Back in January the Beverly Hills Cop trilogy landed on Blu-ray, with the films getting complete remasters from a 4K source (you can find my review of the set here). Almost one year later, the original Beverly Hills Cop film is getting the lone 4K upgrade treatment, and I will say that it’s mind-blowingly good! Actually, good is an understatement. I mentioned previously that the Blu-ray remaster was as good as the film had looked since its theatrical release – and now I can no longer say that’s true.
Yes, the 4K remaster is about as perfect as one can imagine the film looking until we reach some sort of new plateau for watching films at home. While the Blu-ray looked great, the 4K release takes the viewing experience up a level further, smoothing out some of the grainier scenes that didn’t take away from the film, but were noticeable when watching. Here, the film looks seamless from one scene to the next, really taking advantage of the 2160p/Dolby Vision video upgrade.
Now, that’s not to say that you should be kicking yourself if you picked up the Blu-ray trilogy back in January, as that was just a great deal. Beverly Hills Cop 2 and 3 have yet to get the 4K treatment, and that release was the first time they both landed on Blu-ray at all, so you couldn’t go wrong. Add on the fact that they also received visual remastering to mark the occasion and you’re already ahead. Lastly, to top it all off, the cost of the trilogy was the same price as the first film on Blu-ray would’ve cost alone, so it’s all gravy there even if you do upgrade the first film now.
Some may be content with the Blu-ray and that’s completely fine. It will serve you well! For those who may not have owned a 4K player at the start of the year but are looking to begin upgrading your library, the Beverly Hills Cop remaster is deserving of a place there.
4K Blu-ray Video and Audio Review:
As mentioned above, the 2160p/Dolby Vision UHD presentation of the film is the best it’s ever looked since its initial theatrical release back in 1984. The film keeps its cinematic feel, with the slight film grain look remaining throughout; however, it’s cleaned up considerably with the remaster, taking away any dust, scratches and dirt that eats away at the picture as years pass by.
So what we’re left with here is a solid looking picture that keeps the heart of the film visuals on the screen, while scraping away all that’s bad and distracting. It also delivers some superb visuals from time to time with the sheer detail this format is able to pick up, especially in the brighter scenes once Axel heads to Beverly Hills.
On the audio front, we still have the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack that we heard on the previous releases. It does the trick, and fits with what the film allowed for in the ‘80s, though it’s not as impressive as its visual counterpart.
Special Features: (The special features are the same as the previous Blu-ray release, with the addition of the BHC Mixtape also having a 4K version as well.)
Isolate Score Track – For those interested, this feature turns off all audio tracks but the score.
Deleted Scenes – There are two new deleted scenes here for those who enjoy those.
Behind the Scenes: 1984 Interviews – This feature is roughly 7-minutes in length and includes bits with Murphy improvising certain lines (the most interesting part,) as well as a piece on Foley’s Beverly Hills “partners” Taggart and Rosewood, etc…
BHC Mixtape ’84 (Both 4K and HD versions available)– There are some updated audio releases of some of the popular songs used in the film.
Audio Commentary – The commentary is done by Director Martin Brest, and it’s him looking back on production and the challenges they faced when making the film. The usual stuff is touched upon. It would’ve been great to have had Murphy along for the ride as well.
Beverly Hills Cop: The Phenomenon Begins – This feature is just over 29-minutes in length and basically covers the film from its conception to the fame that followed.
A Glimpse Into the Casting Process – This feature is just under 10-minutes and touches on just how much of an impact on the film Eddie Murphy replacing Sylvester Stallone was, which is always fun to hear about.
The Music of Beverly Hills Cop – This is just under 8-minutes in length and focuses on the film’s score.
Location Map – This featurette allows the viewer to briefly go behind-the-scenes in seven different locations found in the film.
And finally, there’s the theatrical trailer.
Paramount Pictures Presents Beverly Hills Cop. Directed by: Martin Brest. Written by: Daniel Petrie Jr. Starring: Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Lisa Eilbacher, Ronny Cox, Steven Burkoff. Running time: 105 Minutes. Rating: 18A. Released on 4K Blu-ray: Dec. 1, 2020.
