The DVD Dissection: Coming to America (I Love the 80's Edition)

Posted by Chad Webb on 02.04.2009

The movie might be good, but the DVD is another story.

Eddie Murphy: Prince Akeem/Clarence/Randy Watson/Saul
Arsenio Hall: Semmi/Extremely Ugly Girl/Morris/Reverend Brown
James Earl Jones: King Jaffe Joffer
John Amos: Cleo McDowell
Madge Sinclair: Queen Aoleon
Shari Headley: Lisa McDowell
Paul Bates: Oha
Eriq La Salle: Darryl Jenks
Directed By: John Landis
Written By: David Sheffield and Barry Blaustein
Theatrical Release Date: June 29, 1988
DVD Release Date: February 3, 2009
Running Time: 116 minutes







Rated R

The Film

I grew up on John Candy movies. No matter what any critic says about them, and no matter what complaints any friend or acquaintance may unleash on me, they will always be a part of my childhood, and as long as I enjoy them, that is all that matters. More and more everyday, I meet people that have similar stories, but with Eddie Murphy instead. In the 1980's, Murphy was on top of the world, and for good reason. He released a string of hit films, and many were fairly acclaimed. My how times have changed.

These days, Eddie Murphy's reputation has changed significantly. He is another victim (perhaps justifiably so) of the celebrity obsessed culture we live in. This, combined with the increasingly weaker and lazier projects that Murphy has undertaken, have separated the ambitious comic who delivered Raw from the established actor who gave us Meet Dave. His voice work in the Shrek franchise is one of the only glimmers of hope that reminds the public of the charisma and likability he once possessed. But before all this nonsense, Murphy's career would reach another level. Coming to America would be the movie that accomplished that. It occupies the top of many Murphy favorites’ lists to this day because it is a genuinely entertaining comedy.

The story follows Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) from the country of Zamunda. His father, King Jaffe Joffer (James Earl Jones) has arranged for Akeem to marry someone specific now that he has celebrated his 21st birthday. Akeem wishes to find a bride that loves him for who he is. He then sets out for America to locate that special woman, and accompanying him is his servant Semmi (Arsenio Hall). The two pick the poorest neighborhood of Queens to reside in. The apartment is filthy and the area is less than reputable. They get jobs at a local restaurant called McDowell's as janitors. It is there that Akeem meets Lisa (Shari Headley), the daughter of the manager (John Amos), who is beautiful and smart, but deeply involved with another man (Eriq La Salle).

Coming to America is notable for being the first time Eddie Murphy recruited brilliant make-up artist Rick Baker to craft multiple disguises for his multiple roles. This was new and fresh at the time, unlike the watered down annoyance it became in Norbit. This technique was effective for this story because those extra personalities were not central to the plot. The barbershop group was hilarious in small doses, and thankfully were never overwhelming. Clarence's constant debates on Cassius Clay are priceless. And the fact that Murphy pulls of the very Caucasian Saul is even more remarkable. Had these people been more than just minor roles, the result might have been different.

Whether or not this is Murphy's "Most hilarious performance" as the DVD box displays, is arguable, but this is certainly a terrific turn from him. Prince Akeem is not an original character, but Murphy makes him an affable one. Viewers have seen countless stories of people that want to break tradition, but Murphy instills his precision timing and natural charm into Akeem to transform him into a memorable persona. The best and funniest moments occur during the first half of the film, when Akeem is traveling from Zamunda to America. He loves being in a run down building so much that one can't help but chuckle. Murphy plays him with a sweet, restrained purity that is engaging, even when not fully supported by the screenplay as it retreats into romantic comedy territory.

Also portraying a handful of characters is Arsenio Hall, who is quite humorous with most of them. That's not a statement I get to make often, but truth be told, Hall has wonderful chemistry with Murphy, and provides plenty of laughs as Semmi, the servant who wants nothing to do with the slums. Reverend Brown's exaggerated antics are also amusing for a few minutes, although, the "extremely ugly girl" I could have done without. Hall had worked with Director John Landis prior to this, and would appear in another Murphy vehicle, Harlem Nights the next year in 1989.

Coming to America succeeds not only because of Murphy, but because he has so many funny cast members around him. James Earl Jones is outstanding as King Jaffe Joffer, the proud father who assumes Akeem will be done with this vacation, and return to marry his obedient prepared bride. He is also possibly the only man who can wear the skin of a lion, complete with jewels in its eyes, its tail in its mouth-over a suit, and not look like a goofy circus freak. John Amos is also solid as the loving father if Lisa, who primarily wants her to be with a man that will not have money troubles. He crafts his restaurant to look exactly like McDonald's without violating copyright laws. Eriq La Salle, the same man who starred for 169 episodes of ER, sports a nasty Jheri Curl as Lisa's initial love interest, the self-indulgent Darryl Jenks. Shari Headley is the only questionable contribution. She is the forgettable love interest, and nothing more.

The biggest problem with Coming to America is that eventually it ceases to be a straightforward comedy, and veers down the romance path, thus accumulating the same routine hundreds of offerings have with the inevitable truth confession, the break up, and...well you get the picture. Not all the jokes and gags mesh well, but for the most part, this is an endearing comedy showcasing Murphy's talents. He used David Sheffield and Barry Blaustein, two common collaborators of his, for the script. Director John Landis had by this point, already supplied the world with many classic comedies like Trading Places (his best with Murphy), The Blues Brothers, Kentucky Fried Movie, and even Spies Like Us. He also stood at the helm of many segments for Amazon Women on the Moon, which explains Hall's presence. Landis understood how to handle comedians, how to properly pace the droll with the drama, and how to unveil unique bits. This is just one of many efforts he'll be remembered for.

Coming to America is not a unanimously praised cinematic masterpiece, but it is highly impressive in enough areas that one should not wonder why it still holds up after so many years. While I did not see it at all until recently, I can see why people watch it over and over again. It merges the stranger in a strange land shtick with the comedy of Eddie Murphy, the adept filmmaking of John Landis, and the irreplaceable special effects of that magician Rick Baker. It takes over the top characters, parody sequences, romance, and more, but manages to fit the pieces together comfortably, and that was not an easy task. Despite all his shenanigans with Mel B, his quick exit at the Oscars, and his numerous flops in recent years, Eddie Murphy's past triumphs will not be dismissed anytime soon.

The Video

Coming to America is nicely presented in 1.85:1 widescreen enhanced for 16:9 TV’s, but the film shows it age in terms of picture transfer. As this is basically the original release, the quality is adequate, but certainly nothing to write home about. While the visual levels are detailed, and the African sequences cloud ones judgment with colorful scenery, the grain and edge enhancement is observable throughout the feature. Nevertheless, this does take place in Queens for the most part, so expecting top of the line pristine video might be asking too much. I think the least Paramount could have done was improve the transfer overall though. At least give people a reason to buy this other than the crappy CD. A normal viewer probably won’t be bothered by the flaws I mentioned, but it should have been amped up regardless.

The Audio

The sound department is sparse on pretty much everything besides natural dialogue. Aside from a few animal sounds, cars driving normally, and the common noises of New York City, this is a standard comedy as far as audio is concerned. The speakers might be taking a nap during this film, but at least the cast comes across pleasantly through the speakers. Every character was lucid, clear, and understandable, and my volume knob rested at a comfortable position. The Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 track is fine, as is the Surround/English 2.0 track. This includes subtitles in English.

The Packaging

Coming to America is distributed in a standard black keep case. It also has a cardboard slip sleeve cover on top of the artwork from the original DVD, which shows Eddie Murphy in full Prince regalia standing proudly. They attach an "I Love the 80's" logo to fool buyers. The menu is simply an image of Murphy. It is extremely easy to navigate.

The Extras

Sadly the lone extra on this now triple dipped film is the theatrical trailer. Yay. We receive the first bare bones version for some odd reason. A "Special Collector's Edition" is available with multiple featurettes, but they are missing here. You can also find Coming to America on a "Double Feature" DVD with Norbit. What is included is a puny 4 song music CD with vintage 80's hits. It is the same CD that was released with the first wave. How ridiculous. What follows is the same description I had on my Footloose review. The tracks are (15:33):

1. "Lips Like Sugar" by Echo & the Bunnymen – An average song, nothing more. I should probably mention I was a hair band fan.

2. "Chains of Love" by Erasure – Not my type of band or song, but if you love 80's tunes like this, then I suppose this is outstanding.

3. "Need You Tonight" by INXS – Easily the best song on this pointless excuse for a CD. I love INXS, but since I own the greatest hits, why the hell should I care about it on here?

4. "Take on Me" by a-ha – Definitely one of the best pure 80's tracks out there. This one hit wonder group sort of vanished. Still, the video and the song are memorable to this day.

The Film: 8.0/10.0
The Video: 6.0/10.0
The Audio: 7.0/10.0
The Packaging: 6.5/10.0
The Extras: 3.0/10.0

The 411: I feel compelled to remind the readers that the rating below reflects the DVD as a whole and not just the film. Coming to America the movie is very funny, engrossing, and easy to watch. Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall shine in the picture as a multitude of different characters, and Director John Landis controls the proceedings with this expert touch. Since this is just a recycling job of the first DVD, released March 9, 1999, the technical specifications were not altered at all, and considering the double dip improved them, re-releasing the older, weaker version is unacceptable. What is really annoying is that these “I Love the 80’s” DVDs do not even attempt to slightly cater to the film whatsoever. The crummy CD is the same for every release, no matter how little the songs are related to the movie. Why anyone would purchase this edition, rather than paying (at most) a few extra bucks for the superior edition with extras is beyond me.

Final Score:  5.5   [ Not So Good ]