Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		2.5
Audio		3.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		3.0

Mexican Hayride Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf December 1, 2019

Joe (Lou Costello) has made his way into Mexico, on the hunt for Harry (Bud Abbott), a con man who’s recently swindled him. Chasing his target into a bullfighting arena, Joe is reunited with Mary (Virginia Grey), his ex-girlfriend, who’s currently working for Harry. Intercepting a ceremonial hat intended for another, Joe is transformed into a “goodwill ambassador,” with Harry pulling the confused man into a new scheme involving the selling of fake silver mine stock.

While it doesn’t have much to do with its inspiration, 1948’s “Mexican Hayride” is a loose adaption of a 1944 Cole Porter musical. Songs have been lost and the plot has been juiced up, with the production working hard to transform the material into a proper Abbott and Costello movie, and one, apparently, the stars didn’t even want to make. One can sense the dimming of personal effort from Abbott as the film unfolds, projecting visible disinterest in the lukewarm shenanigans. Costello overcompensates like a madman, working extra hard to give the endeavor some energy, diving into physical gags and costume time, as Joe embarks on several disguises during his adventure in Mexico. Nothing truly connects in the laugh department, but there’s a decent running gag in Joe’s uncontrollable urge to dance when hearing samba music, which is used against him at several points in the story. It’s such a mild idea, but it’s the little distinction this forgettable effort retains.

Mexican Hayride Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation is sourced from an older master, which doesn't provide much depth of detail. Basic appreciation for facial surfaces is difficult to find, along with textures on costuming. Location shooting isn't as dimensional as needed. Grain has more of a processed look. Delineation isn't troublesome, doing adequately with dense outfits. Source has mild scratches and speckling.

Mexican Hayride Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix does retain hiss throughout the listening event. Dialogue exchanges aren't overwhelmed, preserving intended comedic interplay and expositional needs. Scoring and musical numbers aren't defined in full, but intended moods are set with slightly muddier instrumentation.

Mexican Hayride Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features Scott Allen Nollen.

• Image Gallery (4:50) collects publicity shots, film stills, lobby cards, poster art, and newspaper ads.

• Production Notes (1:35) offer information on the making of "Mexican Hayride."

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:14, SD) is included.

Mexican Hayride Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Abbott and Costello are backed by a fine supporting cast, and it's always amusing to see Costello play the object of desire, with Joe breaking hearts in Mexico. Overall, it's lesser work from the comedy duo. While "Mexican Hayride" has a distinct cultural presence (albeit cartoonishly rendered), it doesn't push hard enough to be hilarious, lacking freshness.