Who Done It? Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.5

Who Done It? Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 23, 2019

Jimmy (Patric Knowles) is ready to prove himself as a writer for the radio program “Murder at Midnight,” joining producer Jane (Louise Allbritton), his old flame. When the network president is electrocuted, a mystery begins, though one investigated by Chick (Bud Abbott) and Mervyn (Lou Costello), two soda jerks hoping to use the case to work on the show. With the foursome setting out to discover clues and put together a motive, Chick and Mervyn are suddenly marked as a prime suspects, making for a long night of near-misses for the duo as they try to avoid being caught by the authorities.

Losing musical numbers and a feel for tourism, 1942’s “Who Done It?” unleashes Abbott and Costello inside a building home to several entertainment offerings and their own soda counter, which is introduced with Mervyn and his full physical reaction to the smelly power of limburger cheese. While the plot deals with murder, “Who Done It?” retains full Abbott and Costello wackiness, with the duo finding themselves in over their heads when they decide to play detective, resulting in a mid-movie chase that has Mervyn trying to escape recognition by suiting up as an acrobat for a live show, triggering all sorts of physical silliness. Also amusing is combativeness between Mervyn and a wise acre studio usher who lives to swindle the soda jerk. These two could carry the entire film.

Who Done It? Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.36:1 aspect ratio) presentation secures the artistic highlights of "Who Done It?" with a passably clear viewing experience from an aged master. Detail supports set design achievements, showcasing tours around the radio building, and decoration is available for study. Costuming is varied and textured, from stiff wool suits to the satin flow of Chick's acrobatic outfit. Facial surfaces are acceptable, exploring the range of age and intensity. Delineation is satisfactory, preserving the noir-ish experience of the feature, which handles some shadow play. Source is fine shape, but speckling is detected, along with a few lengthy but light scratches.

Who Done It? Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix supports the feature's manic tone, securing clear dialogue exchanges, which offer slapstick escalation without distortion. Hiss is present throughout the track, but doesn't overwhelm the performances. Scoring is strong, offering satisfactory instrumentation and position.

Who Done It? Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features writer/actor/comedian/national treasure Frank Conniff.

• Image Gallery (5:51) collects film stills, publicity shots, poster art, and lobby cards.

• Production Notes (1:09) offer information on the making of "Who Done It?"

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:38, SD) is included.

Who Done It? Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Who Done It?" does delve into motives and codes, trying to sustain itself as a proper mystery (and one with an enjoyable wartime mood) between Abbott and Costello high jinks. A fine cast supports such endeavors, along with stabs at style appropriate to the genre, but this a comedy, with Mervyn and Chick deployed to make a mess of things, bringing one-liner speed and explosive confusion to a criminal event.