Customer Reviews
Not what it was - By: J. C. Darley, 04 Jul 2008 
This used to be my favourite. I went to see it at a cinemain the 70s, when it was distinctly arthouse. Times change, though. Now the racism grates too much. When it was made I'm sure it was meant to be radical. Rick saying he does not sell human beings when offered a price for Sam might have been cutting edgein '42. Not now.
It does not matter how captivating Ms Bergman is, I cannot see past her using that American racist insult, 'boy'.
Sam, of course, does not even have two dimensions to his character.
As Time Goes By . . . - By: F. S. L'hoir, 28 Jun 2008 
. . . This film simply gets better & better. How can it miss with such a cast? Not only Humphrey Bogart as Rick & Ingrid Bergman as Ilse, but also the ensemble group of minor characters. Who can forget oily-voiced Peter Lorre smuggling the letters of transit? Or rotund Sidney Greenstreet swatting flies at the Blue Parrot? My very favorite, however, is Claude Raines as Louis, the (lovably) corrupt Prefect of Police, whose heart is his "least vulnerable spot," & whose lines, which include "Round up the usual suspects!" are among the best & the most humorousin the movie. His shock, as he stuffs his pockets with his winnings, that gambling is going on at Rick's place, has to be one of the classic momentsin cinema.
And, of course, one of the most brilliant scenes--my very favorite "three-handkerchief-blubbering" moment,in fact--is when Nazi Colonel Strasser (Conrad Veidt) & his officers are standing around the piano, belting out "Watch on the Rhine," & Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid) orders the band to play the "Marseilleise"; although the two pieces of music blend perfectly at first, the "Marseilleise" triumphsin the end. Vive la France!!!
I think that one of the secrets of this movie's greatness is thatin addition to the outstanding actors, the writers & the director have combined the right mixture of romance, adventure, & patriotism with a huge dollop of humor. A time-tested recipe that seems to have been forgottenin so many films made today.
A Genuine Special Film and Special Edition DVD - By: Films Door, 13 May 2008 This is a truly unique edition is the size of an old bible, with more treasures inside that an Aladdin's cave, well at least for classic movie fans. One of the greatest & most iconic films ever, winner of 3 Academy Awards, Best Picture, Best Director & Best Screenplay, it surely show us how they used to make themin the "good old days". No wonder at the time I wrote this, out of 33 review there were 31 five star rating & two four star rating, maybe the four star raters were having an off day!.
Still you probably know all about the film so what is "Special" about this edition?
This set comes not only with many DD special features but also some fantastic & collectable other treats:
DVD Special Features
* Digitally Restored Image & cleaned soundtrack
* Theatrical trailers
* Aspect ratio: Full screen - 1.33:1
* "You Must Remember This", a 36-minute documentary newly updated
with recently discovered, unseen outtakes & screen tests
* Special introduction by screen legend Lauren Bacell, wife of
Humphrey Bogart
* Black & White, 98 Minutes
DVD Special Edition Collectors Set Includes
* Lobby Cards: 8 Original Limited Edition lobby card prints
* SENITYPE: Exclusive Limited Edition Senitype image from movie
with 35mm films frame
* Theatrical Poster: Original one sheet movie poster (27"x40")
* Exclusive Collection: 6 original Limited Edition black & white
photograph stills
* Box 29.5cm x 23cm x 7cm
Could you want for more!!! In a world of special edition this really is a rare & special genuine special edition worth keeping.
"Round up the usual suspects" - By: Brendan O. Clarke, 11 Mar 2008 A truly superb movie, the 1942 Casablanca still wows viewers today, & for good reason. Its unique story of a love triangle set against terribly high stakesin the war against a monster is sophisticated instead of outlandish, intriguing instead of garish. The script is filled with tasty classic lines you'll really enjoy hearingin the context of the film. "Here's looking at you, Kid..." "round up the usual suspects" etc. Part of what makes all of it work is the vocal treatment by the actorsin their delivery. The cast seems very comfortable with the characters they each play & so maybe that relaxed feel carries over to the degree of realism you sense when you watch it. Their dialogue does not seem scripted & that's hard to achieve on a consistent basisin a film. I suppose that's a big part of what's made Casablanca such a classic to all who have reviewed the work over the years.
The acting is superb across the board regardless of how small the part. Ingrid Bergman is luminescent to put it mildly. Bogie is really a powerhousein this one, & Paul Henreid as well as Claude Rains deliver the kind of intimately detailed performances that just make you smile while you watch. Peter Lorre has a smaller part but exquisitely craftedin its execution. He makes it easy for you to hate him, let's put it that way. Sydney Greenstreet gives a solid presentation as well to round out the core ensemble performances given here.
The special features on this disc include a very nice introduction by Lauren Bacall, Bogart's widow. I watched it after viewing the film as I wanted to get the same feel as audiences who originally viewed itin the theater, but I wish I had watched it first. Enlightening to say the least.
still magic after all these years - By: Red Rose, 15 Feb 2008 Even now, after all these years, you can still see that this film was an absolute classic.
Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) is the owner of 'Ricks', the best saloonin town. When escaped resistance leader Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid) & wife Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman), who is also Rick's ex lover, turn up at the saloon, closely followed by a Nazi Officer (Conrad Veidt), things get very complicated.
The relationship between Bogart & Bergman, is part of the magic of the film. Claude Raines, who is the local French Cheif of Police, is wonderfulin the part & is involvedin most of the moments of humour & his relationship with Bogart also provides some magic moments.
Peter Lorre, Sidney Greenstreet & Dooley Wilson (who as piano player Sam, sings 'as time goes by'), all contribute to the atmosphere of the film.
A spell binding storyline, with a surprise ending. Even the cast did not know how the plot ended until the final scene was filmed. So, if somehow you have not seen this before, you arein for a real treat. If you have already seen it, enjoy it once more.
Won many acadamy awards & is said to be America's best loved & popular film. You will understand why.
