Search - Inside The Actors Studio: Barbra Streisand on DVD

Streisand More Documented Than Revealed But Still a Most Enj

Ed Uyeshima | San Francisco, CA USA | 09/27/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I will state the obvious and say your enjoyment of this DVD will depend entirely on how much admiration you have for Barbra Streisand, an inarguable legend, a multi-hyphenated megatalent and a most polarizing figure among the general public. James Lipton has been conducting these substantive, non-controversial interviews for over a dozen years and consistently infiltrates each show with the sometimes mind-numbing depth of research he gathers in preparation, i.e., his voluminous stack of blue index cards. His approach to interviewing Streisand in 2003 is no different, and in response, after a tentative beginning, she is forthcoming in her particularly idiosyncratic manner - sometimes erudite, sometimes abrupt, and sometimes snappily funny. In other words, a pure, unfettered Streisand is presented here, and at 61, she looks terrific.

He starts the conversation by probing her about her origins in Brooklyn and tracking her professional history chronologically through documented milestones and achievements. The difference between Lipton and other talk show hosts - in particular, Mike Wallace's infamously harsh profile on 60 Minutes in 1991 - is that he does not dwell on tabloid gossip or personal exposés but rather draws out what it took for Streisand to achieve certain noteworthy performances or accomplishments. Given the time he spends explaining the hurdles he had to overcome to get her to come on the show, Lipton seems particularly worshipful and has her discuss her singing career and politics as much as her acting and filmmaking ventures. Of course, she is subjected to the familiar Bernard Pivot questionnaire, which yields some insightful responses despite its veneer of pretense, and this is followed by a more open-ended Q&A with the drama school students. This one is truly for her fans."

Barbara is reachable.......candid.......and sincere.

Michael G. Warner | Indianapolis,IN | 08/30/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If your preception of Barbara Streisand is that she is some " un-reachable " Super Star..........this CD will dispell that sterotype.

Open....frank.......and quick wit occupy the interview.

You'll be suprised to find out, when asked, what Barbara's favorite sound is !"

A wonderful treasure

HawaiiMann | Hawaii | 10/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great interview. If you are a film student, an artist, theatre person or interested in learning about your career and how to approach it view this DVD. It will give you a great insight into the concept of passion, perseverance and tenacity in the creative field."

Must have/see for all Barbra fans

APIMom1999 | Memphis, Tn United States | 04/17/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow! For major league fans, a must see, for those who are on the fence, you won't be after you see this very unguarded, relaxed, insightful, and at times intimate interview. My only beef is that the actual interview was almost 6 hours long, but only 1.4 hours made it to the DVD...what a huge shame. I am a medium BS fan, but find myself now even more in awe of her accomplishments and looking at and enjoying her work from a new perspective thanks to this interview."