Just in time for the sequel, Coming to America looks and sounds like never before. Pick it up this holiday season in anticipation for the sequel!
“Newly remastered in 4k with HDR from a supervised restoration by director John Landis, Coming to America is an essential comedy-classic for your collection. Available for the first time on 4k Ultra HD with Digital copy, in a limited-edition 4k Ultra HD Steelbook with digital copy and themed mini poster, or on 4k Ultra HD Digital.
Join Eddie Murphy on an unforgettable comic quest to the New World. As an African prince, it’s time for him to find a princess… and the mission leads him and his most loyal friend (Arsenio Hall) to Queens, New York. In disguise as an impoverished immigrant, the pampered prince quickly finds himself a new job, new friends, new digs, new enemies and lots of trouble. Keep an eye out for both Murphy and Hall in some unforgettable cameo roles!”
The 80s was by far the best years of Eddie Murphy’s career. With breakout roles that highlighted Murphy’s already hilarious routines, his charisma is infectious on screen. A few short years after the Murphy and Landis team up in Trading Places, Coming to America certainly isn’t the last. Despite the reports of the two not getting along during filming, you can’t deny the chemistry between the director and actor when presented with the final product, a hilarious and charming film, unlike anything Murphy had done up to that point.
Murphy’s character Prince Akeem isn’t the sarcastic and shady type like Axel Foley may be, but that doesn’t mean Murphy doesn’t have fun with the role. If anything, it further demonstrates the range he has with his dramatic acting as well as the subtle humor resulting from the Murphy/Landis collaboration. What I always enjoyed most about Coming to America isn’t necessarily the funny sequences, but those that are full of heart. Prince Akeem is looking for something more meaningful than a lavish lifestyle in which his every need is catered to. His search for substance in his life leads him to New York, where the juxtaposed social and racial themes provide an intelligent commentary in a funny way.
Where Murphy can’t inject some of his own personal type of funny in the main character, he more than makes up for it with the other crazy characters he personifies, and there are a ton of them. Co-star Arsenio Hall joins in the fun as well, and the duo create some of the most unforgettable sequences of the film. While these certainly are memorable, they can at times distract from the story and slow the pacing quite a bit. Still, it’s worked for Murphy since, as he went on to incorporate this trend in many of his future films. The supporting cast is great, filled with some great names who add a lot to the film. James Earl Jones especially stands out as Akeem’s father, the King, with a certain air of reverence about him that only Jones can personify.
This fish-out-of-water story has all the earmarks of a comedy, but what it succeeds in providing is so much more. I’ve always had an enjoyment for this film that isn’t just about the laughs, but the journey of Eddie Murphy’s character to find substance in a poverty-stricken world, what he lacks in his that is filled with everything he could ever wish for. It’s a fantastic story, and with the second film due out at any time, it’s the perfect opportunity to revisit it.
Video
Coming to America is presented in 2160p 4k Ultra High Definition Widescreen 1.85:1 featuring Dolby Vision. This 4k transfer from Paramount looks absolutely fantastic. The film has never looked more detailed and clearer, with the Dolby Vision creating the perfect balance on every scene. Colors are rich and vibrant, really popping during the sequences in their home country where the clothes and décor contain very bright colors. These look even better when contrasted with the cold and weary settings of Queens.
Audio
The audio is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. This lossless track is indeed an upgrade from previous versions, with a much more robust sound. Levels are excellent, with the music especially sounding particularly full, especially the sequences with the African dance and the music that accompanies Akeem’s past that we hear later in the film. Dialogue is clear and concise; not a whole lot going on in the surrounds but atmospheric effects and the soundtrack in this comedy, but it’s well-balanced.
Special Features
Paramount offers this release in a regular UHD copy or a collectable Steelbook. The Steelbook looks very nice, with unique cover art that I much prefer to the UHD copy. It also comes with a mini-poster relating to one of the many characters Murphy plays in the film. It’s a nice inclusion that adds a little bit more of a personal touch to this upgraded release.
I will note that this release is the 4k disc only, and does not contain a Blu-ray copy.
Extras include:
- Prince-ipal Photography: The Coming Together of America
- Fit for Akeem: The Costumes of Coming to America
- Character Building: The Many Faces of Rick Baker
- Composing America: The Musical Talents of Nile Rodgers
- A Vintage Sit-Down with Eddie & Arsenio
- Theatrical Trailer
- Photo Gallery
Coming to America was never a film I though would get a sequel, over three decades later, but this 4k release is perfectly timed to get ready for that debut. Paramount is making the most of the lack of new releases, working hard to provide material and upgraded releases that I for one am very thankful for. They’ve done some great work on these new Eddie Murphy releases, with this one being one of the best of the bunch. With such a great upgrade of both the video and audio, this one is a must for fans of the film, with all of these Eddie Murphy films being released on the 1st, they are a perfect gift for any comedy fans out there.
