“A Star Is Born” (1976), the Streisand-Kristofferson version, is also available in a Five Streisand DVD Gift Set.
This collection also includes “The Main Event,” “Nuts,” “Up The Sandbox,” and, best of all, Peter Bogdanovich’s exuberant screwball comedy, “What’s Up Doc” co-starring Ryan O’Neal at his most handsome, and comedienne Madeline Kahn at her funniest
The talent of Streisand, the magnetism of Kris Kristofferson and the reckless world of rock ‘n’ roll create a tolerable, if not an entirely, winning combination, in the third big-screen version of “A Star Is Born.”
This 1976 version of the classic screen love story is timed to coincide with the September release of Streisand’s 61st album (with Barry Gibb) and includes audio commentary from Streisand, a remastered Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, additional scenes and wardrobe tests, also with Streisand commentary.
In addition to the DVD debut of A Star Is Born, WHV will re-package the original Barbra Streisand Collection DVD gift set. Priced at $49.92, it will now feature five of the actress’s memorable films in all-new amaray packaging: A Star Is Born, The Main Event, Nuts, Up The Sandbox and What’s Up Doc A Star Is Born may be purchased individually at $19.97; the other four titles in the gift set will also be available separately, re-priced at $14.97.
“A Star Is Born” was nominated for four Academy Awards, and won five Golden Globes, including Best Picture, Actress, Actor and Original Score. Paul Williams, Kenny Loggins, Leon Russell and others worked with Streisand on the popular song score, topped by the Streisand/Williams hit “Evergreen” which won the Oscar as Best Original Song.
The story centers around rock star John Norman (Kristofferson) whose career has peaked. One night, after a concert, he stumbles into a club where he sees a singing group fronted by young singer Esther Hoffman (Streisand). The two quickly fall in love, although Esther has trouble with John’s rock star lifestyle. One night, a typically burned-out John lets Esther sing a few songs at one of his shows and before long she’s the talk of the record business. While Esther’s star begins to rise, John’s continues to sink, and while she desperately tries to help him clean up and focus on his music, it may be too late to save him.
The 1937 version of A Star Is Born, starring Janet Gaynor & Fredric March, captured seven Academy Award nominations and won one (Best Screenplay); the 1954 version, with Judy Garland & James Mason, was nominated for six Oscars.
A Star Is Born DVD Special Features include:
– Commentary by Barbra Streisand
– Wardrobe Tests: with commentary by Barbra Streisand. Includes montage cut to the song “Queen Bee” from the original wardrobe tests.
– Additional Scenes with Optional On/Off Commentary by Barbra Streisand
– A Star Is Born trailer gallery
– Soundtrack remastered in Dolby Digital 5.1
Streisand’s Career
Now in its fifth decade, Streisand’s extraordinary career has earned her recognition and popularity as an actress, singer, director, producer and activist. A Renaissance woman, Streisand has received two Oscars, including one for Best Actress, eleven Golden Globes, six Emmys, a Tony Award, ten Grammys, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Film Institute and others. Streisand also has achieved sales unequaled by any other female recording artist, and with 49 gold albums, she is second in the all-time charts, exceeded only by Elvis Presley.
