Visible crew/equipment: When the fruit truck is slammed by the tractor trailer, it slides into a parked, green Chevy Impala. Before the collision, the Chevy can be seen to have camera equipment under its front and rear bumpers, concealed by black cloth or tarp (the rear camera location is made obvious in a slow-motion shot when the fruit truck slides right toward we viewers). When the Chevy is hit, the rear camera is hidden from view and very likely damaged, but we actually see the front camera fall over. (00:06:40)
Visible crew/equipment: In the scene where Axel barges into Victor's office and asks about Mikey, a boom mic can be seen right in front of Victor's face during every shot from behind his armchair. (00:27:50)
Visible crew/equipment: When Axel first pulls up to the country club to talk to Victor, he gives the valet his keys and requests his car be "parked in a good spot" as last time it was damaged. As valet drives off you can see the reflection of the camera, stage light and a crew member on the rolled up window. Easier to see on the VHS version. (01:02:30)
Visible crew/equipment: During the truck chase scene in the beginning, three cop cars slide into parked cars as they turn following the truck. In the middle car, right between the driver and the passenger, is a full camera rig. Next shot it's gone.
Visible crew/equipment: Most of the major crashes of the opening chase have large crowds gathered to watch the filming.
Visible crew/equipment: During the opening truck chase, a camera mount is visible in the back of one of the pursuing police cars.
Visible crew/equipment: In the beginning scene when the truck is smashing into parked cars with 3 police cars behind it, You can see to the left-hand side on top of the roof some filming crew with one holding a boom mic.
Visible crew/equipment: When Foley is released from the cell, he is taken to see Rosewood and Taggart. The camera tracks through the police station and it is visible reflected in the glass.
Chosen answer: Much of Axel Foley's lines were improvised, including this scene, according to the commentary. But many other actors improvised their lines too, most notably Bronson Pinchot. The script was originally written with the intent of Sylvester Stallone playing Axel and as such, the issue of his race wasn't scripted and the director tried to avoid mentioning race in the film. It was Eddie Murphy that would bring it up in improvised lines.
Bishop73