Trading Places Blu-ray Review

The 4K restoration of "Trading Places" as part of the Paramount Presents Blu-ray line delivers a remarkable enhancement to the video quality. This updated transfer shows a significant jump from previous releases, delivering lush and intricate details with impeccable clarity. The grain structure is finely preserved, providing a natural, film-like texture that enhances the viewing experience. Facial details such as the lines on Ralph Bellamy's face and the subtle moles on Dan Aykroyd’s skin are rendered with striking clarity. The color palette impresses with well-saturated and vibrant colors that breathe new life into every scene, from city exteriors to the rich interiors of Duke Brothers' offices.

The black levels stand out as a noteworthy improvement, offering a deep and inky presence that adds depth without any crushing. Key scenes, like the gorilla suit transfer, are especially effective in showcasing the granularity and texture of darker elements. Skin tones maintain a natural and healthy look, eschewing the washed-out appearance seen in previous editions. The image is free from noticeable artifacts and speckling, contributing to a pristine visual presentation. While there’s a lingering wish for a 4K UHD Blu-ray release, this 1080p transfer is among the best upgrades fans could hope for, presenting "Trading Places" with a newfound vibrancy and sharpness that truly elevates its filmic charm.

This edition employs MPEG-4 AVC encoding on a BD-50 disc with a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, ensuring optimal visual fidelity for home viewing. The film benefits greatly from the new scan, showcasing warm and sumptuous colors. The depth is pronounced, lending an immersive quality to both opulent and gritty settings alike. Textures and set pieces are detailed with remarkable accuracy, further enhancing the dimensional feel of the film. Overall, this release is an excellent testament to the benefits of meticulous restoration work, offering fans a presentation that feels fresh and timeless.

The new Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless mix for the Blu-ray of "Trading Places" provides a commendable upgrade over the previous Dolby Digital 5.1 track. This updated audio presentation breathes new life into the film, offering richer, fuller dialogue devoid of the previously crushed highs. The surround sound, while not omnipresent due to the limitations of upmixing from a mono source, introduces an appreciated level of directionality and background noise, particularly noticeable during key scenes such as the stock exchange floor. Despite its inherent lack of bass-heavy moments, what bass there is, especially in select musical cues, comes through with slightly more depth and character.

Dialogue clarity is a particular highlight, consistently presented with grounded center placement and prioritization showcasing the conversational nature of the film. The audio cues surrounding city ambiances are effectively detailed, anchoring the listener within each scene. Rain in Chapter 14 and interior ambiances create an immersive auditory experience. Music shines with a wide, energetic presentation and prominent placement, supported gently but aptly by the subwoofer. Though not a transformative overhaul, this Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix delivers a perceptible improvement in audio dynamism where it counts most without disappointing long-time fans.

The Blu-ray edition of "Trading Places" delivers a robust array of extras, combining archival materials with a few notable new additions. A highlight is the tantalizingly brief but insightful "Filmmaker Focus" where John Landis offers a candid look at the film's journey, from script to screen. Most extras are carried over from previous editions, retaining the nostalgic charm while providing substantial behind-the-scenes content. Notably, an Isolated Score track has been added for audiophiles. The collection is meticulously curated, offering both die-hard fans and new viewers a comprehensive look at one of Paramount's classics, albeit with the minor exclusion of Trivia Pop-Ups, which had limited value.

Extras included in this disc:

• NEW! Filmmaker Focus: John Landis on Trading Places: Landis reminisces about the making of the film.
• NEW! Isolated Score Track: Music-only audio option.
• Insider Trading: The Making of Trading Places: Documentary on the film's production.
• Trading Stories: Press junket interviews.
• Deleted Scene: Cut for pacing, with optional commentary.
• Dressing the Part: Focus on costume design.
• The Trade in Trading Places: Promotional content.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original preview of the film.

"Trading Places," featuring Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd, remains a comedy classic of the 80s. Paramount’s remastering delivers significantly improved video and, for the first time, a lossless soundtrack, enhancing the viewing experience without altering the film’s vintage charm. This edition, part of the Paramount Presents line, respects the movie's legacy while offering a visual and auditory upgrade that feels both fresh and nostalgic. The technical fidelity of the remaster brings out the director John Landis's exquisite attention to detail, making each scene vibrant and engaging.

The plot revolves around Louis Winthorpe III (Aykroyd) and Billy Ray Valentine (Murphy), whose lives are overturned by the nefarious bet of two wealthy brothers, Randolph (Ralph Bellamy) and Mortimer Duke (Don Ameche). Winthorpe, a successful commodities broker, is forced into poverty while streetwise Billy Ray is elevated to high society. This switcheroo sets off a series of comedic events that brilliantly critique social status and inherent human nature. Landis's direction ensures that the humor is character-driven, steering clear of simple racial or societal stereotypes.

The film’s enduring appeal lies in its impeccable timing and synergy between Aykroyd and Murphy. Their performances are complemented by a stellar supporting cast including Jamie Lee Curtis and Paul Gleason. The narrative compellingly combines elements from classics like "The Prince and the Pauper" and "Pygmalion," presenting a timeless satire on wealth and class disparities that remains entertaining and relevant. Each comedic layer builds on the last, culminating in a satisfying resolution that keeps audiences rooting for both protagonists.

In summary, this newest Blu-ray remaster is a worthy addition to any collection, preserving the brilliant humor and satirical commentary of "Trading Places" while offering an enhanced viewing experience through superior audiovisual quality.

"Trading Places," Eddie Murphy’s first leading comedy, remains a standout in the genre. Directed by John Landis, starring Dan Aykroyd and Murphy, this film navigates the classic question of innate worth versus financial status with humor and charm. This latest Blu-ray release epitomizes Paramount's recent success in restoring catalog favorites, featuring a stunning 1080p transfer from a new 4K master that eclipses the outdated transfer from 2007. The updated Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio mix enhances the viewing experience, alongside English, Spanish, and French subtitles. The addition of a retrospective featurette with Landis and other bonus features makes this an appealing upgrade from previous versions.

The cast’s performances are impeccable: Murphy, Aykroyd, and Jamie Lee Curtis deliver unforgettable performances, supported by stellar turns from Denholm Elliot, Don Ameche, and Ralph Bellamy. The film never loses its comedic momentum, resonating with audiences even decades after its initial release. This version stands out for not just the improved visuals and audio but also for preserving the film’s timeless humor and heart.

In conclusion, this Paramount Presents edition of "Trading Places" is an essential acquisition for both new viewers and long-time fans. While it misses out on a 4K UHD treatment, the 4K-sourced transfer in 1080p and lossless audio offer substantial upgrades. Engaging extras sweeten the deal, making this release an unequivocal recommend.