Warner Home Video has announced a December 2 release date for the impressive “Casablanca Ultimate Collector’s Edition,” available as a two-disc Blu-ray set or a three-disc DVD set, housed in a giftbox with a laser cut O-sleeve, 48-page photobook, 10 one-sheet reproduction cards, archival correspondence, exclusive passport holder and luggage tag. The 1942 film, No. 2 on AFI’s list of the 100 Greatest American Movies, was directed by Michael Curtiz and stars Humphrey Bogart as the inimitable Rick Blaine, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains, Conrad Veidt, Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre, and Dooley Wilson. Extras include commentaries by Roger Ebert and historian Rudy Behlmer, introduction by Lauren Bacall, additional scenes and outtakes, “Bacall on Boagrt” and “You Must Remember This: A Tribute to Casablanca” featurettes, production research gallery, “Carrotblanca” cartoon, premiere episode from the 1955 TV series, scoring session outtakes, bonus disc with “Jack L. Warner: The Last Mogul” documentary. The DVD set sells for $59.98; add $5 more for the Blu-ray version.
