Now Warner Archive is giving this Monroe and Oliver romantic comedy The Prince and The Showgirl a chance to shine on Blu-ray. And what makes this release even better is the new restoration and the full aspect ratio on home media instead of cropped pictures in other releases. Let's take a look at this romcom Blu-ray.
A traveling party of royals from central Europe arrives in England in 1911, as the host country prepares to celebrate the coronation of a new king. But when the visiting Regent (Laurence Olivier, Rebecca) goes to a musical theater, his attraction to American performer Elsie (Marilyn Monroe, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes) makes it hard to stay focused. Soon, Elsie learns of a potential coup in the Regent's home country, and it's up to her to smooth things out -- or watch as the nation hurtles toward instability.
The film was adapted from the 1953 stage play entitled The Sleeping Prince. From the title you would think this is a fairy tale, like Cinderella, but you would be wrong! The screenplay was adapted from the stage production from the writer of said stage play Terence Rattigan. Laurence Oliver directs this film one of only five films he directed in his career. This is a straight romcom, with some sweet moments, but seems to fail to hit the right notes to become one of the best romcoms in cinema history.
Along with the Marilyn Monroe and Laurence Olivier, the cast includes, Sybil Thorndike (Alive and Kicking), Richard Wattis (Sykes), Jeremy Spenser (Ferry to Hong Kong), Paul Hardwick (The Long Duel), Esmond Knight (The River), Rosamund Greenwood (Village of the Damned), Aubrey Dexter (Gaslight), Maxine Audley (A King of New York), Harold Goodwin That's My Boy(), Jean Kent (The WOman in Question), Daphne Anderson (Hobson's Choice), Gillian Owen (No Time for Tears), Vera Day (The Woman Eater), Margot Lister (Three Men in a Boat), Charles Victor (The Embezzler), David Horne (Gentleman's Agreement) and Gladys Henson (The History of Miss Polly).
The film has been restored and transferred in 1080p in the films original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. It is so cool to see this film in this aspect ratio for the first time ever! The soundtrack is a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. The picture is sharp and crisp as a new 100 dollar bill. The colors are simply gorgeous and there is no signs of scratches dirt or age related anomalies. The audio is clear as a bell with not flutter, pops or hiss.
Warner Archive has been adding some really awesome bonus features to their latest Blu-rays, but on this release I regret to announce that the only bonus features found on this Blu-ray are English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing and the Theatrical Trailer. It would have been cool to see some Marilyn Monroe bonus features.
Now as sad as it is that we don't see vintage shorts or a cartoon, I must say that the restoration of this film is excellent! It truly gives new life to this Marilyn Monroe film. While it won't be a film for every film fans, fans of Marilyn will be ecstatic over the beauty of this absolutely gorgeous restoration.
If you enjoy the films of Marilyn Monroe, than no collection is complete without The Prince and The Showgirl. And if you are going to own this film that the new Blu-ray from Warner Archive is a must own release for physical media fans. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today.
Out of 4 Film Reels (Four Being the Best) Warner Archive's Blu-ray of The Prince and The Showgirl
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