Huffington Post:
BARBRA TAKES CHARGE -- Streisand had a triumphant film directorial debut with the unlikely Yentl ($29.99; MGM), the modest Isaac Bashevis Singer short story turned into a musical starring Streisand as a girl who dresses as a boy so she can go to yeshiva and study. A perfectionist, it's no surprise to see Streisand has delivered a new cut about three minutes longer. But happily she also includes the original theatrical version, as well as an audio commentary and a second disc loaded with extras. Being in charge suits her.
Liz Smith:
The new DVD looks deluxe, bordered in gold, with – natch – a beautiful close-up of Barbra on the cover. This is “The Two-Disc Director’s Extended Edition.”
Here’s what you get: Two versions of the movie … rehearsal footage … deleted scenes (from the private collection of Miss Streisand) … Barbra’s 8mm concept film with optional narration and a feature-length audio commentary track by Barbra and co-producer Rusty Lemorande. In short, a Barbra cornucopia!
As the star’s fans were quick to note at the time, “You gotta be mental not to love ‘Yentl.’”
Mike Clark...USA Today "Platinum Picks" 2/06/09:
"In a famed Oscar snub, neither the picture nor the director Barbra Streisand got nominations, even after Golden Globe wins. But at mimimum, the musical of Isaac Bashevis Singer's Yentl, the Yeshiva Boy cuts The Dresser and Tender Mercies, both '83 nominees.
In perhaps her most engaging performance this side of Funny Girl, Streisand don 1904 male disguise........All well directed, too.
Extras....instructive rehearsal footage...impressive "concept reel", a charming cast/crew thank-you."
