Barbra Streisand - <EM>The Movie Album</EM> - Movie moments from Streisand

With a sprawling 75-strong orchestra in tow, Babs runs through a suitably sweeping set, carefully tailored towards her trademark stylish and sophisticated croon. Avoiding any over blown tendency towards torch song theatricality, Streisand taps deep into the emotional timbre of each track.

Slow lustrous readings of 30s standards ("Smile", "I'm in the Mood for Love") seduce in their intimate simplicity segueing into gentle string-adorned sighs ("Moon River") with Streisand imbuing each phrase with a lived in and luxuriant shade.

Focussing on alternately mellow, uplifting ("Calling You" from Bagdad Café) and yes, the occasional easy listening outing ("Wild Is the Wind"), her note perfect flow adds an appealing nostalgic twist to shimmering ballads ("Emily") without ever descending into kitsch caricature. While smooth jazzy smiles ("The Second Time Around") remind contemporary listeners of a time when Streisand was the pre-eminent diva of her generation.