| In
World War II Casablanca, Rick Blaine, exiled American and former
freedom fighter, runs the most popular nightspot in town. The
cynical lone wolf Blaine comes into the possession of two valuable
letters of transit. When Nazi Major Strasser arrives in Casablanca,
the sycophantic police Captain Renault does what he can to please
him, including detaining Czech underground leader Victor Laszlo.
Much to Rick's surprise, Lazslo arrives with Ilsa, Rick's one
time love. Rick is very bitter towards Ilsa, who ran out on him
in Paris, but when he learns she had good reason to, they plan
to run off together again using the letters of transit. Well,
that was their original plan.... [TRAILER]
NPR
Interview with Writer Leslie Epstein
STEVEN
SNYDER'S REVIEW
Revisiting Humphrey Bogart and
Ingrid Bergman’s “Casablanca” some sixty years after its
original release, it is remarkable how little this treasured movie
has faded. It is one of the most timeless of all movies in terms
of topic, emotion, acting and motivation. Much like Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” or
Miller’s “Death of a Salesman,” “Casablanca” deals
with issues at the very core of human existence.
The only thing better than the film itself is “Casablanca’s” extra-packed
anniversary DVD – a refreshingly thorough examination of what made the
film so great in the first place, what it meant for the careers of those involved,
what its place continues to be in the greater landscape of cinematic history
and how it permeated through popular society upon its release. Just as many movies
are being released on DVD with features focusing exclusively on the “making
of,” this edition helps a person to understand why “Casablanca” is
the important work that it is.
“When I’m asked for the name of the greatest film of all time, I
almost always say ‘Citizen Kane,’” says film critic Roger Ebert,
providing one of the disc’s two audio commentaries (the other provided
by film historian Rudy Behlmer), “and that would be my sincere opinion.
But if somebody were to say what is the movie that you like the best, I think
I might say ‘Casablanca.’”
Without question, the most valuable, entertaining and meaningful extra is Ebert’s
commentary. So often great films become better when viewed with someone who
loves the work. Imagine renting a movie that comes highly recommended by your
best
friend, and then sitting down to watch the movie with that person. Something
about their energy and excitement rubs off, and the experience is better as
a result.
Watching “Casablanca” with Ebert’s audio track on has the
same effect. Here is a man who has researched this film, interviewed people
associated
with it and obviously has a passionate affection for the work.
It is impossible to highlight all of his insights, but some are more memorable
than others. He notes how Bergman is oh-so-carefully photographed throughout
the film, presented to diminish her proportions and favor the left side of
her face, which she considered to be her better side. The musical score, which
was
never meant to include the now-treasured song “As Time Goes By,” was
drastically changed after the song’s inclusion, so that every moment
of music contains part of that song as the theme.
Ebert seems in awe of the chemistry that is indescribable, but always apparent,
between Bogart and Bergman. He notes the state of movies and politics at the
time. Warner Brothers was the first major studio to come out as strongly anti-Nazi,
and much of the film’s subtle sexual content barely made it past the industry’s
censors.
And he even points out the improvisations and flaws in “Casablanca.” Lines
like “Here’s looking at you kid” and “This is the start
of a beautiful friendship” never appeared in the original script. Many
flaws appear in the film, most notably concerning the actions of the Nazis and
the relevance of the crucial letters of transit. At one point, Ebert goes so
far as to question the entire logic of the famous final airport sequence. But
near the film’s end, he also notes that none of these flaws really matter.
The story is so interesting, and the characters so engaging that the flaws just
don’t matter any more.
After watching the film, and then re-watching it with these fascinating audio
commentaries, the second disc is a perfect compliment, giving a rich context
for what “Casablanca” meant for those involved.
Lauren Bacall, one of Bogart’s many wives, is featured in “Bacall
on Bogart,” a short documentary about her late husband’s career.
Bacall also hosts “You Must Remember This: A Tribute to Casablanca,” which
puts this classic in its historical context.
Three features show how “Casablanca,” winner of the 1943 Academy
Award for Best Picture, became accepted into general society. There is the 1955
television adaptation of “Casablanca” for a Warner Brothers series.
There is the full-length audio of the “Casablanca” radio production,
featuring Bogart, Bergman and Paul Henried. And there is even the Looney Tunes
cartoon, “Carrotblanca,” where Bugs Bunny pays homage to Bogart.
The DVDs weakest moments occur during its additional scenes and outtakes. None
of the selections have audio, most are rather unimportant and the two additional
scenes, with their forced and obvious dialogue, would have shattered the subtlety
and ambiguity that makes “Casablanca” unique. As with most modern
DVDs, these scenes were cut for a reason.
This is not to say that the second disc is lacking. Quite the contrary, it
could take close to a week for most people to work through all this marvelous
material.
Finally, one of cinema’s greatest achievements has been given its due
in DVD land.
Movie: 
DVD:
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