Fresh off the success of 1980’s classic The Blues Brothers, Dan Aykroyd had three films hitting theaters in 1983. He scored a scene stealing role in Twilight Zone: The Movie and of course his triumphant pairing with Eddie Murphy in Trading Places — a film that is listed as a comedic favorite by those who know the genre. There was another film released that year, a comedy, that deserves to be also placed on a comedic pedestal. Now that it is getting a Shout Factor Blu-Ray release, look for Aykroyd’s Doctor Detroit to rightfully take its place among the genre’s most enjoyable flicks.
Aykroyd stars as Clifford Skridlow, a professor at a Chicago college whose life is about to change — in the most unlikely of ways — and make everyone’s life better for it, including his own. Skridlow will become Doctor Detroit, a pimp to some high-priced ladies of the night in dire need of representation and protection after their employer Smooth Walker (Howard Hesseman of WKRP In Cincinnati fame) leaves town because of his beef with a crime boss who only goes by a one-word name, Mom (Kate Murtagh, at her tenacious best).
Doctor Detroit has never been on Blu-Ray and the film looks better than ever. It always felt a bit flat in the color department and this hi-def upgrade suits it well, especially when it comes to the colors utilizes in Doctor Detroit’s wild costumes and his four charges’ outfits as well.
This is a tongue in cheek look at a fish out of water trope that works on every level due to the performances of all involved and the direction of Michael Pressman. Aykroyd effortlessly moves from the awkward university professor to menacing pimp with ease and in a manner that is not only believable, it is absolutely hysterical and laugh-out-loud hilarious.
When Smooth Walker makes up this character from Motown he is the baddest of the bad, he notices it strikes fear in Mom and explains his sudden departure from the Windy City. He is, in fact, eluding the gangster as the proverbial fecal matter hits the fan. With Doctor Detroit, Walker has a scapegoat, not all he needs is someone to play the part of the fool. What he finds in Professor Skridlow is someone who will do what’s right (due to his bottomless chivalry) for his ladies and be someone who Mom can knock around should push come to shove.
Thing is, Doctor Detroit pushes back. Skridlow has been repressing his true self, it turns out, and when it becomes clear he rather enjoys being the titular bad ass… the criminal underground of Chi-Town is put on notice. Of course, that all leads to heartfelt hilarity throughout and is one of Aykroyd’s most pitch perfect performances.
Matching him note for note is the supporting cast, particularly his cadre of women working the world’s oldest profession. Donna Dixon (who met her future husband, Aykroyd, on this film), Fran Drescher, Lydia Lei and Lynn Whitfield and divine as the Fab Four whose situation makes a mild-mannered man go to extraordinary lengths to aide them in their time of need. Not to be outdone, the smooth as silk T.K. Carter’s turn as Diavolo Washington finds a supporting player knowing exactly where he plays in the larger scope of things. He provides humor, panache and shines when the spotlight calls for it, never trying to steal scenes unless it is his time to shine.
The Doctor Detroit Blu-Ray features several new elements that are sure to bring joy to longtime fans and new appreciators alike. The Interview with Director Michael Pressman is like a history lesson in early 80s comedic cinema. He also sheds light on the pinnacle of talent that was Ackroyd at this period (after all, he was about to release Ghostbusters the next year) and what a lightning bolt of talent that the founding member of Not Ready for Prime Time Players possessed. His insight into the making of the film also shines for nostalgia purposes. See, they don’t make movies like Doctor Detroit anymore. I’m not just talking about the type of film that the comedic classic is, I’m speaking to the literal how they make movies these days with test audiences helping hone the jokes and the like. Hearing Pressman’s process in this interview is like a time machine.
Therefore, one must also turn the audio commentary track with Pressman on for added insight into the making of this comedy classic. With the addition of pop culture historian Russell Dyball to the audio commentary, it adds up to a splendid mix of perspective, first-hand accounts and long overdue praise for a film that surprisingly stands the test of time.
Radio Free Detroit is also like turning back the clock as it takes us inside the Doctor Detroit audio press kit. In this age of digital press kits where everything you need is video-based, it is fascinating to actually hear these rare interviews with the cast and filmmakers. I’m sure Aykroyd, and everyone involved, had a ball listening to themselves espouse the glory of Doctor Detroit from 30-plus years prior.
Speaking of nostalgia, don’t miss the TV Spots and Radio Spots that capture movie advertising of that era impeccably.
Overall, the Doctor Detroit Blu-Ray from Shout Factory is not only a slice of pitch-perfect nostalgia, it is simply terrific to be able to bring home in the highest quality audio and picture one of our favorite films from our youth.
Film Grade: B+
Bonus Features: B