Casablanca Blu-ray Review

The recent Blu-ray release of "Casablanca," derived from an all-new 4K scan and remaster, offers a visually stunning experience that preserves and enhances this classic film. The 1080p/AVC-encoded video transfer, framed at a 1.37:1 aspect ratio, demonstrates meticulous attention to detail, with a frame-by-frame restoration that faithfully retains the film's original aesthetic. This release excels in revealing exceptional detail permissible by Arthur Edeson's black-and-white cinematography, presenting refined and unobtrusive grain, crystal-clear edge definition, and exquisite shadow delineation. Contrast levels are expertly dialed in, featuring rich black levels, striking whites, and vastly improved midrange tones, which contribute to an overall absorbing visual experience.

While the film's grain field occasionally drifts off course and a few shots exhibit slight softness or minor print damage, these deviations are traceable to the original source elements and do not detract significantly from the overall presentation quality. This new transfer surpasses its 2008 Blu-ray counterpart, offering finer grain and improved contrast range that bring out details previously lost in crushed blacks. The result is an image that remains incredibly faithful to the filmic experience, creating depth and dimension within the grayscale that elevates the intricate shot compositions.

This Blu-ray release will delight both casual viewers and dedicated film preservationists. With the absence of artificial enhancements like noise reduction or unnecessary sharpening, the visual quality remains authentic and richly detailed. The presentation of iconic scenes, such as Isla's iconic departure, is handled with care, allowing the noir-style cinematography to shine. The painstaking effort by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has resulted in a transfer that solidifies "Casablanca" as a timeless visual masterpiece, capable of standing alongside modern high-definition releases.

The 70th Anniversary Limited Edition release of "Casablanca" on Blu-ray arrives with a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono (1.0) track that perfectly encapsulates the essence of the film's era. While some may lament the absence of a multi-channel mix, purists will appreciate the authentically restored mono sound. Dialogue comes across as clear and impeccably prioritized, avoiding any studio-like artificiality. Max Steiner’s score, along with Dooley Wilson's piano renditions, remain front and center, delivering dynamic and effective audio reminiscent of its original theatrical presentation.

This release is monumental for providing the first lossless audio soundtrack for "Casablanca" on home video. The DTS-HD MA 1.0 track offers a significant improvement over previous lossy Dolby Digital tracks. Despite minor tape hiss and the inherent limitations of pushing the original elements to their brink—noticeable in scenes like the dueling national anthem—this new track breathes clarity and range into a film that's over 70 years old. Sound effects such as dice dropping, clinking glasses, and the fluttering of envelopes are more pronounced than ever, bringing a new level of immersion to the overall soundscape.

Though it might not offer LFE support or rear speaker involvement, this release’s audio presentation is pristine, free of distracting noise floors or hiss, and allows fans to enjoy "Casablanca" as it was intended. For those wary of the mono format, rest assured that the crisp dialogue, triumphant music, and lively sound effects make this Blu-ray release an auditory pleasure. The DTS-HD Master Audio track significantly enhances the appreciation of this classic film, making it a definitive edition for any lifelong fan or newcomer.

The "Casablanca" 70th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray presents one of cinema's definitive classics with an expansive and meticulously curated collection of extras across two Blu-ray discs and one DVD. The set offers over thirteen hours of special features, combining new and previously available content. Highlights include insightful commentaries by Roger Ebert and historian Rudy Behlmer, informative documentaries like "Michael Curtiz: The Greatest Director You Never Heard Of" and "Casablanca: An Unlikely Classic," and immersive features like "Warner Night at the Movies." While most extras are presented in standard definition, the HD documentaries provide valuable visual context. This edition is an essential acquisition for cinephiles and "Casablanca" enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentaries: Two insightful tracks by Roger Ebert and Historian Rudy Behlmer.
• Introduction by Lauren Bacall: A brief overview of the film's enduring appeal.
• Warner Night at the Movies: A 1940s-style pre-show.
• Great Performances: Bacall on Bogart: An in-depth look at Humphrey Bogart’s legacy.
• Michael Curtiz: The Greatest Director You Never Heard Of: A comprehensive documentary on director Michael Curtiz.
• Casablanca: An Unlikely Classic: An analysis of the film's unexpected success.
• You Must Remember This: A Tribute to Casablanca: Perspectives on the film’s lasting impact.
• As Time Goes By: The Children Remember: Personal recollections from Stephen Bogart and Pia Lindstrom.
• Audio-Only Content: Unique radio broadcasts and scoring sessions.
• Additional Footage: Deleted scenes, outtakes, a TV remake, and a Looney Tunes parody.
• Trailers: Original and re-release trailers.
• You Must Remember This: The Warner Bros. Story: Extensive documentary on Warner Bros. history.
• The Brothers Warner: Documentary on Warner Bros.' founding.
• Jack L. Warner: The Last Mogul: Insights into Jack Warner’s impact on the studio.

"Casablanca" remains a timeless cinematic treasure, and Warner Bros.' 70th Anniversary Blu-ray release does justice to its legacy. Crafted from an all-new 4K scan, the video transfer presents stunning crispness, ensuring vibrant contrast and impeccable detail. The high-definition picture quality accentuates the meticulous production design, making Humphrey Bogart's Rick's Café Americain richer and more immersive. Iconic performances by Bogart and Ingrid Bergman captivate with discernible nuances, while the addition of a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio track enhances Max Steiner's evocative score, delivering an auditory experience as unforgettable as the visual.

This classic wartime drama continues to impress with its deft combination of romance, suspense, and humor. Michael Curtiz's directorial finesse shines through in every frame, his subtle camera movements and the film's atmospheric lighting lending an air of melancholic beauty. The screenplay, attributed to Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein, and Howard Koch, interweaves memorable dialogues seamlessly with a narrative that navigates complex emotional and moral landscapes. Iconic lines such as "We'll always have Paris" and "Here's looking at you, kid," have transcended their original context, embedding themselves into our cultural lexicon.

The Blu-ray set not only impeccably presents the film but also enriches the viewing experience with extensive supplementary content. Collectors will appreciate the 1942 French Theatrical Mini-Poster, a 60-Page Photo Book featuring rare production notes and behind-the-scenes photos, along with specially crafted drink coasters. These thoughtful inclusions contribute to this being the definitive edition for both new viewers and devoted fans. The presentation underscores why "Casablanca" persists as a quintessential example of Hollywood's Golden Age—an ever-relevant exploration of love, sacrifice, and resistance that continues to resonate deeply across generations.

The 70th Anniversary Limited Edition of "Casablanca" on Blu-ray stands as a testament to Warner's dedication to preserving cinema classics. This edition boasts a meticulously executed 4K scan and restoration, delivering unmatched video quality that reveals previously unseen details. The DTS-HD Master Audio mono mix ensures an impeccable auditory experience, capturing the essence of the original soundscape. Complementing these technical high points is a rich array of special features, both old and new, which together offer a deep dive into the film's history and making.

From collectible items such as the intricately detailed book, poster, and drink coasters, to hours of engaging bonus content, this release caters to both die-hard enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. It offers substantial tangible enjoyment alongside its impressive technical merit. However, those who already own previous high-definition versions may find fewer groundbreaking differences beyond the increased quality and additional special features. Nonetheless, the elaborately crafted physical and digital contents make a persuasive case for both first-time buyers and collectors looking to enhance their library.

In conclusion, if you've never seen "Casablanca," make Warner's 70th Anniversary Limited Edition Giftset the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Between its all-new 4K scan and restoration, fantastic video transfer, fully capable DTS-HD Master Audio mono mix, and bevy of extras (many of which are new to this release), the studio has gone above and beyond with an ultimate edition that makes the 2008 Ultimate Edition look inadequate. Price is really the only roadblock to consider. If that isn't an issue, add the latest release of "Casablanca" to your cart post haste.

Remember, calling Warner's thoughtfully prepared Blu-ray collector's package a "box o' junk" reflects poorly on those using the term, not on Warners.