Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		2.5
Overall		3.0

The Naughty Nineties Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf December 1, 2019

In the 1890s, actor Dexter (Bud Abbott) and assistant Sebastian (Lou Costello) are making a living as riverboat performers, working for Captain Sam (Henry Travers). When the ship docks in Ironville, trouble is found with Crawford (Alan Curtis), Bailey (Joe Sawyer), and Bonita (Rita Johnson), three con artists looking to take the riverboat through underhanded means, hoping to expand their gambling operations, playing with fixed games. Taking ownership away from Captain Sam, the villains get to work, leaving Dexter and Sebastian to think up a plan to help their boss and restore the ship’s reputation.

“The Naughty Nineties” is best known as the film that offers a cinematic record of the full “Who’s on First?” routine, which was previously teased in “One Night in the Tropics.” The bit is a highlight of the feature, finding Abbott and Costello a well-oiled machine, but “The Naughty Nineties” also provides room for many other burlesque wackiness, with the story generally taking a backseat to the stars. That’s not a criticism, as Abbott and Costello seem eager to please here, handed slightly different roles (Abbott plays a suave leading man), but they remain in their wheelhouse, finding interplay bright and solo work committed. And there’s even a dash of comedic darkness to the endeavor, with Sebastian pulling a gun on a pair of crying babies interrupting one of Dexter’s performance.

The Naughty Nineties Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.37:1 aspect ratio) presentation comes across soft, though clarity isn't completely sacrificed. Fine detail isn't remarkable, but some facial textures are found. Ornamentation is acceptable, capturing performance hall and gambling room decoration. Delineation is comfortable, doing well with denser costumes. Source has some wear and tear, with light but lengthier scratches and some speckling.

The Naughty Nineties Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix provides an agreeable listening experience for "The Naughty Nineties," with dialogue exchanges emerging with clarity. Mild hiss is present, but it doesn't cloud the shenanigans. Performance choices are distinct, as is stage activity. Scoring is acceptable, though the feature carries without music for most gags. Musical numbers are satisfying, supplying clean vocals and orchestral instrumentation.

The Naughty Nineties Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features Scott Allen Nollen.

• Image Gallery (4:33) collects film still, publicity shots, poster art, lobby cards, and theater displays.

• Production Notes (1:55) offer information on the making of "The Naughty Nineties."

• A Trailer has not been included.

The Naughty Nineties Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Naughty Nineties" works well with simplicity, offering more entertainment value with select scenes of goofballery, handing screentime over to Abbott and Costello as they manage ways to communicate alarm with fixed gambling and spiked drinks. While it isn't engrossing as other efforts, "The Naughty Nineties" does supply a full understanding of Abbott and Costello's gifts in the cinematic realm.