In 2022 Netflix produced a controversial biopic of Marilyn Monroe entitled Blonde. Not to be outdone The Film Chest Media Group decided to release a 3 disc DVD set filled with Marilyn films, miniseries and more. Let's take a look at what is included in this set.
Our Rating System:
**** = Don’t Miss it!
*** = Worth a look.
** = An OK way to spend an evening.
* = You haven’t missed anything.
Goodbye, Norma Jean (1976) Norma Jean Baker (Misty Rowe, Hee Haw) leaves for Hollywood when there she is turned into sex symbol Marilyn Monroe. **
Marilyn And Me (1991) An alternative look at the early years of Marilyn Monroe (Susan Griffiths, Pulp Fiction). This film explores her life and her possible one true love Robert Slatzer. ***
Blonde (2001) A Made-For-TV miniseries based on the Pulitzer Prize finalist novel by Joyce Carol Oates. A fictional biography of Marilyn Monroe (Poppy Montgomery, Without A Trace) mixed with a series of real events in her life.
The 70s exploitation film is the least strong of the three feature on this set. Where the mini-series Blonde is the best! But all three biopic films delve into the troubled life of the Hollywood sex symbol. The stories of each take a different path to tell the story. It makes each of the films unique to see.
All of the ladies portraying Marilyn are great in their own ways, bringing something different to this icon. But in Blonde the mini-series it is cool to see additional great actors and actresses including; Patricia Richardson (Home Improvement), Patrick Dempsey (Grey's Anatomy), Jensen Ackles(Supernatural), Ann-Margret (Viva Las Vegas) and Griffin Dunne (An American Werewolf in London).
All three films are presented in the original full screen format. Of course the 1991 and 2001 films are going to look the best of the three as far as picture quality as they are not as old. There is no real age related damage to these prints so there is zero issues there. As far as "Goodbye Norma Jean", for a B movie that is almost 50 years old it looks pretty empressive, with minor specks and dirt on the film.
Now I must say to see 3 films about Marilyn Monroe would be enough to consider this a must buy, But The Film Chest Media Group went above and beyond to make this release even better. Take a look at the bonus featured added to this 3 DVD set.
* The Story of Marilyn Monroe: A 1963 documentary narrarated by Mike Wallace featuring rare clips and photos.
* The Jack Benny Program episode: "Trip to Honolulu" Jack dreams he is having a romance with Marilyn aboard a luxury liner.
* The Legend of Marilyn Monroe: A 1965 documentary narrated by John Huston, who directed Marilyn in her final film. The films shows rare footage and spans from Monroe's birth to her death.
Now just for context these films are filled with adult content. Of course Goodbye Norma Jean is the most graphic featuring nudity. But viewer discretion is advised with these film. But as a fan of Marilyn Monroe films it is cool to see this set! I am glad the Marilyn Stories are getting a chance to shine thanks to Film Chest Media Group.
So if you are a fan of biopics, classic Hollywood or Marilyn Monroe this new DVD set from Film Chest Media Group is one amazing set you are going to want to add to your collection. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today.
Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) Film Chest Media Group DVD of Blonde The Marilyn Stories receives...
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