Barbra Streisand - Timeless: Live in Concert

Barbra Streisand - Timeless: Live in Concert
by Barbra Streisand, Kenny Ortega

List Price: $17.98
Our Price: $11.18
You Save: $6.80 (38%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $2.18 (click here)
Category: DVD
See more DVD releases

DVD Cover Information

Movie Reviews of Barbra Streisand - Timeless: Live in Concert

Movie Review: "Timeless" on VIDEO far superior to Fox TV special!
Summary: 5 Stars

First of all, I must finally say that Barbra is indeed a gracious duet partner. She yields the stage quite equally to Lauren Frost in "Something's Coming", shows wonderous restraint in the mock video duet with Frank Sinatra and has shown over the years that even singers of far less quality are not upstaged by her.

To be certain, we have all her classic standards such as "People", "Happys Days...", "Evergreen", "Somewhere" etc., but this concert is most notable for the new material and some of it is electrifying. On "Cry Me A River", Barbra does not end with that slightly higher sounding "Yooooou" but rather with a far more satisfying and beautitifully sustained lower note. "Lover Come Back To Me" is just pure magic and it is here that you see how much more relaxed Barbra is than the 1994 concert. The "Funny Girl" medley is delightful in that we see a bit of Barbra the actress here. I've never cared much for "A Sleepin Bee" but Barbra's performane here redeems it somewhat in my eyes.Her rendition of "Something Wonderful" is angelic and her "Being Alive" was for me the 1st major high point in the concert. "Alfie" could easily have been the one promo-video from the concert as I think it is the perfect type of song for Barbra's voice. The "Yentl" medley here was an interesting variation on the 1994 version and equally satisfying.

The 2nd Act opens with "Putting It Together" and incorporates statements of affection for Barbra by audience members as well as various clips of her work over the years. As Barbra reappears in a majestic gown, she launches into thoroughly enjoyable takes of "On A Clear Day" & "Send in the Clowns".

My fondest memory of the concert was "The Main Event" as it was so unexpected. I remember each of us in the audience spontaneously reaching for our little fiberoptic Duracell "flashlights" and cheering Barbra on throughout this exciting and gloriously uptempo version of her only solo dance hit! [Interestingly, there was no mention of her duet with Donna Summer at any point, and this was one of her biggest #1 hits. I suspect that there was no video footage to use and the fact that Donna Summer tried to get a laugh at Barbra's expense during HER concert possibly has something to do with it... payback Barbra style...?!] [Also, the duet footage with Ray Charles that WAS shown that night, was also cut from the CD and video. I have my own ideas for this, though not appropriate for here...]

Barbra was clearly surprised/delighted by the response to "The Main Event/Fight" and I hope that she will see this as a clear sign that MANY of her fans HAVE greatly enjoyed her forays into dance music. ["Promises", "Emotion", "Time Machine" etc.] I hear she is considering a 2nd Christmas collection of songs for this year, but I have to say I am tiring of the same TYPES of music. Where is the experimental Barbra? The one who would take chances. "A Love Like Ours" has sold no more copies than "Emotion" which was far more cntemporary in feel! How about an album of upbeat songs or at least an album with songs that are re-mix friendly. An album that might be called "NIGHTLIGHT"!

Oh well, I can dream! But if you could experience the energy of the crowd during "The Main Event" it wouldn't seem so crazy!

Barbra exits to return shortly thereafter with "I've Dreamed of You", which is now one of my favorites but took a LONG time to grow on me! The New Years Eve songs are wonderful but naturally dated. However, Barbra's "Happy Days" is among her best live performances of the song. For me the ONE defintive magical momement was "I Believe/Somewhere" when Barbra turned around and belted out the final three words a 2nd time... WHEW!

If the audience seemed a bit more laid back at this concert than the 1994 one, I think much of this had to due with the fact that it was incredibly hot in the arena and with so much anxiety and anticipation, Barbra's "surprise" entrance took a few momemnts to register. This was no grand entrance like 1994.

I'm sad "Simple Pleasures" was not included on the video or even her 12/31/99 additonal performance of the "The Music That Makes Me Dance"... I mean, this could have been a BONUS track on the DVD or something...

Also, I wish Barbra would do live versions of "Memory". "Woman In Love"... could you imagine if Barbra had opened this concert with "Woman In Love"... now THAT would have been awesome! Though Barbra has decided not to do anymore live full length concerts, I'm sure she will perform a few songs at the occasional benefit. I hope she revisits some of her biggest hits tat she has never done live.

Overall though... this show was incredible... well worth the money at almost ANY price and I'm glad I have this reminder of one of the most incredible nights in my life! Thanks Barbra!

Summary of Barbra Streisand - Timeless: Live in Concert