The Sound of Music (Two-Disc 40th Anniversary Special Edition) [DVD]

Taken from review By Dennis A. Amith (kndy)VIDEO:"The Sound of Music: 45th Anniversary Edition" is presented in 1080p High Definition (Widescreen 2:20:1), AVC@22 MBPS. This is where "The Sound of Music: 45th Anniversary Edition" literally looks amazing. For those who have owned previous versions of the film on DVD, back in 2005, the film went through restoration using a backup negative of the original 70 mm print. At the time, the original 70mm 6-Track print was so damaged, there was no way to even use the original negative at that time and most of us who watched the 40th Anniversary Edition felt that the film looked absolutely beautiful compared to it's earlier 2000 DVD release.With that being said, technology has changed within the last five years since the release of the 40th Anniversary. The damaged original 70 mm print that couldn't be used in the restoration of the film in 2005 can now be used for the film with new hardware and software and is now receiving 8K digital scanning by 20th Century Fox for perfect restoration.No longer is the film hazy, no longer is the film more on the pinkish side. "The Sound of Music: 45th Anniversary Edition" is vibrant. The grass...you can see the various grains of grass, the strands in green, yellow and detail of the mountains over looking Salzburg. I was amazed! Another example, Maria splashing the water before she heads to the von Trapps, you can see the water droplets flying in the air, another one is the von Trapp's uncle and his coat, you can see the wool in his jacket. There is so much detail in this latest version of "The Sound of Music", it's incredible! I am literally speechless because I own previous versions of this film on video and never before have I seen this much clarity in the film ever!And I find it quite funny for each review I have done for the film, I mention of how the cinematography of William Reynolds was captured perfectly but watching it on Blu-ray, the cinematography... may it be the shots of Maria on the mountain, Maria with the kids on the mountain, the wedding ceremony, etc., I just feel that the cinematography as seen on the 45th Anniversary Edition via the new restoration really captures the beauty of "The Sound of Music" than ever before. Absolutely breathtaking!Once again, the crew who restored this film...I give your crew a standing ovation...what you were able to accomplish with this film on Blu-ray is absolutely fantastic!AUDIO & SUBTITLES:"The Sound of Music: 45th Anniversary Edition" is presented in English 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, English 4.0 Dolby Surround, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital and French 5.1 DTS. Because the film was shot with a 6-track and because they were provided with the audio without the dialogue, for this 2010 edition, they were able to remove all noise but also making sure to utilize a 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track and as mentioned, I've owned several versions of this film and I even own the soundtrack to this film.The way this music was handled through the surround channels was amazing. The music and the instruments playing on individual channels was well done. The first thing that came to my mind during sequences of the sisters singing "Maria" to the wedding sequence, the sounds that were utilized through those channels were amazing. Also, they were able to isolate the sound of Salzburg up the hills, the sound of wind, the birds... I was in awe with the lossless soundtrack.I absolutely love the soundtrack for this film and this is the best I have ever heard of it. If you have a 7.1 setup (center speaker, two fronts, two surrounds, two rear surrounds and your subwoofer), you will definitely be impressed with how alive the music comes as it really sounds beautiful via the soundscape in the home. Once again, I was in awe when I heard the music and I'm sure many people will be just as impressed by it.Similar to the video restoration, the audio restoration for this 45th anniversary is fantastic! And the crew responsible for the audio restoration for this release should be proud because they did an outstanding job!Subtitles are in English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles.SPECIAL FEATURES"The Sound of Music: 45th Anniversary Edition" comes with the following special features from the 35th and 40th Anniversary DVD versions of the film but also newer special features that just literally packs this 45th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray release:DISC 1:* Your Favorite Things: An Interactive Celebration - A new way to watch "The Sound of Music". If you select this option for viewing the movie, you have four categories which you can select interaction with the viewer. One is behind-the-scenes images, the other is viewing with on-screen lyrics, the other is trivia and location quiz. You can select one or all four.* Audio Commentary: Director Robert Wise - The following audio commentary was originally included in the Five Star Collection (2000) for the 35th Anniversary DVD release. Informative commentary by Wise who gives details on the challenges they had in shooting this film. It's important to note that Wise doesn't do much talking and only does when it is necessary.* Audio Commentary: Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Charmian Carr, choreographer Dee Dee Wood, and the youngest son of Maria von Trapp, Johannes von Trapp - A lively commentary by the five individuals. Although these are separate commentaries recorded in separate times but Julie Andrews definitely gives us a good idea of the sets and various shooting locations. Also, hearing from Plummer of how he doesn't like to work with children but in this case, he got a long with the children quite well. Charmian Carr who plays the character of Liesl talks about playing the oldest teenage daughter at the age of 21.* Music Machine Sing-Along - Sing-along subtitle tracks which can be seen while watching the film or giving the viewer the ability to select various tracks with the sing-along subtitles.DISC 2:* Musical Stages: Creating the Sound of Music - This first special feature is actually an interactive "backlot tour" with plenty of in-depth featurettes on the songs, the stage show, the movie, the film and sound restoration and getting to know the real life von Trapp family. Included are:1. Music in the 21st Century - (8:52) A featurette on the popularity of the film and how the film has influenced pop culture from pop artists such as Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguillera to shows like "The Family Guy" and how many various interpretations of the film have made it onto stage and children's books.2. Restoring a Classic: Bloom & Grow - (5:44) A featurette on the 8K digital restoration of the film. How during the 2005 45th Anniversary Edition, they were not able to use the original 70 mm negative but in 2010, with new technology they were able to. Before and after scenes and more. Awesome featurette!3. Edelweiss - (2:28) How the song was created and how Christopher Plummer wanted to sing the song and not be dubbed. We get to see footage of Plummer singing and the dubbed over version.4. I Have Confidence - (8:06) How the lyrics were changed from the original Rodgers & Hammerstein version by Saul Chaplin and constructing it for the film adaptation.5. My Favorite Things - (2:47) Why the song was fun and the popularity of the lyrics.6. Sixteen Going on Seventeen - (2:20) Because Rodgers & Hammerstein know that their lyrics deal with sex, for this film, they had to carefully craft lyrics with slight undertones.7. After the Escape - (8:43) The true story of how the von Trapps escaped Austria and interviews with Maria von Trapp and the grandchildren.8. Rodgers & Hammerstein: Partners at it's Peak - (3:53) The popularity of Rodgers & Hammerstein and how they crafted hit after hit.9. Shaping the Story - (4:50) The original screen adaptation of the von Trapp and the differences between stage and the film adaptation.10. The von Trapp's Today - (5:48) - How the von Trapp's continue with their grandchildren who have a lodge in Vermont.11. Climb Ev'ry Mountain - (2:07) The difficult of the lyrics of the song and singing it.12. Stage vs. Screen - (3:12) A more thorough featurette on the differences between the stage and film adaptation.13. Maria - (3:03) - The making of the song.14. The Sound of Music - (2:32) The popularity of the song, how it was Oscar's idea and what inspired him.15. Maria and the Musical - (5:06) The real life Maria von Trapp and how she got involved with the musical and trying to take a hands off approach to the film (since it differed from the real life story).16. Cutting Room Floor - (2:50) Three songs from the stage production that were not used on the film.17. Something Good - (2:17) Rodgers wrote to more songs for the film.18. The Lonely Goatherd - (2:30) How the song was used in the stage production and how it was incorporated into the film.19. Do-Re-Mi - (3:31) The popularity of the song and how different it was from the stage production compared to the film version.20. So Long, Farewell - (1:11) How the song was used in the film.21. A Generous Heart - (3:54) The life of eldest daughter Maria von Trapp who like her mother, went on to do great things with her generous heart in other countries.22. Final Dream: Oscar Hammerstein Remembered - (5:51) How "The Sound of Music" was the final show Rodgers & Hammerstein would work together and how he handled his cancer and the short time he had left in the world and how he said goodbye to family and friends and how the song "Edelweiss" was literally Hammerstein's song saying goodbye.23. Stories from Broadway - (4:19) Stories from the Broadway cast.24. Restoring a Classic Glorious Sound - (5:31) - Using the 6-Track Master and creating the lossless 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack.* A City of Song - (34:38) This feature adds an interactive map of Salzburg, Austria. Because so many people have traveled to Salzburg for "The Sound of Music" Tour or to visit the locations shown on the film, this special feature is great as you can select a map and get video to know about the locations, photos and fascinating facts of the area.* Vintage Programs - Featuring featurettes and documentaries included in the 35th and 40th Anniversary of "The Sound of Music" (note: Most of the special features are in 480p, standard definition):1. The Sound of Music: From Feat to Phenomenon - (1:27:22) A documentary on the real von Trapp story and how the the film received the green light. Robert Wise talks about casting and cast talk about their involvement in the film and what they wanted for the film.2. My Favorite Things: Julie Andrews Remembers - (1:03:18) A documentary featuring Julie Andrews remembering "The Sound of Music". From the original pre-production, filming on location, the music and working with the cast and crew. Also, featuring Christopher Plummer, Charmian Carr and those who worked with Julie Andrews as they reminisce about working on "The Sound of Music".3. Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer: A Reminisce - (19:24) Both Julie Andrews and Christopher Plumber reminisce 40 years later about their involvement in the film and working together.4. From Liesl to Gretl - (33:33) A reunion of the seven talents who play the Von Trapp children in the film talking about their experience working on the film, hijinks behind-the-camera and mistakes they made that are on the film.5. Salzburg Sights and Sound - (13:04) Narrated by Charmian Carr. A documentary on her arrival to Salzburg and filming for "The Sound of Music".6. On Location with the Sound of Music - (22:33) Charmian Carr hosts a documentary on Salzburg and visiting the locations where the film was shot.7. When You Know the Notes to Sing - A Sing-Along Phenomenon - (12:50) The 40th Anniversary sing-along screening at the Hollywood Bowl for "The Sound of Music".8. Rodgers and Hammerstein: The Sound of American Music, 1985 - (1:23:25) Popular Broadway talent Mary Martin hosts a documentary on Rodgers and Hammerstein, the history and hits of this dynamic duo and their work on "Oklahoma", "Carousel", "Flower Drum Song", "The King and I" and "The Sound of Music".9. Rodgers and Hammerstein: The Sound of Music, 1996 - (1:36:36) A documentary on Rodgers and Hammerstein's successful music in film hosted by Shirley Jones and guests Rita Moreno, Nancy Kwann, Charmian Carr and Julie Andrews as they comment on the films they worked on that featured music by Rodgers and Hammerstein.10. Audio Interviews: Location Interviews - Featuring audio interviews with Julie Andrews (11:48), Christopher Plummer (5:15) and Peggy Wood (8:34)11. Audio Interview: Reissue Interview with Julie Andrews and Robert Wise from 1973 - (7:48)12. Audio Interview: A Telegram from Daniel Truhitte - (13:02) Daniel Truhitte reminisce about playing the part of Rolfe.13. Audio Interview: Ernest Lehman: Master Storyteller - (34:56) An audio interview with Ernest Lehman.* Rare Treasures - Featuring programs from TV shows related to"The Sound of Music":1. Julie and Carol at Carnegie Hall: The Pratt Family Singers - (6:41) A parody of the musical shown on the 1962 CBS special starring Julie Andrews and Carol Burnett.2. The Julie Andrews Hour: Julie Andrews and Maria von Trapp - (16:33) A segment from 1973 featuring Julie Andrews and Maria von Trapp. Featuring performances by both women and also Julie Andrews interviewing Maria von Trapp.3. Screen Tests - (26:13) The 1999 AMC "Hollywood Screen Tests" of The Sound of Music. Various screen tests featuring auditions for "The Sound of Music" in which talent such as Richard Dreyfuss, Mia Farrow, Leslie Ann Warren, Kurt Russel and more auditioned but Robert Wise talks about what he wanted and that was more family quality and the family becoming believable.4. 40th Anniversary DVD Intro by Julie Andrews - (2:10) The original DVD intro by Julie Andrews included in the 2005 40th Anniversary DVD release.5. Galleries - Featuring concept art, storyboards and still photos from the film. Using your remote, you can cycle through images for "What Will My Future Be? (Pre-Production)", "Facing Adventure (Production) and "A Grand and Glorious Party (Promotion and Publicity)".* Publicity - Featuring various publicity, trailer and TV spots for "The Sound of Music":* Fox Movietone News Academy Awards Footage - (2:45) Featuring Julie Andrews on the red carpet of the 38th Annual Academy Awards and footage of Andrews and the Academy Award winners for the film.* Trailers and Teasers - Featuring the following trailers: Teaser Preview (1:28, Dec. 1964), General Release Preview (4:00, 1965), Academy Awards Preview (4:24, April 1966), First Anniversary Preview, :50, May 1966), Release Preview (4:01, Dec. 1972), Release Preview - Alternate Soundtrack (4:01, Dec. 1962), Testimonial Trailer (2:22).* TV Spots - (1:23) Featuring the 60-second reissue TV spot (March 1973), 30-second Reissue TV Spot (March 1973).* Radio Spots - Featuring the following radio spots: 60 Second Reserve Seat Engagement, 60 Second 1973 Reissue, 30 Second Reserve Seat Engagement, 30 Second 1973 Reissue.EXTRAS:"The Sound of Music: 45th Anniversary Edition" comes with a DVD version of the feature film which is presented in 2:20:1, widescreen. Audio in English 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound, English 4.0 Dolby Surround, Spanish Dolby Surround and French Dolby Surround. Subtitles are in English SDH, French and Spanish. Also, included is a slip-over cover case.

Versatile director Robert Wise ("The Set-Up", "The Day The Earth Stood Still", "Somebody Up There Likes Me", "I Want To Live!", "The Haunting") had a surprisingly winning way with stage to screen musical adaptations in the 1960's. "West Side Story" (1961), co-directed by Wise and choreographer Jerome Robbins, was an enormous popular and critical success; winning eleven Academy Awards. "The Sound Of Music" (1965), loosely "inspired by" the saga of the Austrian Trapp Family and the memoirs of the rather formidable Maria Von Trapp, achieved an astonishing, almost incomprehensible success. To this day-- nearly 60 years later-- it is not so much "watched" as it is "felt" and, above all, "experienced." Critics are quick to dismiss and deride the film for its "saccharine sentimentality." But a closer, more thoughtful analysis reveals the film is far more relevant, resonant, bittersweet, and painfully poignant than saccharine. Wise and his creative team masterfully transformed Rodgers and Hammerstein's final stage musical into a worldwide cinematic phenomenon. Ernest Lehman's screenplay is a vast improvement on the original stage libretto by Howard Lindsay and Russell Crouse. Wise's decision to film for several months on location in Austria was particularly genius and inspired. Cinematographer Ted McCord's beautiful location photography gives more strength and drama to the story and songs. From the opening sequence-- as the camera flies over the majestic Austrian Alps and zooms down to reveal Julie Andrews as Maria singing joyously in a mountainside meadow-- we are enchanted, and a bit breathless. Maria aspires to be a devout nun, but her impetuous nature drives the nuns at Nonnberg Abbey to distraction. The Mother Abbess (Peggy Wood) sends Maria out for several months to serve as governess to the seven children of widower Captain Von Trapp (Christopher Plummer). Maria is a blessing to the seven neglected children and, initially, an irritant to the Captain himself, who is swiftly off to Vienna to visit his cosmopolitan girlfriend Elsa Schrader (Eleanor Parker) and seemingly gay friend, musical impresario Max Detweiler (Richard Hayden). Maria loves music and nature, and Julie Andrews portrays her as an effervescent force of nature. Also, her teaching the children to sing is a not so subtle act of subversion. "Father doesn't like us to sing," the children protest. "Well, perhaps we can change his mind," Maria replies, with firm determination. Maria and the children then cavort all over Salzburg, as they sing up, down and around the "Do Re Mi" musical scale in a brilliantly edited montage sequence. Christopher Plummer (who for years referred to the film as "The Sound Of Mucus", until he mellowed out in older age) maintains a sarcastic and snarky demeanor throughout, and has has his best moments in the Captain's heated exchanges with Hitler devotee Herr Zeller (Ben Wright). "If the Nazis do take over Austria, Herr Zeller," the Captain says, "I've no doubt you will be their entire trumpet section." "You flatter me, Captain", Zeller responds. "Oh, how clumsy of me," Plummer replies with a perfectly snarky hiss, "I meant to accuse you!" When Elsa notices the romantic sparks between Maria and the Captain, she makes a dignified exit. Maria and the Captain are married, and the family finally comes together as Austria falls apart in the dreadful Nazi Anschluss of 1938. Shortly after the Captain rips a Nazi flag from the wall of his Villa, he receives a commission to serve in the naval forces of the Third Reich. "Refusing them would be fatal for all of us," he says, "and joining them would be unthinkable." The film received ten Academy Award nominations; winning in five categories; including "Best Picture" (1965), "Best Film Editing", "Best Director": Robert Wise, and "Best Musical Scoring": Irwin Kostal.

Absolutely love this film, even after watching it for the millionth time!!! Excellent soundtrack and Julie Andrews draws you in with her melodious, soothing voice!!! It will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat, while you wait to find out the fate of the Von Trapp family...I don't want to give it away:))) A must see for everyone!!!!

This is one of my all time favorite movies. Great story line and great music. Great movie to watch with your family. Gave me a chance to discuss some history with my kids also.

So many memories, I’ve always been a sound of music fan

My own entertainment

Who wouldn't want to own a copy? Oh I know!The Grinch!

Bien grabada, funciona bien en un bluerey Sony, sin problemas.

Classic film. Great story and great music.

It's fantastic! Fascinating! It's a music to the soul. The mesmerizing voice of Julie Andrews ,jovility of children will bring back the child in you.Like every other movie ,it doesn't dazzle your eyes or roar in your ears but it leaves some parts behind in your thoughts. I got so engrossed in the movie that those imaginary people seemed so real. Humanity's greatest qualities depicted so precisely ....emotions.

Great value

3時間に及ぶ大作がCD一枚に入っているのには驚いた。有名になった歌が次々と出てくるのはとても楽しい。