Yentl (2-disc Original theatrical and director's extended versions) [Blu-ray]

I watched this film in a cinema 35 years ago. Magical is the word. One of the sweetest film ever made: charming, moving, it's a truly delicate fable with both a poignant love story and a strong message at its core: follow your dreams, nothing is impossible! Beautifully photographed by British cinematographer David Watkin and directed by Barbra herself (also producing), the actors are all amazing especially Barbra who truly shines looking so beautiful both as a woman and disguised as man. Her skin is flawless and her bright blue eyes so clear, one can see through her beautiful sweet natured soul both as the actor and the remarkable lady she is in real life. Watching the bonus disc it is very interesting to get behind the scenes through the archival 8mm films from Barbra's private collection and learn about the incredible amount of difficulties (and years of truly dedicated hard work) she went through trying to bring the project to light. Handsome Mandy Patinkin and Amy Irving (looking so pretty and innocent) are also amazing in their roles and together with Barbra they all have perfect chemistry. The late Michel Legrand's music and Marilyn and Alan Bergman's lyrics are just perfect (conveying Yentl's inner feelings throughout the film). It's probably one of the finest film soundtracks ever made with Barbra's voice sounding so clear and vivid. Oh and that epic triumphant final scene beautifully filmed on a boat and of course THAT legendary 20 seconds note Streisand hits singing 'A piece of sky'...watch this film, they don't make them like this anymore!

This is a perfect gift as long as you remember to leave your views on religion to one side. OK so the recording for this will always be a bit hazey, but has been digitally remastered and is very clear from an old video recording. The poor element is the sound & on our tv we had to bump up to over a volume of 60% at times to get to hear the talking not that we have any hearing problems!, but on the singing it was much better, so unfortunately someone will have to sit with the remote control to go up and down. Some things you are never going to get right on any recording. Would definitely recommend, but don't know how to honestly give a rating on the sound. Well worth having as a gift, so long as you tell them about the sound - good luck :)

As a vehicle for Barbra to sing this is brilliant. The premise that she could pass as a yeshiva student for so long is, frankly, risable. Suspend belief about that, and avoid thinking about the fate which would likely befall most of those you see or their descendants in the 1940s and it's an entertaining lighthearted romp.

If you love Barbra Streisand you cannot do anything else but love Yentil; a personal project of hers from beginning to end. Fabulous music, delightful story, brilliantly acted in, and directed by, Streisand.

Ah, the memories! I was probably the youngest movie goer at the cinema when I watched Yentl back in the day. The plot has been eloquently summarised by previous reviewers, so I won't repeat what they wrote.Yentl is an engaging, moving film. I'm not Jewish, but I was enthralled by the story. The music is hauntingly beautiful - especially Yentl's lament via "Papa Can You Hear Me". I had this song stuck in my head for the longest time.Yentl received a mixed reception from the critics when it was released. I guess it's not everyone's cup of tea.The only thing I'm not happy about is the fact that this DVD is in mono. It should have been remastered in 5.1 surround for today's discerning home movie fans. I feel shortchanged in this regard.However, this is worth getting this DVD for Ms Streisand's stunning performance. The supporting performances were superb, too. Bravo!

Brilliant my third favourite musical after Carmen Jones and Dream GirlsYentl is beautifully shoot with excellent music and songs and wonderfully acted. A great piece of art by Barbara Streisand who also directs and write the beautiful Film.

There is a series of in-jokes about Streisand in the film "In and Out" with Kevin Kline. He's a big fan and in that movie he has an argument with his friends about whether Barbra was too old to play Yentl. And she was of course too old, but she does look good as a boy, nevertheless. Ironically enough she is more convincing as a girl dressed as a boy, than as a girl!I came to this movie from the soundtrack! I'm not a lover of musicals, which for a gay man is apparently saying something. So `Yentl' appears on my bending DVD shelves as the sole musical, apart from `Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'. (And that's a childhood thing.)If you don't know the story of `Yentl', then, well the outline is quite simple and can be found elsewhere on this page. The whole movie is well-acted, especially the relationships with Avigdor and Hadass, but it's a ludicrous story, really (like most musicals?), and the drama of Streisand's eventual revelation is a little forced. But there are some good comic moments, and there is much praiseworthy attention to period detail.Oh, and the music's good, too! Classic Streisand.Alas, there are no extras on the DVD, which is a bit mean.

Love this film and Barbara was it year ago on video and have always won’t about Jew’ ish law woman can’t read book only man and she’s won’t to learn so she does I won’t tell you anymore but there romance to