Casablanca

Rating:
Summary: A classic must see.
Review: This may be a black and white film from 1942, but its charm overcomes the limitations imposed on it by the technology of the day. Casablanca is a war movie which features a unique and mysterious love triangle. Rick (played by the legendary Humphrey Bogart) is the owner of Rick's Café in Casablanca, which is in the heart of unoccupied French territory in Africa and the last stop for defectors trying to escape the Nazis. His old lover Ilsa (played by Ingrid Bergman) makes a mysterious appearance with her husband Victor Laszlo who is a leader of the underground trying to escape. Rick has always wondered why she strangely vanished out of his life in Paris, and it is this mystery that the film centers on. Ultimately, someone must make an incredibly difficult choice, even if it goes against the deepest feeling of his heart. There is more dialogue than action, but the dialogue sets up an ever-increasing amount of tension on several levels.

Most movie critics would regard the suggestion that it is not the greatest Hollywood movie of all time as blasphemy. But in truth the plot is not always convincing, the opening is somewhat complicated for first-time viewers, and the corruption and greed is presented in an overly positive light. And the passionate dilemma that Ilsa faces in whether or not to choose her long-lost love above her husband was daring even for the forties. Surely as a married woman the morals of the time would demand an automatic choice for her husband, rather than follow the immoral desires of passion.

But how dare I suggest imperfection! Casablanca is a clean movie, the acting is superb, the characterization beautifully portrayed, and above all it features a stunning plot with a thrilling climax. It gained an Oscar for "Best Picture 1942" and many would not hesitate to give it an Oscar for "Best Picture Ever." Many of its lines - "here's looking at you kid" and "Play it again Sam" - have become trademark expressions in the English language. It may have reached greater heights in terms of popularity than perfection, but there's no question that this will continue to be a must see long into the future!

Rating:
Summary: A classic
Review: For the romantic in all of us-even us macho guys. WWII time, Bogey lost at love and is down on his luck, operating a club in Casablanca. Guess who shows up...of course the old flame. I won't ruin the story but will say that the acting is good as is the storyline. In short, there's a reason this movie is so popular.

Rating:
Summary: And still "As Time Goes By"
Review: The first time I saw this, I was disappointed. What was all the heap, anyway? Troubled, I watched it again. I am not sure what I missed the first time, but this is a timeless film about a couple, who were lovers at a previous time, falling back into love after reuniting during one of the worst times in history. Perhaps my love for this movie is stronger because my ex boyfriend and I watched it together, finding ourselves as "Rick" and "Ilsa"...especially in the ending scene which is ironically the same setting. ("Kid" or "kiddo", he'd call me). Casablanca has set the standards for almost all romance pictures. With that aside, Casablanca shares with us a timeless romance abound sneaky suspense. The lighting and shadowing is purely wonderful, giving mystery and confusion to our hero and heroine. An excellent film of its time, and the master movie that so many others have followed.

Rating:
Summary: Casablanca = Cinema Classica
Review: This film is that rarity of a classic that deserves the title. And it's entertaining to boot.

The romance between Rick and Ilsa is very believable (and it needs to be or you won't go for the ending). But just as believable is her devotion to freedom-fighter husband Victor Laszlo.

It also contains some of the greatest characters--and the greatest character actors--ever: Claude Rains, Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre; it would not feel the same without these greats involved.

In this time of increased patriotism, the singing scene in the bar is all the more moving.

If you haven't seen it, do so, if only to increase your film literacy; it's part of our national consciousness.

Rating:
Summary: A beautiful, timeles love story!
Review: Casablanca is truly one of the best love stories every filmed! Set on the back drop of World War II, this movie is full of adventure, suspense, romance and passion! Bogart and Bergman sizzle together on screen.

This motion picture has the ability to transform the audience into another world. The acting is superb, the script is solid, and the musical soundtrack is magical. Everytime I hear "As Time Goes By" I get chills.

If you have not seen this film before, do yourself a favor and watch it! They don't make movies of this caliber anymore!

Rating:
Summary: Magnificent
Review: In a word - magnificent. A towering accomplishment rarely visualized before or since, and easily one of the best films of all time. There are insufficent adjectives to apply to Bogart in the role of Rick, and even fewer ways to describe the incandescent, glowing Ingrid Bergman, in what is perhaps her signature performance. A centerpiece to any DVD collection, "Casablanca" still moves its audience to tears and anger, but ultimately, its a love story of unparalleled heart. A masterpiece.

Rating:
Summary: A Little Something About Dooley Wilson's Character...
Review: I'm sure all the reviews of this film here describe just about everything about this movie.(I admit I have not read them all)..I would point out how terrific Sam is at the piano, not only with "As Time Goes By", but playing other tunes too, including "It Had To Be You". Notice what a great time the whole gang at Rick's is having singing along with Dooley. This entire scene could probably not even exist in a contemporary movie, since the real fun of singing all with the piano player is just about a vanished art/pastime...Anyway, everybody should see this one. You can be 7 or 110, it does not matter, there is nothing offensive.You may not always like Rick's hard bitten character, but you'll change your mind at the end!

Rating:
Summary: "...the best Hollywood film of all time."
Review: Bogart plays cynical Rick, owner of cafe in Casablanca, when former lover Bergman and her husband Henreid beg to help them escape. Marvelous script is almost entirely quotable, with Rains almost stealing the show as the slick, charming cheif of police. Grand entertainment, ingeniously blending intrigue, romance, and wonderful wit. Great score and music, and superb direction. The film certainly gets my vote for the best Hollywood film of all time.

Rating:
Summary: Great film, good DVD
Review: First of all: Mister " thebadgercarlton ", Widescreen wasn't invented yet in 1942!
Fullscreen is the only original ratio for Casablanca.

Casablanca is one of the greatest films ever and the DVD is good, but the film really needs restoration, especially
in scene No 13.

Rating:
Summary: Superb movie, but only an average DVD
Review: "It's the stuff that dreams are made of"

Okay, so that's a quote from a different Bogart movie. But if one thinks about it, that applies to this movie as well. The casting in this movie is perfect. I mean could we think of anyone else better for the lead roles besides Bogie and Bergman? Had it been Ronald Reagan and Ann Sheridan, this movie would have been forgotten in a week (Not saying that they weren't good actors, just wrong for the parts).

But there are many other elements that all work together and are what makes this movie so great. Perhaps it's the sharp, crackling dialogue. Maybe it is the impressive cinematography and set design. Michael Curtiz's direction or Max Steiner's music, perhaps? Maybe it is the colorful supporting characters played by the likes of Claude Rains, Peter Lorre and Sydney Greenstreet. Or it could just be the countless memorable scenes (Your Pick. My favorite, apart from the ending, is the duel of the French anthem La Marseillaise and the Nazi song Die Wacht am Rhein), but none of which could have been possible without the elements described above.

Although this is good quality DVD, I think a film on the level of excellence and popularity like Casablanca should get more respect than this. The film itself, for being nearly 6 decades old, looks great, although I did spot occasional scratches and grain. There were times, however, when I needed to turn up the sound volume, but it sounded clear and was free of unwanted noise.

Extra wise is where this DVD comes apart though. There is the original trailer and several bonus trailers for other Bogart movies. The main highlight is an impressive 30 minute documentary called "You Must Remember This", hosted and narrated by Lauren Bacall. But here is where my complaints begin. Throughout the documentary are shown (According to the film cover) "Recently unearthed outtakes". However, such outtakes, if they are so important, are not shown as a separate feature but rather are on the documentary. Mostly, however, as a backdrop during the credits or while a certain scene is being discussed. These outtakes could be bloopers, test footage or even deleted scenes. Isn't that important enough to allow a separate extra itself (Perhaps with audio commentary or summary captions)? Also, there should have been some other extras, like Production Notes or a booklet or perhaps a photo gallery or commentary from historians or film critics. Come on, if Armageddon can get a deluxe, 2-disc special edition from Criterion, than so should Casablanca.

The DVD is worth buying just for the movie alone. But if you desire absolute perfect picture and sound quality or a lot of extras, wait for another edition, whenever that should come.