Customer Reviews

Casablanca (Two-Disc Special Edition)

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This 2009 release of "Casablanca" is identical to the 2003 Special Edition release, except it's packaged in a regular DVD case as opposed to the cardboard case of the original. The first disc contains two commentary tracks (one with Roger Ebert, one with historian Rudy Behlmer), a two-minute introduction by Lauren Bacall, and a gallery of trailers. The film transfer is also identical to the original release, but this film looks about as great as it possibly can on DVD.

The second disc contains the one hour and twenty minute 1988 "Bacall on Bogart" documentary and a thirty-five minute making-of documentary "You Must Remember This: A Tribute to Casablanca". Next is a seven minute feature with Bogart's son and Bergman's daughter titled "As Time Goes By: The Children Remember", along with the eight minute 1995 cartoon spoof "Carrotblanca". A selection of deleted scenes and outtakes, totalling about seven minutes, are of particular interest here (though there is no sound for any of them), and a "Production Research" gallery. Of lesser interest is the premiere episode from the 1955 "Casablanca" TV series titled "Who Holds Tomorrow?", it's a noble failure and clocks in at about nineteen minutes.

As far as special features go, the only thing the "Casablanca" Ultimate Collector's Edition has over this release is the hour-long 1993 documentary "Jack Warner: The Last Mogul" on a third disc. It's quite entertaining and informative, particularly for film buffs, but it's really the only reason to purchase the 'Ultimate' edition. That is, unless one cares about a small book of production photos, office memos, lobby & poster cards, and a passport holder and luggage tag emblazoned with "Casablanca".

When CASABLANCA was widely released to theaters in January 1943, its producers and Warner's had no inkling that this would become a cinematic immortal. (Events similar to what occurred with Fox's 1951 sci-fier, THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL.)

In the seven decades since a never mounted stageplay called "Everybody Comes to Rick's" was adapted for the screen by the Epstein twins and Howard Koch, CASABLANCA has spawned two short-lived TV series, but wisely on the part of filmmakers, no motion picture rehashes. Here we have an ideal cast following a perfect script; a timeless love story that ends happily for no one that's set in a North African stopping point for refugees of a merciless war. Their German oppressors are here as well in these final days before the Allied invasion of North Africa.

Former gun runner Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) owns "Rick's Café Américain", a place that folks of all political persuasions and nationalities gravitate to. His loyal friend and piano artisté Sam (Dooley Wilson) performs every song but one, that is until Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) wanders in, spots him at the keys and coos, "Play 'As Time Goes By'." When Rick storms over to chastise Sam for the song he never wants to hear, he and Ilsa are reunited. We soon learn of their affair in Paris and sudden parting while Germans marched in, Rick's hard feelings at Ilsa's disappearance that day, and the love which yet remains within him.

All this amid the chaos of other lives, people scrambling for impossible to get papers of transit even as an ever-present enemy heightens their awareness of danger. The Italian Ugarte (Peter Lorre) gives Rick two of these priceless letters just before he's arrested by Louis Renault (Claude Rains), a corrupt police captain. Ugarte dies in custody, leaving an embittered Rick with the dilemma of giving the transit docs to Ilsa and her husband, Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid), a Czech Resistance refugee, or saving them for his own escape. Lazlo selflessly suggests that Rick use the papers to escort Ilsa to safety while he remains in Casablanca. Then Laszlo is arrested by Renault on a false charge...


CASABLANCA is the one film that all Classic Era movie fans should own, and the one to be seen repeatedly. It never ages, defying time itself even "as time goes by."

I just LOVE this movie, "CASABLANCA", for so many reasons. For one, there is an excellent cast. Another thing are the classic "lines" - which are memorable, and so perfectly timed. (There are so many of them, one has to see it a few times to catch them all.) For those who think of it as a "chick flick" - it is not. The romantic part is just what all movies are expected to have: romantic, comedy, what is going to happen (i.e. boy meets girl, loses girl, then gets girl USUALLY), and then there is a great cast.
This movie was not expected by neither the actors, studio, or others to enjoy the success it got and still has. But, it has stood the test of time as well as taking home the BP OSCAR. The two-disc edition is for those who love outtakes, etc., but all I need is the movie and I cannot see it enough. I don't get bored with it, and still - after at least 40 viewings - find new things which crop up I haven't caught before.
After the number of actors who turned the part(s) down - it worked perfectly the way it was. Sometimes, it is hit or miss, and this is a sure-fire hit! (I only wish they still made movies like this!)

I love Casablanca and is one of my all-time favorites. While many may label it as a romantic film, I think is something much more than that. Aside from the great performances of Bogart, Bergman, Henried, Reins and all the others, the film has a certain appeal that does not feel dated and makes you want to see it again and again.
It's one of those films that must be in any collection because it belongs to that rare class of films that can be called Masterpieces.

I've been wanting to buy Casablanca on DVD (I don't have a Blu-Ray player) but the ultimate collector's edition was very expensive as was the 2003 2-disc DVD (which is repackaged in the UCE with a documentary about Jack Warner). Then, Warner reissue that DVD in a cheaper box and just cost $9,99!!! It was a bargain for a great film. This 2009 DVD is the same as the 2003. The picture is crisp, clear and perfect. No artifacts and only some minor (really minor) grain in some scenes. The audio is crisp without background noises. The extras are excellent with audiocomentaries, documentaries, and more. A must own edition for a must own film.

If you don't own Casablanca yet, right now is the best time. This 2009 edition is perfect and really cheap. Buy it now and you'll always have Paris.

In my opinion Casablanca is the greatest movie to ever come out of Hollywood. A classic blend of wartime drama, romance, intrigue, and suspense, set against a wonderfully atmospheric and exotic background. All of the actors are terrific. Bogart and Bergman make a superb romantic couple, Claude Raines is downright hilarious as the corrupt chief of police, Sydney Greenstreet and Peter Lorre add a touch of sinisster menace. All of the characters, even down to the ones with only a line or two give outstanding performances. It's impossible to imagine this movie with any other cast.

The writing is witty and unforgettable, packed with lines that have become immortal. Crisp direction, atmospheric sets and beautiful black-and-white photography make this a superb, highly entertaining film. Not to be missed!

Ialways liked Humphrey Bogart movies but never knew anything about the actor's life other than he was married to actress Lauren Bacall.I owned the original VHS Movie of Casablanca and found out I loved this movie more than I thought I would. My husband saw the Special Edition two disc set on Amazon.com and ordered it as a gift for me.I was surprised and can say I loved it!I learned so much about the actor and his life's work and I really enjoyed the new remastered copy of Casablanca.All I can say is buy this classic you will enjoy and love it as much as I do. It's worth your investment.
Debbie B. (From Florida)

This timeless movie is a must have for any movie buff who enjoys the classics! I am thrilled to have it as part of my collection!

We used this for a 'Movie Night' for our Sunday School class on Valentine's Day evening. There were lots of folks who said they had never seen it all the way through. This is great entertainment! I didn't remember the amount of humor that was in it. The best thing I can say is....'play it again, Sam'!

I'm not a big "top ten" list-maker, but if pressed for an answer, I might have to say that "Casablanca" is my all-time favorite film... There are a lot of contenders -- "Seven Samurai," perhaps -- but it's hard to beat the magic of this grand Hollywood war-noir classic, with its snappy dialog, gauzy black-and-white cinematography and delicious acting. Plus, it's a great propaganda flick and historical timepiece. Yup, pretty much my favorite. One downside: I miss the days when you'd see movies like this in the theater and actually have a communal cultural experience with other human beings. Still, now that I have it on DVD, I looking forward to enjoying it for years to come. We'll always have Bogie and Bacall. (Joe Sixpack, Slipcue film reviews)

Few people will buy his disc set who have not already seen the movie. There are a lot of "things you didn't know" as supplementary material, but the movie stands on its own.