Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.0

Doctor Detroit Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf April 23, 2018

While the summer of 1983 was always going to be dominated by the release of “Return of the Jedi,” it’s fascinating to note that Universal Pictures really thought they had something special with “Doctor Detroit,” which was issued a few weeks before the “Star Wars” sequel. Strange comedies were certainly welcomed by adventurous audiences, but here was a movie that offered a lighthearted take on prostitution and, in a way, gang violence, putting emphasis entirely on star Dan Aykroyd, who was making his debut as a leading man after teaming with friend John Belushi on numerous projects. No matter how one considers the endeavor, “Doctor Detroit” is a very weird feature, and while it didn’t end up doing much business during its initial theatrical release, the film remains an amusing curiosity, recalling a time when a major movie studio though they had R-rated gold with difficult material, trying to bypass inherent darkness with musical numbers, cartoon-style silliness, and Aykroyd’s natural comedic extremity.

Clifford (Dan Aykroyd) is an uptight comparative literate professor at Monroe College, which is run by his father, Arthur (George Furth). The university is about to go bankrupt, in need of a special endowment from corporate magnate Rousehorn (Andrew Duggan), leaving Clifford in charge of welcoming the older man to Chicago for a special celebratory weekend. However, a major distraction is found in Smooth (Howard Hesseman), a pimp in deep debt to gangster Mom (Kate Murtagh). Smooth invents a sadistic partner in Doctor Detroit to divert the responsibility of repayment, and he finds Clifford a premiere choice to portray the patsy, gifting his stable of hookers to the professor, who’s suddenly in charge of a criminal empire, facing a direct challenge from Mom. Joined by working girls Karen (Fran Drescher), Monica (Donna Dixon), Thelma (Lynn Whitfield), and Jasmine (Lydia Lei), Clifford transforms into Doctor Detroit, satisfying his romantic need to help those in danger.

The screenplay (credited to Carl Gottlieb, Robert Boris, and Bruce Jay Friedman) doesn’t do the finest job establishing Clifford as a man of a thousand faces, having more fun detailing his tight daily routine, which normally involves power walking, culinary adventures, and time with his uninterested students, trying to impart the nobility of chivalry via the King Arthur legend. He’s a fussy guy who lives with his parents and doesn’t cut loose, making him a prime target for Smooth’s scheme, offering Clifford the night of his life with his employees, drugs, and dancing. Outside of a few external monologues, there’s no real reason why Clifford would be able to invent entire alter egos at a moment’s notice, but that ends up becoming the selling point of “Doctor Detroit,” watching the overwhelmed character transform into a Southern lawyer to help Thelma out of court appearance, and there’s his eventual evolution into Doctor Detroit, who, with white hair, country club clothes, and a metal hand, becomes the new force of sin on the Chicago streets, terrifying the man playing him.

Director Michael Pressman strives to create a party atmosphere with “Doctor Detroit,” keeping things lively with a varied soundtrack (which includes Devo and Rick James) and a cheerful tone, which eventually tries to sell Clifford’s troubles as a “Looney Tunes” short, complete with cartoon visuals. The feature aims to be wacky, and Aykroyd is right there with a traditional offering of behavioral oddity, making something memorable with the titular pimp. It’s the rest of “Doctor Detroit” that’s less inspired, watching Pressman struggle to find the funny in the effort, which is more concentrated on group antics, skipping punchline potential for a movie that could use more laughs. It’s charming and agreeably bizarre at times, but the film just isn’t the riot Pressman imagines he’s making, despite Aykroyd’s game attempt to make as vivid an impression as possible, nicely backed by flavorful supporting performances.

Doctor Detroit Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation does okay with the overall "Doctor Detroit" viewing experience. As Universal catalog titles go, there isn't too much trouble to be found, with a satisfactory detail managing to secure textures on the wild costumes found in the picture. Facial particulars are also appreciable, showcasing the oddness of Clifford's character journey, while age and beauty is also open for inspection. Colors are a bit muted but remain compelling, with eveningwear delivering bolder hues, and Doctor Detroit's strange outfit is also preserved, offering a bright yellow jacket and lime green pants. Skintones are natural. Delineation is acceptable, remaining communicative throughout extensive evening events. Source displays some speckle storms, but extensive damage is not detected.

Doctor Detroit Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix handles the jubilant mood of "Doctor Detroit" rather well, leading with impressively sharp soundtrack selections to help sell the funk and new wave mood. Instrumentation is crisp, while overall volume maintains authority, keeping party business bumping. Dialogue exchanges are also satisfactory, securing Clifford's strange vocal journey as the titular pimp, and his time as a southern lawyer. Heated confrontations and comedic extremes find comfortable position, never slipping into distortion. Crowd activity is blunt but effective, adding a sense of community to celebratory events.

Doctor Detroit Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features director Michael Pressman and pop culture historian Russell Dyball.

• Interview (24:35, HD) with Pressman details the development of "Doctor Detroit," which originated as a serious novella before it was turned into a Dan Aykroyd comedy. Casting details are shared, with the director working hard to find chemistry between the actors, frequently employing group shots to allow that energy to develop. While Pressman describes "Doctor Detroit" as a happy shoot, he makes note of Aykroyd's mournful demeanor while working after the death of friend John Belushi. Soundtrack highlights are examined, including Devo's title track contribution (a last-minute idea) and tunes from James Brown and Rick James. The helmer shares a story about Glenne Headly's deleted role, and clarifies what the "The Wrath of Mom" stinger was all about. Pressman also talks extensively about his 1979 movie, "Boulevard Nights," which was recently selected for preservation by the Library of Congress.

• "Radio Free Detroit" (24:29) puts the audio EPK for "Doctor Detroit" on disc for fans to enjoy. Interviews include Dan Aykroyd (who discusses John Belushi's death and shares a bizarre explanation on the meaning of "The Blues Brothers"), Howard Hesseman, Donna Dixon, and Devo. Audio testimonials (meant to boost Aykroyd's potential as a leading man) include Steven Spielberg, John Landis, Belushi, and Steve Martin. And Promo Spots are included.

• Photo Gallery (8:18) contains publicity stills, BTS snaps, newspaper ads, images from the audio press kit, an article from Movie Magazine (written by Gene Siskel), VHS and Laserdisc cover art, and posters from around the world.

• Radio Spots (4:14) include six commercials for "Doctor Detroit."

• T.V. Spots (1:01, SD) are offered.

• And Theatrical Trailer #1 (2:21, SD) and Trailer #2 (1:28, SD) are included.

Doctor Detroit Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Doctor Detroit" devotes much of its run time to Clifford's seduction and his eventual appearances as the famous pimp, building toward a classic comedy situation where the professor has to juggle college endowment responsibilities with Doctor Detroit's appearance at the Player's Ball (with both events occurring at the same hotel). Confrontations ensue, James Brown appears to lead a dance number, and quick-change comedy is executed. It's all very broad and avoids any mean-spiritedness that would normally come from this grim premise, with Pressman trying to spin sugar, not bend steel. "Doctor Detroit" has its heart in the right place, but it's a movie of minor achievements and energy, with the overall endeavor missing an uproarious level of madness to match the material's farcical interests. That it was even made in the first place should be considered enough of a victory for the production.