Trading Places BD

THE MOVIE — 4.25/5

Plot Synopsis: Upper-crust executive Louis Winthorpe III (DAN AYKROYD) and down-and-out hustler Billy Ray Valentine (EDDIE MURPHY) are the subjects of a bet by successful brokers Mortimer (DON AMECHE) and Randolph Duke (RALPH BELLAMY). An employee of the Dukes, Winthorpe is framed by the brothers for a crime he didn’t commit, with the siblings then installing the street-smart Valentine in his position. When Winthorpe and Valentine uncover the scheme, they set out to turn the tables on the Dukes.

Quick Hit Review: Trading Places is yet another comedy classic from the 1980s featuring a few terrific performances, primarily by Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy showcasing their comedic talents, alongside the gorgeous Jamie Lee Curtis. The finale alone makes it a standout. I can’t help but to stop and watch it everytime it airs on TV.

SPECIAL FEATURES – 3.0/5

This (re)-release comes with a semi-glossy slip cover and inside is a Digital HD redemption code.

All the features from the previous release are included:

• Insider Trading: The Making of Trading Places (18:38; SD) takes viewers behind-the-scenes with archive interviews by the cast and crew.
• Trading Stories (7:59; SD) is a collection of old interviews compiled from a publicity tour.
• Deleted Scene (3:09; SD) includes an optional commentary with Executive Producer George Folsey Jr.
• Dressing the Part (6:31; SD) looks at the costume designs.
• The Trade in Trading Places (5:25; SD) breaks down about the stock market.
• Trivia Pop-Ups gives you bits of trivia while you watch the movie.
• Industry Promotional Piece (4:18; SD)

VIDEO – 3.0/5, AUDIO – 3.5/5

Trading Places is presented with a 1.78 widescreen aspect ratio and a 1080p high-definition transfer. As you might suspect, this is the same disc that was previously released and frankly, does not look the best. There were scenes I found some artifacting and the picture itself wasn’t the sharpest.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 track is standard but since the movie is mostly dialogue, it’s serviceable enough where most of the audio comes through the center speaker while the front and rear channels are relegated for some minor ambient noises.

OVERALL – 2.5/5

Overall, I really like Trading Places and probably have seen it several times over the years, both in disc form and whenever it aired on TV. So, the rating isn’t about the movie but about this latest release which is only worthwhile for those who did not already own it. Given the low SRP, you’ll probably be able to nab it for less than $10.