Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.5

Hold That Ghost Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 23, 2019

Two working class guys who can’t catch a break, Chuck (Bud Abbott) and Ferdinand (Lou Costello) find themselves in a peculiar position when they end up witnessing a powerful gangster expire. The dead man’s will offers the men a chance to inherit his old tavern, giving Chuck and Ferdinand an opportunity to better their lives, joined by a radio star (Joan Davis), a waitress (Evelyn Ankers), and a doctor (Richard Carlson). Also in play is a stack of hidden money, keeping Chuck and Ferdinand on edge as they deal with seemingly paranormal encounters and hidden rooms, discovering a gangster playhouse they believe is haunted.

After two service comedies, Abbott and Costello head in a genre direction with 1941’s “Hold That Ghost,” which trades military order for frightening encounters, providing a less structured sense of monkey business for the duo. The movie feels looser in execution, and while there are numerous characters involved in the evening of terror, “Hold That Ghost” really doesn’t come alive without Abbott and Costello, who deliver their usual antics and also play into the horror element. Costello is especially forward with slapstick offerings, with pitch-perfect reactions to the presence of ghostly encounters, and he runs a marathon with a lengthy bit involving Ferdinand discovering a hidden casino behind his bedroom walls, unable to share his discovery with a doubting Chuck.

Hold That Ghost Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation deals with a lot of darkness, as the action largely takes place inside the haunted house. Delineation isn't troublesome, maintaining frame information during dimly lit encounters. Detail is reasonable, capturing softer facial surfaces and texture on heavier outfits. Production design particulars are also clear enough for examination. Grain is heavier. Source is in decent condition, working through light scratches and speckling.

Hold That Ghost Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix supplies a reasonably clear understanding of the "Hold That Ghost" listening event, finding dialogue exchanges intelligible and expressive when it comes to the more animated presentations of fear. Hiss is present, along with a few crackly highs, but the track remains appreciable, also securing compelling scoring selections, with decent instrumentation. Sound effects and room tone are defined as well, adding to the genre experience.

Hold That Ghost Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historian Jeff Miller.

• Image Gallery (5:08) collects publicity shots, poster art, lobby cards, press kit pages, and theater displays.

• Production Notes (1:39) share information on the making of "Hold That Ghost."

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:41, SD) is included.

Hold That Ghost Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Hold That Ghost" tries to sustain the "Buck Privates" vibe with musical numbers from The Andrews Sisters (Ted Lewis appears as well), but songs are stapled to the feature for marketplace appeal. The core of "Hold That Ghost" remains with Abbott and Costello and their unique response to strange happenings and unwelcome discoveries, which tees up all sorts of enjoyable silliness.