Marlene Dietrich at Universal 1940-1942 (4 x Blu-ray box set) Director: Various This new Blu-ray collection combines four classics from the Golden Age of Hollywood, starring the timeless Marlene Dietrich. All produced by Universal in the early 1940s, these films showcase Dietrich's alluring and enduring persona; the epitome of big-screen glamour and sensuousness.Featuring Seven Sinners (Tay Garnett, 1940), The Flame of New Orleans (René Clair, 1941), The Spoilers (Ray Enright, 1942) and Pittsburgh (Lewis Seiler, 1942), with co-stars including Randolph Scott, John Wayne and Mischa Auer, this set exhibits Dietrich's uniquely captivating style and the charisma that continues to endear her to fans worldwide.Special FeaturesHigh Definition transfers of all four filmsSeven Sinners feature commentary by film historian David Del Valle and screenwriter C Courtney JoynerThe Flame of New Orleans feature commentary by film historian Lee Gambin and actor and film historian Rutanya AldaThe Spoilers feature commentary by film historian Toby RoanPittsburgh feature commentary by critic and film historian Pamela HutchinsonMusic and effects tracks for The Flame of New Orleans, The Spoilers and PittsburghGalleries60-page book featuring newly commissioned essays by Sarah Wood, Pamela Hutchinson, So Mayer, Ellen Cheshire, Katy McGahan and Phillip KempLimited to 4,000 copiesUSA | 1940-1942 | black and white | 344 minutes | English language, with optional hard-of-hearing subtitles | original aspect ratio 1.37:1 | BD25 x 4: 1080p, 24fps, PCM 2.0 mono audio (48kHz/24-bit)
A**N
MARLENE AT UNIVERSAL BOX SET FROM BFI 2021
The most important point to make....The BLURAY quality of all 4 films is excellent. 4.3 ratio, mint picture, good sound and subtitles. Extras are commenatries. An excellent booklet with articles about the films, directors and full credits. Each film come in it's own strong cardboard case. A 5 star presentation. What follows is obviously purely personal and can safely be ignored! Just because MD is in the film does not necessarily make it a great film, though I admit she is always worth watching - a true "Star". I found PITSBURGH to be cliche'd (oops) and rather routine with the MD role not using her talents properly. In fact any actress of the period could play her role and be perfectly acceptable. The plot of best friends becoming rivals for MD is hackneyed, but the film ahas it's moments including 2 spectacular brawls, and it is interesting in that it is a true propaganda film made just after Pearl Harbour. I would give this 3 out of 5. FLAME OF NEW ORLEANS - Comedy? I had never seen this and was expecting a brash knockdown period adventure. No Way. I suppose the kindest description is a "romantic comedy" which just didn't work for me. MD's costumes bordered on the ridiculous, and she just didn't seem happy! Another 3 out of 5. My 2 favourites , and thank goodness they are here...THE SPOILERS good plot, terrific action and a good role for MD. SEVEN SINNERS has MD in more of her "femme fatale" role and is good fun if you can get over the boisterousness. Wayne is good and the action/romance works well. So just note that the quality is great re presentation, and make your own mind up about the films, but definitley a collection to consider.
V**S
Classic timeless masterpieces from Hollywood’s golden age
This is a beautiful accompaniment to the equally lavish Paramount set. Dietrich’s Universal films are sometimes forgotten in the rush to talk about classics like Blonde Venus and Shanghai Express, so to have these wonderful films presented in these lavish card cases is really something in this streaming era. The book is also beautiful and full of fascinating insights and glorious photos of the cast and crew. A stunning set for lovers of golden age Hollywood; not to be repeated it would seem based on the dreck being churned out these days so do yourself a favour and luxuriate in the quality of these classics. Dialogue, costumes, sets, acting-all brilliant.
D**S
Marlene so glamorous she steals all the scenes
They've done a good restoration on all of the films picture quality is excellent the sound is also good the dialogue was clear I don't think I missed one line
H**A
Marlene Dietrich is a diva. Great lady.
This is a very good box set of a great lady of classic cinema. I love them all.
M**G
Falling in love...all over again on Blu Ray
A fantastic box set from the BFI.Beautifully packaged.Great features.Well worth £28.99Lets hope the BFI release another set of her films not yet on UK Blu Ray
S**T
Now THIS is class
Absolutely stacked with extras and classic Marlene Dietrich films. Wonderful.
Trustpilot
1 month ago
3 weeks ago
