Casablanca (1942) (70th Anniversary Edition)

[DetroitSquirreL]

Originally Posted by ajhidell

When should we expect a retailer exclusive edition to be announced?

why would there be one? Best Buy had the Ben Hur goofy figure but no one had one for Wizard of Oz, Willy Wonka, Sound of Music, Gone with the Wind, etc. that were UCE. Retailer exclusives are such hit and miss

[24framesasecond]

Those considering purchasing this edition of Casablanca would be well served by reading renowned archivist/restoration expert Robert A. Harris' comments about it:

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/t/31...ary-in-blu-ray

Hilarious.

Harris answers the lossless audio question farther down the thread. The short version: Yes, but it doesn't matter.

[Strevlac]

Originally Posted by zoodermin

Does anybody know if this release will have lossless audio? We are very close to the release date and yet there's no word about the A/Q in this release.

Robert Harris has some words about over at the home theater forum and says it's good. He confirms lossless audio. Overall he seems pretty tepid about it and is much kinder the the older release than I would be. I hate that BD, there's all kinds of wierd electronic looking stuff going on with it.

[24framesasecond]

Read Harris' comments again. Basically he says it's not worth the upgrade.

[Strevlac]

Originally Posted by 24framesasecond

Read Harris' comments again. Basically he says it's not worth the upgrade.

How he's happy with that 10 year old, DNR'd, electronic looking master used for the BD is anyone's guess. I have said before, I respect him and the work he has done but some of his "a few words" columns are simply baffling.

[The Duke]

Originally Posted by DetroitSquirreL

why would there be one? Best Buy had the Ben Hur goofy figure but no one had one for Wizard of Oz, Willy Wonka, Sound of Music, Gone with the Wind, etc. that were UCE. Retailer exclusives are such hit and miss

Not to nitpick, but actually Walmart did get 1 disc version of Wizard of Oz exclusive, around $15 as I recall, that's the one I bought. I don't care much for most UCEs as it usually a bunch of worthless (to me) trinkets. I waited for GWTW standard release, and went with the excellent UK 2 disc release of Ben Hur. But the UK doesn't even have a listing for the new Casablanca release, and as it's a new 4k scan I suspect WB will hold off a standard release for some time to recoup their restoration expense. So, with Columbia House's $15 off code I got Casablanca 70th UCE for around $30, so I went for it.

[BluBonnet]

Originally Posted by Strevlac

How he's happy with that 10 year old, DNR'd, electronic looking master used for the BD is anyone's guess. I have said before, I respect him and the work he has done but some of his "a few words" columns are simply baffling.

I really don't think he said anywhere that he was "happy" with the older BD transfer - he pretty much says WHV could have released one that looked this good back in 2008.

He just doesn't recommend getting the upgrade if you already have the older one, unless you have projection or a screen bigger than 50".

[The Duke]

Originally Posted by 24framesasecond

Read Harris' comments again. Basically he says it's not worth the upgrade.

Actually, he says it depends on your equipment -

The quality, or at least the grain level, as resolution and detail are minimally affected, if at all, and looked fine on the earlier incarnation, is better than the 2008 counterpart. Those who run their films via projection will appreciate this. Those with 50" screens and less will probably not notice it.

And, he does say in the comments "It does (have lossless). But it doesn't really matter that it does. There is little to be gained.". But then he gives the audio a 5 while giving the video 4.5, after saying those with projectors will appreciate the video upgrade; his "reviews" can be very confusing. I look for to a real review here.

[zoodermin]

I just read Robert Harris review. Apparently if you already own the previous UCE, this new set is not a must-buy. But since I've never bought the previous UCE, this set is one day for me and the confirmation of lossless audio just makes the purchase easier. Day one!!

[kristoffer]

Originally Posted by zoodermin

I just read Robert Harris review. Apparently if you already own the previous UCE, this new set is not a must-buy. But since I've never bought the previous UCE, this set is one day for me and the confirmation of lossless audio just makes the purchase easier. Day one!!

Oh no.

[retablo]

Originally Posted by Strevlac

Robert Harris has some words about over at the home theater forum and says it's good. He confirms lossless audio. Overall he seems pretty tepid about it and is much kinder the the older release than I would be. I hate that BD, there's all kinds of wierd electronic looking stuff going on with it.

He also "highly recommended" the 2009 disc of French Connection and the Butch Cassidy disc. While I respect Harris and his contributions to film restoration, I don't always agree with his reviews.

[bigshot]

The issue here doesn't seem to be how good this remaster is as much as how bad you thought the previous one was. I'm satisfied with the first release myself. I'll patiently wait for Big Sleep and High Sierra.

[ShellOilJunior]

Originally Posted by The Duke

Actually, he says it depends on your equipment -



And, he does say in the comments "It does (have lossless). But it doesn't really matter that it does. There is little to be gained.". But then he gives the audio a 5 while giving the video 4.5, after saying those with projectors will appreciate the video upgrade; his "reviews" can be very confusing. I look for to a real review here.

Scores are not as important as what he is saying. From what I gather, this release is a bit bitter than the previous UCE but only those with the proper equipment can see the upgrade. Also, I think his "5" for audio is relative to the available materials. It's probably as good as the audio will sound for 70-year old film.

[happydood]

Originally Posted by bigshot

The issue here doesn't seem to be how good this remaster is as much as how bad you thought the previous one was. I'm satisfied with the first release myself. I'll patiently wait for Big Sleep and High Sierra.

Agree with EVERYthing you said. Since my display is only 42" I'm guessing I wouldn't notice much of an upgrade even though I adore this movie and watch it at least once a year.

But The Big Sleep is definitely needed.

[KrugerIndustrial]

Just sold my copy..

[octagon]

Eh, buy a projector and you'll be fine

[MrHT]

I told you guys that it was a waste of time for WB to reissue this....

[Rizor]

Originally Posted by DetroitSquirreL

why would there be one? Best Buy had the Ben Hur goofy figure but no one had one for Wizard of Oz, Willy Wonka, Sound of Music, Gone with the Wind, etc. that were UCE. Retailer exclusives are such hit and miss

Because WB UCE titles are often accompanied by retailer exclusives which give buyers the chance to pick up the discs sans all the trinkets and collectable whats-its.

Some examples:

The Town:
Best Buy exclusive 2-disc digibook to accompany the new UCE release

Ben-Hur:
Best Buy exclusive 3-disc BD/DVD combo pack
Best Buy exclusive UCE with Roman soldier figurine
Walmart exclusive 2-disc movie-only edition

Citizen Kane:
Best Buy exclusive 2-disc digibook

Wizard of Oz
Target exclusive 3-disc "Emerald Edition"
Walmart exclusive movie-only edition

Gone With the Wind
Target exclusive 2-disc movie-only edition

There have also been examples of stores selling exclusive BD case versions of digibook releases.

P.S. Willy Wonka has been available in two configurations prior to its UCE and the Sound of Music did have a Target exclusive digibook edition.

[themadpanner]

Just been informed by Planet Axel that my copy has been shipped, so 5 or 6 days and the truth will out, can't wait.

[ShellOilJunior]

Originally Posted by happydood

agree with everything you said. Since my display is only 42" i'm guessing i wouldn't notice much of an upgrade even though i adore this movie and watch it at least once a year.

but the big sleep is definitely needed.

+1