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| The Sound of Music (Two-Disc 40th Anniversary Special Edition) |
 Currently viewing: The Sound of Music (Two-Disc 40th Anniversary Special Edition) Compare prices for The Sound of Music (Two-Disc 40th Anniversary Special Edition) Affiliate Program |
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| The Sound of Music (Two-Disc 40th Anniversary Special Edition) |
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Currently viewing: The Sound of Music (Two-Disc 40th Anniversary Special Edition) Compare prices for The Sound of Music (Two-Disc 40th Anniversary Special Edition) Affiliate Program |
| The Sound of Music (Two-Disc 40th Anniversary Special Edition) |
The DVDs As if the direct involvement of Julie Andrews weren't enough, the 40th Anniversary Edition of The Sound of Music is a must-have for fans because of the fond sense of nostalgia that will touch all but the worst cynic's heart. Andrews introduces both discs and contributes a commentary track on the film. It's a joy to hear her speak about the film (for example, she explains how she solved her dislike for the lyrics of 'I Have Confidence'), and also heard are remarks by Christopher Plummer (who at one point refers to his being 48, which if true would mean his comments were made in about 1975), Charmian Carr (Liesl), choreographer Dee Dee Wood, and Johannes Von Trapp (the real-life Maria Von Trapp's youngest son, who admits that his father did have a whistle but claims that he was not as stern as portrayed in the film). Even with all those people involved, there are still significant gaps of silence, however. Retained from the previous two-disc editions is the commentary track by director Robert Wise, which during the musical numbers becomes an isolated score with no vocals. Also new are sing-along subtitles in English, Spanish, and French, which allow you to have your own sing-along at home. In addition, the film's remastering shows off a truer and much warmer sense of color. On the second disc, Andrews participates in a new 63-minute documentary 'My Favorite Things: Julie Andrews Remembers.' But it's really a general making-of documentary with contributions from a number of principals, including director Robert Wise, who died in mid-2005 (not surprisingly, some stories are repeated from the commentary track and from the 87-minute documentary on the previous DVD). Andrews also shares a warm 19-minute sit-down with Christopher Plummer. Carr, who over the years has become the film's biggest advocate, narrates a new 22-minute documentary, 'On Location with The Sound of Music,' in which she revisits the places in Salzburg where the movie was filmed, and even joins one of the 'Sound of Music tours' that have become a booming industry. And acknowledging another big industry, there's a 12-minute featurette on the sing-along phenomenon, focusing specifically on the audience, costumed and otherwise, that attended a sold-out Hollywood Bowl sing-along in 2005. Making special appearances at the event are four von Trapp great-grandchildren and all seven of the actors who played the children. Thankfully, those actors also appear in a 33-minute documentary 'From Liesl to Gretl: A 40th Anniversary Reunion,' in which they explain what they do now (many are still in show business) and share stories about the film, who was afraid of Christopher Plummer, and what they feel is their responsibility to the film's passionate fans. What's touching is how the group still considers themselves a family so many years later. Other material includes an A&E documentary on the von Trapps, Mia Farrow's screen test for the Liesl role, and a restoration comparison. What's Missing? If you already own the previous two-disc editions, you'll want this 40th Anniversary Edition as well, but you might not want to toss those versions. Probably the most significant omission from this edition is the original 14-minute documentary Charmian Carr made in 1967, 'Salzburg Sight and Sound.' Carr's new documentary includes only a couple clips from the vintage piece. It's not a great work of art, but it's a notable loss and would have made a good contrast with the new documentary. In addition, the new making-of documentary is about 24 minutes shorter than the old one. Also missing are the audio-only features--the interviews, the radio programs, the Ernest Lehman spotlight--and the historical still gallery examining the history of Salzburg and the film. Granted, this material probably got the least play of any of the old features, but completists might want to hold onto their old discs for it. It would have also been nice to have screen tests other than Farrow's. Tests for all the children and for Christopher Plummer (including singing in his own voice before he was dubbed for the film) were included on Hollywood Screen Tests and Rodgers and Hammerstein: The Sound of Movies. Again, they're not critical but it would have been nice to have them all in one place. So maybe the 40th Anniversary Edition isn't the complete package on The Sound of Music, but it's the most satisfying edition yet, with enough new material to please even the veteran SoM DVD watcher. --David Horiuchi Average Rating:
 Rating:  - Sound Of Music with reunion of actors and actressesMost everyone has seen Sound of Music, but this fortieth anniversary of the film includes a reunion of those who made it so well. I thoroughly enjoyed watching every moment. Rating: - Review of Sound of Music PurchaseThe movie is postively great. I have seen this classic many times over the years, but never tire of watching it again. Rating:  - The Best Family Musical Ever! Still Enjoyable for Today's Audiences!When it comes to family-oriented entertainment and especially musicals, it's hard to do better than "The Sound of Music". Not only is the plot very compelling and believable but the songs are simply inspired classics and standards that will continue to be sung many many years from now. This represents Rodgers and Hammerstein at the top of their creative powers and this together with "Oklahoma" represent my favourite musicals of all time. This dvd version is the full-screen one and after viewing this a couple of times I can't help but feel that I should have gotten the widescreen version instead although as far as full-screen versions go, this is not bad. The picture quality is well restored although not perfect as not every frame is without some form of minor defect but this is not enough to detract from your viewing enjoyment. The sound quality is very good though coming in Dolby Digital 4.1 Surround format. There are no Bonus features of note such as documentaries etc which is disappointing but here's hoping the upcoming Blu-ray version improves upon the picture, sound and bonus features aspects enough for us to shout about. As far as standard full-screen version dvds go though, this version suffices as a must have in any musical fan's dvd library although you may want to wait for the Blu-ray version if you are intending to upgrade any time soon. Rating: - Music to My EyesEveryone knows how popular this movie is but I had no idea after 30 years how much I would love it. My mother insisted I see it as a teenager and I wanted no part of it. As an adult with girls 3 and 6, we are enchanted with this movie and watch it any chance we get. It is always the first request on movie night for my girls. Everytime I watch this film I appreciate it in a new way.The story is lovely and apparently real. The dialog is witty and meaningful.The songs are catchy and the scenery will mesmerize you. It has all the elements and twists in our own lives. This film is poetry in motion-picture!-And the sound track! It is just a must for any personal collection. Rating: - Fun and BeautifulI always liked this movie because of the beautiful music and scenery and now I like it even more because they've included a documentary movie of the real story with real people. Very impressed. DVD quality is top. Browse for similar items by category:
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