Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		2.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.0

The Time of Their Lives Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf December 1, 2019

In 1780, Horatio (Lou Costello) returns from war with a commendation letter from George Washington, ready to settle down with his love, Nora (Anne Gillis). Preventing this bliss is Cuthbert (Bud Abbott), a romantic rival, who frames Horatio and Melody (Marjorie Reynolds) as traitors, leaving them to be accidentally killed by American troops. Reawakened as ghosts, Horatio and Melody survive for 166 years, eventually coming into contact with Dr. Ralph (Abbott) and his friends. Searching for the letter to help free them from the spiritual realm, Horatio and Melody try to communicate with the new arrivals, who fear they’re being haunted.

After broadening their professional horizons with “Little Giant,” Abbott and Costello, while still in the midst of a personal dispute, take another leap forward with the strange 1946’s offering, “The Time of Their Lives.” While it remains a comedy that believes in the power of silliness and cartoon sound effects, the feature offers a bit more in the plot department than most of Abbott and Costello’s output. It’s a period piece, but one that deals with deception and death, trying to rebound from such a tonal dive by playing with the possibilities of ghost life, and all the comedic hauntings it offers. Special effects are the big draw in “The Time of Their Lives,” showcasing Horatio and Melody’s supernatural appearance and influence when they come into contact with new estate residents.

The Time of Their Lives Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

"The Time of Their Lives" deals with a lot of inherent softness due to the special effects, which explore all manner of ghostly tomfoolery. The AVC encoded image (1.36:1 aspect ratio) presentation also deals with an older master, finding filtering present, eliminating appealing detail with period fashion and set design. Facial surfaces are flat, smoothing over Hollywood glamour and sweaty panic. Delineation isn't problematic, securing evening experiences and dense costuming. Source is in decent shape, with light scratches and speckling, and a few blemishes are detected.

The Time of Their Lives Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix performs as expected, with emphasis on dialogue exchanges, which come through with satisfactory definition, capturing all dramatic passages and scenes of panic. Music is supportive, offering clear instrumentation, which extends to horseplay with a harpsichord. Sound effects are pronounced. Mild hiss is detected throughout the listening event.

The Time of Their Lives Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historian Frank Thompson.

• Image Gallery (4:24) collects film stills, publicity shots, and poster art.

• Production Notes (1:59) offer information on the making of "The Time of Their Lives."

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:30, SD) is included.

The Time of Their Lives Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Time of Their Lives" isn't hilarious, but Costello manages to wring a few laughs out of spectral control, and Abbott is committed to a special fear factor as Horatio's ghostly target. The team doesn't spend much time together in the feature, but they're successful with separate plots, and there's borderline sophistication to the screenplay, which supplies an ambitious, knotted plot to follow while Abbott and Costello fill in the blanks with monkey business.