Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		5.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		4.0

Streisand: Live in Concert 2006 Blu-ray Movie Review

Fans of Barbra Streisand will be delighted with the recently released by Universal Music Streisand: Live in Concert 2006. The Blu-ray disc contains the previously released on DVD concert-film, where the star is seen performing in front of an enthusiastic crowd in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. This is a rather long but very entertaining show, which was first aired on CBS on April 29, 3009.

The show begins with the original Broadway version of “Funny Girl”. Then, Streisand delivers a lovely performance of “Starting Here, Starting Now”, a song that most of you probably remember was produced in the late 70s. Next are “Down With Love”, the unforgettable “The Way We Were” and the lovely French tune Streisand wrote many years ago “Ma Premiere Chanson”.

Il Divo, the hugely popular international operatic quartet, join Streisand for “Evergreen”. Then, the four singers treat the audience with a lovely rendition of Franck Sinatra’s “My Way”. Immediately after that Streisand sings “Come Rain Or Come Shine”, “Funny Girl”, “The Music That Makes Me Dance”, “My Man” and ”People” (all with lovely arrangements by Bill Ross).

The second part of the show begins with a lovely rendition of “Music of The Night” performed by Streisand and Il Divo. Next are “Jason's Theme”,”Carefully Taught / Children Will Listen”,”Unusual Way” and “What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life”.

Probably the most entertaining part of the entire show is right before Streisand performs “Stoney End”. She reaches into a large black vase where many of her fans have left questions for her before they entered the venue. Streisand reads a few of them and gives some truly original answers. Then, she proceeds to sing “Happy Days Are Here Again”,”(Have I Stayed) To Long At The Fair?”, “The Time Of Your Life”,”A Cockeyed Optimist, Somewhere” (with Il Divo), ”My Shining Hour”,”Don't Rain On My Parade (Reprise)” and ”Smile”.

I have to admit that I have never been a big fan of Streisand, the actor. Funny Girl (1968), What’s up Doc? (1972), and especially The Way We Were (1973), a film that many adore, never resonated well with me. I’ve seen these films many times during the years, but never warmed up to them. Nevertheless, I understand perfectly that Streisand is an iconic figure, someone whose work will be remembered forever.

Streisand: Live in Concert 2006 is a terrific opportunity to revisit some of the Streisand’s greatest hits. It is exceptionally well produced and directed. Special guests Il Divo are also a pleasure to behold. In fact, I am certain that after you hear how good they are, many of your will end up seeking their CDs.

Finally, I wish to quickly point out that this Blu-ray release, courtesy of Universal Music, does not port everything the distributors offered on their SDVD release of Streisand: The Concerts. Specifically, the Blu-ray disc does not contain Live at the Arrowhead Pond, Anaheim, July 1994 and Putting it Together – The Making Of The Broadway Album.

A Night to Remember

Streisand: Live in Concert 2006 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented IN an aspect ratio of 1.78:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Streisand: Live in Concert arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Universal Music.

This is a very impressive transfer. Contrast is impeccable, detail stunning and clarity excellent. Multiple, strategically positioned cameras have been used to capture the large stage where Barbra Streisand performs, and all of them provide terrific looks at the star and the orchestra. The close-ups in particular look outstanding. The color-scheme is equally strong. The multiple spotlights for example look exceptional when they follow Barbra Streisand and Il Divo.

As mentioned above, the entire concert is filmed in 1080p, not 1080i. As a result, there is absolutely no motion-judder whatsoever. The image is smooth, crystal cleat and notably stable. Furthermore, neither edge-enhancement nor macroblocking are an issue of concern with this transfer. Finally, there are no specks, scratches or other print imperfections that I detected. (Note: This is a Region-A "locked" release. Therefore, unless you have a native Region-A or Region-Free player, you will not be able to access the disc's content).

Streisand: Live in Concert 2006 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There are three audio tracks on this Blu-ray disc: LPCM 5.1, LPCM 2.0 and Dolby Digital 5.1. I opted for the LPCM 5.1 track and later on did a few random comparisons with the other two tracks for the purpose of this review.

The audio treatment very much resembles the video treatment. The bass is deep and potent, the high frequencies not overdone and the rear channels intelligently used. The balance between the singers and the orchestra is also very convincing. The string section for example never overpowers Barbra Streisand (listen to the jazzy Down With Love). When Il Divo join Barbra Streisand, the LPCM 5.1 track becomes even more impressive. The clarity and richness of sound are exceptional. This being said, as someone who pays very close attention to detail, I wish that the mid-range frequencies were not as subdued as they are on this disc. For the record, I did not detect any disturbing dropouts, pops, clicks, or hissings.

The LPCM 2.0 does not convey the same dynamic characteristics the LPCM 5.1 track has – listen to Il Divo's songs in the supplemental features section and test them with the three audio options the Blu-ray disc offers – but it is nevertheless quite pleasing. This being said, there are no crucial improvements in terms of balance. The dynamic amplitude of the LPCM 2.0 track is also inferior to that of the LPCM 5.1 track. The easiest way to hear the difference between the two tracks is to listen to specific portions of the concert where different sections from the orchestra (strings or brass) are brought forward.

The Dolby Digital 5.1 track is of good quality. Once again, however, because the LPCM 5.1 track is exceptionally well mixed, it is incredibly easy to hear that the Dolby Digital 5.1 track simply does not offer the same listening experience. Again, I urge you to compare the Dolby Digital 5.1 track with the LPCM 5.1 track when the orchestra is prominent.

Streisand: Live in Concert 2006 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Nobody's Heart (Belongs To Me) / When The Sun Comes Out - last performed by Barbra Streisand when she was eighteen years old, at the Bon Soir in Greenwich Village, New York (1080p).

The Woman On The Moon - Final U.S Tour Concert, Los Angeles, November 21, 2006 (1080p).

Senza Catene - performed by Il Divo (1080p).

Regresa A Mi - performed by Il Divo (1080p).

Interviews / Behind The Scenes - the people behind the scenes - Marty Erlichman, Bill Ross, Jay Landers, Richard J. Alexander, Gary Smith, share their thoughts on the tour, what it means to them, what type of memories it brings back about Barbra Streisand and her music, what it means to work with her, etc. (1080p, 6 min).

Interview - The Streisand Foundation - Executive Director Marge Tabankin talks about her relationship with Barbra Streisand, the star's dedication to help those in need of help, how the foundation came to exist, etc. (1080p, 11 min).

Streisand: Live in Concert 2006 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Fans of Barbra Streisand should definitely take a look at this very attractively priced Blu-ray release. Streisand: Live in Concert 2006 is a lovely concert-film that I am convinced you will enjoy. The disc, courtesy of Universal Music, sounds good and looks terrific. Recommended.