Trading Places Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Trading Places" on MPEG4 AVC encoded 1080p video transfer showcases an impressive rejuvenation of this nearly quarter-century-old film, deftly maintaining a delicate balance between preserving the original film's texture and presenting it in high definition. Paramount's meticulous care is evident, with the low 20Mbps bitrate transfer free of any objectionable artifacts. There’s a remarkable clarity to the picture that brings previously unseen details to life, from the intricacy of costume fabrics to the crispness of set decoration. Despite minimal damage and grain, and an absence of distracting edge enhancement, the film retains its cinematic essence. The clean-up effort has notably eradicated the majority of dirt and grain characteristic of earlier releases, achieving a level of natural softness without succumbing to overzealous digital manipulation.

Colors are rendered with improved richness, particularly in flesh tones, which have shed their previously "overly pink" quality for a more natural hue. Although "Trading Places" might not offer the visual spectacle of modern blockbusters, this remastered version significantly upgrades its visual appeal, enhancing both vibrancy and detail. The occasional visibility of heavy grain in stock footage and select opticals serve as reminders of the film’s age and production techniques rather than detracting from the overall experience. Shadow details are meticulously preserved, avoiding crush and further adding to a depth that might otherwise be lacking due to the film’s inherent "flat" cinematography.

However, it's noteworthy that while every effort has been made to elevate the visual presentation, "Trading Places" inherently lacks the three-dimensionality seen in top-tier high definition transfers. This limitation seems more a trait of the film’s original stylistic choices than a shortcoming of the remastering process. The enhancements invite viewers to appreciate both the meticulousness of the restoration and the newfound clarity that reveals continuity errors and other minute details that were once lost. Paramount's dedication to reviving this classic for Blu-ray has resulted in a highly commendable upgrade from previous versions, ensuring that "Trading Places" looks better now than it likely ever did during its original cinema run.

Trading Places, converted into a Dolby Digital 5.1 remix from its original mono track, offers a testament to careful audio enhancement rather than a leap into modern audiophile expectations. The remixed audio track stands out for its cleanliness and respectable frequency response, where the newly spread stereo and surround effects primarily embellish the musical score and environmental ambience, such as dynamic urban soundscapes. However, true to its comedic nature, the film does not demand nor does it receive a highly aggressive mix, preserving the clarity and intelligibility of dialogue—a critical aspect for the genre. This balanced approach allows Elmer Bernstein's lively score to shine, though bass response remains restrained, mostly noticeable in select '80s pop tracks. Despite these improvements, the lack of the original English mono mix is noted with disapproval, stripping viewers of a purely nostalgic auditory experience as originally captured in 1983.

On the downside, despite the transition to a 5.1 remaster at a 640kbps bitrate, the soundtrack's age is betrayed by its limited sonic scope and dated feel. The remaster fails to significantly enrich the auditory landscape, leaving the film sounding predominantly like a stereo mix with only a sparse distribution of discrete effects that do little to generate immersive environments or atmospheric depth. Dialogue—while generally clear—suffers at lower volume levels, revealing a certain brittleness in higher frequencies and a lack of vigor in the lower bass range. The use of classical and R&B tracks, as per director John Landis's preference, unintentionally highlights the mix's restricted dynamic range. This upgraded soundtrack, while serviceable, falls short of delivering an upgraded listening experience that matches the potential of its visual restoration, rendering it just above average rather than remarkable.

The special edition Blu-ray of "Trading Places" modestly enhances the classic film's legacy with a collection of extras that, while not exhaustive, offer a mix of insightful retrospective and archival curiosities. Paramount's release notably includes an 18-minute making-of documentary featuring interviews with key cast and crew, shedding light on interesting production anecdotes and the film's cultural impact. Despite the lack of an audio commentary by John Landis or theatrical trailers, additional featurettes delve into the costume design and clarify the film's complex ending with the help of commodities brokers. However, the inclusion of trivial components such as a minor deleted scene and industry promotional footage does little to enrich the understanding of the film. The extras are presented in a rather dated 4:3 MPEG2 format at 480p, which may disappoint those seeking a more immersive or updated viewing experience. Trivia pop-ups offer a quirky but slightly underwhelming attempt at engagement, appealing more as a novelty than a substantial addition. Overall, while the extra features present a nostalgic glance at the film's creation and legacy, they leave enthusiasts yearning for a more comprehensive exploration.

Extras included in this disc:

• Insider Trading: The Making of Trading Places: A short documentary with interviews from cast and crew.
• Trading Stories: Vintage press junket interviews from 1983.
• The Deleted Scene: A brief cut scene with an optional introduction by executive producer George Folsey, Jr.
• Dressing The Part: Discussion on costume design by Deborah Nadoolman.
• The Trade in Trading Places: Commodities brokers explain the film's business aspects and ending.
• Industry Promotional Piece: A promotional film made for ShoWest starring Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy.
• Trivia Pop-Ups: Factoids and trivia displayed via pop-up during the movie.

In "Trading Places," a timeless comedy that remains vibrant and socially pertinent even decades after its original release, the directing by John Landis exemplifies a controlled yet spontaneous atmosphere that enhances the movie's humor and thematic relevance. The storyline, inspired by the classic Mark Twain tale "The Prince and the Pauper," explores the social experiment devised by wealthy tycoons Randolph and Mortimer Duke, played with nefarious charm by Ralph Bellamy and Don Ameche, which sees the lives of Louis Winthorpe III (Dan Aykroyd), a privileged commodities broker, and Billy Ray Valentine (Eddie Murphy), a cunning street hustler, dramatically swapped. The film excels in balancing poignant social criticisms with outright comedic absurdities without ever losing its sharp wit or descending into crassness, attributing to its finely crafted script and Landis’ adept direction.

The performances of Eddie Murphy, Dan Aykroyd, and Jamie Lee Curtis are pivotal to the film's enduring appeal, each actor bringing depth and authenticity to their roles that resonate well beyond the film's 1980s context. Murphy’s vibrant portrayal of Valentine stands out as a testament to his immense talent during this ascendant phase of his career; his dynamic energy and timing never overshadow his co-stars but rather amplify the collective humor and chemistry of the cast. The movie's exploration of class and wealth disparities, dressed in the clever narrative conceit and comedic antics, offers more than just laughs—it serves as a critical reflection on societal structures, making "Trading Places" a film that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Trading Places" brings this classic comedy to life with remarkable visual and audio quality that both honors and revitalizes the original cinematic experience for new audiences and long-time fans alike. Despite the dated elements of technology and fashion, the film’s intelligent humor, compelling storyline, and standout performances ensure its place as not merely a product of its time but a timeless piece that continues to delight and engage viewers with its sharp critique clothed in relentless comedy.

The Blu-ray release of "Trading Places," one of the early '80s finest comedies, showcases a timeless premise enriched by a stellar cast. Paramount's dedication to this classic shines through a commendable high-definition presentation, elevating the viewing experience beyond its original cinematographic achievement. While the film itself garners laughter with its every scene, the technical execution of this release on Blu-ray further amplifies its appeal. The video quality surpasses expectations, presenting sharp and vibrant visuals that breathe new life into the film's iconic moments. However, while the visual transfer excels, the audio component slightly disappoints, failing to match the video's upgraded fidelity. Despite this minor shortcoming, the inclusion of new supplements provides additional value, offering fans and first-time viewers alike a deeper dive into the film's enduring legacy.

On the supplementary front, the Blu-ray edition of "Trading Places" might leave some enthusiasts longing for more. The extras, although appreciated, seem scant when considering the film's cult status and the potential depth of content that could have been explored. Yet, what is provided does offer insight and enhances the overall viewing experience. It's a mixed bag that somewhat detracts from an otherwise sterling release.

In conclusion, Paramount's release of "Trading Places" on Blu-ray is a commendable effort that largely satisfies. The stellar high-definition presentation significantly enhances the film’s visual appeal, making it a recommended upgrade for longtime fans and a "safe bet" for newcomers looking to explore its comedic and cultural significance. Despite the minor gripe with audio quality and the somewhat sparse extras, this release stands out as a worthy addition to any collection, further solidifying "Trading Places" as a must-watch comedy classic of its era.