Gold Diggers of 1933 [HD]

Another repackaging of stock
This is nothing more than a repackaging of Busby Berkeley volumes 1 and 2 released in 2006 and 2008, respectively. There is a bonus disc of just the Berkeley musical numbers included, which brings us to 10 discs, so I don't think the 11 disc description is accurate. I rate this a four because the first collection was definitely a five, but the second collection is more like a three with Berkeley's lesser and later films included. The following is a listing of the individual films included and the extras on each disc, just in case you don't own either of the original Berkeley collections:

42nd Street: 3 featurettes ("Harry Warren: America's Foremost Composer," "Hollywood Newsreel," "A Trip Through a Hollywood Studio"); notes on Busby Berkeley

Dames: 4 featurettes ("And She Learned About Dames," "Busby Berkeley's Kaleidoscopic Eyes," "Good Morning," "Eve and Melody Master: Don Redman and His Orchestra"); 2 classic cartoons; Direct from Hollywood radio promo;...

"Honey, I'll Make 'Em Laugh at You Starvin to Death!"
So Ned Sparks promises chorus girls Aline MacMahon, Ruby Keeler, Joan Blondell, and Ginger Rogers in this wonderful pre-Code movie about mounting a successful Broadway show during the height of the Great Depression. This is really two shows in one: The first concerns the aforementioned mounting of the show, with music and lyrics by likeable but mysterious Dick Powell, Ruby's new boyfriend. The second, and my favorite of the two, is how Dick's older brother and legal guardian, banker Warren William, arrives in town to pay off Dick's girlfriend. Trouble is, when he and friend Guy Kibbee arrive at the showgirls' apartment, they mistakenly believe Joan Blondell is the squeeze. This is where she and Aline decide to take the two swells for all their worth, like any self-respecting golddigger would have to. Expert comedic scenes follow as the two big businessmen are putty in the hands of the chorusgirls. This is the first time I ever saw Warren William, and when he puts the moves on Joan...

This is a great collection
Firstly I agree this collection is nothing new from the earlier Busby Berkeley VHS/DVD film titles or packages released. But this is a great all in one collection for a new buyer like me at a great price. I can now ditch the VHS tapes. So I am happy. But if these films came out again with further enhancements and restorations I would buy them. Most of these current ones are not full frame. Too many heads chopped off.

All the films are what I expect while the best titles in my preferred order are 42nd Street, Footlight Parade and Gold Diggers of 33. However the best highlight for me are the only surviving clips of Gold Diggers of Broadway made in 1929 which are included as a bonus to the not so great Gold Diggers of 37 DVD. These clips are an absolute joy. A great rendition of Tip Toe Through the Tulips by Nick Lucas and a stunning finale full of tremendous colour and energy featuring Nancy Welford singing the "Song of the Gold Diggers".

Another thing I approve...

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