Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		2.5
Audio		3.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		2.5

Abbott and Costello Meet the Keystone Kops Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf December 9, 2019

Looking to make a fortune in the movies, Harry (Bud Abbott) and Willie (Lou Costello) hand hustler Joe (Fred Clark) a stack of cash in exchange for a film studio. When they realize they’ve been swindled, Harry and Willie set out to find Joe, who’s traveled to Los Angeles with girlfriend Leota (Lynn Barr), posing as a European director to help make a star out of his significant other. In close pursuit, Harry and Willie finds themselves hired as stunt men, growing in popularity as Joe struggles to maintain his long con.

1955’s “Abbott and Costello Meet the Keystone Kops” is truly a tribute to the masters of silent cinema, even including a cameo from icon Mack Sennett, who proves his filmmaking credibility by tossing a cream pie in Harry’s face. The picture is a restless creation, mimicking the speed of its inspiration, keeping Costello busy with numerous scenes of physical distress and comedic frustration, wrestling with wildlife, dealing with movie theater etiquette, and even caught in the metallic pinch of train tracks, narrowly avoiding death. Helping the more grounded elements of the feature are the performances, finding Clark and Bari appealing foes, doing their part to make the central conflict become something more than just filler between Abbott and Costello routines. The material’s playfulness with Hollywood dealings is also amusing.

Abbott and Costello Meet the Keystone Kops Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

While "Abbott and Costello Meet the Keystone Kops" is presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio (AVC encoded), an old master has been utilized to bring the feature to Blu-ray. Fine detail isn't available during the viewing event, with filtering present, smoothing out facial surfaces and losing textures on costuming and location. Delineation also struggles some during evening encounters. Source is acceptable, with some mild scratches and speckling.

Abbott and Costello Meet the Keystone Kops Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix also deals with age, finding heavy hiss present during the listening event. The basics in dialogue exchanges are understood, sustaining comedic interests. Scoring doesn't attain true definition, but it remains loud and supportive, increasing in intensity as the movie indulges many silent cinema tributes. Sound effects are slightly dulled, but register as intended.

Abbott and Costello Meet the Keystone Kops Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Image Gallery (4:37) collects film stills, publicity shots, poster art, and lobby cards.

• Production Notes (1:37) offer information on the making of "Abbott and Costello Meet the Keystone Kops."

• A Theatrical Trailer has not been included.

Abbott and Costello Meet the Keystone Kops Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The titular clowns are unleashed in the grand finale, creating a madcap free-for-all that fully gives in to all two-reeler inspirations. "Abbott and Costello Meet the Keystone Kops" reaches heights of screen insanity, permitting the stars to indulge a few fantasies of unleashed screen performance, also paying tribute to the slapstick that turned them into stars.