Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		1.5
Overall		3.5

The Mad Doctor of Market Street Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf July 25, 2019

1942’s “The Mad Doctor of Market Street” doesn’t remain at the titular location for very long. In fact, it doesn’t really remain anywhere for an extended amount of time, with the first act making promises for horror and suspense the rest of the movie doesn’t keep. Screenwriter Al Martin has a fine idea for encouraging chills with a tale of a deranged doctor (Lionel Atwill) who pushes his research on suspended animation into death, only to turn the feature into a chase that reaches a luxury ship bound for New Zealand. And then, even with a large setting to work with, the film eventually makes its way to a South Seas island. “The Mad Doctor of Market Street” is a restless picture, always in a hurry to trade decent ideas for bad ones.

Atwill’s performance isn’t an issue in “The Mad Doctor of Market Street.” It’s a strong turn of brewing malevolence. However, the production doesn’t believe in developing a nightmare, often cutting to comedic relief and romantic interests shared by others included in the island adventure, which dilutes whatever genre spell director Joseph H. Lewis is trying to cast. “The Mad Doctor of Market Street” goes from an unnerving scene of snuff film- like manipulation to encouraging disasters on the New Zealand trip. However, once the story finds the island, all potential eeriness is dropped in favor of more lighthearted antics and native population entanglements. It’s a very weird creative choice to watch unfold, as it’s clear the material is at its best when concentrating on the evil doctor’s mad dash for freedom, only to find himself boxed up on a boat.

The Mad Doctor of Market Street Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.37:1 aspect ratio) presentation secures most facial surfaces, delivering detailed appearances with a variety of characters. Costuming also emerges with comfort, going from heavy eveningwear to the simple cotton wraps found on the natives. Interiors are open for study, and island exteriors reach as far as the original cinematography allows. Delineation is acceptable, preserving frame information. Grain is fine and film- like. Source is in decent condition, with some mild scratches.

The Mad Doctor of Market Street Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix opens with loud scoring, setting the sinister mood with reasonably sharp instrumentation. Dialogue exchanges aren't nearly as cranked, requiring a little volume riding to find a comfortable balance after the main titles. Performances are defined, capturing comedic timing and more fearful encounters. Native music adds a little extra punch with stretches of percussion. Hiss is present throughout the listening experience.

The Mad Doctor of Market Street Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Still Gallery (5:55) collects publicity shots, film stills, poster art, lobby cards, and newspaper ads.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:41, SD) is included.

The Mad Doctor of Market Street Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Mad Doctor of Market Street" gets halfway to greatness before taking an extended rest. The performers deliver what's expected of them, but momentum crashes as attention moves from acts of murder to island life, where creepiness doesn't take and stabs at funny business make one wish more people were just being stabbed.