For All We Know

The Owl and the Pussycat DVD in Stores November 27 

Posted/Updated: 30 August 2003 14:18

The Owl and the Pussycat DVD front cover: click for larger imageReview:  Make it a threesome! Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment released its third Barbra Streisand film on DVD this holiday season with The Owl and the Pussycat on November 27, 2001. CTHE's official 9/14/01 media release with detailed specs are reflected in the box below. While the DVD may not be a special collector's edition packed with extra features, we do have a sparkling digital transfer of the 96-minute comedy. This hysterically funny 1970 film marked Barbra's first non-singing role, the music actually performed by Blood, Sweat & Tears. It was her first movie for director Herbert Ross, second for producer Ray Stark, and first of two with actor George Segal, who plays Felix Sherman. The disc's widescreen presentation literally deepens the intimate two-character story, allowing it to breathe normally. Gone are the clumsy pan-and-scan shots of Barbra as Doris and the side of Segal's head. You do really appreciate and enjoy the street chase when finally viewing the scene in its theatrical aspect ratio. Same for the Central Park conclusion where the characters reintroduce themselves to each other with great poignancy. Skip the disc's full screen side, since the viewing experience is inferior. If CTHE was trying for a more family friendly film with the PG rating, much more than just removing Streisand's "F" word was necessary. Although small, this edit alters Doris's character, diminishes Streisand's gutsy performance, and causes an abrupt break in the scene's natural rhythm. I strongly hope the footage is restored in a future DVD edition. Otherwise, this first O&P DVD set is essential viewing for Streisand fans and connoisseurs of witty, hilarious New York comedies. The insert booklet offers two pages of noteworthy production info, a rare off-camera BJS photo, and clarity about the destroyed topless footage (involving Barbra, not Marilyn Chambers, who plays Robert Klein's girlfriend). Except for some dated homophobic jokes early in the film, O&P stands up today with a top-notch screenplay, realistic urban settings, and Streisand & Segal's flawless comedic timing. Don't miss it! "I, Rapzinsky, say this." - MJI, 11/29/01

Owl and the Pussycat DVD main menu

Owl and the Pussycat DVD back cover: click for larger imageThe Owl and the Pussycat (1970)
Release Date: November 27, 2001
Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment
List Price: $19.95
Catalog Number: 04751
ISBN Number: 0-7678-4747-4
UPC: 0-43396-04751-8
Features: 
* Video: Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1 Aspect Ratio) and Full Screen Formats
* Audio: English - Mono, French, Spanish, Portuguese
* Subtitles: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Korean, and Thai
* Filmographies: Barbra Streisand, George Segal, Herbert Ross
* Bonus Trailers: For Pete's Sake, The Mirror Has Two Faces, Roxanne
Running Time: Approx. 96 minutes
DVD Region Code: 1


Barbra Streisand in The Owl and the Pussycat, 1970 Barbra Streisand & George Segal in The Owl and the Pussycat, 1970 Barbra Streisand in The Owl and the Pussycat, 1970: click for larger image 

Barbra Streisand & George Segal in The Owl and the Pussycat, 1970: click for larger image O&P lobby cards: click for larger image O&P lobby cards: click for larger image The Owl and the Pussycat soundtrack album, 1970: click for more info

Barbra Streisand films on DVD:

Funny Girl DVD front cover: click for article For Pete's Sake DVD keep case front cover: click for FAWK review The Way We Were DVD keep case front cover: click for FAWK review The Mirror Has Two Faces DVD case cover (U.S)

Click to order Owl & Pussycat DVD at DVD Empire

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