Casablanca

By: Jack Hunt 12.10.2008

The Movie Itself:
The ‘Petrified Forest’ convinced the world Bogart was a bad guy and for years he shocked and awed the audiences with roles fitting the image. ‘The Maltese Falcon’ showed a new kind hero, one with an edge. Bogart, with all the right things to say and seemingly never losing his cool. Then came ‘Casablanca’ and the ages. The man's – man comes with a heart. Arguably, three of his best pictures. All showing a change in a man’s character and the depths of what acting is supposed to be. “Maybe, it was Warner Bros. all along. Maybe, Bogart was simply Bogart.”

The World is at War for the second time in 30 years. Nazi Germany is pushing for control over Europe and beyond. People are suffering, desperate and many have lost it all. Casablanca, a last great safe haven, before the final stop to America and freedom. Exit visas are traded as a prized commodity, where they are regarded higher than life itself. Here we find Rickard Blaine, age 38, exiled American. A cynical patriot, always willing to fight for a true cause, now operating a popular saloon in Casablanca, Morocco. Victor Laszlo, a French freedom fighter who has long been viewed as the French Resistance’s final hope. And Ilsa Lund, the woman they both love. ‘Casablanca.’ Many come, but few ever really leave.

‘Casablanca’ is a different kind of love story, more likely to infect rather than affect. Rick Blaine (Bogart) has has been successful in his stay in Casablanca. “I stick my neck out for nobody.” Always busy, avoiding the Germans and taking care of his loyal patrons. When Ugarte (Lorre) brings down some heat, after murdering 2 German carriers holding exit Visas. Caption Renault (Rains) is flamboyant in his policy of carefully playing both sides. Whether Renault is smooth talking Major Strasser (Veidt) or romancing the women, he is confident to which is more important at the time. That’s when Victor Laszlo (Henreid) brings the War to Casablanca, along with the woman who broke Rick’s heart, Ilse Lund (Bergman). Sam (Wilson), Rick’s faithful piano player and friend, first notices Ilse and he reluctantly plays their song, ‘As Time Goes By’. Hearing the song, Rick is greeted with more than he expected. Love has found Rick again, but this time in Casablanca. A love that was once considered a tender or unfortunate time in Paris. Will Rick recapture his love or will Ilse flee his affection? Will Victor win his War or was it always Strasser’s to win?

I believe the chemistry of the actors had a huge influence in the success of this film, with the lead characters playing the most important part. Bergman and Bogart hardly spoke offset, but together onscreen their presence was magical. With Bogart as the jaded lover and Bergman as the woman he loved and lost. Love is a very rare pleasure, which only comes around so often. I consider it one of the greatest gifts from God. We’ve all been there before, but few have had the pleasure of a second chance. Being able to give it all up over again is truly admirable and that’s where this love story conceals in its mystique. The chemistry displayed between the two is nothing short of a wonder, considering their offset relationship fell short of being even a sociable friendship. Bergman said of Bogart “I kissed him, but I never knew him.” Years later, Bogart would ball her out saying “You used to be a great star. What are you know?” She coyly replied. “A happy woman.”

There is a reason why Bogart is still considered the greatest Screen Legend of all time, on ‘AFI’s 100 Years…100 Stars’ list. Even though he died 50 years ago, he can still relate to current generations. With an infectious voice and uncompromising demeanor, it’s like his films were made yesterday. His natural gift for delivering dialogue and his dominating screen presence made him a model for actors of any era. The man had character and he knew how to use it. And that's why he is timeless. The greatest Movie Star of all time, and more.

She almost makes me believe it every time, when she says, "You're very kind." Ingrid Bergman was more than just a flawless beauty and a talented actress. A 3 time Oscar winner, out of 7 nominations, she undoubtedly left her mark on Hollywood. Surprisingly, she received no recognition from the Academy for her role in ‘Casablanca’, but she will be forever remembered as Ilsa Lund. And with Paul Henreid, Claude Rains, Conrad Veidt and Peter Lorre, cinema magic was created.

With an enduring script by the Epstein brothers, Michael Curtiz's visualization and one of the finest casts ever assembled, a truly magical picture was created. One that will be studied and revered for years to come. After all, “We’ll always have Casablanca.”
Rating: 10/10

The Presentation:
A perfect transfer for the perfect film. 'Casablanca' comes to Blu-ray on the same flawless 1080p~VC-1 transfer HD DVD received back in 2006, preserving the proper aspect ratio of 1.33.1, true to the films theatrical release. Although, I’m not a big fan of the “pillerboxed” effect this ratio provides, I see no reason to try and stretch this film in order to meet a preferred style of viewing. Please screen this film as is. Your TV’s zoom feature will only take away from film’s the original intent.

The meticulously polished transfer is a marvel of deep blacks and bright whites, while retaining a natural and realistic picture. The film looks as if every pixel was examined, cleaned and properly restored. Not a flaw or blemish can be found. Dirt doesn’t even exist and grain is a non-issue. The entire film has a wonderful high-definition feel. It’s so clean and crisp that even in the B&W picture, scenes just jump out you. Honestly, it looks as if it could have been released yesterday instead of in 1942. The clarity and depth are astounding. You can almost smell the smoke that clearly trails from every cigarette. You can almost sense the isolation from a brightly light room to a dark one, as the shadows brilliantly hug the walls. Warner Bros. delivered not only a clean restore, but possibly one of the best transfers I’ve ever seen. Well that might not mean much, but I’ve seen a lot of Blu-rays.

The Audio remains as the classic Dolby Digital 1.0 mono track and I really have no problem with that. With some of the greatest quotes in cinema history being easily recognizable in this film, fans should rest easy that the dialogue is clear and fresh and over-all the entire BD disc sounds pretty impressive. Play it again, Sam. Over and over again.
Rating: 10/10

The Extras:
‘Casablanca’ makes its Blu-ray debut fully loaded with featurette’s, extras and bonus surprises. Although several are classy carryovers from the DVD and HD DVD version, we also get some Blu-ray only treats. All of which I will explain in detail. This collection truly sets the bar very high for future special edition Blu-ray releases. I know many fans would have been pleased with a dual release including a cheaper standard version, but the Ultimate Collector's Edition is indeed a very elegant Blu-ray. Note: All features appear in SD.

Introduction: First up, a touching introduction from the woman Bogart loved. Lauren Bacall welcomes viewers to the world of Casablanca with a brief background and description of the film. Short, but sweet.

Commentary: By Film Critic Roger Ebert and Film Historian Rudy Behlmer. Probably the best commentary I've ever had the pleasure of sitting through. Usually, I avoid any commentary like they were a diseased plague, but both offered an interesting and detailed outlook on the film. Truly a wealth of knowledge, that even a casual fan would find a highly pleasurable experience. Watch the film first and then watch the two Film scholars do what they do best. Highly Recommended.

2 Documentaries: ‘Bacall on Bogart’ A detailed examination of Bogart’s career, all the way from his humble beginnings to his tough guy persona and finally the hero we all know and love. Bacall narrates this featurette, along with a little help from some notable stars. I’m just going to come out and say it, I don’t care for the woman and never found her to be such a great actress. I feel, the only reason she was anything is because of great direction and that Bogart carried her in every picture. ‘To Have and Have Not’ is the only film I can honestly say I enjoyed her in, as she was sexy at times. The statement I made opening the Introduction can serve as a double edged sword, “the woman Bogart loved.” I guess he didn’t care if she really loved him back, since shortly after his passing she announced her desire for a Mr. Frank Sinatra. Bogart and Sinatra were the founding members of the original “The Rat Pack” and Frank being a true friend, declined her advances. I wish I'd skipped this one. (90 min)

You Must Remember This: ‘A Tribute to Casablanca’ Who knows classic movies better than Turner Classic Movies? No one. If anyone doubts this, check out this made for TV special they produced on ‘Casablanca’. A truly fitting tribute indeed. Recommended. (30 min)

‘As Time Goes By: The Children Remember’ Here we find Stephen Bogart and Pia Lindstrom, Bogart’s son and Bergman’s daughter, talking about ‘Casablanca’. A brief run-through of the film, including some background and inside information. They examine story, lines and how they feel their parents felt about the film. Worth a look. (12 min)

Production Research Gallery: Various notes, correspondents and photos. They appear in a tiny box in the center of the screen, making it hard to read anything. Check it out.

Additional Scenes and Outtakes: Who doesn’t love Deleted Scenes? Several are included on this release, along with several outtakes. Audio for this feature no longer exists and they were actually quite buggy using my LG BH200 to screen the film. (12 mins)

Television Adaption: ‘Who Holds tomorrow?’ Ahh.. the smooth relaxing pleasure of Chester Field cigarettes sponsors quite possibly the weirdest thing I’ve ever seen. Notes of fabulous GE products and the life of John Wayne, before we get to lame TV version of the film then I turned it off. Sorry. (SD, 18 mins)

‘Carrotblanca’ Is a Looney Tunes cartoon that pays homage to the film, with Bugs as Rick and Penelope Pussycat as Ilsa. The entire cast is represented by everyone’s favorite Looney Tunes characters. At first I thought this could have been released sometime back in the 40’s, that’s how good it is, but it actually came out in 1995. Check it out, if you’re in the mood. (SD, 8 mins)

Audio-Only Bonus: ‘Scoring Stage Sessions’ - Basically the soundtrack to the film. ‘Radio show’ - A recount of the film with Bogart, Bergman and Henreid.

*Bonus Disc: A bonus featurette entitled “Jack Warner: The Last Mogul” located on the Disc 2, DVD. A pleasing, educational experience that offers a detailed inside look at the interesting and awe-inspiring life of Jack Warner. Running at 104 minutes, it’s a pretty interesting piece all on its own. (104 min)

Bonus Collectible’s: Exclusive gift set including; Passport holder and luggage tag, a 48 page photo book, 10 Reproduction cards and Archival Correspondence. Warner classed this Blu-ray up with some very nice touches. The Reproduction Cards are small-scale original movie posters and the passport holder and luggage tag are particularly enjoyable, I know what I’m packing next time I go on vacation.

Also included: The film’s original theatrical trailers. And the (1992) Re-release Trailer.
Rating: 10/10

Overall:
Casablanca is a true triumph of film. What more fitting way for Warner Bros. to celebrate the film than with possibly one of the greatest master reconstructions and transfers to date. ‘Casablanca: Ultimate Collector’s Edition' on Blu-ray is a major accomplishment for the movement of High Definition Media and to me that is what it’s all about. Delivering the best possible picture and sound. So do yourself a favor, fall in love all over again. "I should never have switched from scotch to martinis." Is said to be Bogart's last words. A legend, indeed.
Rating: 10/10