Warner Bros.
continues to release some of their greatest classics and Casablanca
on Blu-ray is no exception to the rule. Starring two greats of the
Golden Age of Hollywood, Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, many
critics have labeled this movie as one of the best films ever made.
Although being a member of generation X, I have seen better movies,
however from a historical view, the movie is extremely well made
that contains a wonderfully immersive script and some great
memorable movie moments. When compared to Citizen Kane, Casablanca
definitely runs rings around that other classic, especially with the
onscreen relationship between Bogart and Bergman who really gave
their upmost in this performance.
The story of
Casablanca revolves
around Rick (Humphrey Bogart) an expatriate American who owns a dark
and dingy nightclub in Casablanca whose life soon changes for the
worse when two freedom arrive, Victor (Paul Heinreid) and Ilsa
(Ingrid Bergman) who have escaped from the Nazi's in northern
Africa. Although both Victor and Isla were once involved, Rick
becomes drawn into this turbulent love triangle.
Bergman is
quite enjoyable in her role, however the star of the film is Bogart himself
who plays the brooding nightclub owner to perfection who
unfortunately is caught in a wave of
mixed emotions for Isla which involves that classic scene where
Sam the piano player plays "As Time Goes By".
The film also stars
some great supporting cast that include Peter Lorre and Claude Rains
who really assist in the atmosphere of this post-war movie that
links together a variety of plots from the past and current
timelines of these characters as they meet within the famous
Casablanca.
Director Michael Curtiz really captured the characters
and the era of this movie, especially the relationship between two
of Hollywood's finest actors of the time. With a great story,
various memorable moments and of a simpler time, Casablanca (67
years later) still manages to capture the spirit of the Golden Age
of Hollywood which allows viewers of all ages to experience the
magic of this movie
When it comes to video quality, Warner Bros. have truly
revolutionised this movie and have considerably cleaned up the
transfer of this movie to the blu-ray format. For a film of its age,
the sound is quite clear and crisp, even though it does not use the
latest Dolby Digital of today, there was no hiss or crackle
heard at all. Match that with some great special features from
additional scenes, commentaries by Roger Ebert as the tribute to
Casablanca and this is one well presented movie.
In conclusion, the Blu-ray version is a wonderful treat for modern
cinema that once again allows people of all ages to capture and
relive this memorable movie in its current definitive format.
Special Features:
Introduction by Lauren Bacall
Commentaries by Roger Ebert & historian Rudy Behlmer
Additional Scenes and Outtakes
Scoring Session Outtakes
Bacall on Bogart
You Must Remember This: A Tribute to Casablanca
"As Time Goes By: The Children Remember" with Pia Lindstrom and
Stephen Bogart
Homage Cartoon "Carrotblanca"
Theatrical Trailers & More
