The Nutty Professor 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		0.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

The Nutty Professor 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Paramount has released the beloved 1963 Jerry Lewis Comedy 'The Nutty Professor' to the UHD format. New specifications include 2160p/Dolby Vision video. The film was previously released to Blu-ray by Warner Brothers in 2014. This release includes various carryover extras as well as several new supplements.

The Nutty Professor 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The included screenshots are sourced from the 1080p Warner Brothers Blu-ray disc. Also note that I did not review, nor do I have access to, the Warner Brothers Blu-ray disc and cannot offer a direct comparison. Therefore, this review is simply of the UHD quality on its own merits.

Paramount's new 2160p/Dolby Vision UHD release of The Nutty Professor looks absolutely delightful. The Dolby Vision color grading brings new life and accuracy to the color palette, and audiences will delight in the explosion of handsomely defined tones in various beakers, on green chalkboards in classrooms, and on various furnishings and clothes. The level of absolute depth, vitality, stability, and overall lifelike brilliance is best described as "special." Colors are so rich that it's easy to get lost looking at the movie rather than watching it, at least on a first UHD viewing, which isn't a bad thing at all. In addition, skin tones appear very natural, black levels are excellent, and white pop with brilliance. Likewise, the level of textural clarity and intricacy are off the charts wonderful. The image presents with a very natural grain structure that is pronounced but never heavy or uneven. It's consistent and agreeable in look and support of the detail underneath. Skin and clothing details are absolutely fantastic. There is not a shot that is left soft or anything less that perfectly sharp. Viewers can even clearly read the text on textbook spines in classrooms, even at some distance. There are no source blemishes or encode problems to report, either. This is a top-notch, grade-A UHD release from Paramount. It is easily one of the best-looking films on the format thus far.

The Nutty Professor 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Paramount has issued The Nutty Professor to the UHD format with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. It is more than likely the same track from the Warner Brothers disc. I cannot confirm that directly, but the track falls in-line with Michael's comments for its overall presentation parameters, including front heaviness and fine clarity for the elements in play, which are never very powerful. Even the explosion at the beginning of the film lacks any real depth or power. Most of the content is grounded in the front speakers, and the surrounds carry very little obvious activity. Dialogue and musical clarity are just fine, especially considering the age of the elements. There is no fancy audio engineering here, so the UHD's simple audio output suits the material just fine.

The Nutty Professor 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

This new UHD release of The Nutty Professor includes a blend of legacy extras found on the Warner Brothers release as well as a slew of new content. New material is marked as such and reviewed. Coverage of the carryover content can be found by clicking here. This release is the 40th in the "Paramount Presents" line and includes the slipcover with fold-open poster artwork. A digital copy code is included with purchase.

• Audio Commentary: Jerry Lewis and Steve Lawrence.
• NEW! Filmmaker Focus with Leonard Maltin (1080p, 8:13): The acclaimed critic discusses his lifelong love of Jerry Lewis, the actor's career, the cast of The Nutty Professor, color in the film, Lewis' and the film's legacies, and more.
• NEW! Both Sides of the Camera: The Innovative Genius of Jerry Lewis (1080p, 43:40): Oscar Winners Ben Burtt and Craig Barron, along with Jerry Lewis, discuss Jerry Lewis' work behind the camera. From The Goldwyn Theater, September 12, 2012, and hosted by Bill Kroyer, Co-Chair, AMPAS Science and Tech Council.
• NEW! Jerry Lewis and Frank Tashlin Discuss The Nutty Professor - September 1962 Recording (1080p, 48:48): From the supplement: "Frank Tashlin first directed Jerry in 1955, and a close friendship developed. Over the next nine years, Frank directed eight of Jerry's films and became his directorial mentor. In September 1962, a month before principal photography began on "The Nutty Professor," Jerry had a telephone conversation with his mentor "Tish" (the name he always called Frank), about "The Nutty Professor" script. The digital 43 minute transfer of this call has never been heard before the release of this very special edition of "The Nutty Professor." A few still photos are arranged on the screen for the duration of the call.
• Jerry Lewis: No Apologies
• Jerry at Movieland Wax Museum with Commentary by Son Chris Lewis
• Theatrical Trailer
• Test Footage
• The Nutty Professor: Perfecting the Formula
• Jerry Lewis at Work
• Deleted Scenes
• Bloopers
• Additional Footage
• Promos

The Nutty Professor 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The Nutty Professor's UHD debut is a stunner. The picture quality is beyond any and all expectations for excellence. The audio track is fine and the supplements, which are a blend of legacy content and new material, are excellent as well. This is one of the year's best releases. Very highly recommended.