Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has announced the 50th Anniversary Collector’s Edition Blu-ray release of Jerry Lewis’ The Nutty Professor on June 3rd. Lewis directed, starred in, and co-wrote (with Bill Richmond) the parody of the classic Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde tale which was selected for the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2004.
Warner is releasing the 4-disc Collector’s Edition with personal input from Lewis, who helped compile the various extras exclusive to this release. Highlights include a new featurette, “Jerry Lewis: No Apologies,” an intimate look at “The King of Comedy”; a 48-page book of the film’s original story boards; a 44-page book of excerpts from Jerry’s cutting script with personal notes; and a recreated “Being a Person” book, written by Jerry exclusively for the film’s crew. Adding to the offering is the CD collection, “Phoney Phone Calls, 1959-1972,” with private prank calls secretly recorded by Lewis over the course of thirteen years. Rounding out the set is two feature films on standard DVD: Cinderfella (1960) and The Errand Boy (1961).
In a personal letter included with the new Blu-ray, Lewis notes, “[This] is a very special film with a lot of heart and soul. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing, directing, acting, editing, scoring and extensive promotion of the film. It is what I always dreamed of doing when I was growing up, watching Charlie Chaplin on the big screen. I am so happy to offer the unique elements of this collection for the first time, and I’m thankful to Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures for the opportunity to collaborate on this great release of The Nutty Professor, my very special child.”
The Nutty Professor is presented in 1080p with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround. (The film’s original mono track is included as well.) Cinderfella and The Errand Boy are spread across two standard DVDs. Special features and Anniversary Edition content include:
50th Anniversary Edition Box Set Contents
- Recreated “Being A Person” book – 96-pages made up of drawings and quotes inspired/written by Jerry Lewis and drawn by his personal illustrator. 250 copies of this book were originally made and distributed to members of the cast and crew of The Nutty Professor after the director heard of general conflicts among them.
- CD: Phoney Phone calls 1959-1972: Years before the Jerky Boys were harassing unwitting shop clerks, housewives and businessmen, Lewis perfected the art, as these recordings show. Released in 2001 on the Sin-Drome label, this is a collection of private prank calls secretly recorded by Jerry Lewis over the years.
- 48-Page Storyboard Book
- 44-Page Cutting Script with Jerry’s notes
- Directors Letter – A letter specially written by Jerry to present this new collection
The Nutty Professor Blu-ray: Special Features
- Jerry Lewis: No Apologies – An intimate look at the artist who has entertained and educated audiences for more than eight decades
- Audio Commentary by Jerry Lewis and Steve Lawrence
- The Nutty Professor: Perfecting The Formula Behind-The-Scenes Footage
- Deleted Scenes
- Screen Tests
- Jerry Lewis at Work
- Jerry at Movieland Wax Museum, with commentary by son Chris Lewis
- Jerry and Stella Promos
- Bloopers
- Outtakes
- Original Mono Track
- Trailers
Cinderfella DVD: Special Features
- Commentary by Jerry Lewis and Steve Lawrence
- Bloopers
The Errand Boy DVD: Special Features
- Select Scene Commentary by Jerry Lewis and Steve Lawrence
- Bloopers
- Promo Spots
- Theatrical Trailer