A few words about...™ Casablanca -- in HD-DVD

What an incredible gift from WB!

Decades ago I acquired a very old 16mm print of Casablanca, printed on DuPont stock, which still had the luxury of high silver content. Details which became undiscernible in later printings almost glowed in that print.

Warner Home Video's newest edition of the film, now scanned, scrubbed, restored and converted to HD, makes that print seem like one was viewing this film classic through a screen door.

Details in facial highlights, make-up, costumes and lighting are fully visible, and while possibly not for the first time, as 35mm prints struck from the original negative six and a half decades ago, must have glistened, they appear for the first time in generations.

Casablanca in HD is a joy to behold. Brimming with special edition extras, this single disc will be one of the very special gifts of the 2006 Holiday season for the cinephile on many people's lists.

Brilliantly processed and brought to HD!

Casablanca comes with the Highest possible recommendation!

and RAH approved.

Re: A few words about...™ Casablanca -- in HD-DVD

In answer to Mr. Hafner's question, the image has gone through processing, but what has emerged as a product is clean, and without negatives.

The film elements on Casablanca have not been treated kindly over the decades. Dupes abound, with a sometimes heavy and unnatural grain structure.

The HD makes the film appear as it might have at the time of its release.

RAH

Re: A few words about...™ Casablanca -- in HD-DVD

The important tell-tale sign that Casablanca has been handled correctly, is that toward the beginning of the film, as we initially meet Rick, he is signing a form. In a number of transfers, the date (1941) is cropped.

Here we properly are given the year.

As I've noted in the past, aspect ratios really don't tell the entire story, and are only part of a proper presentation.

RAH