This cd is exasperating. Why Barbra, why? Is there anyone who would want this cd BUT NOT the boxed set? Releasing the same exact material in different packages AT THE SAME TIME only serves to frustrate those who like to collect her work. All that being said, the material is, of course, sublime. But I CAN GET IT FOR YOU ELSEWHERE.

I agree with the reviewer who said "Who wouldn't want the box set?" True, but when you are given this as a gift....why not! fabulous review, something for everyone, a bit of Bon Soir Barbra, TV Barbra and Movie Star Barbra.Almost anything with Cry Me A River On It is worth owning!

When you purchase a box set, no matter who the artist is, it often goes unplayed and filed with other favorites. With the highlights version, it allows you to listen to the best of the best and reacquaint yourself with the artist differently than how you might otherwise. As far as Barbra Streisand goes, anytime you can visit her work from days gone by, it's pure delight.

I made a sort of buying mistake purchasing this CD. Though not particularly a Streisand fan I wanted something representing her work. I was attracted to the low price and what seemed to be a generous program.
The snag here is that several tracks contain tributes, introductions, and performances by composers that Barbra was associated with. In time this disc will not ware well requiring skipping tacks of eventual annoying chatter. The positives are that two big hits "People" and "Evergreen" are included. Scholastically, this disc spans Ms. Streisands career and I'm sure her fans will relish the complete boxed set. The collection does well in representing her virtuosity as a singer and spontaneous comedic abilities. There's a charming duet with Judy Garland and A poorly sound balanced concert version of "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" with Neil Diamond. Barbra duets with her 13 year old self in an encore performance of her first recording 1955's "You'll Never Know". So there's plenty to like but mostly in a sentimental way.