New Casablanca SE

Robert Harris · 07-30-2003, 02:18 PM

As we seem to be behind on the Bits column, I wanted to make it known that I've screened Warner's new release of Casablanca.

Someone has handled digital cleanup properly as while the grain structure is still very much intact and similar to that of the previous release, the dupe sections now look appreciatively better, with a better rendition of gray scale and better contrast values.

Both visually and sonically, the new Casablanca is a treat and is highly recommended.

Its the best that I've seen it look in decades.

RAH

Paul W · 07-30-2003, 02:34 PM

I am looking forward to picking this one up (as well as the new Lawrence, obviosuly).

Eric Peterson · 07-30-2003, 02:38 PM

Thanks for the information Robert. I can't wait for this disc. I haven't seen the movie since I purchased the original DVD about 3 years ago and am looking forward to seeing it again as well as listening to the Ebert commentary.

Jeff_HR · 07-30-2003, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Thanks for the information Robert. I can't wait for this disc

Mine will be in my hands early next week from DVD Empire. This will be the 1st time I've owned the film.

Patrick McCart · 07-30-2003, 03:29 PM

I like the LDI transfers, but knowing that this one will keep the grain...this ought to be one of their best.

It probably helps that Casablanca was restored on film first and looked great already. This is the icing on the cake. The grain on the original DVD looked just right...

Among the major problems with the film that I noticed was a slight "washout" to the image and a tear or two.

I hope that The Maltese Falcon could be one of their next projects. The film quality on the original transfer is great, but the dupe footage and light nitrate decomp could be corrected now.

**HTF Ads**

Robert Harris · 07-30-2003, 04:24 PM

To the best of my knowledge LDI does not do transfers.

They take digital files and manipulate them.

Bill Burns · 07-30-2003, 04:29 PM

John Lowry stated in his chat that the preservation of original film grain (rather than accumulated grain from dupe elements) is a standard for the company. This obviously wasn't the case with their first few releases (Citizen Kane in particular, also their additional clean-up work on Disney's digital files for Snow White; I'll have to revisit Now Voyager here soon and pay close attention to the grain, which I didn't note on my first viewing back when it was released), but after Sunset Boulevard and Roman Holiday (I'm not absolutely thrilled with the latter, but the issues aren't grain related), it seems clear they're very much on the right track all around.

I wonder how involved they are with the upcoming Warner Legends releases? LDI's involvement isn't necessarily advertised (as per the gorgeous release of Them, for instance).

Joseph Bolus · 07-30-2003, 04:52 PM

I can't wait for this release (and the Ebert commentary)!!

As to LDI: After the brilliant (and miraculous) work they performed on Singin'in the Rain, I've totally forgiven them for the small "rain snafu" on Citizen Kane. This company can now do no wrong in my book!

oscar_merkx · 07-30-2003, 04:55 PM

cannot wait to see Casablanca again on dvd