The Nutty Professor Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Nutty Professor" boasts a 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer that meticulously captures the vibrancy and distinctiveness of the film’s color palette. Cinematographer W. Wallace Kelley’s adept handling of color saturation is evident right from the opening sequence, as Julius Kelp's laboratory experiments display rich and varied hues. The iconic work of production designer Harry Bumstead and costume designer Edith Head further amplifies the visual spectacle, notably in scenes set in the Purple Pit, where hues of purple and pink pop vividly. Despite this, minor concerns with grain reduction are worth noting. While grain structure is visible upon close examination, it appears somewhat diminished, indicating possible light degraining during post-processing.

Detail resolution is commendable on medium-sized screens. Fine textures in costumes and set designs, such as those of Dr. Warfield's door and bowling alley scenes, exhibit notable depth and clarity. Specialized scenes like Buddy's first appearance showcase palpable texture detail, although the magnification of film grain during optical zooms can become prominent. Focus tends to remain sharp throughout, yet the use of soft focus in certain shots of Stella, which is stylistic for the era, can be slightly jarring. Additionally, a diffusion effect noticed at the end of chapter four during a conversation with Stella seems intentional but disrupts the visual consistency momentarily.

Warner Bros.' handling of the Blu-ray’s compression is mostly efficient but could have been optimized further. With an average bitrate of 24.92 Mbps, artifacts are virtually non-existent; however, the use of only 31 GB out of a possible 50 GB on the disc suggests missed opportunities for greater compression efficiency and image enhancement. Artificial sharpening processes were wisely avoided, aligning the transfer closely with digital intermediate standards while maintaining the analog film’s innate characteristics as much as possible. Despite minor imperfections, the video presentation remains a visually engaging tribute to Jerry Lewis’ colorful comedic masterpiece.

The Blu-ray release of "The Nutty Professor" offers a notable upgrade in audio presentation, featuring both the original mono (labeled as restored) and a new 5.1 remix in lossless DTS-HD Master Audio. The 5.1 track is conservative, focusing the action primarily on the front channels while delivering a detailed and spacious audio experience. The dialogue is crystal clear, complemented by Walter Scharf's dynamic score, which enhances the film's numerous mood shifts with fidelity and rich dynamic range uncommon for films of this era.

The orchestral score, presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, immediately stands out with vibrancy, allowing individual instruments to be discerned with ease. However, when combined with dialogue and effects, there are moments where the mix feels imbalanced. This is particularly evident during scenes featuring Buddy's singing, where the pre-recorded vocals sound noticeably hollow and detached from the on-screen action. Despite this, the effects themselves are executed impressively, especially during comedic sound gags and pivotal scenes like the transformation sequence. The thumping heart and explosions during this sequence are notably augmented by the subwoofer, creating an immersive experience.

Ambient sounds are present but minimal, affecting scenes at the Purple Pit and during dances, where the surrounds primarily serve to reinforce the musical elements. Overall, while there are some minor inconsistencies in the mix, the upgraded audio track greatly enhances the film's presentation by offering a modern, yet respectful, auditory experience that maintains the integrity of its original sound design.

The Blu-ray release of "The Nutty Professor" offers a comprehensive collection of historical and entertainment-focused extras that provide deep insights into the film and Jerry Lewis's creative process. The Audio Commentary featuring Jerry Lewis and Steve Lawrence gives a meticulous exploration into the making of the film, although it occasionally falls silent as both speakers get engrossed in watching scenes. The Jerry Lewis: No Apologies documentary short showcases an 87-year-old Lewis performing live, emphasizing his enduring legacy. Additionally, several archival materials delve into the production aspects, including featurettes on Lewis' solo career and specific creative decisions. The collection also has deleted scenes, bloopers, and promotional content, preserving the film's charm and humor.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Jerry Lewis and Steve Lawrence: Discussion on the film's production and reception.
• Jerry Lewis: No Apologies: Documentary on Jerry Lewis's career at age 87.
• The Nutty Professor: Perfecting the Formula: Short featurette on the movie's creation.
• Jerry Lewis at Work: Overview of Lewis' early solo film career.
• Deleted Scenes: Five scenes including humorous outtakes.
• Promos: Six promotional spots featuring Lewis and Stevens.
• Bloopers: Fourteen humorous mistakes on set.
• Jerry at Movieland Wax Museum with Commentary by Son Chris Lewis: Footage from the 1973 wax museum ceremony.
• Test Footage: Screen tests for key characters.
• Other Footage: Kelp Calls His Father: An alternative version of a scene in black-and-white.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original promotional trailer for the film.

Jerry Lewis' 1963 rendition of "The Nutty Professor" solidified his legacy as a comedic and directorial powerhouse with an inventive twist on the classic Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde tale. As Lewis’ fourth directorial endeavor, the film successfully juxtaposes slapstick humor with a well-crafted narrative that remains engaging over fifty years later. The story revolves around the quirky, nerdy chemistry professor Julius Kelp (played by Lewis), whose experimental potion transforms him into Buddy Love—a brash, egotistical alter-ego. Despite the transformation’s comedic spectacle, the underlying message explores themes of self-acceptance through Kelp's journey from a shy, bumbling professor to an audacious crooner.

Lewis' directional flourish is evident in the precise timing and execution of visual gags—whether Kelp’s comical gym fiasco or the exaggerated transformations that come with Buddy Love’s flamboyant outfits. These moments echo the influence of silent film comedy, which underscores Lewis' deftness in visual storytelling. Among the standout scenes is Kelp’s disastrous foray into weightlifting and his noisy retreat from a bowling alley sans glasses. Additionally, Stella Stevens, playing Kelp’s love interest, offers a well-balanced performance that adds a humanizing layer to the farcical proceedings.

Despite its comedic veneer, "The Nutty Professor" delivers potent moral commentary. Lewis' screenplay, co-written with Bill Richmond, sees Kelp's alter-ego Buddy Love embody not just physical transformation but also a shift towards a more undesirable personality. Lewis has defended claims that Buddy Love is not a jab at former partner Dean Martin, suggesting instead an almost satirical take on Hollywood's superficial allure. Nonetheless, the film leaves audiences with a resonating message about self-value delivered poignantly by Kelp: “You might as well like yourself. Just think about all the time you’re going to have to spend with you,” making it an enduring piece in comedic cinema.

The Blu-ray release of "The Nutty Professor" offers an impressive visual upgrade over previous versions, showcasing Jerry Lewis's classic comedy in high definition. The video quality is markedly improved, although not without minor imperfections, making it a significant enhancement for fans familiar with older editions. The audio quality stands strong, providing clear and balanced sound that enriches the viewing experience. This meticulous attention to technical detail emphasizes the film's comedic timing and nuances, essential for such a genre-defining title.

The Ultimate Collector's Edition (UCE) of the Blu-ray is particularly noteworthy, packed with a wealth of extras that fans and collectors will find irresistible. These supplementary materials, many of which are rare or previously unavailable, offer deep dives into the film's production and Lewis's creative process. The inclusion of these extras effectively turns the purchase into a comprehensive multimedia experience, allowing viewers to appreciate the film from various perspectives. This extensive collection ensures that, beyond just the feature presentation, there's plenty to explore for both devoted fans and new viewers alike.

Warner has announced a disc-only edition set for release on September 16 for those who might prefer a simpler option. However, this should not deter dedicated Jerry Lewis admirers or those interested in classic American comedy from considering the UCE. Despite minor reservations about the video image quality, this Blu-ray release is a substantial upgrade from previous versions, clearly outperforming the accompanying DVD. "The Nutty Professor" remains a comic masterpiece by many accounts, making this upgraded Blu-ray a highly recommended addition to any collection.