Barbra Streisand: The Television Specials Preview
Saturday, 12-Nov-2005 8:46 AM

The Television Specials are here on DVD ... finally! Rhino Home Video has done an excellent job on the packaging. Inside the die-cut box is a 10-panel DigiPak that unfolds and holds the 5 DVDs. Pre-Order from Amazon.com >>

The packaging is gorgeous down to the details ... When you remove the DVDs from the DigiPak, a Streisand "timeline" is revealed behind them. In the picture below, you can see that behind the "Central Park" disc is a timeline of things that happened to Barbra in 1968.

The DigiPak has gorgeous photos of Streisand on the back, too ...

Finally, the booklet that comes with the set is first-rate:

With Barbra herself credited with "Art Direction", the burgundy and black art deco booklet features loads of liner notes by Jay Landers and Richard Jay-Alexander, as well as some rare photos.

The Specials ... How Are They After All These Years?

I must say I am thrilled by this set. Every Streisand fan will be, too. Quality is definitely on display. We may have had to wait for, in some instances, 38 years, for these specials to be available on home video. Most, I'm sure, will agree that the wait was worth it.

First things first .... There are no bonus materials on the discs. No extra "Central Park" footage. This is not a negative thing, and I'm sure most of you will not feel slighted at all. Again, these discs were done so well, my glass is feeling "half full" (rather than "half empty") as far as finally having these television specials for my home viewing pleasure. Also, as you will read below, they did manage to sneak in a certain alternate version of a song!

My Name is Barbra

(DVD Menu)

Viewers can choose to watch all the shows in the original mono sound mix, in 2-channel stereo, or in a new 5.1 mix. Barbra's original 1987 introduction is included here.

This 1965 special looks and sounds great. Fans will be very surprised to know that someone on the Streisand team has put in an alternate performance in the Act Three concert segment. I'll let the specifics stay secret so that you will all be surprised. But make sure you save your old VHS tapes so that you will have *both* versions! (I prefer the new version...)

Color Me Barbra

From the colorful and playful DVD menu, through the end of this 1966 concert, things are looking (and sounding) good! Nothing new to report here. They've definitely cleaned up the videotape editing glitches that were evident in the 1987 video release (especially in "Gotta Move"). Barbra's original 1987 introduction is included (she looks beautiful in white!).

Belle of 14th Street

Finally on DVD!! After years of watching a scratchy, faded bootleg copy on VHS, Belle of 14th Street has arrived! To hear the opening animated number, "I Don't Care" in 5.1 sound is a gift from Rhino Home Video!

Belle has always been a favorite of mine. Despite its horrible reputation, I think Streisand fans will appreciate Belle for its period recreation of vaudeville, as well as the great songs. I have a warm place in my heart for The Mongers (the Shakespeare troupe that performs the 11-minute version of "The Tempest"). How can you not laugh hysterically at Barbra's fabulous wig and Southern accent?! Just hilarious!!

Another favorite moment of mine from Belle is the song, "Everybody Loves My Baby". This arrangement is so spectacular and fun, really giving Barbra a chance to show off. I can't believe they never released a soundtrack album for this show. Oh well ... now we have the DVD!

A Happening in Central Park

Barbra's 1987 introduction is included. Again, the show has not been changed or altered in any way, although the vibrant colors of Barbra's gowns look extra-gorgeous. The new sound mix is superlative, though. This DVD has a fun, very animated menu with shooting stars.

"Natural Sounds" has always been my favorite number from this television special. Simply beautiful! The way it is filmed is just perfect.

Barbra Streisand and Other Musical Instruments

This is the first DVD I put into my player ... I simply love this television special. Like Belle, I have only seen it on a 1,000th generation VHS bootleg dub. Musical Instruments has a gorgeous set, lighting and videography. Streisand looks *gorgeous* throughout the special.

Musical Instruments has my favorite menu design out of the bunch. The song selection is illustrated on a music stand — very cool!

Who knew? She wears a nose ring in the "Johnny One Note" number?! The magic of remastered DVDs in evidence!

I've said it for years, and it is so good to see it on this DVD, but "I Never Has Seen Snow" is Streisand perfection. "Snow" is my favorite song ... ever. It's so nice to hear this version, which differs slightly from the soundtrack version.

Also, "Sing/Make Your Own Kind of Music" is fantastic. Barbra turns in some stellar vocals on the opening number. Again, I can't believe this track was never released!

Stay Tuned ...

The liner notes end with a promising note. Revealing that Barbra would not make another television special for 13 years following Musical Instruments, the booklet ends with: "Stay tuned..."

I am completely happy with this box set from Rhino. The quality of the video and the artistic design of the package is to be commended.