Comin' Round the Mountain Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.5
Audio		3.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		3.0

Comin' Round the Mountain Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf December 9, 2019

During a problematic escape attempt, The Great Wilbur (Lou Costello) delivers a special cry of distress, triggering recognition from singer Dorothy (Dorothy Shay), who suggests the daffy magician is heir to a backwoods treasure back in her rural home. Joined by his agent, Al (Bud Abbott), Wilbur samples the ways of the mountain folk, trying to pass himself off as a native to collect a fortune. However, long simmering tensions between warring families puts Wilbur in a dangerous position, forced to prove himself when intimidated by rival Devil Dan (Glenn Strange).

Hoping to capitalize on a trend, Universal Pictures nudges Abbott and Costello into a Ma & Pa Kettle film with “Comin’ Round the Mountain,” which pits the comedy duo against backwoods clan traditions and hostilities. The screenplay stretches in a big way to dream up a story capable of delivering everything fans of both comedy empires demand, but once Wilbur settles into country life, laughs emerge, exploring his games of deception as he tries to pass himself as a master shot to compete in a critical turkey shoot. More lively is a mid-movie musical number that positions Costello as a percussionist, playing the washboard and duck as Wilbur joins the mountainfolk orchestra. It’s a fun scene, also offering the actor something different to do for a change.

Comin' Round the Mountain Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.33:1 aspect ratio) presentation comes from an aged master, but the basic visual elements of "Comin' Round the Mountain" are maintained. Softness is present, but some degree of detail remains, surveying the outdoor locations and the unusual costuming of the mountain folk, showcasing tattered, soiled outfits. Facial surfaces are appreciable but never sharp. Delineation is acceptable. Source is in adequate shape, with speckling and scratches, some lengthy, are detected during the viewing experience.

Comin' Round the Mountain Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix also handles with age, with pronounced hiss carrying throughout the listening experience. Fuzziness is present as well, most noticeably during musical numbers, slightly diminishing vocals. Scoring cues fare a little better, providing orchestral support with adequate clarity. Dialogue exchanges are passable, with most comedic choices understood, along with backwoods pronunciations. Sound effects, including numerous gunshots, are reasonably defined.

Comin' Round the Mountain Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Image Gallery (3:49) collects film stills, publicity shots, poster art, and lobby cards.

• Production Notes (1:47) share information on the making of "Comin' Round the Mountain."

• A Theatrical Trailer has not been included.

Comin' Round the Mountain Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

There's not much to "Comin' Round the Mountain," which is mostly made up of slapstick scenes involving gunfire. Abbott and Costello do their duty with routine recycling, and the boys seem engaged here, playing well with the supporting cast, which includes Margaret Hamilton, who basically reprises her iconic "Wizard of Oz" role as another witch up to no good, making a fine scene partner with Costello and boosting the surprise factor of a formulaic film.