In the Navy Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.0
Audio		3.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		3.0

In the Navy Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 23, 2019

A popular singer with a devoted fanbase, Russ (Dick Powell) is eager to leave the pressures of fame behind, hoping to disappear into the navy for the next six years to clear his head and live like an average person. Unfortunately, reporter Dorothy (Claire Dodd) isn’t going to allow Russ to simply escape, using her skills to infiltrate his battleship and collect photographs, with plans to put his name back on the front page. Also on the ship are Smokey (Bud Abbott) and Pomeroy (Lou Costello), two pals trying to survive service with the help of shenanigans, though Pomeroy has a little more on his mind when trying to impress Patty (Patty Andrews), a singer with the Andrew Sisters who isn’t sure what to make of the boob.

After the raging success of “Buck Privates,” Abbott and Costello return with another service comedy, this time taking to the high seas with “In the Navy,” which trades the open world of Army boot camp for the tight confines of a battleship. Universal doesn’t shake things up here, issuing a similar picture to “Buck Privates,” with the comedy duo working their way through daily drudgery while being barked at by commanding officers, all the while showcasing their special radio routines, which remain remarkably tight and amusing. “In the Navy” has the benefit of a more interesting script, with the saga of Russ and his dream of normality generating a few charged encounters with Dorothy, adding some storytelling substance to the film.

In the Navy Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.36:1 aspect ratio) presentation supplies a bright look at the particulars of "In the Navy," delivering decent whites to best emphasize military uniforms, while delineation is comfortable throughout. Detail isn't strong, going soft while surveying casual wear and naval gear. The feature's studio-bound look is preserved, with artificial backgrounds and model work passably defined. Grain grows a bit blocky at times, looking processed. Source is in reasonable shape, but mild scratches are common, along with speckling.

In the Navy Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix wrestles with age-related issues, coming through with heavy hiss and fuzziness. Dialogue exchanges retain some life, handling comedic speed and quieter conversations. Scoring remains brassy, with military marches pronounced, while musical numbers aren't crisp, but maintain intended energy, with satisfactory vocals and instrumentation.

In the Navy Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Image Gallery (4:24) collects publicity shots, film stills, poster art, lobby cards, sheet music covers, and theater displays.

• Production Notes (1:55) share information on the making of "In the Navy."

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:09, SD) is included.

In the Navy Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The routines are here, along with musical numbers from The Andrews Sisters and a sense of playfulness when dealing with the military machine. The sheer physical force of "Buck Privates" is missing, but "In the Navy" is a fine continuation, still offering freshness to the choreographed chaos of Abbott and Costello.