For an incredible 60 years, the hills have been alive with the sound of music, and in honor of the film's sixtieth anniversary, Disney has released the movie in 4K for the first time. Based on a true story, the film sings and dances its way through the von Trapp family's story of love and harmony during the Second World War. Maria Von Trapp's memoir was first adapted into a stage musical by the theater power duo of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II in 1959 and then brought to the big screen in 1965, where it was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, eventually winning five of them.
Maria (Julie Andrews; Mary Poppins) was a novice at the convent in Vienna, Austria, who had a difficult time following the rules. When the opportunity arose for Maria to become a governess of seven children, Mother Abbess (Peggy Wood; Mama) thought it would be a good respite from the convent. However, Maria wasn't convinced, especially after meeting the children and their widowed father, Captain Georg von Trapp (Christopher Plummer; Knives Out). As the Nazis annexed Austria and the entire von Trapp family thawed to the idea of having Maria in their lives, Maria had to decide what course her life would take and whether or not becoming a nun was the right choice.
There is so much to love about this classic movie that it is difficult to decide where to start (let's start at the very beginning...) when writing this review. Andrews and Plummer are superb, and their chemistry is palpable. Rodgers and Hammerstein's music is legendary, and Andrew's voice is the perfect instrument to "play" it. The cinematography is incredible, and the tension created by director Robert Wise (1961 West Side Story) keeps the audience engaged for the entire three-hour run time.
I have owned a version of The Sound of Music since it came out on a set of two VHS tapes. The new 4K remaster presented in Dolby Vision is absolutely stunning. From the color palette to the details on the costumes, this film has never looked better. Even the muted tones of the von Trapp family home are bright and clean.
The iconic soundtrack hums in Dolby Atmos and gives the old songs new life. The dialogue is crisp, and ambient noises sit comfortably in the surround speakers. This remaster sounds like the way the movie was meant to be heard, and it is a treat for one's ears.
Besides the 4K and Blu-ray discs, the combo pack comes with three collectible art cards, which are a nice addition. The extras, which are housed on a separate Blu-ray disc, are all previously released material and include Sing Along Version, Audio Commentary by Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Charmian Carr, Dee Dee Wood & Johannes Von Trapp Audio Commentary by Robert Wise, The Sound of a City Documentary - Julie Andrews returns to Salzburg, Austria, A City of Song - Filming locations in Salzburg, Austria, Musical Stages - The songs, the show & the family, Vintage Programs - The Sound of Music, Rodgers and Hammerstein, location interviews, and audio interviewsRare Treasures - Julie and Carol at Carnegie Hall: The Pratt Family Singers, The Julie Andrews Hour: Julie Andrews and Maria Von Trapp, Screen Tests, 40th Anniversary DVD Introduction by Julie Andrews, and galleries and Publicity - Fox Movietone News - Academy Awards,®, trailers and teasers, TV spots, and radio spots.
The Sound of Music is a treasure, not only in the United States but worldwide as well, and it more than deserved the technical upgrades it received. This Combo pack is one every person should own and keep on their shelf for all the reasons I mentioned previously, and some more that I didn't. It's an uplifting movie with an extremely talented cast, beautiful music, and an engaging story. It stands the test of time and is a must purchase!
Grade: A
