Beverly Hills Cop Blu-ray Review

"Beverly Hills Cop" on Blu-ray boasts a notable 1080p transfer that works with a 1.78:1 frame to bring out the best in this classic film. Initial issues with image stability are quickly resolved, and what follows is a reliable viewing experience. The transfer is generally clean, with only a hint of edge enhancement and an unobtrusive layer of grain that enhances its film-like quality. Grain and background noise persist throughout, but they contribute to the movie's texture rather than detract from it. Detail levels are commendable, particularly in facial textures, interior set details, and even in the wear and tear on Axel Foley's car.

The color palette is naturally stable and presents itself well, especially in well-lit scenes. While not strikingly bold, colors remain true to life with balanced flesh tones and consistent, stable black levels. Whites are clean and crisp, contributing to a comfortably bright contrast. Some poorly-lit interior scenes show solid visibility in shadows despite occasional inconsistencies. Outdoor scenes particularly shine, presenting excellent color reproduction and vivid primary colors that add a dynamic flair to the viewing experience.

In terms of overall image quality, there is a marked improvement over previous releases. The rejuvenated 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode offers notable advancements in detail and texture, making intricate details like grimy backgrounds or the textures of everyday objects stand out vividly. Fans will find this Blu-ray release a satisfying visual upgrade that maintains the integrity of the original film while enhancing its visual appeal through careful preservation of its filmic qualities.

The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio lossless soundtrack for "Beverly Hills Cop" falls short in multiple areas, creating an overall lackluster audio experience. While the mid-range, particularly dialogue, is well-prioritized and remains clear throughout the movie, the rest of the soundscape lacks vitality. The music varies significantly in quality, with some tracks sounding crisp and stable, whereas others appear raw and shallow. The sound effects are particularly disappointing; key moments such as gunshots and car crashes fail to convey any real impact, grounding energy or intensity due to a weak low end.

Surround usage is notably limited within this mix, making the promised six-channel experience feel more like a front-heavy stereo presentation. Ambience and natural surround sound applications are nearly non-existent. Unfortunately, this results in a constrained soundstage that inadequately supports the dynamic action sequences characteristic of this film. Despite these drawbacks, certain elements do stand out positively – such as nightclub beats in chapter six, which manage to inject some life and vigor into the track. However, this is not enough to make up for the generally underwhelming and subdued audio experience.

Technical offerings include English 5.1 DTS-HD, along with French 2.0, Spanish 5.1, and Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital tracks. While option variety is commendable, the main English track's shortcomings overshadow this diversity. To get an optimal experience from this Blu-ray audio presentation, viewers might find it necessary to manually adjust volume levels throughout the film to balance out the dialogue against the inconsistent music and effects. In conclusion, while there are no grave defects in the technical codec itself, the realization of the sound design leaves much to be desired, especially for a film with such impactful music and action sequences as "Beverly Hills Cop."

The Blu-ray of "Beverly Hills Cop" features a robust selection of extra content, providing valuable insight into the film's production and legacy. Director Martin Brest offers a retrospective commentary that, while occasionally sparse, presents technical details on performances, locations, and stage production. "Beverly Hills Cop: The Phenomenon Begins" is a comprehensive retrospective with interviews from screenwriters, producers, and actors, delving into the screenplay's development, casting processes, and the movie's cultural impact. Margery Simkin discusses her crucial role in casting, particularly highlighting Eddie Murphy's replacement of Sylvester Stallone. The featurette "The Music of Beverly Hills Cop" focuses on the Grammy-winning score by Harold Faltermeyer. Additionally, an interactive "Location Map" allows users to explore key filming spots through brief behind-the-scenes clips. Lastly, the original theatrical trailer is included.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Retrospective insights from Director Martin Brest.
• Beverly Hills Cop: The Phenomenon Begins: A deep dive into the film's history and impact.
• A Glimpse Into the Casting Process: Insights from Casting Director Margery Simkin.
• The Music of Beverly Hills Cop: Examination of the film's iconic score.
• Location Map: Interactive behind-the-scenes clips from key filming spots.
• Beverly Hills Cop Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional preview.

Beverly Hills Cop, a quintessential 80s film, has made a remarkable Blu-ray debut, showcasing Eddie Murphy's star-making performance as Axel Foley. The film, directed by Martin Brest, revolves around Murphy's charismatic portrayal of a Detroit detective whose disobedient nature lands him in trouble time and again. The plot—though straightforward in its cops-and-robbers setup—thrives primarily due to Murphy's effortless comedy and dynamic presence. The narrative follows Foley's quest for vengeance after his friend Mickey is murdered, leading him on an unsanctioned investigation in posh Beverly Hills. Despite its predictable storyline, Murphy's vibrant energy and quick-witted humor imbue the film with a lively and engaging atmosphere.

Though much of the film's action is minimal and standard, Murphy's performance ensures nothing feels mundane. His ability to switch between serious detective work and improvised comedic antics flawlessly highlights his talent, making the character of Axel Foley immensely likable and relatable. Supporting actors like Judge Reinhold's Billy Rosewood and John Ashton's Sgt. Taggart complement Murphy well, each bringing their unique charm to the screen. Director Brest's pacing keeps the film upbeat, bolstered by Harold Faltermeyer's iconic synthesizer score and memorable 80s tracks like Glenn Frey's "The Heat is On" and Pointer Sisters' "Neutron Dance," enhancing the film's engaging quality.

Overall, Beverly Hills Cop is a delightful blend of comedy and action, epitomizing the star vehicle phenomenon. Its timeless appeal largely stems from Murphy's comedic prowess, turning what might have been a routine tale into an enduring classic. The blend of well-chosen music further elevates the movie, making every scene memorable. Even three decades later, Murphy's portrayal remains among his best, cementing the film's status as an indispensable gem in 80s cinema.

"Beverly Hills Cop" makes a triumphant debut on Blu-ray, letting us relive the 1984 comedy-action classic in high definition. Eddie Murphy's unmatched enthusiasm and dynamic performance are the backbone of this film, seamlessly complemented by its iconic soundtrack. Paramount provides a generally good video transfer, allowing fans to enjoy the sharp, vibrant visuals that heighten the nostalgia of this quintessential '80s experience. However, it must be noted that while the video impresses, the lossless audio track fails to deliver with the same punch, rendering it somewhat average.

This release thankfully retains much of the bonus material from previous editions. For die-hard fans or first-time purchasers, the extras add substantial value to this Blu-ray package. However, if you already own a DVD version, the incremental improvement in quality might not justify an immediate upgrade unless you seek the definitive high-definition experience. Price-wise, it's reasonably tagged, but seasoned collectors should weigh their options considering the marginal gains in audio and exclusive content.

In conclusion, "Beverly Hills Cop" remains a celebrated jewel of comedy and action more than three decades later, principally due to Eddie Murphy's star power and the film's engaging narrative. While the Blu-ray edition presents solid video quality and valuable extras, its audio performance might disappoint some audiophiles. Nonetheless, for enthusiasts and new collectors alike, this edition is a worthy investment, offering hours of sheer entertainment that ensures its place in any movie library. Despite its minor flaws, Paramount's Blu-ray release of "Beverly Hills Cop" undeniably earns a strong recommendation.