Warner plays it again with Casablanca

Warner Home Video has announced a new high definition version of Casablanca on Blu-Ray Disc this winter, overriding the previous HD-DVD version.

Casablanca: easy to enter, but much harder to leave, especially if you’re wanted by the Nazis. Such a man is Resistance leader Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid), whose only hope is Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), a cynical American who sticks his neck out for no one – especially Victor’s wife Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman), the ex-lover who broke his heart. Ilsa offers herself in exchange for Laszlo’s transport out of the country and bitter Rick must decide what counts more – personal happiness or countless lives hanging in the balance.

“Casablanca: Ultimate Collector’s Edition” will arrive as a 2-disc version that will include bonus materials not previously found on any of the film’s release. Featuring a 1080p high definition transfer of the movie in its original fullframe aspect ratio the release will contain the original mono audio track in Dolby Digital. As extras you will find an Introduction by Lauren Bacall as well as separate Commentary Tracks by Roger Ebert and Rudy Behlmer on the release. The disc will also contain the Featurettes “Bacall on Bogart,” “You Must Remember This: A Tribute to Casablanca,” “As Time Goes By: The Children Remember” as well as the “Scoring Stage Sessions.”

Further included is a selection of Alternate Versions of “Knock on Wood” and “As Time Goes By Part” featuring Wilson with Piano. “Rick Sees Ilsa” is included as an Instrumental Medley as well as “At La Belle Aurore” as an Instrumental Medley. An Outtake of “Dat’s What Noah Done” is included also, accompanied by Deleted Scenes and Outtakes as well as the April 26,1943 Screen Guild Players Radio Broadcast.

The 1955 Premiere Episode of “Who Holds Tomorrow?” will be included as an extras also, together with the 1995 Cartoon “Carrotblanca” in high definition and the movie’s Trailers.

On the second disc of the release, a DVD awaits you, featuring the 1993 Documentary “Jack L. Warner – The Last Mogul.”

This release will feature a premium packaging showcasing laser-cut Moroccan Design that will also include Reproductions of Executive Memos, Passport Holder, Luggage Tag, Photo Book, and a Redemption Offer for Movie Poster Replica.

“Casablanca” will arrive on Blu-Ray only in the shape of the exclusive Deluxe Edition and can be yours for $64.99 when it arrives on December 2.

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