endlessly explored, her generally underrated talents as chanteuse often get short shrift. This wonderfully restored 20-track anthology (the musical companion piece to Fox's five-film Diamond Collection video boxed set) goes a long way toward addressing that shortcoming. Crucially, it pays equal tribute to the behind-the-scenes talents that midwifed Monroe through her iconic performances in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and There's No Business Like Show Business (films that account for the Monroe performances here): Fox musical directors Alfred and Lionel Newman. Alfred's scoring and conducting skills are also showcased on the grand, Gershwinesque "Street Scene" prologue to "How to Marry a Millionaire." Indeed, the Newmans are the firm bond t...  (less)

Marilyn Monroe. 2000 release. Slimline double jewel case.  (less)

most of her movies featured her singing at least one song. And so it was inevitable that after her untimely death in August 1962 at age 36, someone would compile those songs and put them out on record. Monroe is the perfect Hollywood caricature of the sexy mama, every syllable she sings practically dripping with desire. Fellow pinup queen Jane Russell joins her on "When Love Goes Wrong," from 1953's "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes". The closing track on this disc is the notorious "Happy Birthday" that Monroe sang to President John F. Kennedy at Madison Square Garden for his 45th birthday party in May 1962. Home Town Story - 1951 - Directed by Arthur Pierson -DVD Blake Washburn blames manufacturer MacFarland for his defeat in the race for re-...  (less)

2001 release.  (less)