Actor : Humphrey Bogart, Claude Rains, Conrad Veidt, Sydney Greenstreet, Paul Henreid,
Language : English
Running Time : 102 minutes
Customer Reviews
By
K. Harris "Film aficionado" (Albuquerque, NM) (TOP 10 REVIEWER)(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)(REAL NAME)
One of the greatest movies ever and an enduring American classic is back for another DVD go-around! Say it isn't so. In 2003, I snapped up the impressive 2-Disc Special Edition DVD. In 2008, I couldn't resist going Blu-ray with the comprehensive Ultimate Collector's Edition. I didn't think that a few years later, Warner would be trumpeting an even more advanced collection. How many times are we expected to dip into the same we ll? I mean, I know it's "Casablanca" but when is enough actually enough? And to use their own terminology, when does ultimate really mean ultimate? I'm not going to synopsize the film or offer a traditional review, I suspect if you're shopping this pricey new version that you are well aware of the merits of the film itself. Instead, I will highlight what is included. Is it worth the upgrade? That's an individual answer, to be sure, but if you are an enthusiast who owns the Ultimate Collection or a casual viewer that already has the Blu-ray edition--the conclusion might indeed be "no." If, however, you have yet to go Blu on this title or are a compulsive completist/collector--now may be as good a time as any to pony up the bucks for this limited edition set.Contents: This box set will be a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack with 3 discs, the third disc being dedicated to three feature length documentaries. It is a numbered Limited Edition, only 50,000 will be made available. The double w ide display box contains several new collectibles including a 62 page production art book (with never before seen photos, communications, and archived documents about the film), a full size reproduction of the 1942 movie poster, and four drink coasters. I love this silly collectible stuff, but what is it with coasters in these deluxe sets?Transfer: Both the DVD and Blu-ray are boasting new 2012 4K transfers. Arguably, this is the one aspect that might make me seriously recommend an upgrade. For my money, though, the previous Blu-ray release is extremely satisfying and competent. It is NOT a transfer that was begging for a polish.NEW Special Features: 2 Documentaries (about 45 minutes of content total): 1) Casablanca: An Unlikely Classic 2) Michael Curtiz: The Greatest Director You Never Heard OfFeature Length Documentaries On Third Disc (all previously released): 1) You Must Remember This: The Warner Bros. Story (2008) 2) The Brothers Warner (2008) 3) Jack L. Warner: The Las t Mogul (1993)OLD Special Features: Items from the Ultimate Collection will all be carried over. They include: 1) Commentary by Roger Ebert 2) Commentary by Rudy Behlmer 3) Introduction by Lauren Bacall 4) "Now Voyager" Trailer 5) Newsreel footage 6) Vaudeville Days short 7) The Bird Came C.O.D short 8) The Squawkin' Hawk short 9) The Dover Boys at Pimento University or The Rivals of Roquefort Hall 10) Great Performances: Bacall on Bogart 11) You Must Remember This: A Tribute to Casablanca 12) As Time Goes By: The Children Remember 13) Deleted Scenes 14) Outtakes 15) Who Holds Tomorrow? 16) Carrotblanca - Vintage Cartoon 17) Scoring Stage Sessions 18) 4/26/43 Lady Esther Screen Guild Theater Radio Broadcast 19) 11/19/47 Vox Pop Radio BroadcastAs you can see, it is a comprehensive list of extras. All told, there is over 14 hours worth of material, but only about 45 minutes of it is new. Worth an upgrade? Probably not if you own the Ultimate, but you won't catch me giving "Cas ablanca" less than 5 stars. KGHarris, 2/12.
By
Bearfax (Sydney, Australia)
One of my two most faourite films, the other being The Big Sleep. I can watch these two over and over along with Maltese Falcon and Key Largo. True classics. Also have a love affair with African Queen but that's a film of a different colour.But though its great that you have sharpened the print on blu-ray and no doubt have many extra features, I still crave for the day when the colourised versions of these films are released. I know...sacrilege. But I've seen 'em in colour and I luv 'em in colour. Could deepen the friendship.
By
midnightriderz
I normally do not buy movies however, this one belongs in everyone's collection. Humphrey Bogart did his best acting in this movie, IMHO, of course.
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