🎬 Trading Places – Review of the Remastered Blu-ray Edition
Trading Places remastered in HD from a 4K transfer for this Blu-ray release
There’s no denying that Trading Places has aged into a classic, but it’s the kind of classic that still takes wild swings—and hits more often than not. Watching Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd trade social status and economic privilege under John Landis’s direction is as biting today as it was in 1983. While some jokes are locked in their era, the film’s central satire about class, race, and power remains surprisingly sharp.
About Trading Places
Synopsis: Two rich old schemers make a bet that turns a privileged stockbroker into a pauper and a street hustler into a Wall Street player. But the duo at the center of the prank has plans of their own—and revenge is sweet, especially when it comes with pork belly futures.
Main Cast:Eddie Murphy, Dan Aykroyd, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ralph Bellamy, Don Ameche, Denholm Elliott
Murphy, Aykroyd, play off each other with electric timing
🎞️ Performance & Presentation
Eddie Murphy is in his early 20s here, but already in full command. His Billy Ray Valentine is fast-talking, magnetic, and shrewd. Murphy doesn’t just deliver jokes—he carves out a fully-formed character who knows how to read a room. Dan Aykroyd, on the other hand, plays Louis Winthorpe III with clueless snobbery that slowly unravels. Watching him descend into a drunken Santa suit spiral is as darkly funny as it is revealing.
Jamie Lee Curtis is an absolute standout as Ophelia, a street-smart sex worker with business savvy and real humanity. Her chemistry with Aykroyd adds texture, and her character feels essential to the plot rather than decorative. Ralph Bellamy and Don Ameche chew their scenes with grinning cruelty, embodying the system the film lampoons. And Denholm Elliott brings elegance and wit as the butler who proves smarter than everyone.
Editing keeps the comedic rhythm intact, allowing set-ups and punchlines to breathe. The timing is impeccable—from Murphy’s courtroom bluster to the New Year’s Eve train caper. That finale, by the way, remains a masterclass in chaos and comeuppance.
💡 Visuals & Direction
This remastered version pops with color and clarity. The 4K film scan ensures sharpness without scrubbing away the film grain. Philadelphia looks cold and corporate, while the party scenes burst with over-the-top 80s flair. Costuming—from Aykroyd’s preppy suits to Curtis’s streetwear—tells its own story without needing to explain.
Director John Landis brings his signature energy and eye for contrast. He walks the line between farce and realism, grounding absurd moments with human stakes. His direction is confident but never self-congratulatory. He lets the performers drive the film and supports them with steady craftsmanship.
🔍 What Worked & What Didn’t
✅ Eddie Murphy’s breakout charisma lights up every scene
✅ Smart satire with real bite under the jokes
✅ Jamie Lee Curtis brings depth and wit to a complex role
✅ New 4K transfer looks fantastic on Blu-ray
❌ A few dated jokes that haven’t aged gracefully
❌ The pacing sags slightly in the third act setup
❌ Some secondary characters feel underdeveloped
Trading Places Official Blu-ray Preview
✅ Newly remastered from a 4K scan supervised by John Landis ✅ Starring Eddie Murphy, Dan Aykroyd, Jamie Lee Curtis ✅ Includes deleted scenes, commentary, and behind-the-scenes featurettes ✅ A must-own for fans of 80s satire and sharp ensemble comedy
Family enjoying a cozy movie night on the couch with popcorn
📀 Blu-ray Edition Highlights
The remastering process elevates this film with excellent clarity and rich detail. Skin tones are natural, black levels are deep, and the contrast holds steady. The lossless audio mix enhances both dialogue and Elmer Bernstein’s bouncy score. Deleted scenes, commentary from George Folsey, Jr., and several behind-the-scenes docs add context without overstaying their welcome.
Menus are responsive, if a bit barebones, and the disc lacks a slipcover or booklet. But the content speaks for itself, and collectors will appreciate the visual upgrade.
🎯 Who Should Buy This?
This Blu-ray belongs in the collection of anyone who enjoys sharp comedy with something to say. Fans of Murphy, Aykroyd, and Curtis will find plenty to love, and physical media collectors get a transfer that justifies the upgrade. It’s also a great conversation starter for those interested in films that blend humor with cultural commentary.
🕰️ Why It Still Matters
Trading Places endures because its core idea—a rigged system, flipped on its head—is more relevant than ever. It doesn’t just provoke laughter; it sparks thought. In the hands of these performers, it walks the line between outrageous and meaningful, between broad slapstick and pointed satire. And that balance is rare. It’s a comedy with consequences, and it still lands.
Final Verdict: One of the 80s’ sharpest comedies—funny, timely, and fully worth the remastered treatment.
💬 “One of Murphy’s finest—funny, biting, and bold.” – Comedy Fanatic
💬 “Still smart after all these years. This Blu-ray looks amazing!” – Home Theater Enthusiast
💬 “Great performances, tight writing, and that ending never gets old.” – Verified Viewer
ML Lamp is the owner of Kilroy Was Here. After his 20 years of working in Las Vegas in the entertainment promotions field, Mr. Lamp retired in 2002 from his job to pursue his passion for collectibles. Now as a guest speaker and author he’s living the dream, and sharing his warmth with You.
