Yentl Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Yentl" is a showcase of meticulous craftsmanship, delivering an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.66:1 aspect ratio that preserves the film’s original artistic vision. The cinematography by David Watkin, who later won an Oscar for "Out of Africa," is expertly captured in this transfer, with an intentional soft, gauzy appearance that evokes a painterly ambience. The film utilizes a muted color palette, with summery yellows and sepia-toned hues that enhance the narrative’s rustic setting. Detail is superbly rendered in close-ups, with every hair of Mandy Patinkin's beard distinguishable, although the purposely softer midrange shots slightly reduce fine detail clarity. The grain structure remains natural and unobtrusive, contributing to the film's period authenticity, while robust contrast and secure black levels ensure a visually evocative experience.

The clarity and depth of field provided by this transfer are impressive, particularly in the numerous outdoor scenes that benefit from excellent image stability, free from any signs of artificial sharpening or filtering. Rich, inky blacks provide substantial weight to the image, and whites are rendered crisply. Flesh tones appear natural and stable, albeit Streisand’s smooth complexion further strains the believability of her character's male disguise. Some variances in color depth are noted, with verdant greens appearing lush against slightly paler blues, though these nuances do not detract from the overall visual feast. The presentation is pristine, devoid of any nicks or scratches, ensuring that both Streisand’s directorial prowess and Watkin’s lush cinematography are beautifully preserved. This transfer stands as a testament to the film's visual sumptuousness, offering viewers an authentic and immersive experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Yentl" offers both a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix, showcasing an impressive audio presentation that complements the film's visual narrative. The 5.1 mix, in particular, enhances Michel Legrand's elegant and intricate score, providing a richly expansive soundstage that beautifully handles massed strings and complex orchestrations. This setup allows for excellent fidelity and intelligent prioritization of sound elements, ensuring clear dialogue and finely placed ambient environmental effects. No technical issues such as hiss or crackles detract from the experience.

However, while the 5.1 mix generally delivers clear, resonant sound, there are occasional distortions during lower register passages in the musical numbers. Despite this, a minor level boost successfully elevates the fidelity and tonal depth of the songs, allowing Legrand's lush orchestrations to fill the room extensively. The surround activity is primarily concentrated in the musical sequences, with noticeable stereo separation across the front channels that appreciably widens the soundscape. Sonic accents are both crisp and distinct, lending a fitting atmosphere to the audio track. Nevertheless, it's regrettable that this release excludes Twilight Time's hallmark isolated score track, a notable omission given the soundtrack's Oscar-winning status and Streisand's iconic musical performance.

Overall, this Blu-ray audio mix of "Yentl" injects the film with a vibrant aural presence, surpassing previous home video editions in its power and integrity. It offers listeners an enriched auditory experience that spotlights Streisand’s vocal prowess while maintaining clarity and ambiance throughout the film.

The Blu-ray release of "Yentl" renowned for being comprehensive, carries forward all special features from the earlier DVD edition, including some impressive inclusions from Barbra Streisand's archives. Fans will appreciate the extensive and insightful content, ranging from Barbra’s authentic commentary to elaborative featurettes, reflecting her dedication and the elaborate process behind "Yentl". The quality of several extras remains varied with some content in standard definition. The enriching audio commentary featuring Streisand with co-producer Rusty Lemorande is particularly informative, showcasing her candid thoughts and extensive knowledge on filmmaking nuances. Varied deleted scenes and songs, along with personal behind-the-scenes footage, offer a profound glimpse into Streisand's meticulous methods and the collaborative spirit during production.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: In-depth discussion by Barbra Streisand and Rusty Lemorande.
• Introduction to the Film: Barbra Streisand’s reflection.
• Deleted Scenes: Features 17 minutes of excised content.
• Director's Reel Featurette: Insight into Streisand's directing technique.
• Rehearsal Process: Rough footage from Streisand’s archives.
• My Wonderful Cast and Crew Featurette: Behind-the-scenes montage.
• Deleted Songs Storyboard Sequences: Pre-filming visualizations.
• Barbra's Original 8mm Concept Film: Preliminary pitch film with optional narration.
• Still Galleries: Includes production, behind-the-scenes photos, portraits, and recording studio images.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Preview of the film.
• Teaser Trailer: Concise version of the theatrical trailer.

Barbra Streisand's "Yentl" remains a distinctive and polarizing film that deftly combines musical, dramatic, and comedic elements into a rich narrative tapestry. Streisand successfully shepherded the adaptation of Isaac Bashevis Singer's story, "Yentl: The Yeshiva Boy," onto the big screen, portraying a young woman who defies gender norms in early 20th century Eastern Europe to pursue education in religious studies. Overcoming significant production hurdles and industry resistance, Streisand's determination shines through in every frame. The result is a film that eloquently balances personal ambition with universal themes of empowerment, feminism, and identity.

Much like "Fiddler on the Roof," "Yentl" immerses viewers in the intimate world of a Jewish shtetl. Streisand captures the protagonist's audacious journey—from secret studies under her father's tutelage to her bold decision to disguise herself as a male yeshiva student. Here, she befriends Avigdor (played by Mandy Patinkin) and inadvertently becomes part of a complex love triangle with Hadass (Amy Irving). The film is richly scored by Michel Legrand, with lyrics by Marilyn and Alan Bergman, adding depth to the characters' internal struggles through poignant musical monologues. Notably, Streisand’s omnipresence—singing, directing, and dominating nearly every frame—might come across as self-indulgent to some, yet her accomplished direction and lush cinematography are undeniable.

However, "Yentl" is not without its challenges. Streisand's performance occasionally lacks the dynamism one might expect from her, and the ambitious blending of genres can lead to tonal inconsistencies. Additionally, while the musical score is elegant, it tends to overpower the simplicity of Singer’s original narrative. Despite these flaws, Streisand's directorial skill breathes life into a narrative loaded with meaning and personal significance, making "Yentl" a film that's as compelling for its artistic achievements as it is for the landmark it represents in Hollywood history. Aimée Irving’s exceptional performance adds to the film’s appeal, highlighting the enduring struggles women face in patriarchal societies.

"Yentl," directed by Barbra Streisand, continues to be a film that polarizes audiences even more than 30 years after its initial release. Streisand's multifaceted role as director, star, co-writer, and co-producer showcases her formidable vision and talent. While the gender-bending narrative, repetitious score, and extended runtime may present challenges, Streisand's unique blend of artistry keeps the film engaging. "Yentl" is an evocative presentation that appeals to both the mind and the heart, demonstrating Streisand's capability to uphold the gravitas of Isaac Bashevis Singer's original work, albeit with a tonal shift that blends rustic simplicity with compelling drama.

Twilight Time's Blu-ray release of "Yentl" offers superb technical quality, with a stellar video transfer that brings out every nuanced detail. The audio quality is commendable, providing a robust and dynamic listening experience that enhances the film's musical sequences. Moreover, all the 'Barbra-laden' supplements from the previously released DVD are included, making this edition a comprehensive package for fans. Streisand aficionados will undoubtedly appreciate this limited edition release, while newcomers will find it an intriguing and valuable cinematic experience.

Conclusion:
Is Yentl self-indulgent? Probably. But at least Streisand had the good sense to surround herself with top-flight talent both in front of and behind the camera. If the result is a bit tonally at odds with the simple, rustic characters of Singer's original, it's a commendably organic presentation that manages to touch both the mind and the heart. This Blu-ray sports excellent technical merits and includes the bonus content of the previously released DVD. Recommended.