Rating: 
Summary: The "special" ain't worth it
Review: The movie itself is outstanding and well worth preserving on a DVD. I'm glad I have it on DVD. This special edition DVD at mega extra cost isn't worth it, though. Consider just getting the movie if you're interested. The movie on my extra-cost Special Edition version opens with sound "pops" and other audio distortions that finally settles down for a good show. But the major disappointment to me, and a major reason for buying this $19 "special edition" was the heavily billed Buggs Bunny parody cartoon as a major reason for buying this expensive release of a B&W movie. This cartoon stank; its not from the period or even close afterwards when the movie was made. Mel Blanc (the voice of just about all Warner Brothers cartoon characters) isn't included in the massive credits of the originators. None of the characters seemed "real" based on the voices that we're used to hearing. Seems to me this is just some hype they created to push a B&W film at a premium I already have Casablanca on VHS. I feel cheated on this over-priced DVD. If you can get a Casablanca DVD at around half the cost without the extra bilge, go for it! George in Texas
Rating: 
Summary: An unbelievably beautiful restoration.
Review: We all know that CASABLANCA is a uniquely great film. Now it is available in a restored edition that surpasses all expectations. The film fairly glows with a pearly sheen and the sound is superb. I was struck not only by previously invisible details, like the texture of the fabric of the costumes, but by subtleties of expression in the voices and faces of the actors. These lend the drama a depth I had never seen in all my many previous viewings. Highly recommended! If you buy only one DVD of a classic film this should be the one. (After seeing it, you'll want more!)
Rating:
Summary: Simply the Best
Review: I can't begin to put into words my feelings about this film. It is, indeed, my favorite film of all time. The characters are all perfectly matched, this is a film that you can watch over and over again, and it won't lose its magic. Ingrid Bergman is simply gorgeous in this movie, she's breathtaking. When Sam begins to play As Time Goes By and the camera zooms in on her, it makes your heart melt. There's no other film that tops this in my humble opinioin. It has everything, action, mystery, suspece, and most of all, Romance. It's classic, I don't understand how someone could find fault with this film. It's a wonderful set, the video is picture perfect. I hear WB went through frame by frame to restore this movie, removing all the dust particles and grain, and believe me, it's near perfect. The sound is crystal clear, no buzzing or hissing. It's amazing how well this film holds up, being made in the early 40's. The extras are great too, and even include the cartoon CarrotBlanca. Well worth the money. I would have paid $50 for this edition.
Rating:
Summary: Great War Epic
Review: "Casablanca" is a great movie classic for many audiences to enjoy. It deservingly won three Oscars in 1943, including Best Picture. This was filmed and written beautifully. This highly original plot has influenced many movies filmed after this, and it remains ahead of its time. Despite its war theme, it digs deep into the romance and jelously elements. The plot continues to build as Rick (played by Humphrey Bogart) feels more obligated to protect his ex-lover Ilsa (played by Ingrid Bergman) and her husband from any Nazis in the area. Many twists and turns arise, always keeping audiences interested. The acting from all the performers is marvelous. Bogart, previously known as the rough guy, wonderfully transforms himself into a more sensative guy for his Oscar nominated role. Though a lot of roughness still lingers, the change is very noticable. Bergman beautifully portrays her sense of danger and love in one of her best roles in her career. All other actors, major or minor, also perform wonderfully. "Casablanca" proves that it will remain a classic for many more years. It is sure to please audience of all kinds. "Here's lookin' at you, kid."
Rating:
Summary: What a beauty!
Review: Since there are so many comments about the storyline and acting, I will just add a few words of praise for the technical quality of this DVD. This film has been wonderfully restored. The transfer is virtually flawless. The picture is crisp and clean and in perfect focus. What an enjoyment to watch such a great classic in pristine condition. I wish every classic movie could be as lovingly restored as this one evidently has.
Rating:
Summary: The perfect movie
Review: Since its release in 1942, Casablanca has been watched multiple times by millions, perhaps billions of viewers. No one can find a thing to criticize. Superb casting (Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains, Peter Lorre, etc.), an old love affair rekindled, the threat of Nazi takeover, it's all here. Bogart plays Rick, the ironic and apolitical Casablanca club owner. He and Bergman met and loved earlier, and now she turns up with her husband, who wants help escaping from the country. The plot thickens and gets murkier and deeper - and Bogart plays the roué, honorable in the end. One of his best roles. In fact, one of the best roles ever played by any of the actors.
If you've never seen it, do it now.
Rating:
Summary: Fabulous presentation of a fabulous film
Review: Casablanca is the perfect film for any collector because it can be viewed and enjoyed over and over. What struck me after my most recent viewing is the superb direction by Michael Curtiz. Much attention has been given (and rightfully so) to the great cast, excellent script, memorable lines, but "Casablanca" would not resonate all these decades later were it not for Curtiz. Whether it's the use of shadows, the camera angle or the length of a scene, Curtiz (albeit with the aid of producer Hal B. Wallis) was at the top of his game.
This DVD set not only offers a clean presentation of one of Hollywood's landmark films, but a second disc of enjoyable special features. Highlighting the extras is a nearly 90 minute retrospective on Humphrey Bogart narrated by his widow, Lauren Bacall. This includes scenes and stills from all of Bogie's more important films and home movie clips.
Also presented are a horrible 1955 TV version of "Casablanca" that so bad it's nearly good> the second disc also includes outtakes from the original film and more.
Film buffs who love "Casablanca should own this DVD.
Rating:
Summary: Casablanca: Romance .... and All That (4.5 stars)
Review: The magic of "Casablanca" lies mostly in its romance. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman movie pairing remained their sole and maybe that's the reason why their unimpeachable chemistry became unique. Their fate as star-crossed lovers trapped in Casablanca went down as one of the most memorable. The scenes of their love in Paris woke up 'the sentimentalist' (as Mr. Renault would say) in me. Just look at Rick (Bogart) watching Ilsa (Bergman) in a Paris cafe, over glasses of champagne, the moment she does not look at him. And Bergman? She's one of the most beautiful and best actresses ever to grace the screen, to say the least ("Here's looking at you, kid.") And her foreign accent just added to her charm. The melodrama is surrounded by patriotic, anti-fascist and adventure tones and given the fact that the film was released when the World War Two was far from over, it's understood that it captivated viewers back then, as it still does now. There are many details in the movie that get it all just right. Whether it is the young Bulgarian couple, the Marseilleaise or other things you may not notice at first viewing but that justify the purchase of the DVD, as you can get back to your favourite scenes again and again, as I do. Besides, the DVD has a stunning picture quality. The bottom line: with "Casablanca" you get one of the most acclaimed Hollywood movies and two of its most beloved stars in a marvellous coupling. These assets are far outweighing the occassional slow pace and datedness of the movie. Yes, "Casablanca" may remain a film for ages.
Rating:
Summary: Unbelievable picture Quality
Review: No matter how many times you've seen Casablanca, I guarantee that you will see things you never realized were there in this disc. I just finished watching it on a high-definition monitor, and it is simply the best restoration of an old B&W film I've seen. Even better than the recent digital restoration of Citizen Kane. There is absolutely no grain, no dirt and a wealth of vibrant detail that hasn't been seen since the original release prints were in theaters 60 years ago (and maybe not even then.) Yes, the extras are nice, especially the Roger Ebert commmentary track, but this disc would by worth buying without them just for the superb picture. It's like seeing this wonderful classic for the first time again.
Rating:
Summary: The definitive Casablanca
Review: One of the all-time favourite Hollywood movies may well have found its definitive presentation in this superb double DVD Special Edition set. The picture quality of this new digital transfer is downright stunning and easily surpasses all previous DVD releases. The sharpness and the rich contrast reveal the plasticity and the expressive quality of the image in an unsuspected dimension. To take but that example, the studied close-up shots of Ingrid Bergman's face are simply breathtaking. The sound is mastered perhaps a little low, but with the volume turned up sufficiently, proves clear and flawless. The extras alone would already be worth the investment. There are two interesting, complementary commentaries by film historian Rudy Behlmer and critic Roger Ebert. Especially Ebert's narration will learn you a lot about what you actually see on the screen. (Watch for the midgets around the plane in the closing scene). There is a fine documentary on Humphrey Bogart presented by Lauren Bacall and on disc 2 Stephen, son of Humphrey Bogart and Pia Lindström, daughter of Ingrid Bergman evoke how their parents experienced Casablanca. In "You Must Remember This: A Tribute to Casablanca" one gets a complete view of the production. Finally, there are trailers, biographical sketches, scoring stage sessions, and even (silent) outtakes and additional scenes. In short, Casablanca gets what it deserves and this DVD set should figure in every serious movie collection.
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