Movie:
Harlem Nights, originally released theatrically in 1989, was written and directed by Eddie Murphy. This film marks Murphy's only try at directing, and for it, he assembled quite a cast. In addition to himself (Quick), the film also stars: Richard Pryor (Sugar Ray), Redd Foxx (Bennie), Danny Aiello (Phil Cantone), Michael Lerner (Bugsy Calhoune), Della Reese (Vera), Jasmine Guy (Dominique), and Arsenio Hall (Tommy's Brother).

After Quick saves his life, Sugar Ray, the owner of a small-time club, adopts him at the age of seven. Twenty years later, Sugar Ray owns one of the largest nightclubs in Harlem and Quick is his right-hand man. Business is booming for them, a fact that does not escape Bugsy Calhoune, a local gangster. He sees his sliding profits as a result of their club and has Phil Cantone, a dirty cop, give them trouble. Sugar Ray knows its time for them to leave town, but before they do, they plan on getting even with both Calhoune and Cantone.

Harlem Nights is a mixture of drama and comedy, with a dash of action thrown in. Though there isn't much in the way of a story, the movie remains entertaining due to the charismatic leads. Watching the characters trade insults and take jabs at one another is often quite funny. However, the movie does have a few slow spots, and in places, it goes a bit overboard with the profanity.

Picture:
Harlem Nights is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. The transfer has some grain throughout, as well as some specks and marks. Colors appear a tad faded, and the palette is limited. Flesh tones are mostly accurate, though can appear too red. Blacks are good, though are never deep or rich, and contrast is decent.

Sound:
Harlem Nights is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 in English, and Dolby 2.0 Surround in English and French. The remixed 5.1 track is impressive, with a great deal of imaging and offscreen voices, as well as ambient sounds. The film's score, by Herbie Hancock, sounds great as well. Dialogue is clean and easy to understand during the film, with no distortion. Optional subtitles and captions are available in English.

Extras:
The only extra is the film's trailer.

Summary:
Harlem Nights is a decent film that tries a bit too hard to squeeze into too many genres. However, it is quite funny, if a bit profane. Paramount has provided an above average presentation for the film, though virtually no extras. Fans should consider adding it to their collection, while newcomers should give it a rent.