Adapted from the 1975 play by Leah Napolin and Isaac Bashevis Singer—and in turn, Singer’s earlier short story “Yentl the Yeshiva Boy,” Yentl was a true passion project for Barbra Streisand, which took her more than a decade to bring to the big screen. She reportedly wanted to make it her next film after the success of Funny Girl in 1968. She optioned Isaac Bashevis Singer’s story in 1969. In 1971, Czechoslovakian Ivan Passer was hired to direct, and Singer wrote a screenplay. However, when Passer left the project, the film went into a decade of fits and starts. Studios apparently balked at the film, feeling it wasn’t commercial enough. Eventually, Yentl was reconceived as a musical, in hopes that it would be better received by the studios, as well as audiences. In the end, Yentl ended up being Streisand’s directorial debut. She also starred in, co-wrote the script, and served as a producer. In 1984, Streisand became the first woman to receive a Golden Globe for Best Director.

Set in Poland in the early 20th century, Yentl (Streisand) has been raised in a Jewish community by her scholarly father (Nehemiah Persoff). She has been learning the Talmud under his direction, despite strict Jewish law forbidding women from study. At the time, women were to quietly accept a life of marriage and servitude. However, when Yentl’s father dies, she is unwilling to accept life as it’s been preordained; a life without study is one she cannot bear. Yentl disguises herself as a boy named Anshel and travels to another town, where she joins a Yeshiva, a school for Talmud study. There she befriends the handsome and fiercely intellectual Avigdor (Mandy Patinkin), who has recently lost his little brother. Perhaps seeing Anshel as a replacement for his brother, the two bond quickly.

It’s not long before Avigdor introduces Anshel to his fiancé Hadass (Amy Irving), which causes a problem of sorts, as Yentl begins to have romantic feelings for Avigdor. The situation is further complicated when the engagement is broken by Hadass’ father (Steven Hill). Unable to bear the thought of another man with Hadass, Avigdor devises a plan to have Anshel marry her in his place. Naturally this puts Yentl in a moral quandary of epic proportions: does she reveal her true identity, and lose everything she’s worked so hard for, or go through with it, and hope she can find a way to get Avigdor and Hadass back together before all is revealed? Even better, how can she keep studying, and have Avigdor for herself, all without hurting anyone? Is it even possible?

Yentl is undeniably a Streisand picture through and through. Given that she served as director and was a co-writer, she has given herself most of the best lines, and the camera angles show her in the best light. She has orchestrated lots of close-ups, which for her fans is nirvana, but for her detractors serves as an example of an ego out of control. In trying to look at Yentl without any particular biases, Yentl has held up rather well since its 1983 theatrical release. Streisand makes an important statement about female empowerment that resonates today.

Despite her fondness for close-ups, Streisand manages to turn in a fairly measured performance, as does Mandy Patinkin, who can be a bit hammy in some of his other roles. Amy Irving, the only actor to earn an Oscar nomination for her work, does a fine job here. Quiet and soft spoken, she believable as a model of what a woman of the era might have been like.

Presented in the 1.66:1 aspect ratio, Twilight Time has provided a fine 1080p transfer. Detail is impressive throughout, and individual textures are identifiable. Color reproduction is top notch. The film’s extensive use of soft and diffused light is handled nicely. Shadow detail and contrast levels are also quite good. There are no significant digital imperfections to report.

Twilight Time offers both DTS-HD 5.1 and 2.0 Master Audio options. The surround is surprisingly immersive, allowing for a full and balanced presentation. The various songs are well represented throughout the film, sounding strong, and clean. Dialogue is clean throughout, never drowned out by other effects. The stereo mix is also quite satisfying and, despite the lack of surrounds is perfectly acceptable for a two-channel presentation.

English SDH subtitle are included.

The following extras are available:

As with the 2009 DVD release, this new Blu-ray offers both the Theatrical Release Version (2:13:19) and the Director’s Extended Cut with Added Scenes from Barbra’s Archives (2:16:40). Choosing the Extended Cut automatically leads to a brief Text Introduction (HD, 00:16) followed by an Onscreen Introduction (HD, 1:46), both by Streisand.

All of the extras from the 2009 DVD have been ported over to this Blu-ray:

  • Audio Commentary by Barbra Streisand and Co-Producer Rusty Lemorande: Streisand dominates the proceedings, and explains her shot choices, scene selection, camera choices, etc. One gets the sense she’s a real perfectionist.
  • Introduction to the Film by Barbra Streisand (HD, 1:46) Mentioned above, this can also be listened to separately.
  • Deleted Scenes (HD, 16:45) Streisand introduces eleven deleted scenes which are presented in montage.
  • Introduction to Extras by Barbra Streisand (SD, 3:02) Streisand discusses the issues she faced during production, as well as certain symbols.
  • The Director’s Reel Featurette (SD, 6:55) Behind-the-scenes shots of Barbra directing the actors while appearing in scenes with them.
  • The Rehearsal Process with Material from Barbra’s Archives (SD, 29:32) Footage filmed by Streisand and her friends in makeshift costumes and props doing dry runs of certain scenes. The scenes are than contrasted with what the movie’s shots looked like.
  • My Wonderful Cast and Crew Featurette (SD, 7:29) A Streisand created montage of behind-the-scenes shots of the cast and crew working and relaxing with identifying titles thanking the people who made her dream possible.
  • Deleted Songs/Storyboards (SD): “The Moon and I” (3:48) and “Several Sins a Day” (3:43).
  • Barbra’s Original 8mm Concept Film with Optional Narration (SD, 8:35) The short film Streisand made in a makeshift costume walking around a Czechoslovakian village to use as a selling point for any interested studios when seeking financing.
  • Stills Galleries (HD) Four galleries including Production, Behind-the-Scenes, Post Production, and Recording Studio.
  • Original Theatrical Trailer (HD, 3:15)
  • Teaser Trailer (HD, 1:27)
  • Six-Page Booklet: Black and white and color stills and film historian Julie Kirgo’s expert analysis of the film.

 

There are only 3,000 copies of this Blu-ray available. Those interested should go to www.screenarchives.com to see if product is still in stock. Information about the movie can also be found via Facebook at www.facebook.com/twilighttimemovies.