Prince and the New Power Generation: Diamonds and Pearls Video Collection VHS (1992)

Prince and the New Power Generation’s Diamonds and Pearls Video Collection VHS, was released in the UK on October 6, 1992, on Warner Music Vision (catalogue: 7599-38284-3).

This 60-minute video compilation, tied to their 1991 album Diamonds and Pearls, featured six music videos showcasing Prince’s funk-pop brilliance and the New Power Generation’s dynamic energy. Directed by a team including Prince, Randee St. Nicholas, and others, the VHS captured the album’s vibrant aesthetic with lavish visuals, hitting No. 1 on the UK Music Video Chart and complementing the album’s global success.

VHS Overview

Tracklist:

Gett Off (4:31) – Directed by Randee St. Nicholas, a provocative club anthem video.

Cream (4:13) – Directed by Rebecca Blake, a sultry performance piece.

Diamonds and Pearls (4:45) – Directed by Prince, a romantic, cinematic ballad video.

Insatiable (6:39) – Directed by Randee St. Nicholas, a sensual slow jam.

Money Don’t Matter 2 Night (4:47) – Directed by Spike Lee, a socially conscious narrative.

Call the Law (4:16) – Directed by Prince, a lesser-known track with gritty visuals.

Release Details:

Label: Warner Music Vision (UK).

Format: VHS (PAL, 60 minutes), in a standard slipcase with artwork featuring Prince and the band in colorful, gem-inspired imagery.

Notes: ℗ & © 1992 Paisley Park Records / Warner Bros. Records Inc. Released to promote Diamonds and Pearls, the VHS was also issued in the US (October 6, 1992, catalogue: 38284-3) and other markets. Some editions included promotional stickers highlighting Spike Lee’s involvement.

Production and Context

Filmed in 1991–1992, the videos were produced by Paisley Park, with Prince overseeing creative direction. The New Power Generation—Tony M. (rap), Levi Seacer Jr. (guitar), Sonny T. (bass), Michael Bland (drums), Rosie Gaines (vocals), and Tommy Barbarella (keyboards)—brought a tight, funky sound. Shot in various locations, including Paisley Park and Los Angeles, the videos featured choreography by Lori Werner and lush visuals. Released after the album’s success, the VHS rode the wave of Diamonds and Pearls’s chart dominance, competing with MTV-driven acts like Nirvana and Michael Jackson during Prince’s symbol-name transition.

Chart Performance

The Diamonds and Pearls Video Collection was a commercial hit:

UK: No. 1 (Official Music Video Chart, compiled by Music Week), charting for 12 weeks.

US: No. 2 (Billboard Top Music Videos), certified Gold (50,000 units sold).

Australia: No. 3 (ARIA Top 40 Music Videos).

Germany: No. 5 (Media Control Video Charts).

Netherlands: No. 4.

No specific chart data for other regions like Canada or New Zealand, but the VHS sold strongly in Europe. The album’s singles, like “Cream” (UK No. 15, US No. 1), “Gett Off” (UK No. 4, US No. 21), and “Diamonds and Pearls” (UK No. 25, US No. 3), boosted its visibility.

Legacy and Collectibility

The VHS captures Prince’s early ‘90s peak, with standout videos like Spike Lee’s “Money Don’t Matter 2 Night” addressing social issues. It influenced music video storytelling, later echoed by artists like Beyoncé. Original UK VHS tapes fetch £5–£25 on Discogs, with sealed copies or promotional editions valued higher—check for PAL format and intact slipcases. The content is available on streaming platforms like YouTube (via Prince’s official channel) and included in Diamonds and Pearls deluxe reissues (2023), though the VHS’s analog charm remains a collector’s prize.

This VHS is a vibrant snapshot of Prince and the New Power Generation’s ‘90s flair—a must for music video collectors.

Do you have this Prince VHS in your collection? Which video shines brightest for you? Share in the comments!