Reviewer Ron Wynn noted in 2026 that "looking back decades later at what ultimately became 'The Blues,' the bulk of it holds up well". It remains a vital and passionate tribute to a genre that is the root of so much modern music, and its influence continues to resonate today. The series itself has been widely preserved in libraries and academic institutions.
Upon its release, "Martin Scorsese Presents the Blues" received widespread critical acclaim. The series was praised for its rich storytelling, exceptional production quality, and the way it captured the essence of the blues. The documentary series also sparked a renewed interest in blues music, introducing a new generation of music enthusiasts to the genre. martinscorsesepresentstheblues2003dvdrip free