The Movie
Wending its way through the studio system for years, the script for Beverly Hills Cop went on to become one of the most admired of the 1980s (more than one screenwriting textbook references it) before serving as the blueprint for a genuine blockbuster. Rewritten by Sylvester Stallone when he was set to star (he graciously agreed to walk away, and his contributions were later folded into Cobra), then tweaked to accommodate relative newcomer Eddie Murphy and ultimately spruced up with ample improvisations by the actor/comedian, it went on to become the first great action comedy, a deceptively difficult genre to crack.
The basic setup was the latest spin on Hollywood's beloved fish-out-of-water premise, as street-smart Detroit detective Axel Foley (Murphy) tracks his best friend's murderer all the way to Beverly Hills, California. Turns out that a wealthy, respected art dealer (Steven Berkoff) has his hand in some nasty business, and the two are destined to clash, and not just socially.
Showcasing the funniest man in America, who also revealed a knack for the cops-and-robbers game, Beverly Hills Cop perfectly balanced fast-talking, R-rated antics, over-the-top car chases and plenty of bullets to deliver a landmark entertainment.
The Picture
While clearly a step up from DVD, this Blu-ray is not visually impressive in any way. To its credit, the bitrate is quite high, typically in the 30s and often flirting with the 40-megabits-per-second mark. But there is serious film grain and video noise evident, with some strobing in fast motion as well. But worst is the blacks situation, with dark areas of the 1.85:1 frame usually looking vague and undistinguishable, while shadowy scenes lack adequate detail.
The Sound
There is a definite fullness and clarity to the 5.1-channel DTS-HD Master Audio, most notably in the music--a blend of pop songs and distinctive original score by Harold Faltermeyer--which has been remixed somewhat to incorporate the surrounds. The track is undeniably front heavy even in the action sequences or in bustling rooms which really could have benefited from more sonic envelopment. There's a token sound effect here or there, which is fine, but this is far from great home theater demo material. And to that point: Where the heck is the bass?
The Extras
Director Martin Brest brings a quirky, humble charm to his audio commentary, ported here from the 2002 DVD like all the bonus materials. We're given "A Glimpse Inside the Casting Process" (nine-and-a-half minutes), an appreciation of "The Music of Beverly Hills Cop" (one of the movie's secret weapons, about eight minutes) as well as the broader reflections of "Beverly Hills Cop - The Phenomenon Begins" (29 minutes). These segments--all in standard definition--benefit from the many different creator voices, but more is said about Eddie Murphy than actually by him, as he barely appears.
Lastly, a Location Map branches to insightful little SD video clips as we tour seven of the locales from the film via our remote.
Final Thoughts
Fortuitously set in an epicenter of wealth during a time of garish prosperity (for some), Beverly Hills Cop was that much funnier and that much more of an escapist fantasy as a result. The Blu-ray isn't particularly slick or original, but the movie at least still offers something for just about everyone.
Product Details
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