MGM has released the last of the Bob Hope/Bing Crosby “Road” films, “THE ROAD TO HONG KONG.”  The duo is busy conning gullible customers into purchasing the opportunity to see outer space, via some type of rocket pack.  When things go wrong, and Hope is hurt, they visit Tibet to find healing powers.  After coming upon a magical herb giving the user amazing powers of memory, they hope to put it to work for them, but not before meeting the beautiful Joan Collins, and a terrorist organization, all with dark intentions.

While possibly the weakest of the “ROAD TO” series, this one still has plenty of laughs, and the camaraderie of Hope and Crosby together is well worth watching this for alone. 

MGM has preserved the correct 1.66:1 aspect ratio, but without 16:9 enhancement.  Not one of the best transfers from MGM, but still decent.  There’s generally fine depth, but the contrast is inconsistent. 

Also, worthwhile is the chance to see and hear Collins sing a duet with Bing. It still sounds wonderful, in spite of some crackling on this monaural soundtrack.   The theatrical trailer is also included. 

MGM has been releasing many of the “Edgar Allen Poe” films, originally produced by American International Pictures, as double features on dvd.