The Strange Case of Doctor Rx Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		1.5
Overall		3.5

The Strange Case of Doctor Rx Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf July 25, 2019

While “The Strange Case of Doctor Rx” is included in the “Universal Horror Collection: Volume 2” set, there’s very little to be frightened of while watching the picture. Perhaps the casting of Shemp Howard is enough to expose what the production is up to, but there’s habitual lightness to the endeavor, which is always more interested in a laugh than a scream.

“The Strange Case of Doctor Rx” attempts to be a whodunit, with a private detective (Patric Knowles) in the trail of a serial killer taking down crooks the criminal justice system couldn’t. The writing isn’t entirely on board with suspense, instead turning to broad antics to make something happen onscreen when the thrills dry up. A good portion of the feature hasn’t aged well, watching Mantan Moreland do what he can with some highly dated racial stereotype humor, and one weird science-y turn of plot finds the detective coming into contact with a gorilla, suggesting that the screenwriting credit was some type of inside joke. There never seems to be any defined storytelling at work here.

The Strange Case of Doctor Rx Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.34:1 aspect ratio) presentation does just fine with a movie that's not visually sophisticated. Cinematographic achievements are protected during the viewing experience, as detail remains appreciable, best with fibrous costumes, including heavy suits and silkier female attire. Facial particulars are preserved, and interior decoration is open for study. Delineation is communicative, doing well with shadowy encounters. Source is in decent shape, but some chemical blotches are spotted, and light flickering is found.

The Strange Case of Doctor Rx Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix maintains a firm grasp on dialogue exchanges, keeping performances distinct, rising above the faint presence of hiss and pops. Scoring is supportive, with satisfactory instrumentation. Sound effects are adequate, delivering a nice read of rainstorms.

The Strange Case of Doctor Rx Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Gloriously Wicked: The Life and Legacy of Lionel Atwill" (19:02, HD) provides a career overview for the actor, with film historian Gregory William Mank providing information concerning biographical details and career ups and downs. A theater star, Atwill made his name with powerful performances, wowing audiences. However, Hollywood was too great a temptation, with Atwill heading west, and Mank points out professional successes with "Doctor X," "The Vampire Bat," and "Son of Frankenstein." Personal issues eventually cloud his film career, with sex addiction leading him to professional ruin, soon caught up in legal woes concerning the ownership of adult movies. A career rebound is highlighted, along with his final days. And Mank provides a summary of Atwill's thespian legacy.

• Image Gallery (5:16) collects film still, publicity snaps, and poster art.

• A Trailer has not been included.

The Strange Case of Doctor Rx Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Strange Case of Doctor Rx" isn't without a few pleasures, finding the cast handling the bizarre ways of the tale with ease, giving droopy scenes needed vitality with snappy banter. The curious craziness of the endeavor also holds attention, as it's never quite clear where the movie is heading, accidentally creating a sense of mystery when the actual puzzle isn't really worth solving.