Review by All Movie Guide
A fascinating experiment that doesn't really come off, Barbra Streisand and Other Musical Instruments is probably going to be best appreciated by those who are devotees of the noted singer. To her credit, Streisand and her creative team deserve applause for trying to do something new and different; also, to be fair, they cannot be held accountable for the fact that this television special was created in 1973 and therefore fell prey to a feel and atmosphere that has inevitably dated. Still, despite all the good intentions,
Instruments doesn't succeed; it's too self-conscious, occasionally bordering on pretentious, and some of the star's attempts to embrace other cultures through their music comes across as a bit patronizing. Streisand sounds wonderful, of course; while the hard driving edge that used to mark her high notes (and gave them an extra dollop of interest) has been smoothed away, the resulting ease this gives to her vocal instrument has its own rewards. Streisand's personality has also lost its edge, which is a shame; even when she looks back to her Brooklyn roots, she comes across as a woman pretending she's from Brooklyn. Musically,
Instruments has its share of highlights, but there are also a number of misses. Of the latter, "The World is a Concerto," with its use of hair dryers, alarm clocks and other appliances simply doesn't work, and "Sweet Inspiration," while aurally delicious, finds Streisand's movements and persona moving into the "funky" territory that is always dangerous for this star. The lengthy "I Got Rhythm" segment is a mixed bag, although much of it is quite good. Highlights include the gorgeous "I Never Has Seen Snow," a delightfully simple "The Sweetest Sounds," a lovely "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever," and the pre-"Sweet Inspiration"
Ray Charles section. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide