A few words about…™ Coming to America – in 4k UHD Blu-ray

A gorgeous 4k representation of the film

Housed in a steelbook, as befits a king, Paramount’s new 4k Blu-ray of John Landis’ 1988 production, Coming to America
gives the impression that control had been given away in its entirety, and as Mr. Welles had opined, something to the point
that filmmaking is one of the greatest gifts one can give a child.

I seem to be out of sync with the rest of the world on this however, as the 39 million dollar production, garnered almost
300 million world-wide. Presumably simply upon people loving Mr. Murphy, and I get that.

More to the point of this review, this is a gorgeous 4k representation of the film. Highly resolved, with terrific color, nice grain
structure, and strangely, lovely black levels.

Image – 5 (Dolby Vision)

Audio – 5 (DTS-HD MA)

Pass / Fail – Pass

Upgrade from Blu-ray – Yes

RAH

Robert has been known in the film industry for his unmatched skill and passion in film preservation. Growing up around photography, his first home theater experience began at age ten with 16mm. Years later he was running 35 and 70mm at home.

His restoration projects have breathed new life into classic films like Lawrence of Arabia, Vertigo, My Fair Lady, Spartacus, and The Godfather series. Beyond his restoration work, he has also shared his expertise through publications, contributing to the academic discourse on film restoration. The Academy Film Archive houses the Robert A. Harris Collection, a testament to his significant contributions to film preservation.

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Ejanss

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I seem to be out of sync with the rest of the world on this however, as the 39 million dollar production, garnered almost 300 million world-wide. Presumably simply by people loving Mr. Murphy, and I get that.

It's the last sane John Landis film, let alone of his post Twilight-Zone 80's, and, not coincidentally, one of the last comedies where Eddie was funny. (Not counting Frank Oz's "Bowfinger".)

Even in 1988, that was becoming a rarity to appreciate.
 

John Dirk

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I absolutely love this film as it presented Eddie Murphy as a more complete character instead of just a wisecracking funnyman. I also believe it served as a proper test case for stellar later film, The Nutty Professor in terms of Murphy playing multiple characters.
 

Robert Harris

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I absolutely love this film as it presented Eddie Murphy as a more complete character instead of just a wisecracking funnyman. I also believe it served as a proper test case for stellar later film, The Nutty Professor in terms of Murphy playing multiple characters.
Interesting perspective. Don’t disagree.
 

Worth

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It's the last sane John Landis film, let alone of his post Twilight-Zone 80's, and, not coincidentally, one of the last comedies where Eddie was funny. (Not counting Frank Oz's "Bowfinger".)

Even in 1988, that was becoming a rarity to appreciate.
I'm not sure how sane it is, but the only post-80s Landis film I still like is Innocent Blood.
 

Robert Crawford

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I absolutely love this film as it presented Eddie Murphy as a more complete character instead of just a wisecracking funnyman. I also believe it served as a proper test case for stellar later film, The Nutty Professor in terms of Murphy playing multiple characters.
You're not alone in that regard.
 

Colin Jacobson

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Interesting perspective. Don’t disagree.

I do. The original Axel of the first "BHC" is much more than a "wise-cracking funny man".

Akeem is a more gentle character and stretches Murphy he's not profane and street smart, but Akeem isn't more of a "complete character" than Axel.

Heck, he's probably less of one because he's a fantasy character, whereas Axel seems believable in the real world...
 

Colin Jacobson

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Is it odd that this 4K disc doesn’t come with a Blu-ray?

Yup - surprising.

I would've thought Paramount would've used the new transfer for a new BD as well, but this is a 4K only project for whatever reason.

Feel bad for the BD-only crowd, as the picture and audio are a nice upgrade over the old BD(s) - it'd be good if those who've not gone 4K could experience it!
 

phillyrobt

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gives the impression that control had been given away in its entirety, and as Mr. Welles had opined, something to the point that filmmaking is one of the greatest gifts one can give a child.

Huh? This "statement" is certainly trying to sound inspired,,but is more insipid, Look I quoted Orson Welles!
 

Robert Harris

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gives the impression that control had been given away in its entirety, and as Mr. Welles had opined, something to the point that filmmaking is one of the greatest gifts one can give a child.

Huh? This "statement" is certainly trying to sound inspired,,but is more insipid, Look I quoted Orson Welles!
With apologies, here’s the proper quote:

”A movie in production is the greatest train set a boy could ever have.”
 
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