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The Sound of Music (Single Disc Widescreen Edition) | Year: 1965 Classification: Musical Directed: - Robert Wise Actors/Actresses: - Julie Andrews - Christopher Plummer The happiest sound in its best version yet! Reviled by some, beloved by many, consistently referred to as the most popular movie musical ever made, THE SOUND OF MUSIC more than fulfills the promise of its beautiful visuals and expert song numbers on home video via DVD. This edition tops the 1995 laserdisc by allowing the sparkling, exemplary design of its 70mm. Todd-AO frame to be exhibited with increased sharpness and resolution. The 4.1 Dolby Digital soundtrack is powerful and clean, but since this film was originally mixed for six-track magnetic stereo, it's curious why the effort wasn't made by Fox to split the surrounds! Nonethless, the film sounds terrific. The extra features make this package a bargain at the price. Full length commentary by director Bob Wise, with the musical numbers presented sans vocals, is a great touch. And the two documentaries are beautifully presented; full of facts and bits of arcane information that any fan will truly enjoy. A great movie, and a great DVD rendition. More like this, PLEASE! This Film Needs No Introduction! When you think of popular movies, "The Sound Of Music" is definitely going to be on many people's lists. Infact, it's probably the most famous movie of all time, with more than 1 billion people having seen it. The words of the movie title are so famous, and the whole story of the film is just part of cinema legend. When it was released in cinemas back in 1965 it captured the imaginations of all those who viewed it, and this fact still remains by people who view it for the first time today. The scenery of the film, along with the classics songs in it have made The Sound Of Music a legendary experience in cinematic history and an icon out of Julie Andrews. The plot of The Sound Of Music is simple and easy to follow. The film is set in Salzburg, Austria in the last Golden Years of the 1930's before World War II choked Europe. Maria (Julie Andrews) is training to be a nun, but her frequent faltering in obeying tasks causes Mother Abbess (Peggy Wood) to re-think Maria's potential position in the Abbey. She sends Maria to Captain Georg Von Trapp (Christopher Plummer) to act as a governess and govern his highly eccentric seven children. Since their mother passed away, the seven children have had a string of governesses look after them. All of which could not cope with the demanding task of managing the troublesome seven. Maria reluctantly agrees with Mother Abbess, and makes her way to the household. At first she finds it difficult identifying with the children and getting them to open up, but as time goes by they gradually succumb to Maria's charms and her adorable ways. Over time, Maria poses a problem for Georg's new love interest who plans to marry him for his money. She tries to drive Maria away by embarrassing her at a party, and she does, for a brief while. Maria returns to the Abbey with Mother Abbess, who inspires her to return, no matter what the consequences. The final outcome is one of courage, power, love and the restoration of faith. It's a heart-warming tale of family values that appeals to people of all ages. I loved this film the first time I saw it, and my Grandma loves it even more! Some people think it's corny, but they're the critics who don't like something that achieves success because it's good. It's also a rather camp film, which makes it so much more fun in my eyes. The most famous scene in the film is the opening sequence, where we are given a stunning view of the entire country. The rolling hills, the snow-covered mountain peaks, and the tranquil lakes. The camera moving in to Maria on the hill as she spreads her arms and sings "The hills are alive, with the sound of music!" is just superb. What an opening to a film. From here on, the scenery of the film just continues to expand and grow. The mansion is a beautiful place to live with its surrounding lake, and the city is a picturesque landscape that defines the time and culture. It is almost impossible to review The Sound Of Music without mentioning the mu The Greatest Sound Lives Forever on DVD. The Sound of Music when released in 1965, took the world by storm, and went on to become the top box office earner for many years after that. This spectacular musical created a revolution among cinemagoers captured under its magical and wondrous spell, significantly in a decade of major cultural and social change. For here we have just the right mix of ingredients: a heartwarming and true story about a postulant nun, Maria, who is sent to be the governess of seven children of a retired Sea Captain, after rebelling against life at the Abbey; beautiful picture postcard scenery shot in and around Salzburg, Austria; a stunning musical score by Rogers and Hammerstein where practically every song from it has become an instantly recognizable classic including Edelweiss, My Favourite Things, Do Re Mi and Climb Ev'ry Mountain. Coupled with an array of magnificent production numbers that showcase both many of these songs and beautiful European locations with glorious results, then you have a recipe for astounding success. But without a doubt the strongest ingredient and major reason why The Sound of Music retains its status in the pantheon of legendary film musicals is Julie Andrews. In this she has her greatest role as Maria, who brings music back into the home and lives of the family Von Trapp, finding love with the Captain, leading to their marriage and the family's escape from Austria as war looms. Her exuberance, emotional fervor, conviction and beautiful soprano vocals, are such that it is clearly the performance of her life; one that is thrilling and at times spine tingling; one that has left an indelible impression on generations since. But also that incredible opening helicopter shot across the alps and countryside near Salzburg, the camera spotting then rushing towards Maria in a mountaintop clearing as she gives that most famous twirl before singing the title song, is another reason why The Sound of Music is peerless and in a class of its own. This would have to be the most uplifting and breathtaking opening in movie history. Totally awesome! <BR> <BR>The supporting cast lead by Christopher Plummer as The Captain, Peggy Wood as Reverend Mother and Eleanor Parker as The Baroness is outstanding in their respective roles as are the seven children. The sparkling and dramatic orchestrations by Irwin Kostal are also a towering achievement. The stunning widescreen cinematography and rich color palette also add to the films scope and power. On DVD, all of this is beautifully preserved in the original widescreen format, with the Act Two Entr'acte and End Titles music included from the road show release. There is a superb audio commentary track from Director, Robert Wise. There are also lots of wonderful extras on the second of this 2-disc DVD, including two behind the scenes documentaries made at the time and interviews with the stars. This is definitely a must for any collection, especially as many of us remember the day, cinema, sessi Buy The Sound Of Music at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on The Sound Of Music Search with the Priority Search Engine on The Sound Of Music This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
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