Trading Places Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Trading Places" employs the same master as the 2007 release, maintaining a 1080p resolution with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1 and encoded in MPEG-4 AVC. Despite its age, the video quality is deemed fairly impressive, striking a balance between minimal digital noise and a consistent grain structure. Notable details, such as Dan Aykroyd’s fur coat and various facial textures, are well-preserved. However, some optical shots exhibit grain spikes, and soft focus shots appear occasionally. The overall clarity is commendable, revealing intricate details within scenes set in both affluent and poverty-stricken areas.

That said, there are significant flaws. DNR application leaves characters looking waxy and plastic, diminishing fine detail. Instances of mosquito noise and black crush mar scenes, particularly during Aykroyd's office entry. Compression artifacts also detract from the clean definition of cityscapes. Moreover, the master shows its age with visible dirt, scratches, and occasional grain issues, indicating that a cleaning or remaster is overdue. Although colors like Eddie Murphy's red hoodie and various party costumes appear natural, the overall palette remains unremarkable.

The video quality caters decently to fans of "Trading Places," offering satisfying visual depth and dimensionality despite limitations. While color reproduction and flesh tones are acceptable, the outdated master prevents the film from reaching the high standards set by modern 4K UHD reissues. This release remains a mixed bag; it delivers nostalgic value but falls short of contemporary technical excellence.

The audio presentation of the "Trading Places" Blu-ray, predominantly encoded in English 5.1 Dolby Digital, offers a competent but ultimately modest experience, particularly when expecting more advanced formats like Dolby Atmos. Although this release does not deviate from the 2007 edition, it provides clear and intelligible dialogue, effectively anchored in the center channel. This ensures that actors' voices remain focused while avoiding any distracting channel-specific manipulations. Ambient effects, such as the sounds of Philadelphia streets or the stock exchange floor, are appropriately dispersed across the stereo channels, adding a layer of environmental immersion. However, dynamic range and bass response remain understated unless occasionally accentuated by prominently featured pop music.

While the film was originally released in mono, the current surround mix revitalizes Elmer Bernstein's score, including rousing renditions of Mozart during the opening credits. The lossless audio track's limitations are evident in its modest low-frequency extension and generally constrained directional sounds. The surround channels provide a decent but unremarkable atmospheric backdrop, contributing to an overall experience that feels somewhat underwhelming for modern audio expectations. Nevertheless, the track is devoid of technical flaws or errors, ensuring consistent performance throughout the film.

The supplemental audio options include French and Spanish Mono Dolby Digital tracks but notably lack an English mono track. Subtitles are available in English, English SDH, French, and Spanish. While the effort to enhance this release’s audio presentation is minimal at best, the result is a serviceable but uninspiring auditory experience. The presentation satisfactorily supports a film heavily reliant on dialogue without delivering the immersive soundscape one might hope for in a contemporary release.

The extras included in the Blu-ray release of "Trading Places" offer a comprehensive yet familiar retrospective for enthusiasts, although no new features are introduced. The standout piece is "Insider Trading: The Making of Trading Places," which gives an 18-minute examination into the film’s production through various cast and crew interviews, albeit slightly outdated. "Trading Stories" provides promotional interview clips from a 1983 publicity tour in England, while "Dressing the Part" dives into the film's costume design. A significant highlight is the Deleted Scene with optional commentary by Executive Producer George Folsey, Jr., offering insights into editing decisions. The disc also features "The Trade in Trading Places," detailing the financial aspects central to the plot, and the "Industry Promotional Piece," a brief improvised segment by Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy for exhibitors. Completing the package are Trivia Pop-Ups and a UV/iTunes digital copy voucher.

Extras included in this disc:

• Insider Trading: The Making of Trading Places: A detailed making-of documentary.
• Trading Stories: Interview clips from a 1983 UK publicity tour.
• Deleted Scene with Optional Commentary by Executive Producer George Folsey, Jr.: An analysis of a specific deleted scene.
• Dressing the Part: Insights into the film's costume design.
• The Trade in Trading Places: Explanation of the movie's trading-based climax.
• Industry Promotional Piece: Improvised segment by the cast for film exhibitors.
• Trivia Pop-Ups: Onscreen data and factoids for fans.

"Trading Places" arguably represents Eddie Murphy’s finest early comedic work, predating "Coming to America" and marking his true launch into cinematic success alongside Dan Aykroyd. This 1983 classic, helmed by John Landis, masterfully explores the social construct of nature versus nurture through a satirical lens. The plot centers on two opulent brokers, Randolph and Mortimer Duke (played by Ralph Bellamy and Don Ameche), who orchestrate a social experiment by swapping the lives of a wealthy snob, Louis Winthorpe III (Aykroyd), and a streetwise grifter, Billy Ray Valentine (Murphy), to settle a debate on the roots of success. The film delves into Winthorpe’s descent into poverty and Valentine’s rise to affluence, leveraging this narrative to expose and lampoon the hypocrisies of social class and racial biases.

The film’s engagement stems significantly from the dynamic chemistry between Aykroyd and Murphy. Aykroyd portrays Winthorpe’s downfall with a comic despondency, while Murphy brings infectious vitality to Valentine’s opportunistic rise. The supporting cast, notably Jamie Lee Curtis as the kind-hearted prostitute Ophelia and Denholm Elliott as the loyal butler Coleman, add depth and humor to the proceedings. The Duke brothers deliver a perfect blend of villainy and connivance, making their comeuppance one of the film's satisfying high points. Unique to its era, "Trading Places" does not shy away from controversial humor, including blatant racial stereotypes and some explicit content, which might polarize modern audiences but contributes to its critique of societal norms.

The movie's satirical edge remains relevant even today, particularly in its portrayal of Wall Street exploitation and economic disparity. Its exploration of class and race through incisive humor ensures that the core commentary transcends generational gaps. Despite some jokes that haven't aged well and pacing that occasionally sags, Murphy's energetic performance propels "Trading Places" into the echelon of smartly crafted comedies. While this Blu-ray reissue lacks new technical enhancements or additional content from its 2007 edition, the film's sharp wit and stellar performances continue to shine, making it an enduring piece of 80s comedy cinema.

"Trading Places," directed by John Landis and starring Eddie Murphy, Dan Aykroyd, and Jamie Lee Curtis, is a classic comedy that remains hilariously relevant with its astute commentary on Wall Street culture and social class dynamics. Despite its age, the plot—questioning what truly defines a gentleman, wealth or character—resonates strongly. Murphy's performance stands out, showcasing his comedic genius in his first leading role, complemented by Aykroyd’s and Curtis’s exceptional performances.

Technically, the Blu-ray release offers a solid 1.85:1 AVC transfer along with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. However, it’s disappointing that Paramount reused the 2007 disc, missing an opportunity for a comprehensive remaster for the film’s 35th anniversary. While the picture and sound quality are passable, and the supplemental materials are decent (though in standard definition), there’s little incentive for existing owners to upgrade unless they are keen on the new slipcover and digital copy included.

In conclusion, "Trading Places" remains a recommended watch for new collectors or those not yet familiar with Eddie Murphy's legacy. The film's sharp wit and enduring humor make it a staple of 80s cinema. However, for long-time fans hoping for a significant upgrade in visual and audio quality, this release may not meet expectations. While it remains a fun movie with excellent performances, it continues to await the proper restoration it deserves.