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Marilyn Monroe : The Diamond Collection (11 Disc Numbered Limited Edition Box Set) [1951]


RRP: £79.99
Our Price: £37.00 (subject to change)

Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

Released to mark the 40th anniversary of her death in 1962, The Diamond Collection brings together all of Marilyn Monroe's films for 20th Century Fox. This handsome box set stands as a salutary reminder of the considerable achievements of an actress who still reigns supreme as the greatest screen goddess of them all.

The uninitiated might be surprised at the versatility of someone whose legend is founded so much on her image as a sex symbol. In particular, her touching performance as the abused second-rate bar singer Cherie in Bus Stop (1956) is a rounded study of a woman still capable of dreaming when life has done everything to dull her. The box set as a whole offers plenty of evidence that while she certainly specialised in a unique and complex variation on the blonde bombshell stereotype--embodied in her timeless performances as Lorelei Lee (Gentlemen Prefer Blondes) and short-sighted Pola in How to Marry a Millionaire, both 1953--she could certainly diversify.

The documentary, Marilyn Monroe: The Final Days, provides a sympathetic take on the troubles and behaviour which led to her being sacked from her final picture, Something's Got to Give. The presentation of the restored footage from that movie is less successful, though, as the glimpses of Monroe's incandescent screen presence, belying her illness and depression, leave a palpable sadness in their wake. Better by far to focus on her earlier work. Whatever the role, her luminous beauty and statuesque figure, combined with an unselfconsciously joyful sexuality and an on-screen vulnerability, were always at their best under the careful guidance of directors like Billy Wilder and Otto Preminger. These qualities continue to give her an enduring appeal.

On the DVD: The Diamond Collection has been digitally restored using, for the most part, the original negatives, making this a sumptuous package for any Monroe fan. Niagara and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes are both presented in standard 4:3 ratio but the rest--filmed in Cinemascope and presented here in letterbox format--are certainly better-served by widescreen viewing. The colours, like Monroe, come alive. The sound quality is crisp and Monroe's singing--she had limited but genuine musical talent--has polished up well. Multiple extras include before-and-after restoration comparisons, trailers from various countries, stills and posters, and newsreel footage. Eleven discs of Marilyn in one box, this is a veritable feast indeed. --Piers Ford


Excellent box set
Review date: 2008-07-20 Rating: 10 out of 10

Been wanting to watch MM's films and this box set fitted the bill. Packaged very nicely but the box seems to be made from paper mache as it tends to fray very easily. Loads of special features with the films. Excellent.

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Reviews


a star that never fades...
Review date: 2007-09-20 Rating: 10 out of 10

This is Marilyn's films for Fox - the big one's.

Marilyn's films have a certain quality that makes you watch them over and over again, she is truly wonderful & has a magical quality that's never been replicated.

Pure escapism of the Marilyn kind that will bring you closer to heaven than any pill or drug ever could.

Highlights include The Seven Year Itch, Bus Stop, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Let's Make Love & an early dramatic role in Don't Bother To knock, which is quite unique.



Treasure trove of history
Review date: 2007-09-09 Rating: 10 out of 10

I bought this to kick start my Marilyn Monroe collection and it has to be my most watched set of DVD's! There is a wonderful mix from Marilyn's well known movies, The Seven Year Itch, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and How to Marry a Millionaire. To her less well know movies.
One movie that truely captures me is Dont Bother to Knock. It is a rare chance to see Marilyn perform in a dramatic role, its a shame she wasnt given many opportunities to play serious roles in her career. It was only after watching this film that i truly realised what an amazing actress Marilyn was.
The Final Days Documentary is one of the best about Mariln's life and death, with interviews from prominant figures in her life it paints a very detailed picture of Marilyn. Also the restored footage of the 'unfinished' film Somethings Got To Give is outstanding.
The picture and sound quality is amazing on all the disc's and also each film has a special feature.
I would recommend this box set as a piece of cinematic history.

A Thoroughly Entertaining Mix
Review date: 2007-08-08 Rating: 10 out of 10

Rarely have I been so entertained by a DVD boxset. Marilyn Monroe is the icing on the cake.

Excellent Restoration of Classic Monroe Flix.
Review date: 2005-10-13 Rating: 10 out of 10

"The Diamond Collection" is a deluxe boxset, clocking in with an impressive 11 Discs. Housed on these discs are 10 of screen icon Marilyn Monroe's best films - and one Documentary about her final days and unfinished movie that's exclusive to this boxset. 20th Century Fox are to be applauded for the excellent job they have done converting these films - which are over 50 years old now - into the high resoloution digital presentations they are today.

I've just enjoyed this boxset so much from the outset. These movies are pure magic - some better than others - but they all show Marilyn Monroe's talent develop over her career and she's a great joy to watch in all of them. Personal favourites of mine include the simply delightful "The Seven Year Itch", the still funny "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" and the suspense filled Film Noire "Niagara". The Special Features are a little bit lacking though - most of the films just have a couple trailers and a Restoration Comparison (which is pretty interesting, it must be said). There's a great documentary on "The Seven Year Itch" so it's such a shame that more features weren't included for the other movies.

I must also mention "The Final Days Documentary" that's included. What a stunning piece of film making it is. The way it portrays Marilyn's last tragic months and documents her heartbreaking fall from grace makes it a true gem. It's an excellent edition to the Boxset and adds hugely to what is already an irrisistable package for Marilyn Monroe fans. This is an excellent package and one that Monroe fans will treasure forever. It's also a great package for fans of The Golden Age of Hollywood to have in thier collection. A well executed collection of the unforgettable Blonde Bombshell's finest moments.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Yves Montand
Richard Widmark
Tony Randall
Anne Bancroft
Marilyn Monroe

Creators:
Marilyn Monroe (Primary Contributor)
Anne Bancroft (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
EAN: 5039036009522
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 11
Format: Black & White, Colour, Dolby, PAL, Subtitled,
Release date: 2002-08-05
Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 999 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1951
Language: English (Original Language)
Language: French (Original Language)
Language: German (Original Language)
Language: Italian (Original Language)
Language: Spanish (Original Language)

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