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The third screen version of this classic backstage drama -- first produced in 1937 with Janet Gaynor in the lead and remade more famously in 1954 with Judy Garland starring -- showcased Barbra Streisand in what was her best screen work up to that time. Though Elvis Presley was originally envisioned as Streisand's costar in this 1976 hit, singer-songwriter-actor Kris Kristofferson ultimately got the role of John Norman Howard, the past-his-peak rocker who crumbles as his lover becomes a star. He’s riveting in the role of a performer who routinely blows off tour dates, raises hell at the ones he makes, and alienates just about everybody with whom he comes into contact. His lone supporter is Streisand, a big-hearted backup vocalist who becomes his lover, works her way up from obscurity to acclaim, and desperately attempts to salvage the self-destructive Howard. The screenplay, by John Gregory Dunne and Joan Didion, unflinchingly focuses on the soul-deadening parade of sex, booze, drugs, and general '70s-era rock-star excesses, while also maintaining the romantic connection that binds the Streisand and Kristofferson characters. The film’s strengths lie in its star performances, Streisand’s superlative musical numbers, and the excellent work of supporting players Paul Mazursky, Gary Busey, and Sally Kirkland. Ed Hulse

All Movie Guide

The third remake of the 1932 drama What Price Hollywood?, this adaptation of A Star Is Born moved the story into the mid-1970's and changed the milieu from the movie business to pop music. John Norman Howard (Kris Kristofferson) is a rock star whose career has peaked; he is numbed by booze and cocaine, his music has lost its edge, and his performances have become painfully haphazard. One night, after a concert, he stumbles into a club where he sees a singing group fronted by Esther Hoffman (Barbra Streisand). John likes what he hears and loves what he sees; he tries picking her up, but soon realizes if he wants to see her, he'll have to ask her out on an actual date. He does, and before long the two become involved, although Esther has trouble with John's rock star lifestyle. One night, a typically burned-out John lets Esther sing a few songs at one of his shows; before long she's the talk of the record business. While Esther's star begins to rise, John's continues to sink, and while she desperately tries get John to clean up and focus on his music, it may be too late to save him. The song "Evergreen" earned this film an Academy Award for Best Song; the credits contain the amusing notice, "Ms. Streisand's Clothes from ... Her Closet." Mark Deming

Product Details

• UPC: 085393353629
• Source: WARNER HOME VIDEO
• Region Code: 1
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Sound: Dolby AC-3 Surround Sound
• Editions: Subtitled, Dubbed
• Time: 2:20:00
• Sales Rank: 1,016

This DVD is also available as part of a box set:

• Timeless Romance Collection (2pc) / (Amar)

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