4K UHD Review: Kino Lorber’s Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (Special Edition)

The original horror comedy Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein comes to 4K UHD thanks to Kino Lorber. 

The Film 

There was a reason why Abbot and Costello Meet Frankenstein was a massive success and why Universal made three more films where the comedy duo face off against the Universal Monsters.  More than just a flash in the pants, the film is armed with a clever conceit and plot; the film is fun, funny, and appropriately scary (for the under-8 set).  Universal went the extra mile by casting Bella Lugosi and Lon Chaney Jr. in the roles that made them and the monsters so (in)famous.  

Part of what makes the film so much fun is the way that Abbott and Costello, as Chick and Wilbur (respectively), are involved with Dracula’s (Lugosi) plot to revive and control Frankenstein’s Monster.  It speaks to the script by the trio Robert Lees, Frederic I. Rinaldo, and John Grant that there’s a meta quality to it.  Commenting on things like how the beautiful Dr. Sondra Mornay (Lenore Aubert) is dating Wilbur.  It also leaves enough room for schtick from Abbott and Costello, but reframed for a horror film.  

The secret sauce of Abbot and Costello Meet Frankenstein is that they never disrespect the monsters.  There is a level of danger to Dracula, the Wolfman, and the Monster that is never lost on director Charles Barton.  In fact, Barton and the script seem to understand perfectly that the more menacing they are, the funnier the film is and particularly Abbott, who seems to be truly inspired here, using Wilbur’s constant fear to great effect.  

Abbot and Costello Meet Frankenstein is the kind of film that anyone can enjoy.  Is it scary? Not really for anyone other than a small child.  But the film seems to understand this and create a great amount of comedic gold out of the truly wonderfully inspired Costello performance.  

The Transfer 

The all-new HDR/Dolby Vision Master – From a 4K Scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative is a stunner.  Kino may have outdone themselves with this transfer.  The image is flawless without a scratch or defect throughout the runtime. The Dolby Vision encoding adds a luster to the beautiful black and white photography that makes the image look like it was filmed yesterday.  The patina of active grain throughout gives the disc a look of a freshly struck archival print.  Bravo to Kino Lorber and Universal, who’ve given us one of the best transfers of the year with Abbot and Costello Meet Frankenstein.

The Extras

They include the following;

• NEW Audio Commentary by Hats Off Entertainment’s Joe Ramoni
• NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historian/Screenwriter Gary Gerani
• Audio Commentary by Film Historian Gregory W. Mank
• Theatrical Trailer

The first of three Audio Commentaries is an all-new track by Hats Off Entertainment’s Joe Ramoni.  Ramoni opens with a discussion of the title and the success of the film.  Some of the other details include a discussion of the opening animated title sequence, which was not animated by Walter Lance but rather Dave Fliesher (brother of Max); the animation that runs throughout; a discussion of the melding of genres in this film; the history of horror comedies, the successful and the not so successful, and what makes them work; the development of the screenplay by Robert Lees, Frederic I. Rinaldo, and John Grant and why it worked so well; the casting and performance of Bela Lugosi – the importance of this film to his Dracula legacy; Costello’s thoughts on the script, including a history of the idea going back to a proposed stage production; where Abbott and Costello were in their careers when they made this film; Abbott and Costello working with director of this film Charles Barton; a discussion of the production history and production anecdotes from the film, including bloopers that made it out and strict guidelines that Universal told the production to adhere to; a discussion of the various actors that appear in the film; and much more.  

The second Audio Commentary is an all-new track by Film Historian/Screenwriter Gary Gerani, which opens with his credentials before diving into the opening credit sequence, which is similar to another Abbott and Costello film’s animated title sequence.  Some of the details include the working title of the film, The Brain of Frankenstein, before being changed; the alternate opening moment with the actress Lenore Aubert; the work of make-up effect artist Jack Pierce both here and in other films before this for Universal; a history of the Universal Monster Movies; a history of the films of the Abbott and Costello; a larger discussion the various changes the film’s comedic set pieces; the work here and the personal of Lon Chaney Jr.; a discussion of the various actors and crew that worked on the film; and much more.  

The final Audio Commentary is an archival track by Film Historian Gregory W. Mank opens with a great Lon Chaney Sr. quote about Abbott and Costello.  Some of the details include the production schedule and production budget of the film; the first film they filmed; the work and career of actress Lenore Aubert; the work that the production did to produce the transformation scene of the Wolfman and Chaney’s thoughts on the matter; a history of where Universal, Abbott and Costello, the Monsters were when the film was made; a discussion of the career of Bela Lugosi – including quotes from his family, friends and collaborators; a discussion throughout about director Charles Barton including quotes and details about his person about his career; a larger discussion throughout about the production including details, anecdotes and quotes from the cast and crew; and much more.  

Trailer (2:17)

The Final Thought 

Kino has delivered an excellent upgraded 4K UHD edition of this classic film.  Highest possible recommendations!

Kino Lorber’s 4K UHD Edition of Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein is out now.