Overview: Film Chest Media Group, the classic film company, will release Blonde: The Marilyn Stories in a special-edition collector’s DVD set, available Dec. 6th, 2022.

With three feature-length films and 113 minutes of bonus material, this 3-disc, comprehensive compilation (474 minutes) helps to answer some of the many questions that continue to linger about the extraordinary life of one of the world’s most-famed sex symbols, depicting various aspects of her complicated character and career during a life cut tragically short.

DVD Verdict: Included in this sumptuous 3-disc set are two docudrama films featuring outstanding portrayals of Marilyn, Blonde (2001) a two-part, fictionalized biopic, and Marilyn and Me (1991), a dramatic feature; and Goodbye Norma Jean (1976), the first-ever exploitative biopic, originally deemed a questionable release due to its salacious nature.

The set includes appearances by Marilyn Monroe, Mike Wallace, Susan Griffiths, Poppy Montgomery and Misty Rowe.

Born Norma Jean Mortenson on June 1st, 1926, she lived a brief but remarkable life of 36 years. Much has been written by many who never knew Norma Jean, who became world famous under the stage name of Marilyn Monroe. She fought hard for the fame and recognition she felt was deserved and then, when success was finally achieved, was crushed beneath the weight of it all.

Marilyn was a true artist, but her on-screen appearances are in stark contrast to the love issues, exploitation, abuse of power and drug addiction she faced in her private life.

Following 30 movies, three marriages, a first-edition Playboy cover shot and singing to an American president, she is unfortunately remembered more for her iconic images and controversial alliances than for her extraordinary acting and singing talents.

With regard Blonde (2001), whether this movie, based on the novel by Joyce Carol Oates, is true to the actual life of Marilyn or not, it is a highly entertaining one and wow, Poppy Montgomery sure gives a unique performance.

Up until now, I haven’t really watched a lot of the late Marilyn’s films, so I’m unsure whether or not too much of Poppy’s own personality bubbled to the surface, especially when Marilyn smiles and laughs suddenly during her most troubled moments, but regardless, there are enough moments when Marilyn shines through to make me smile.

Indeed, once in platinum hair and with that famous beauty freckle, Montgomery does look quite a bit like the legendary sex symbol whose troubled, tortured private life is deeply explored here.

Next up is Marilyn and Me (1991), and wow, for sure, Susan Griffiths (who plays Norma Jean/Marilyn) in this television film is truly uncanny in her portrait. I’m honestly surprised she isn’t better known for besides being a dead ringer (no pun intended), Griffiths has the same inner light that made Marilyn so unique.

Unlike the others that I have no caught up on watching, what this movie does is go beyond the real people portrayed to tell the story of all those people who find themselves used by those individuals who seem blessed by the Gods.

The exceptionally talented, the exceptionally beautiful - the exceptional - are also often selfish, but their exceptionality makes it easy for them to use people. Marilyn never did, but they all did her (no pun intended!)

Lastly, we get Goodbye Norma Jean (1976), this is by far one of the lesser standard films, exploitative, if you will, that showcases a young orphan girl who lives through the seedier part of being a starlet in Hollywood and accomplishes her goal with being an icon of the times.

Staring Misty Rowe and James Bacon, the running theme is made clear right from the very start: Marilyn Monroe had it hard becoming a new movie star.

That all said, this crazy bio-film, rated R at the time for female frontal nudity and sexual situations (which, we are led to believe Marilyn never actually did any of) stars the directors second choice for leading lady (for the one he actually wanted to play Marilyn Monroe, was not only a home run lookalike, but refused to do it), and so they cast someone how, well, let’s just say did her best with what she had.

As aforementioned, James Bacon appears in a cameo appearance as a beauty contest judge, there are real-life Hollywood columnists spread throughout and even the beloved boom microphone makes an appearance in some of the indoor shots at the top of the film frame!

But, and without a shadow of a doubt. there are some very nicely shot scenic cinema-scopes of historic places, elegant clothes, and stunning beautiful cars in this film, so make of it what you will, my friends.

Simply put, no matter which way you look at it, Blonde: The Marilyn Stories, is a revealing look at her iconic place in American pop culture, and is presented with an aspect ratio of 4x3 and is available on DVD ($24.98).

BONUS FEATURES: Included in 113 minutes of bonus material are two documentaries, Marilyn (1986), a documentary short with Mike Wallace, and The Legend of Marilyn Monroe (1967), narrated by John Huston and featuring Lauren Bacall; footage of Marilyn’s first-ever television appearance, a photo gallery and trivia.