DVD News

30 years later, A Star Is Born on DVD

By Patrick Luce Nov 3, 2006, 18:04 GMT

Talented rock star John Norman Howard (Kris Kristofferson) has seen his career begin to decline. Too many years of concerts and managers and life on the road have made him cynical and the monotony has taken its toll. Then he meets the innocent, pure and very talented singer Esther Hoffman (Barbra Streisand). As one of his songs in the movie says "I\'m gonna take you girl, I\'m gonna show you ...more

The incomparable talent of the one and only Barbra Streisand, the magnetism of Kris Kristofferson and the reckless world of rock ‘n’ roll create a winning combination in A Star Is Born - which celebrates its 30th Anniversary by making its debut on DVD November 28th.

On the heels of Streisand’s highly anticipated national concert tour, the deluxe presentation from Warner Home Video of this 1976 box-office blockbuster based on the original screen love story includes an all-new audio commentary from Streisand (who not only starred in the film, but produced it as well), a remastered Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, additional scenes and wardrobe tests, also with Streisand commentary. The DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $19.97.

A Star Is Born was nominated for four Academy Awards and won five Golden Globes - including Best Picture, Actress, Actor and Original Score.  Paul Williams, Kenny Loggins, Leon Russell and others worked with Streisand on the popular song score, topped by the Streisand/Williams hit “Evergreen” which won both the Oscar and Golden Globe as Best Original Song. 

The story centers around rock star John Norman (Kristofferson) whose career has peaked. One night, after a concert, he stumbles into a club where he sees a singing group fronted by young singer Esther Hoffman (Streisand).  The two quickly fall in love, 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 and 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 to help him clean up and focus on his music, it may be too late to save him.

The 1937 version of A Star Is Born, starring Janet Gaynor and Fredric March, captured seven Academy Award nominations and won one (Best Screenplay); the 1954 version, with Judy Garland and James Mason, was nominated for six Oscars.

A Star Is Born is now available for pre-order at Amazon. As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.