The Monkees - Monkees

Before the dissolution of the independent reissue label Rhino Records, they were able to corner the market on all things related to the Monkees. This 21-volume VHS format box set gathers all 58 episodes of the Monkees' landmark television sitcom, their hourlong prime time 33 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee special, the first -- and never before broadcast -- version of Here Come the Monkees (pilot episode), and two short adverts for Kellogg's breakfast foods (one of the program's original sponsors). Producers Bert Schneider and Robert Rafelson's initial inspiration was to create a weekly made-for-TV version of the Beatles' Hard Day's Night. They would then cash in on marketing the marriage of the inherently aural medium of pop/rock music with its visual counterpart. Their multimedia concept spurred chart-topping albums and singles as well as the Emmy-winning show that aired on NBC from September 12, 1966, through March 25, 1968. Each episode has been digitally transferred from 35mm pre-broadcast prints, yielding unparalleled visual as well as sonic quality. While not as breathtaking, both 33 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee and the "bonus" 21st tape -- which contains the unaired pilot and promo adverts -- were also sourced from the best-known surviving elements. Each box is packaged with a 48-page booklet containing copious production, broadcast information, and other related text and photos. Likewise, each set is individually and sequentially numbered, with the first 1,000 also including a wristwatch bearing the Monkees' logo. ~ Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide