A Star is Born

I was really happy to find this DVD on Amazon. I received it very quickly & the quality is perfect!

i enjoyed this movie from start to the near end. the ending was plausible, but a bit of a downer. i would have done a different ending, good movie, great soundtrack.

If you want to see the worst of 4 versions of the same story (twice done in the '30s, then once in the '50s with Judy Garland probably the best and this turkey) then you can start with this dud. One mistake was to set it in a rock period plus from what I heard from various sources, Streisand fired several directors before settling on Frank Pierson (Dog Day Afternoon)--someone she could control. I know many fans believe that la Babara can do no wrong but she was clearly off base with this remake or revision and "Yentil". In all fairness, she still has one of the most glorious voices of all time but as for her acting, forget it. The last musical that I found at least entertaining of hers was "On A Clear Day You Can See Forever" directed by Vicente Minelli and scored by the great Nelson Riddle, whom who had a struggle dealing with La Streisand's ego. If you want to see a decent version of this story, either check out the 1937 version with Janet Gaynor or my favorite, the 1955 one with Judy Garland and James Mason in one of his best performances. Kris Kristopherson, thankfully, has improved since this picture.

im watching the movie now, at this moment. i love this movie, directed by frank pierson, who dirested SOLDIERS GIRL. this is a great classic for music fans, love streisand

This arrived very fast & in perfect shape, brand new. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed this movie! Thank you for such great service.

This movie is soulful and true to its story. Kristofferson and Streisand have so much passion creating so much heat between the two of them. I also feel it is Streisand at her absolute honest best. The sound, the feel, the love. All a must for a collectors collection. I love it.

"A Star is Born" (1937) won an Oscar for Best Writing, Original Story. Fredric March and Janet Gaynor, the two leads, were also nominated, as were the director and assistant director. Dorothy Parker was nominated along with the other screenplay writers, and it was also nominated for Best Picture.

"A Star is Born" (1954) was nominated for six Oscars. Best Art Direction, Costume Design, Musical Scoring, and "The Man That Got Away" was nominated for best song. The two leads, James Mason and Judy Garland, were nominated, and Garland lost to Grace Kelly by only six votes. Groucho Marx called that "the biggest robbery since Brink's."

"A Star is Born" (1976) won an Oscar for best song, "Evergreen." It was also nominated for Best Cinematography, Musical Scoring, and Sound. Streisand and Kristofferson, the two leads, were not nominated. Despite it being the second highest grossing film of 1976, and winning that Oscar, it wasn't a very good movie. Like the fashions of 1976, some very poor choices were made, and looking back we cringe to see them.

Speaking of fashion, the clothes Barbra Streisand wore were horrible, and yet in the credits it said the clothes were from Barbra Streisand's closet. Like some people whose names I won't mention (not that there's anything wrong with it), they should have stayed in the closet. What was up with those white shorts and the shirt with the Superman logo? Don't even get me started on the hair, Barbra. Harpo Marx called. He wants his hair back.

Who WASN'T miscast? Gary Busey as the tour manager, a stable presence? Kris Kristofferson, a great songwriter and country performer, is no rock singer, let alone rock star. He is not even convincing as a has been rock star. When Johnny Cash heard the demo for "Sunday Morning Coming Down" he said "The man's a poet, but he can't sing." Kris Kristofferson certainly has a lot of charisma and stage presence, he even had a little chemistry in the love scenes with Barbra, but what he wasn't was credible. I didn't see him with her, or vice versa. I didn't see him as recognizing her talent, not that she displayed any. In the scene where he "discovers" her, the song just isn't very good. And as the white filling in a group called The Oreos, why was she the only one with an Afro?

Later, Kris is trying to make a comeback, playing at some benefit, but he stops mid-song and has Esther (Barbra) go on instead. Of course, even though it made no sense, Kris' band, Speedway, a crude bar band, somehow knew her arrangement, had it orchestrated with strings, and followed the diva's dynamics -- from soft, barely audible beginning, to bravura ending where she flexes those vocal cords of steel! At least Richard Simmons liked it.

I did like the scene in the studio where they recorded "Evergreen." It was recorded live, as Barbra didn't think lip synching looked convincing in close up, and though Kris Kristofferson is nowhere near the singer that Barbra is, he makes a charming and valiant effort. I love that song, especially the part where she holds the pedal tone at the end as the chords change under her. She has credit for writing the music, and Paul Williams only has a credit as a lyricist, but I hear that she claimed she wrote the whole song. What I want to know is, who wrote those chords under the note that she is holding? The song is pretty pedestrian up to that point, but then that ending is so harmonically dramatic.

Bottom line, the third time is definitely NOT the charm for A Star is Born, but this overblown movie is fun to watch, nevertheless, if only to cringe at 'the way we were' in the bicentennial year.

Powder Blue (2009) Kris Kristofferson was Randall
Trouble in Mind (1985) Kris Kristofferson was Hawk
Songwriter (1984) Kris Kristofferson was Blackie Buck
The Sailor Who Fell From Grace With the Sea (1976) Kris Kristofferson was Jim
The Way We Were (Special Edition) (1973) Barbra Streisand was Katie Morosky
The Owl And The Pussycat (1970) Barbra Streisand was Doris
On a Clear Day You Can See Forever (1970) Barbra Streisand was Daisy Gamble
Funny Girl (1968) Barbra Streisand was Fanny Brice
A Star Is Born (1954) Judy Garland, James Mason
A Star Is Born (1937) Janet Gaynor, Fredric March

BTW, Barbra is releasing a new album in a few days and I can't hardly wait to hear her do "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning." It is coming out on 9/29/2009. I have the feeling that this album is going to be incredible, a career milestone. She is a great singer and her voice is "like buttah."

My husband and I saw this movie when it was first made. It inspired us to choose the theme song for our wedding dance. Now, it is good to watch it again.

My husband and I have always liked Barbara Streisand and Kris Kristopherson and the clarity of the movie is much better on DVD than on VHS. The service from Amazon was very quick.

When this movie first came out, my friends and I saw this movie around 5 times in the theatre. I was a HUGE Streisand fan. Just watched it for the first time since then and must say it is still a wonderful movie. Some things are dated but the movie has aged well. The music includes several songs that still sound good and fresh today. The craziness surrounding celebrities was well enacted although it is probably a 100 times worse now for celebrities. Kris Kristofferson perfectly conveyed the heart and soul of JOhn Norman; you feel how lost he is at the beginning of the movie then his love and pride for Esther and understand his decisions to further her career as well as his anguish when he realizes he destroyed his career. Streisand is an amazing talent...to be able to sing like that...what a gift she has! Her acting isn't as good as I remember. Don't get me wrong, she is still better than most, but her mannerisms become annoying. She exudes confidence and owns the stage when performing so had trouble accepting her as a struggling singer. But this is a minor point because this is such a good movie. So my recommendation is to buy the DVD and enjoy it!

The first time I saw this movie, I knew it would be a favorite of mine forever. I cried so hard at the end the first time I saw it. Even now after all these years, it still brings tears to my eyes.

Thanks, Amazon, for making it possible to get "oldies but goodies" and at the best price available. And with speed.
Brenda

Barbra Streisand does it all, sings, acts, and makes you feel her pain. Love the movie, love her singing, watch this and you will not be disappointed.

This is one of my all time favorites of the remakes of this great story = I still like the Judy Garland version but like the updated version of this one with Kris Christofferson - loved the music and the whole film - it is a "keeper" in my collection of films - and will be a good gift selection in the future for friends who see this one and want their own. - Appreciate the fast service -
Thanks

I love this movie. Both Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson are amazing. Love the music, especially the "Finale"!!

I was a teenager when this came out and everyone went to see it. I was not very critical then, but remember thinking that this was nauseating. Barbra Streisand is undeniably talented but incapable of setting her vanity aside in the interest of making a decent movie. And the camera is cruel. She's too ugly to have ever been convincing as an object of passionate desire in any movie. On stage at a distance, she could get away with it. In a movie like Funny Girl, where the guy was interested in her earning potential (and the director kept her monumental ego under control), her looks were not a hindrance. Her version of "A Star is Born" is simply a ridiculous waste of time. Don't like those kinds of songs, either, though I know some people do.

One of my all time favorite, I've seen it 4-5 times. The extra features with Barbra's commentaries are wonderful. This movie is timeless and great fun for any one who hasn't seen it. Buy it or rent it but definately See it!

I do love this movie. Pure escapism and entertainment. What's wrong with that? I don't particularly think Kris K. was the best choice for the part, but he did have that burned out old hippie sensibility and he really did a fine acting job, conveyed sensitivity and the low self esteem of his character. Barbra was charismatic and despite that really bad hairdo, quite adorable. Her singing and phrasing are just phenominal. Listen to her commentary, very enlightening and fascinating! I love how they did all the music live ! She explains why, and it really is what adds so much warmth and excitement to the music scenes. Such a 70's Los Angeles feel!
I shocked myself, after not seeing this movie for years, when I recently watched it again, damn! I needed Kleenex!! I could not believe this shmaltzy corny movie ( which I do love however) got me all teary eyed! There is something about Barbra's warmth and talent...I swear, people like to bash her, but really, there are little to no "stars" like her anymore. The woman is gifted, truly.

I remember the first time I watched this film on cinema. A special feeling was inside my heart after watching it, perhaps love, emotion or sadness because of the story. This film was so famous in the 70s not only for the main actress B. Straisand but also for the main song "Evergreen". Don't miss it for your DVD private collection and enjoy it as I do.

Barbra Streisand is Terrific. A Good movie. Academy Award winning actress Barbra Streisand picked up a Song of the Year Academy Award for the song 'Evergreen' (many people say that her friend Hillary Clinton is Evergreen: she Earned more votes in the 2008 Presidential Primary race than any of her rivals, and Earned more votes than any Presidential Primary candidate in history)

'A Star is Born' was one of my all-time favorite movies back in the day. While on a cruise recently, the performers did a tribute to musicals and they featured songs from the movie. Naturally, when I got home, I had to watch it again. I still love it just as much, and I still cried like a teenage girl at the end. 'A Star is Born' is one of those magical movies that reflects the mood of its time, yet transcends that era as a timeless love story.

An interesting aside: I remember watching 'A Star is Born' way back when and thinking that Barbara Streisand's wardrobe was so classy. At the end of the movie, the credits read, "Ms. Streisand's wardrobe from... her closet" I thought that was the neatest thing, and I still think her clothes were just gorgeous in the movie.

A definite "must see".

This is a great movie from way back- the movie is a remake with Barbra Striesand- if you love her voice as I do, you will love this movie. Glad I purchased it for my dvd library.

I absolutely loved this movie. The love story is very touching and the music is awesome. It is a wonderful remake of a classic movie.

I saw this movie back in the 70's...purchased it on DVD and watched again... 25 years later !? -- Love it...you can see and feel the passion and love that these two "stars" feels for each other. Sweet movie.

This is one of my favorite old movies. Of course, by today's standards it is quite corny, but for its time it was outstanding. The music is wonderful, and the story is timeless. Watching it again so many years later is a pleasure.A Star Is Born

I bought this DVD for my girlfriend's aunt for Christmas and it may have been her favorite gift. She is a big fan of both stars and a big fan of this movie, so she was happy to receive this gift.

I love this movie. We had such a hard time finding it. Made a great Christmas present.

This is one of my very favorite movies of all time. It is so sad but I love it.

This is the first review I've ever written in my life but this movie was soooooooooo bad that I had to save people the agony of watching it.
If you value your time and taste then stay away. This movie really offended me; she is sooo full of herself and annoying throughout the whole movie. The whole time I was cringing and wondering why anyone would put her in that role, why didn't they see how bad it was going from the very start but then I got my answer at the end when I found out she was the executive producer. The close ups, the songs and her lines were just not right for her. Kris K. was ok but he was way too cute for her, basically she comes into this mans life takes everything and not once does she thank him or apologize for not understanding him and when he dies she is mad at him for leaving her. This movie made me hate her. And I seriously think the whole movie was about her nails. I'm just so upset I watched this egocentric maniac for that long it was so bad that at the end I had to mute it I couldn't stand her voice anymore and most of the time I had my hand up to block her face so I could try to get into the movie. Anyway, bad bad movie and she's an ugly ugly person and not just physically.

This movie is a classic. I wasn't old enough to watch it when it first came out but I must say this movie could have been released this year and it would have been great also.

Barbra actually saved a life with this movie - her co-star, he basically was portraying himself and saw that - he admits that if it werent for Barbra & this film he might not be with us today!

If for no other reason (and there are many), I love the look and style of the era in which this movie was shot. This was definitely a timely movie in the day of the super rock groups. Kristofferson and Streisand both turn in superb performances. I read somebody, somewhere say that Kristofferson was just phoning in his performance. No way, the pained expressions and the obvious depression and disgust with the music industry is apparent as he loses his own identity. Streisand is fantastic and belts out some unforgettable numbers. They surprisingly share very warm/playful/loving chemisty. Warning....the waterworks always turn on for me during about the last 1/2 hour of the movie. You know what's to come....you're just hoping it won't. I never understand people who don't adore this film.

I am from Panama city Panama, and remebered the anticipation I felt on the opening of 'Streisand's A Star is born¨, so much that I watched it 25 times at the time. Why? Guess pure love for la Diva. WAtching it today is still as moving, and beautiful as ever. Kristofferson's wounded look, Streisand's love and her voice, perfeclty captured the well know story of a star on a downhill road and another about to become one big star.This nes edition, is perfectly remastered. Buy it, watch it again and again and enjoy.
Rafael Reyes, Panama City Panama

To be known anywhere in the world with just a first name mentioned, makes you realize that Barbara Streisand is an icon of her profession.

After purchasing this CD I was pleasantly surprised with the selection on the CD where Barbara follows the viewer through the entire movie with interesting comments and insider information. Barbara's comments make you realize that she is sincere and dedicated to her audience.

been waiting for this epic film of streisand at her best to come out on dvd for ages, finally I've got it!.
dosen't dissapoint, Streisand at her best, evergreen is as fresh and beautiful as when i first heard it. the emotion that comes across is touching.
Fans of Streisand will love this classic.

I am a great fan of Barbara Streisand but I prefer the Judy Garland version.

Barbra Streisand plays a singer who is discovered by a superstar, performed by Kris Kristofferson, whose career is going down the tubes because of his alcohol and drug dependency, combined with a reckless personality.

They soon initiate a relationship and fall madly in love with one another. They get married but he continues to diminish his stature while she gains in popularity. While his songs and music are decreasing in popularity and quality, her voice is capturing the hearts of fans everywhere, and the melodies she produces start to win awards.

Both performances are superb and the magnetism of both stars makes this movie a rather interesting story to watch. Evergreen shall forever enchant audiences, and owning a DVD where it is performed by Barbra Streisand and then hummed by her is simply... magnificent. Don't miss it!

The films in itself isn't the best, but her singing simply draws you into the story in such a way that in the end, I cried! snif. Yep, it was gooooooooood.

Go babara!

We normally are familiar with Barbra Streisand singing ballads. But, when she does rock 'n' roll, she delivers it with another effect, which is also terrific. Personally, I don't think this one is my favorite movie by Streiand, but, it is a remake of a classic ... so, I should have it in my collection. Streisand fans should obtain this DVD because it features some deleted scenes and Streisand's commentary.

I saw this movie the first time it came out in 197? I loved it then and have waited along time for it to come out in DVD it is just as good as I remeber LOVE IT !!! LOVE IT !!! if you have never seen it and you are a romantic it is well worth the money and then some .........

The best part of this movie for me was the first half hour.
The hugely popular but superficial rock star played by Kristofferson is transfixed (as most viewers are) when he enters a small club after one of his concerts and hears Streisand sing.
Before he meets her, he is addicted to drugs and used to getting any girl he wants whenever he wants her. He never has to work for anything. His concerts are formulaic and uninspired, designed (as he puts it) to "give the fans what they want"... a series of meaningless stunts.
Streisand's character gives him something he can believe in. Unlike his fans, she sees him for who he is, with all of his faults... and, unlike his fans, she won't cater to his ego or allow him to have his way without making him work for it.

The best moment in this film comes when Kristofferson's character gets up on stage to perform, repeating the same lines he uses in every concert, and singing the same song he sings that he sings at the beginning of every concert. Half way through the first song, he stops. Over the objections of the audience and his manager, he brings Streisand out on stage, and urges her to take his place. Reluctantly, she begins to sing, and proceeds to give one of the best peformances I've ever seen from her. What makes this moment great is not just Streisand's voice, but the contrast between her performance and his, and Kristofferson's recognition that his own popularity is based on something that is no longer important to him.

After that moment, however, the film goes downhill.
Streisand's character falls hopelessly in love with Kristofferson for reasons that are never clear, and then asks him to marry her. Why she suddenly falls for him I have no idea. The entire dynamic between the two characters that is so entertaining in the first half hour is lost. Kristofferson keeps trying to push her away. He knows that he's no good for her... and he's right.

Watching her falling all over him again and again as he self destructs is tiring. There's simply nothing appealing or likable about his character. After awhile, you just don't care what happens to him anymore.

Streisand's singing, however, makes the movie worth watching. The scene in the recording studio (where she sings "Evergreen" to him) is amazing.

This film is a classic. The musics are wonderfull. I recomend for all.

This movie is my all time favorite and this movie will always be. I'm so glad it's out on DVD. Barbra Streisand & Kris Krisofferson are amazing in this movie. The best love story ever.

I just loved the movie even thought it and old one i like it very much

He still dies in the end. I've waited and waited to watch this on dvd. I was just sure he wouldn't die in the end.............great show. As good as the first 25 times I've viewed it.

Ever since I saw this movie I have wanted to own it. It is one of my favorites and I love the way Barbra Streisand sings! The ending was sad but watching the movie was enjoyable.

Received it very fast and very happy with the DVD. Well worth the money.

This is, without any doubt, one of Barbra Streisand's best movies ever in her career as a singer and actress. She does an excellent job with her role in this movie. Kris Kristofferson is great as well. I'm not very familiar with any of his work before or after this movie, but he did fine. The songs in the movie are especially remarkable. The most well known song in this movie has got to be Evergreen, which is one of my most favorite Barbra Streisand songs ever. I also have the soundtrack album of this movie, and it is fun to listen to. I'm so pleased that this movie has finally been released on DVD so that fans who first saw it in the cinema back in 1976 will be able to enjoy it in digital form more than 30 years later. The chemistry between Barbra and Kris is great; they did a great job together. My mother first saw this movie when it was in the cinema back in '76 and she too had the album on LP (which she doesn't have anymore due to it being broken). The video and audio transfer was really crisp, clear and fresh sounding. The additional features were great as well; those being the deleted scenes, wardrobe tests (the outfit Barbra had on that looked like a tuxedo was kind of crazy looking), and the trailer gallery for all three versions of A Star is Born (I didn't really pay too much attention to the first two trailers, so I just bolted on to the trailer for this '76 flick), and you also get commentary by Barbra herself. I watched this movie in full with her commentary, and she did an excellent job with her narration about how this movie was done, how certain scenes were shot, etc. When watching this movie with her commentary, you almost get the feeling that you and her are watching this movie together, and that she is really talking to you in person and telling you about this movie. That is totally excellent. Way to go, Barbra!!! Get this movie and add it to your movie library, and be sure to get the soundtrack album so that that can be added to your Barbra Streisand music library, as well!
My grade for
the movie: A
Additional scenes: A
Barbra's commentary: A
5.1 Dolby Digital sound: A

I haven't watched a love story like this in so long. It was great. I would recommend this to any true romantic at heart.

GREAT MOVIE AND IT IS ABOUT TIME THEY PUT IT ON DVD!!!!!! THANKS

GREAT MOVIE,GREAT VOICE,GREAT LIVE PERFORMANCES THAT TODAYS SINGERS CANNOT DO.BARBRA IS ONCE AGAIN AT BEST HERE!!!LOVE THE ADDITIONAL COMMENTARY.