Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		2.0
Audio		3.0
Extras		1.5
Overall		2.5

Who Done It? The Clue Documentary Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf February 18, 2023

1985’s “Clue” was a bomb. It was released into a marketplace where few viewers cared about the endeavor, condemning it to life on home video, where the movie suddenly flourished. Fandom was born, with passing decades collecting admirers of the picture and its command of comedy, transforming the effort into a cult hit, almost becoming a secret language for the most devout. For director Jeff C. Smith, just enjoying “Clue” wasn’t enough. Feeling inspired by other fan-made documentaries, the helmer has assembled “Who Done It,” which examines certain aspects of the 1985 release, focusing on the ensemble and audience growth for a feature that was once considered dead.

What’s immediately noted in “Who Done It” is the lack of production polish. Smith doesn’t have the money or time to give “Clue” fans a professional assembly of filmmaking components, with his interview segments collected as he casually drives around his neighborhood, addressing the camera. It doesn’t set the right tone for the movie, and the no-budget presence of the endeavor carries throughout, with interview audio hollow and cinematography lacking (Smith also battles with COVID-19, as some of these chats are conducted via video conferencing). “Who Done It” doesn’t have a cinematic appearance, often resembling a YouTube video, but Smith hopes to wow with access, with the five-year-long process to make the picture allowing him to collect interviews with writer/director Jonathan Lynn, casting director Jane Jenkins, and actors Michael McKean, Lesley Ann Warren, Colleen Camp, and Lee Ving.

“Who Done It” tries to get its arms around the “Clue” experience, with Smith primarily focusing on early development ideas from director John Landis, who eventually bowed out of the project, leaving an opening for Lynn to take command of the movie. Producer Debra Hill is also celebrated, with her efforts to transform a board game into a film keeping the idea alive during early screenwriting offerings from a variety of contributors. The ensemble effort also takes up a sizable chunk of “Who Done It,” with Smith presenting career highlights and history with the cast, looking to track what led everyone to the project. Interviews are somewhat candid, with Lynn sharing his experience with Carrie Fisher, who was set to be in the feature, only to end up in a rehab facility three days before filming, which didn’t faze other production participants also addicted to cocaine at the time.

“Who Done It” offers various topics, with Smith interviewing matte painters Syd Dutton and Bill Taylor, who provided the striking exterior look of the mansion setting, even ending up in an auction situation when the paintings were offered to collectors for the right price (Smith doesn’t go too deeply into the monetary trial). The director visits locations used in “Clue,” which was mostly shot at the Paramount lot. Costuming is highlighted and the score is celebrated (including a limited release on La-La Land Records), with the film trying to at least identify different aspects of creative contributions that helped to make the 1985 release special. Perhaps most interesting is a closer look at the release of “Clue,” which offered three different endings playing at different theaters, securing a gimmick to encourage repeat viewings. This approach didn’t help box office returns, and it’s fascinating to hear the interviewees share their thoughts on the concept, while Smith discusses a deleted fourth ending during the end credits. I’m not sure why such a reveal is positioned at this point in the documentary. But many of Smith’s creative choices are bewildering.

“Who Done It” eventually gets to the fan side of things, with Smith connecting to those who absolutely adore “Clue,” treasuring everything about it. One man has written a book about the movie, while another is a game expert, refreshing viewers on the rules and characters. Another interviewee has turned the script into a stage show. Most are YouTubers trying to articulate their passion for “Clue,” which is a little tedious to watch, keeping “Who Done It” from more valuable knowledge on the subject, which remains with the production team, who basically disappear from the documentary in the final act.

Who Done It? The Clue Documentary Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.82:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Who Done It" is dealing with cell phones and commercial grade cameras to capture interviews and driving sequences. Fine detail isn't present, with heavy filtering smoothing over skin particulars on the participants. Colors are acceptable for this type of production. Footage from the movie is aged, from lower-resolution sources, and banding is periodically detected. Interlacing artifacting is common.

Who Done It? The Clue Documentary Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix provides a basic listening experience, with the homegrown nature of the documentary offering as much clarity as technology and locations allow. Scoring supports acceptably, never intruding on the interviews.

Who Done It? The Clue Documentary Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Listed on the packaging are "Additional Interviews" and "Podcast Interview" with Jeff C. Smith. These supplements are not included on the release.

• "The Evidence Found in 'Clue's' Soundtrack" (20:03, HD) is a short documentary about the musical moods of the film and the creative achievements of composer John Morris.

• A Trailer has not been included on this release.

Who Done It? The Clue Documentary Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Who Done It" is a strange viewing experience, with some aspects of the documentary illuminating the production process, while the rest is just basic enthusiasm from people who like the movie. Perhaps most frustratingly, Smith teases additional tales from his journey at the end of the film (including a near-miss interview shot with Tim Curry), encouraging people to visit his website to learn more, which is a lousy way to do business. "Who Done It" will certainly appeal to die-hard fans of "Clue," but these devoted people deserve a sharper understanding of the production process and Smith's own directorial laboring. The lack of polish here is distracting, and while Smith's quest to create the first documentary about "Clue" is an admirable one, he misses a chance to really craft an accomplished, smartly organized understanding of the cult comedy.