s disoriented by Brenda and her family, who offer odd interactions with the outsider as they enjoy their wealth. Struggling to remain connected with his girlfriend as a summer fling carries into autumn responsibilities, Neil finds himself challenged by Brenda’s attitude and indifference as he pays a few visits to her Jewish American culture.

Neil is an interesting character. He’s experienced some life at such a young age, recently exiting the Army while trying to find his footing again in the Bronx, dealing with guardians who are seemingly monitoring his every move. He’s also a young man with a sex drive, enjoying time at the country club pool, making an effort to ogle women before Brenda jumps into his life. She’s looking for someone to hold her glasses while she swims, but he becomes fixated on the interaction, quickly seeking a reunion, trying to wow the woman with his sense of humor. “Goodbye, Columbus” plays with meet cute interactions, but the writing isn’t committed to generating a love story, more interested in Neil’s entrance into her family life, coming into contact with strange people enjoying wealth in their own ways.

“Goodbye, Columbus” shows some strain when attempting to find a plot to follow. The feature is more interesting in moments, especially with Neil and his interactions with the outside world, finding unusual people during his job at the public library. This time includes a sort of parental relationship with a young boy looking for books that show him different places and lives, allowing him some escape that Neil can relate to. “Goodbye, Columbus” also enjoys the oddity of Brenda’s family, putting Neil into contact with strange, privileged siblings, a disapproving mother, and a dismissive father, creating unusual tensions Peerce captures well, giving the endeavor welcome discomfort that Benjamin sells superbly in his performance.

Goodbye, Columbus Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The image presentation (1.85:1 aspect ratio) for "Goodbye, Columbus" is listed as "remastered from a new 4K scan of the film's original 35mm camera negative." The viewing experience remains invitingly film-like, retaining decently resolved grain. Some mild elements of damage are encountered, including light scratches. Detail is acceptable, handling skin particulars on the actors, picking up on beads of sweat and hairstyles. Clothing choices are passably fibrous with period style. Interiors retain depth, exploring cavernous mansions and library rooms. Exteriors deliver compelling depth, highlighting community activity during celebrations. Color is secure, with vivid primaries on decorative additions and personal style from the era. Greenery and pool blues are distinct. Skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory.

Goodbye, Columbus Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix offers clear dialogue exchanges throughout the listening event. Diverse performance choices are understood, and argumentative moments remain balanced. Scoring efforts enjoy sharp instrumentation and dramatic support. Soundtrack selections retain decent vocals. A few of these tunes don't carry much power, remaining more muted, but this appears to be a creative choice. Atmospherics are appreciable, especially with crowd gatherings.

Goodbye, Columbus Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet includes an essay by Jim Healy.

• Commentary features podcaster Bill Ackerman.

• "Gone to Heaven" (14:56, HD) is an interview with composer Charles Fox, who details his early interest in the piano, learning more about the ways of jazz as he grew up, ending up a student of orchestral music through visits to the opera. Following various influences, including Henry Mancini, Fox ended up in the movie business, trying to remain connected to music and make a living to help raise his family. The interviewee tracks his creative relationship with director Larry Peerce, who hired the composer for his first film, looking to reunite on "Goodbye, Columbus." Business was big in the 1960s, putting Fox in charge of scoring "Barbarella," impressing Paramount Pictures with his professionalism. Moving to Los Angeles to work on "Goodbye, Coumbus," the New Yorker enjoyed the adjustment to west coast life, also finding himself helped along by Mancini himself while on the Paramount lot. Fox focuses on his inspirations for the film and the technical challenges he faced while putting music together.

• "The Academy Film Archive" (32:44, HD) is a 2016 gathering in Los Angeles to celebrate director Lary Peerce and "Goodbye, Columbus." Panel guests include composer Charles Fox, screenwriter Arnold Schulman, casting director Andrea Eastman, producer Stanley R. Jaffe, and actors Richard Benjamin and Ali MacGraw. The conversation is moderated by Peter Bart, who was an executive at Paramount Pictures at the time of production. The group shares anecdotes about the making of "Goodbye, Columbus," identifying its development period, casting achievements, and adaptation challenges. A celebration of Peerce is also provided, with the interviewees providing tales of working with the helmer, respecting his artistry and personality.

• Image Gallery (5:16) collects marketing art, film stills, and publicity shots.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (4:56, HD) is included.

Goodbye, Columbus Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Goodbye, Columbus" stumbles when trying to keep up with Neil and Brenda's relationship. There's a carnal crisis, as Neil wants to advance their connection in a hurry, while his girlfriend has hesitations. This arc of yearning almost plays unfinished at times, as the writing walks away from conflicts for long periods of screen time. Peerce doesn't emphasize the emotional weight of the pairing, preferring to use the twosome as a way into celebrations, including a last act wedding where all the details of partying are on display. "Goodbye, Columbus" is a film about feelings, but Peerce keeps the picture slightly detached, which doesn't always work for the offering, especially in its final act. Acting largely supports the effort, and Peerce delivers a surprising amount of sharpness to the moviemaking, paying attention to editing and cinematography, looking to pull the melodrama out of a melodrama. It's not going to leave much of an impression with its attempt to communicate deep feelings, but there's personality and reflection to follow, and Peerce is always there to keep the endeavor crisply filmed and culturally evocative.