Search - Barbra Streisand :: Movie Album [Limited Edition with Bonus DVD]

Nobody does it better

Michael A. Roman | Chicago, IL United States | 10/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Barbra proves once again that she's the consummate musical story teller. Her voice simply sails, soars and utterly delights in her latest gift of song, The Movie Album.  But they're not just songs, they're mini-screenplays -- stories of love, hope, and self-realization, each one delicately marked with that special brand of Streisand wisdom.  From beginning to end, Barbra takes you with her on this lush, romantic, magical journey. The DVD disc is wonderful, as it gives fans a rare glimpse of Barbra in the recording studio creating this masterpiece.  Do yourself a favor and 'buy a ticket' to The Movie Album.  Just like a great movie, it's the ultimate in wonder-filled escapism."

Streisand Creates A Movie Marvel

10/15/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Barbra Streisand's latest CD release, "The Movie Album" is an emotion-filled ride through some of cinema's most treasured movies and the music that made them great. Streisand's lush rendition of each tune is, in some ways typical Streisand, but there seems to be so much heart in the delivery of the lyrics that the music is truly something quite special. The arrangements and orchestrations are superb and each of the tunes are mixed to perfection. Barbara Streisand is probably the quintessential perfectionist and it shows in this album; each aspect of the presentation is absolutely fantastic."

If only there were more... (DVD)

Victor Vail | Rockville, MD USA | 12/12/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've already reviewed the Movie Album CD - so this review will pertain only to the "bonus" DVD.I gave the CD a "so-so" review (she's still got a great voice, just a disappointing song selection. set of arrangements, & general lack of "spark" in her performances...) - the DVD is another story.I think I like the DVD more than the CD itself. The 2 songs that we're given on the DVD are haunting - the visuals of her singing keep playing in my mind, days later. Watching her singing - to actually SEE her face in close-up singing these songs - made me realize how much I've missed her... how much I've missed seeing her singing on TV over the years... It's a great face - and I wish there were more of her on the DVD... BUT - 2 songs is what we're given.OK. So all we get are 2 songs. But, these 2 songs are performed well - filmed well, too. Her face - like her voice - has matured. Both voice & face remain unique - and beautiful. It's interesting to see the "life-lines" that appear here & there (I'm so glad they didn't "soft-focus" her to death - ala Lucy in MAME), so we can actually SEE her face... It's fascinating to see this face of hers as she creates the Streisand "sound." Fascinating to watch her, too, in an environment she obviously feels comfortable in - the recording studio. I recommend the DVD for that alone.Also, the vocals on the DVD are not the same as on the CD. That, too, is worth the price.My disappointment? Track 3 - the narrative. Why an audio narrative over a still photo - for a DVD? You wind up sitting in front of the screen watching a still photo for minutes & minutes... Doesn't make sense. Why wasn't this an actual "live" interview - with a "moving image"of her? For those of us that truly appreciate Streisand as an artist, there just isn't enough of her out there... The bonus of having a "live" VISUAL interview would've been nice. The audio-only interview is sort of strange - and not worth it.In short, the lady's still great. The CD's a little disappointing - as is the DVD - but this package is still worth the price."