Search - Barbra Streisand - The Concert Live at the MGM Grand (Jewel Case) on DVD

Never Before Released Streisand Concert

Matt Howe | Washington, DC | 02/21/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Why buy this DVD when you saw the special on HBO? Because this DVD, filmed on Dec. 31, 1993 and Jan. 1, 1994 has never been released. If you thought the HBO special was exciting, wait till you see this DVD -- when the audience at Las Vegas' MGM Grand greeted Barbra with a 10-minute standing ovation. This was the historic return to live performing that Streisand fans waited for.The song line-up for THE CONCERT: LIVE AT THE MGM GRAND resembles the HBO special, with a few exceptions. Never before heard on this new DVD are "I'm in the Mood For Love / Speak Low / Guilty", "What Is This Thing Called Love?", and the Disney medley. A special appearance by Mike Meyers as his SNL character Linda Richman is another bonus on this DVD. He and Barbra do a funny skit utilizing various Jewish expressions.The MGM concert varies from the HBO concert in several other ways: "I'm Still Here/Everybody Says Don't/Don't Rain on My Parade" is longer, with more lyrics by Sondheim for "I'm Still Here". "Lover Man" is longer as is "I'll Know". Barbra's pyschiatrist skits in the first act feature a different script that varies slightly from the Anaheim show.Most importantly, the reason to own this DVD is because Barbra wears that gorgeous empire-waisted, split-up-the-middle dress in the first act!! Also, Barbra's voice is in exquisite form during the Vegas concert. Sony & Barbra's people have done fans a great favor in releasing the MGM Grand concert for home video.It's been 10 years since Barbra sang "As If We Never Said Goodbye" as her opening song. Now, after watching LIVE AT THE MGM GRAND, you'll remember why Linda Richman said Barbra was "like buttah.""

DAZZLING STREISAND CONCERT TOUR-DE-FORCE~BRAVO!!!

Bradly Briggs | TOLUCA LAKE, CALIFORNIA | 04/11/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Barbra Streisand hit the concert stage in 1980 in Los Angeles at the Dorothy Chandler in a Marilyn & Alan Bergman Tribute Concert and was totally electrifying and brilliant beyond description! The finale was Barbra doing what at first appeared to be a solo version of "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" only to be joined from rear orchestra by an unannounced Neil Diamond for a stunning and showstopping duet!!! This night was a spoiler so nothing has come close to this great event until "Live At The MGM Grand"!! What an extraordinary event with Barbra giving the most raw and passionate performance ever to be captured on film in her amazing career. Opening strong with a show-stopping "As If We Never Said Goodbye" then gliding into a brilliant medley which ends with an exhuberant "Don't Rain On My Parade", it is clear that Barbra is a her absolute peak with nothing held back!!!! Charming and winning in her Marlon Brando duet then deeply passionate in the definitive version of "People", Barbra then thrills with a burning "Lover Man (Oh, Where Can You Be?)". Cole Porter's classic "What Is This Thing Called Love?" is spellbinding and "On A Clear Day" is pure magical bliss that hits wonderful heights!! Comic moments are great throughtout and the special Linda Richman skit is great fun!! The beauty of a Mother's love is incredibly moving in "Not While I'm Around" sung to a handsome Jason and "Ordinary Miracles" is just plain riveting with Barbra at her vocal and emotional peak!! Moments shared with Barbra's Mother and President Clinton's Mother are special and the dedication to their memory at the finale is another of the many moving moments in this extraordinary and historic event!! This is a concert that reminds one how incredibly gifted this legend is and how her talent is incomparable when she is moved and inspired to do her best!! Barbra was moved and inspired on this great evening and did she ever deliver!!! Don't miss this spectacular performance!!! Bravo Barbra!!!!"

Excellent Variation!

Chris Sullivan | Chicago, IL | 04/15/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"True, these were the shows that would lay the groundwork for what would become "Barbra - The Concert". The enormously successful HBO special and the quadruple platinum video/multi platinum album. True, some of the highlights of that concert...the Yentl medley, "Somewhere", "Lazy Afternoon" and "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life" are not included here, much to my disappointment (it would have been VERY wise of Columbia to include Barbra's closing night in NYC version of "Somewhere" as an extra on this disc... the one that was aired on the Sony Jumbotron out over Times Square...)Still, THIS version of THE CONCERT is riveting for a number or reasons. First, Barbra is far more "raw" here... arms swinging, hands gesturing at a rapid fire pace... Barbra is clearly enjoying herself and says so more than once.What I LOVE on this disc is the extended version of "I'm Still Here" (God, you have to love the line "Why can't she shut up and sing!" - A good many Republicans would no doubt agree!) and then into a longer version of "Everbody Says Don't"."What Is This Thing Called Love" was an INSTANT favorite! A jazzy, bossa nova version of the Cole Porter classic as only Barbra can do it.The "I'm In the Mood For Love/Speak Low/Guilty" medley was wonderful and her rendition of "Ordinary Miracles" is better here than the original concert version. A very touching introduction to the song as well.The Disney medley was OK and although Barbra did not go out with a bang with "Somewhere" but with a sweet "For All We Know", I can say that this disc is electrifying.I would have preferred that Barbra use the opening sequence from the original where she brushes back here hair just at the moment we first see her backstage as opposed to what we have here... but this way the two concerts are unique enough from each other and each has it's own very special feel.THIS version is for me, equal to, and in some ways superior to the version that originally aired because Barbra is so electric.Here's hoping that the gossip mill stating she will sing live again for John Kerry is true!Paul McCartney once sang.. "Some people want to fill the world with silly love songs... what's wrong with that... I'd like to know..."... I agree.God Bless Barbra Streisand for all the joy, hope and inspiration she has brought and continues to bring to this country... now more than ever!Chris Sullivan"

OUT STANDING!

William K. Mccormick | Freeport Long Island N.Y. | 11/05/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Loved it from start to finish! Not only does Barbara Sing at her finest, she chats with you like your old friends. Has some cute&Funny bits as well. The audio 5.1 is quite good I would have enjoyed the "DTS" that much more BUT this is a great concert.The Title says it all " THE CONCERT" and it is! I watch it on my 56" DLP Projection TV and my Bose LifeStiles 35s Home Theater system. If you enjoy Barbars talent As I do, than this is a must have! Bill M"