Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.0

Hit the Ice Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 23, 2019

Amateur photographers, Tubby (Lou Costello) and Flash (Bud Abbot) are trying to secure a career, joining childhood pal Dr. Bill (Patric Knowles) as he tends to the scene of a fire. When Tubby is injured in the blaze, the resulting hospital visit puts the twosome in the presence of gangster Silky (Sheldon Leonard), who mistakes the guys for hitmen. Caught up in a bank robbery plot where they become the prime suspects, Tubby and Flash head to Silky’s preferred ski resort to clear their names, only to find additional trouble, including Marcia (Ginny Simms), a singer who doesn’t mind Tubby’s attention.

The first offering of what would become a regular collaboration with director Charles Lamont, “Hit the Ice” offers a looser sense of plot for Abbott and Costello, finding the screenplay taking a bit of a break when it comes to setting up the central conflict between the photographers and the gangster who believes the boys have incriminating photos of him. The snappiness of previous Abbott and Costello efforts is missing here, finding Lamont relying on the stars to come up with magic, which results in a few slack scenes where one can clearly see the engine turning in Costello’s head, trying to conjure funny business. To fill time, “Hit the Ice” goes broad, putting Flash and Tubby into contact with mountain creatures, but there are select highlights to enjoy, including Costello’s ice skating mischief and his flirtations with Marcia, as Simms offers an appealing screen presence.

Hit the Ice Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Softness dominates the "Hit the Ice" viewing event, with the AVC encoded image (1.37:1 aspect ratio) presentation lacking sharpness throughout. Fine detail isn't available, hurting chances to appreciate some of the creative achievements, leaving a basic understanding of facial particulars and set design. Delineation isn't troublesome. Source is in decent condition, finding light scratches and speckling detected throughout.

Hit the Ice Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix handles the basics of "Hit the Ice" relatively well, offering compelling scoring cues and musical numbers, finding vocals distinct and instrumentation appreciable. Dialogue exchanges are also clear, overcoming some mild hiss to secure comedic anarchy and a few stretches of sincerity.

Hit the Ice Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features Scott Allen Nollen.

• Image Gallery (4:07) collects publicity snaps, film stills, poster art, and lobby cards.

• Production Notes (1:40) offer information on the making of "Hit the Ice."

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:57, SD) is included.

Hit the Ice Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Hit the Ice" concludes with an extended chase around the ski resort, with the production hoping to end with a bang, giving Abbott and Costello a full workout with stunts and silly business. Overall, the movie plays a little too limp at times, missing a chance to do something monumental with the snowbound setting.