Update: Cover art added.
Warner Home Video has announced the latest previously HD DVD exclusive coming to Blu-ray Disc is Casablanca, scheduled for an Ultimate Collector’s Edition update on December 2.
The two-disc set is packaged in an “intricate laser-cut Moroccan design” box and loaded with goodies such as reproductions of executive memos and props, a branded passport holder, luggage tag, photo book and mail-in offer for a movie poster. The memos and props include the following:
- Memo from Hal Wallis that Casablanca is the new title
- Memo from Wallis to Jack Warner strongly urging casting of Bogart over
- Letter from Publicity head Charles Einfeld to publicist Marty Weiser to “sell” Bogart as a romantic lead
- Victor Laszlo’s “letter of transit”
Over seven hours of supplemental features are packed onto the disc as outlined below.
- Behind the Story
- Introduction by Lauren Bacall
- Commentary by film critic Roger Ebert
- Commentary by film historian/author Rudy Behlmer
- 1988 TCM special: Bacall on Bogart [Laurel Bacall’s candid and moving reminiscences about her husband’s life and career]
- You Must Remember This: A Tribute to Casablanca [Bacall hosts this spellbinding backstage tour]
- As Time Goes By: The Children Remember [Stephen Bogart and Pia Lindstrom remember their parents, Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman]
- Production history gallery
- Additional Footage
- Deleted scenes
- Outtakes
- Who Holds Tomorrow? Premiere episode from the 1955 Warner Bros. Presents series, starring Charles McGraw
- 1995 WB Cartoon: Carrotblanca
- Audio
- Scoring Stage Sessions
- Knock on Wood Alternate Version, Wilson with Piano
- As Time Goes By Part One Alternate Take, Wilson with Piano
- As Time Goes By Part One Film Version, Wilson with Piano
- Rick Sees Ilsa Instrumental Medley
- As Time Goes By Part Two Alternate Take, Wilson with Piano
- As Time Goes By Part Two Film Version, Wilson with Piano
- At La Belle Aurore Instrumental Medley
- Dat’s What Noah Done Outtake, Wilson with Piano
- April 26,1943 Screen Guild Players Radio Broadcast
- Trailers
- Theatrical trailer
- 1992 re-release trailer
- 1993 documentary: Jack L. Warner: The Last Mogul
We expect the technical specs to be identical to the previously released HD DVD which were a widescreen 1.37:1 1080p transfer and Dolby Digital Plus 1.0 audio.
Casablanca: Ultimate Collector’s Edition on Blu-ray will carry an SRP of $64.99. Check back regularly for pre-order information and high-res cover/box art.
Are you willing to pay over $50 for Casablanca on Blu-ray? Chime in with your opinion in the HDR Forums.
