Coming to America 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Coming to America" makes a royal entrance into the 4K UHD Blu-ray sphere with a rendition that is, without a doubt, fit for a king, or in this case, a prince. Paramount's release brings us a 3840 x 2160p resolution presentation in a widescreen 1.85:1 aspect ratio, employing the HEVC (H.265) codec for HDR10, with Dolby Vision enhancing what can only be described as a visual feast. This Native 4K transfer, approved by John Landis, marks a significant upgrade from previous Blu-ray versions. The decision to scan the original camera negatives in native 4K for a new Digital Intermediate, complemented by high dynamic range color grading (both HDR10 and Dolby Vision), showcases an impressive leap in visual quality. Grain presence is well-managed, maintaining the film's textured and authentic feel without becoming intrusive, ensuring that details across a range of settings - from the opulent palaces of Zamunda to the gritty streets of Queens - are sharper and more intricate than ever before.

The application of Dolby Vision HDR is nothing short of revelatory. It injects life into the movie's diverse palette, from the vibrant ceremonial attire of Zamunda to the muted wintry tones of New York. Colors are now more vivid and saturated, making each frame pop with an organic depth that was previously unseen. The improvement in color reproduction and accuracy elevates the visual experience, allowing for a more nuanced appreciation of the film's detailed production design and costume work. Black levels are profoundly deep, ensuring strong image depth, while whites are precise and clear, avoiding any hint of blooming. It’s clear that Paramount has not only preserved but also enhanced the film's intended aesthetic, ensuring that despite its age, "Coming to America" shines brightly in this latest home video iteration.

Detail retention is remarkable throughout; from the intricate designs of royal attire to the nuanced environments of New York City life, every element is rendered with clarity. This transfer excels in presenting texture and detail that previous versions simply could not convey, allowing viewers to appreciate the careful craftsmanship of set design and costume work. Moreover, the cleanliness of the transfer ensures that neither noise nor artifacts distract from the viewing experience. With its robust black levels and immaculate flesh tones, this 4K presentation faithfully respects the source material while delivering a significant visual enhancement that fans and newcomers alike will undoubtedly cherish.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Coming to America" offers a significant auditory enhancement over its predecessors, featuring a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. While not stepping into the realm of High Definition 3D immersive audio, this lossless track marks a notable upgrade from previous releases' lossy audio versions. Paramount's decision to forgo a brand-new mix in favor of polishing the existing 5.1 setup has resulted in a soundtrack that, though not requiring an uproarious surround sound or expansive dynamic range, brilliantly maximizes the film's audio elements. Music is rendered with exquisite clarity, showcasing the iconic 80s beats and the unforgettable "Soul Glo" jingle with striking dynamics and fidelity. Dialogue, crucial to the narrative, is delivered with utter clarity and nuanced tonality, ensuring every character's voice is distinct and coherent, further enhancing the viewing experience.

Atmospheric sounds and discrete effects are adeptly mixed across both front and rear channels, adding depth to the soundstage and enveloping the viewer in an immersive audio landscape. Noteworthy moments include the vibrant dance sequences and the bustling New York streets, where the audio presentation leverages ambient noises to full effect. The soundtrack's careful handling allows for a detailed and rich listening experience, pulling the audience further into Eddie Murphy's classic comedic tale. Subtle use of the subwoofer brings a nuanced energy to the music, particularly noticeable in sequences like the engagement dance, without overpowering the overall mix.

This release proves that with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality, even a film from the 80s can sound fresh and engaging today. Paramount's upgrade to a lossless DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix not only enhances clarity and fidelity but also breathes new life into the film's memorable score and effects. With clear dialogue, effective surround sound presentation, and dynamic music reproduction, this audio track offers a near-perfect complement to the film’s visual restoration.

Paramount's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Coming to America" packs its extras all onto one disc, making it convenient despite the absence of new content. The package includes a variety of legacy features that delve into the production details of the film, comprising detailed featurettes on the making, the elaborate costumes, exceptional makeup effects by Rick Baker, and the iconic score by Nile Rodgers. Additionally, a vintage interview with stars Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall offers a nostalgic look back. Noteworthy is the inclusion of both Steelbook and standard slipcover versions, with a digital code for each. Though there's some disappointment over no fresh retrospectives, especially in light of the sequel's release, the collection remains a solid compilation for fans. The inclusion of a poster in some packages adds a unique collectible touch, though the main allure remains the comprehensive glimpse into the film's creation provided by the extras.

Extras included in this disc:

Prince-ipal Photography: The Coming Together of America: A retrospective on the film's production.

Fit For Akeem: The Costumes of Coming to America: Insight into the costume design.

Character Building: The Many Faces of Rick Baker: Focus on Rick Baker's makeup effects.

Composing America: The Musical Talents of Nile Rodgers: The soundtrack and score by Nile Rodgers.

A Vintage Sit-Down with Eddie & Arsenio: Interview with Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall.

Theatrical Trailer

Photo Gallery

Coming to America," starring Eddie Murphy as the charming and idealistic Prince Akeem, remains a pinnacle achievement in Murphy's illustrious career. As the film unfolds, the Crown Prince of Zamunda embarks on an unconventional quest for true love in the bustling boroughs of New York City, specifically Queens. Disguising himself as a foreign student, Akeem wishes to be loved for his character rather than his royal status, leading to a series of humorous and heartfelt moments. Directed by John Landis, the film masterfully balances comedy with romance, utilizing the rich talents of both Murphy and co-star Arsenio Hall, who excels in multiple roles. Their performances, coupled with a memorable ensemble cast, cement the movie's place as a beloved comedy classic.

Paramount's 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Coming to America" marks a significant upgrade from previous iterations, showcasing a beautifully remastered picture quality supervised by Landis himself, bringing vibrant life to the film's visuals and expertly crafted set pieces. With Dolby Vision enhancement and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, the release offers an immersive viewing experience that highlights the film's iconic soundtrack and detailed sound design. Despite the absence of new special features, the inclusion of legacy extras ensures that fans have access to valuable insights into the film's production.

"Coming to America" thrives on its clever script and dynamic lead performances but is further enriched by its exploration of themes such as love, independence, and cultural identity. The chemistry between Murphy and Hall, along with their versatile portrayals of multiple characters, showcases their comedic brilliance and contributes significantly to the film's enduring appeal. Landis navigates the story's comedic and romantic elements with finesse, resulting in a film that transcends the typical genre constraints. This 4K UHD release not only revives the film's visual and auditory elements but also reaffirms its status as a comedy classic worthy of appreciation by both long-time fans and new audiences.

Paramount Home Entertainment's release of "Coming to America" on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray is a noteworthy event that demonstrates a significant technical upgrade for this beloved 1980s classic. The native 4K transfer, complemented by Dolby Vision, breathes new life into Eddie Murphy's comedic masterpiece, ensuring that it looks as fresh and vibrant as if it had just been released in theaters. This release is further enhanced by a new 5.1 lossless soundtrack, which elevates the audio experience to match the visual improvements. Although the package lacks new extras, the inclusion of legacy supplements and a digital copy rounds out the offering for devoted fans and newcomers alike.

With Eddie Murphy at the peak of his career, "Coming to America" stands as a pinnacle of '80s comedy, combining Murphy's unique talent for creating relatable, hilarious characters with exceptional direction and makeup effects. This release arrives at a time when revisiting this classic feels particularly rewarding, especially with the sequel, "Coming 2 America," on the horizon. The film not only encapsulates a high point in Murphy's career but also remains a touching and funny exploration of romance and wealth. Its enduring charm and humor are preserved and presented in the best possible format for today's audiences, making it an essential addition to any collection.

In conclusion, the 4K UHD release of "Coming to America" by Paramount is exemplary, delivering both a visual and auditory experience that surpasses previous home video formats. Although it could benefit from additional new extras and a Blu-ray copy, this release is highly recommended for its technical merits. Fans eagerly anticipating the sequel or those discovering the film for the first time will find this release to be the definitive version. "Coming to America" in 4K UHD reaffirms its status as an unforgettable piece of comedic cinema, making it a must-have for enthusiasts of the genre and of Eddie Murphy's rich cinematic legacy.