Streisand - Live In Concert 2006

If some had been holding off an Blu-ray adoption, perhaps the release of Barbra Streisand: Live in Concert 2006 will do the trick. The singer's last tour grossed over $90 million in ticket sales. Her high-profile fans, all which appear as concertgoers in the Blu-ray, include former President Bill Clinton and wife Hillary Clinton, Gloria Estefan, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Tom Hanks.

Most importantly, her South Florida stops on her 2006/2007 tour is presented in this new Blu-ray edition in the highest quality possible.

Filmed in High Definition and broadcast in April 2009 on CBS, Barbra Streisand: Live in Concert 2006 features the "Funny Girl" taking on plenty of standards and fan favorites, including "The Way We Were" and "People," as well as some rarities, like the first performance of "Funny Girl" in forty years.

Opening the show with a wonderful performance of "Starting Here, Starting Now," Streisand entertains for well over 2 hours, including sharing anecdotes on her nearly 50-year career and a Q&A session with the audience which is among the most entertaining moments. Also included are performances with vocalists Il Divo.

Impeccably shot and well-directed, Streisand's finely produced show is presented exquisitely in its Blu-ray edition, making it an absolute must-have for Barbra fans. WIth excellent clarity and detail, the image on the disc is incredibly clear and among the best concert presentations. Presented in 1080p in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, Whether a close-up is on Streisand or panned out to show the large stage and orchestra, the image shows impressing color and detail.

The audio is also presented with stunning clarity, with the bass and orchestra never overpowering Streisand's voice. The choice of the three audio tracks is given, but the Uncompressed Dolby Digital 5.1 track is the choice for the most dynamic sound for this well-mixed presentation.

Slightly disappointing are the bonus features, which leave out some of the material from the previously-released DVD, including a making-of the "Broadway" album and a 1994 Anaheim concert. However, three Streisand bonus performances are included, "Nobdy's Heart (Belongs To Me)," "When the Sun Comes Out," and
"The Woman in the Moon," two bonus Il Divo performances, a 6-minute interview feature with behind-the-scenes creators, and an interview with Executive Director Marge Tabankin on The Streisand Foundation.

Overall, Barbra Streisand: Live in Concert 2006 on Blu-ray is a triumph, putting Barbra's fans front and center of her elegant, memorable performance.