I know there are probably a lot of DVD remasters of this film out there. Is the Blu-ray worth it?

For a movie that was likely shot in standard aspect ratio I don't know that the format will really bring a lot to the table unless the B&W picture quality is truely eye popping and the audio is somehow enhanced.

I am considering picking up the new repackaging of the BD.

It's beautiful.

Yes, Yes, Yes!

WB is rereleasing it again but just as the BD, minus all that stuff in that box. But it contains the same features right?

it is

Only thing missing is the documentary "Jack L. Warner: The Last Mogul" which was on a seperate DVD.

You do realize that the aspect ratio in which a movie is shot has nothing to do with how it looks other than the mere shape of the image?

Casablanca was shot on 35mm film, and FILM has a higher resolution than even 1080p Blu-ray Disc...B&W or color, it makes no difference, the resolution of the source material used to make the BD is higher than the resulting product....

Yeah, since when did the OAR matter w/ the resolution on a format? It's what WB does w/ the film on that format that makes it a huge ass deal. It does look amazing from the stills I've seen. And yes. Film does have a higher resolution than Blu. Which only makes it better for us on the format cuz we're that much closer to getting true resolution. And at this level for the Blu it's pretty damn close looking visually speaking.

All of the classics from the 30s and 40s Warner has released so far are breathtaking on Blu-ray. Buy Casablanca with confidence.

It's also worth noting that a 4:3 movie will use about as much of the image area as a scope (2.35:1) movie will, yet we never hear anyone suggesting that those shouldn't be released.

Yes, I do.

Good to know... "a huge ass deal" is exactly what I'm looking for!

It sounds like the BD is the way to go.

Thanks for the all the thoughts on this! You've helped me make up my mind.

The repackage minus all the extra stuff is what I'll be looking for.

What is the difference between the at least 3 different Blu-ray versions?

1. The Ultimate Collector's Edition obviously includes all the extra stuff not on the discs, plus an extra disc. Is this just the Jack Warner documentary?

2. This one-disc version seems to be out of print but still available in some stores and online, and is the same as the first disc in the box set?

3. This newest "Academy Award" version is hard to find any information on. Is it the same as the other one-disc version?

1. The extra disc is just the Jack Warner doc on DVD
2. Same BD as found in number one
3. Same BD as number two, just with a new slipcover

Thanks. So the dreadful-looking cover on the newest version is just a slipcover? Is it the same cover art underneath?

The cover as shown in link number two of your original question is the underlying case art.

The gold-border, Oscar promoting slipcover (number three) will likely be dropped in future pressings.

I finally watch the movie on BD a few days ago. Never looked better. Even though I'm a little bit of not in the mood (couldn't keep up much with the story - but that's not a problem - I think I've seen the movie countless times), I am in awe with the cinematography and picture quality. The Blu-ray really is worthed it.

Hmmm... I was just looking at the newest "Academy Award" version (#3) and I noticed the following:


Anybody know what the deal is with this? Misprint or did they get rid of the second disc with the extras?

The movie and extras are all on one disc. The only thing that was on the second disc (DVD) was a Jack Warner documentary, and it only came with the Ultimate Collector's Edition.

Thanks for the clarification. Between this, Gone With The Wind and Wizard Of Oz... my brain is like mush trying to figured out which sets have what in them.

How good was that Jack Warner doc?

pretty good. the typical Warner documentary - not perfect but enough to satisfy your curiousity.