Casablanca -- Two Disc Special Edition [1942]

The second disc features a plentiful collection of sundry archival features and more from Bacall, who hosts the two documentaries: You Must Remember This: The Making of Casablanca and a retrospective of Bogie's career, Bacall on Bogart. Of minor interest are two very short deleted scenes--Laszlo and Rick at the jail, and a German officer's pratfall--which in lieu of any surviving audio track have been subtitled from the original script; there's also five minutes of silent outtakes. An audio-only sample of Max Steiner's music-scoring sessions features Dooley Wilson singing "Knock on Wood" and "As Time Goes By". There are brief reminiscences from Stephen Bogart and Pia Lindstrom (son and daughter of Bogie and Ingrid Bergman, respectively); Bugs Bunny and pals in Carrotblanca; a curious 1955 Warner Bros TV version of the movie; audio excerpts from the "Screen Guild Players Radio Production" featuring the principal cast; plus the usual static galleries and other trivia. All in all, it's a valuable two-disc set that really does provide everything you always wanted to know about one of the most famous movies ever made. --Mark Walker

I watched this last Xmas on TV, with my family, and not one person thought it was bad (I have a large family, btw): the funny bits were still funny (Rick's cynical line, "I'm the only cause I know", for example), the sad bits were still heart-wrenching ("Of all the gin joints in all the world...") and the characters still captivated (Claude Rains taking his winnings after closing down 'Rick's' because of illegal gambling).

I think the plot is complex and riveting, although it confuses some people: for the record, Bogie and Bergman DO love each other but they sacrifice their relationship for 'the cause' (hence the line, "it doesn't take much to see that the problems of a few small people don't amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world").

All the performances are likeable (esp. Bogie and Rains), and the whole look of the film is so polished you'll swear it was made yesterday (I exaggerate, but only a little). Of course, it's important to remember that this was made during the war, and the film's message is one of comradeship - put aside your personal problems and help your country, you ingrates! Or something like that. It's not all stiff politics, though: when Rick says, "We'll always have Paris" you'll be reaching for your (metaphorical) hankerchief.

It's on TV throughout the year, particularly at Xmas, but buy the DVD anyway. It's unforgettable, true, but you'll still want to watch it again and again, to revel in the beauty of it all: the incredible dialogue, the great performances, THAT ending, etc.

Oh, and btw: anyone who thinks this film's a turkey has no taste in films. It's official!


Wonderful Film   February 12, 2006
12 out of 14 found this review helpful

I thought that this was one of hte most wonderful films I have ever seen like so many on here who have watched it. The acting is absolutely amazing- Claude Rains in particular is fantastic in his part. I wish scripts were written like this more often as it is superlative. If you haven't seen this and are wondering whether what all the other reviewers have said is true- it is this is flabbergastingly good


This gun is pointed strait at your heart!   December 22, 2005
B. Chandler (Arlington, Texas)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

1942 the Nazi occupation of France. Refugees must take a long and torturers rout Through Casa Blanca on their way to America; there "Everybody comes to Rick's."
Here we also stay for a while to watch a drama unfold. There are overlapping stories. One of a young couple trying to get to America and the girl wondering if a girl should have to do something was wondering what would happen if her husband, "a boy in many ways", would find out? A second rate crook obtains something of value at the expense of two germane curriers. A Police Captain shocked to find there is gambling going on at Rick's. Many other stories surround the main theme of a love triangle that started in Paris and now can mean so much to individuals or the effort for freedom.

Will the Nazi's win their prize?
Will Capt. Renault get the girl?
Will Rick get away with Ilsa?

This film has become quite a classic. There are many quotes and misquotes attributed to the film. You will find your self kibitzing. One memorable seen for all is the showdown where the Germans are singing "Watch on the Rhine" and Yvonne (Madeleine LeBeau) over powers them leading the "La Marseillaise."