Nerdy, gap-toothed chemistry professor Julius Kelp (Lewis) has been a university professor for two years, but he’s a huge liability given his penchant for blowing up illicit experiments and blowing up labs. His latest disaster results in a firm lecture from the dean, Dr. Warfield (Del Moore) who is clearly at the end of his rope. Despite Kelp’s dedication to chemistry, the football players in the class aren’t impressed. When they have to cut his class to attend practice, one of the players stuffs him in a classroom shelf. To make matters worse, it appears that gorgeous co-ed Stella Purdy (Stella Stevens), won’t give him the time of day. Hoping to build up his physique, Kelp tries a Vic Tanny fitness club and other physical activities, but nothing works. Hitting the lab, Kelp creates a liquid thatthat transforms him into an alter ego named Buddy Love. As he adjusts to his newfound social confidence, he finally begins to get Stella’s attention, and shocks everyone with his musical talents at a local hangout.
Predictably, the serum wears off at the most inopportune moments. About halfway into the film, it’s pretty obvious how this whole thing is going to turn out. It’s okay though, because most of the fun lies in the journey. In the midst of all this there’s the parallel story of Kelp’s father trying to make a profit out of the elixir. The Nutty Professor is a good time from start to finish. Of course, you have to ignore the fact that all the college students look like adults, and professor Kelp is openly hitting on one of his students.
The Nutty Professor may not be one of the great cinematic achievements when compared tp something like Gone With the Wind or Casablanca, but it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” in 2004, and remains a fun and engaging film fifty years after its theatrical release.
Presented in the 1.77:1 aspect ratio, Warner has provided s strong 1080p transfer. Colors are vivid throughout, despite the film’s age. The image is clear and free of any real anomalies from beginning to end. This is truly a fine remastering job.
The English DTS-High Definition Master Audio makes for clear dialogue throughout, though there are a few moments where a word or two sounds lower than the others. The sound compliments Lewis’ onscreen antics, but doesn’t do a whole lot for ancillary effects.
English, French and Spanish subtitles are included.
The following extras are available:
Blu-ray Extras:
- Commentary with Jerry Lewis and Steve Lawrence: Recorded in 2004, this commentary is a conversation between old friends, with Lawrence acting as interviewer. Their discussion covers the origin of the project, the production process, casting, scoring, the film’s reception and what Lewis would do differently if given the chance.
- Jerry Lewis: No Apologies (HD, 20:56) Lewis at the age of 87, as he performs before a live audience at the Southpoint Hotel, Casino and Spa in Las Vegas. Interspersed with clips from the show are recent interview segments, with an emphasis on The Nutty Professor, and informal conversations at a pre-show dinner with son Chris and family friends.
- The Nutty Professor: Perfecting the Formula (SD, 15:46) In this 2004 clip, Lewis discusses the creation of The Nutty Professor, including the source of voice of Julius Kelp’s unique voice. Other participants include James Neibaur, co-author of The Jerry Lewis Films, Lewis’ son Chris and Stella Stevens.
- Jerry Lewis at Work (SD, 29:59) Led by James Neibaur, we are given an overview of Lewis’ early solo film career and his move into directing.
- Deleted Scenes (SD, 6:48) A “play all” function is included.
- Kelp Dreams of What His Formula Will Do
- Kelp Mistakes Kid for Bowling Ball
- Buddy Love Takes Requests
- Gary Lewis Cameo
- Sultry Sheila Entrance
- Promos (SD, 4:16) A “play all” function is included. Stevens appears as herself; Lewis appears both as himself and in character.
- Jerry and Stella, Promo 1 & 2
- Jerry and Stella, Promo 3 & 4
- Jerry and Stella, Promo 5 & 6
- Bloopers (SD, 13:29) A “play all” function is included.
- Kelp as Baby
- Stella Plays Gag
- Kelp Walks Down the Hall
- Dr. Warfield Does Shakespeare
- Kelp Walks into Gym
- Jerry Lewis Directs Stella Stevens
- Stella Walks into the Purple Pit
- Towel Gag
- Make-Out Spot
- Del Moore with Black Teeth Gag
- Kelp Visits Doctor
- Kelp with Hangover
- Kelp Longs for Stella
- Kelp and Stella Crack Up
- Jerry at Movieland Wax Museum with Commentary by Son Chris Lewis (SD, 0:45) The 1973 dedication of the Julius Kelp character statue at the Wax Museum.
- Test Footage (SD)
- Kelp Screen Test (0:46).
- Dr. Warfield Screen Test (1:47)
- Other Footage: Kelp Calls His Father (SD, 3:05) An alternate version of the scene in the film. In black-and-white.
- Theatrical Trailer (SD, 2:13): “Please do not reveal the middle of this picture!”
Non-Blu-ray Extras:
- The Nutty Professor DVD: Includes most of the Blu-ray’s special features, except for “Jerry Lewis: No Apologies”.
- Cinderfella DVD (131:00) A 1960 take-off on the popular Cinderella. / Includes commentary and bloopers.
- The Errand Boy DVD (132:00) A 1961 film about a would-be spy who can’t do anything right. / Includes commentary, bloopers, promos and trailer.
- Phoney Phone Calls 1959-1972 CD: A collection of Jerry Lewis phone call pranks, including one recorded live on TV on April 5, 1963.
*Note: The UCE also includes the following goodies: A Personal Message from Jerry Lewis, Instruction Book for “Being a Person,”The Storyboards, and The Nutty Professor script. I didn’t have access to these materials as part of my review. –RW.
