Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.5

Keep 'Em Flying Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 23, 2019

A hotshot pilot working the air circus circuit, Jinx (Dick Roberts) finds his arrogance getting in the way of his flying talents, inspiring him to join the Army Air Corps. The night before he reports to his base, Jinx falls in love with singer Linda (Carol Bruce), discovering she’s also going to be in the same location, though his plans for seduction are complicated by the presence of her brother, Jimmy (Charles Lang). Jinx’s pals are Blackie (Bud Abbott) and Heathcliff (Lou Costello), who follow their friend into service, finding it difficult to adjust to new rules while wooing twins Gloria and Barbara (Martha Raye).

For their third service comedy, Abbott and Costello reach a new high of cartoon insanity with “Keep ‘Em Flying,” which doesn’t have the same imagination as “Buck Privates” and “In the Navy.” The production is decidedly more patriotic, openly transforming into a recruitment tool at times as the stars explain what life is like on a military base. It’s also a lot stranger, replicating the Looney Tunes animation experience as Heathcliff interacts with a carnival gorilla and speeds around on the back of a runaway torpedo. Perhaps recognizing the broadness of the effort, the screenplay provides plenty of time with Jinx and his woes, learning about the reality of military discipline and love along the way.

Keep 'Em Flying Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.37:1 aspect ratio) presentation secures a satisfactory level of detail to help study the frame particulars of "Keep 'Em Flying." Base tours are dimensional, and costuming is textured, preserving the rigidity of military uniforms. Facial surfaces are passable. Clarity does offer some assistance when picking out special effects and process shots, with visible wires throughout. Delineation is comfortable, securing frame information. Source is in good shape, with light scratches and speckling.

Keep 'Em Flying Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA track is very busy, dealing with the constant roar of planes as they take to the sky and rumble around the base. It's a loud mix to secure cartoon intention, but dialogue exchanges are preserved, delivering dramatic confrontations and slapstick breathlessness. Scoring runs hot, but not uncomfortably so, with satisfactory definition. The same goes for musical numbers, which offer compelling vocals. Hiss is present, but not overwhelming.

Keep 'Em Flying Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features Scott Allen Nollen.

• Image Gallery (6:56) collects publicity shots, poster art, lobby cards, theater displays, and sheet music covers.

• Production Notes (1:37) share information on the making of "Keep 'Em Flying."

• And a Theatrical Trailer (9:21, SD) is included, though it's more of a recruitment reel with extended scenes from the movie.

Keep 'Em Flying Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Creatively, "Keep 'Em Flying" doesn't follow the highlights of previous Abbott and Costello endeavors, but laughs remain. The comedy duo certainly knows how to pull a joke out of anything they encounter, and the feature respects such expertise, only getting grabby with sight gags that tend to spiral out of control, muting intended outrageousness.