Plot: What’s it about?
We all know Eddie Murphy to be perhaps one of the funniest men…ever. Well, this was where he got his start (ok, technically it was on Saturday Night Live). Trading Places was the breakout movie that made him a star. And, wouldn’t you know it, it’s one of my favorite movies of all time! Director John Landis also showed his diversity by directing this film as well (his Animal House and An American Werewolf in London couldn’t have been more different than this). The film was an instant success and solidly established Murphy as a star. However, Dan Akyroyd and Jamie Lee Curtis had major parts as well and helped for the overall "greatness" of the movie. Lest we forget the wonderful Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy as the ruthless "Duke Brothers". The film had all the right elements and it must have played out just as the script intended, because movies don’t get much funnier than this…
The plot is relatively simple, take an educated man (Ackroyd), take away his money, status with his friends and his job and he will turn to a life of crime. At the same time, take a bum off the street (Murphy), give him money, a place to live and a cushy job and he will become a success in the business world. In a nutshell, that’s it. However, the film is filled with classic lines and scenes — "Those men wanted to have sex with me!" that you can’t forget. As the nature vs. nurture bet is taking place, we see the drastic measures that Lewis Winthorpe (Ackroyd) turns to and at the same time we see the bum who was begging for money is now doing. Winthorpe has found solace in the arms of a prostitute (Jamie Lee Curtis) who feels pity for him and believes his story about once being rich. She gambles her life "earnings" as the two components of the "bet" finally meet. Together, they try and foil a plan for the Duke’s to take over the stock market.
Granted, the film is twenty years old now and there are some dated scenes. The music is somewhere in between disco and 80’s rock, but it’s a small part of the movie. Jamie Lee Curtis does indeed bare all here (it’s her only nude scene in film), so it’s worth it to pick it up just for that alone! Interestingly enough, the characters of Randolph and Mortamar Duke (Bellamy and Ameche) appeared in another of Murphy’s movies, Coming to America. Murphy hands them money (they’re bums on the street) and they cry out "We’re back"! Too bad they never made a sequel to this, as I would have liked to see it. Trading Places will always have a special place for me, as it’s one of the first "R" rated movies that I ever saw; but I still quote it on a regular basis and if you’ve never seen the film, then by all means…see it! Highly recommended (even for a disc with no features).
Video: How does it look?
This is the first time the film has been offered in widescreen on a home video format. Framed at approximately 1.85:1, Trading Places has never looked better. The film shows some obvious artifacts that’s to be expected for a film of this age. As with a lot of Paramount titles, the image seems to get better as the film progresses, don’t ask why. Black levels are on target and the whole film does indeed benefit from the anamorphic enhancement. While not the best-looking film out there, this looks as good as it ever has. Fans of the film will be more than pleased.
Audio: How does it sound?
A re-mastered Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is included, but don’t expect too much. There are parts during the movie when the surrounds kick in, at a party scene for example, but for the most part it sounds like a good Pro-Logic mix. Interestingly enough, a Dolby Surround mix is also included. Dialogue is very clean, free of any distortion and on the whole, it’s a good mix. Nothing major to complain about here, but nothing major to compliment either…
Supplements: What are the extras?
Boomerang gets a commentary track, but not this?!? No features whatsoever.
