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| The Sound of Music (Two-Disc 40th Anniversary Special Edition) | 
 enlarge | Director: Robert Wise
Actors: Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Richard Haydn, Peggy Wood, Anna Lee
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Category: DVD
List Price: $26.98
Buy New: $12.95
You Save: $14.03 (52%)
New (74) Used (25) from $11.00
Avg. Customer Rating:  556 reviews
Sales Rank: 102
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, Dvd-video, Subtitled, Widescreen, Ntsc
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Subtitled), Spanish (Subtitled), English (Dubbed), French (Dubbed), Spanish (Dubbed)
Rating: G (General Audience)
Number Of Items: 2
Running Time: 174
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.4 x 0.7
MPN: FOXD2230839D
UPC: 024543208389
EAN: 0024543208389
ASIN: B000AP04OM
Theatrical Release Date: 1965
Release Date: November 15, 2005
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Brand New, Slim case. No Shrink Wrap. out of Box Set (Rodgers & Hammerstein Collection). First Class 3-4 Days. Not Imports, Not bootleg.
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| Customer Reviews:
 DON'T DUMP YOUR OLD DISC-THIS IS NO BETTER, MAYBE WORSE! November 21, 2005
19 out of 25 found this review helpful
I was able to find a copy of this "new remastered" version of SOUND OF MUSIC yesterday, along with OKLAHOMA. The latter is a downright disaster, while SOUND OF MUSIC, remarketed and milked for the umpteenth time is not a disaster, but a definite disappointment.
High quality extras from the previous DVD were not carried over.
The new extras are "nice", but ultimately boring
The transfer itself seems somehow fuzzier and less sharp than my old disc. I returned the new disc to the store where I bought it as "defective". It certainly is.
AVOID THIS DISC and WAIT FOR A TRUE RESTORATION and REMASTERING!
Great Movie, but PLEASE don't watch on DVD--it's awful December 19, 2001
17 out of 30 found this review helpful
I was so excited to get the 5 star collection of "The Sound of Music". When I did, I popped it in expecting that warm feeling but instead I found it cold and vaguely creepy. In the opening scenes, showing the Austrian hills, the scenes look so fake and cartoonish...like a video game. These scenes were actually filmed on location to get the true feeling of being there. Now, they look computer generated--in fact, I can tell some differences that have been thrown in to make everything look even more glistening. It isn't higher resolution, it's fake stuff. The warm feeling of film is gone and is replaced with harsh sound and even the faces of the characters look plastic, like robots. This is a movie best seen on VHS in Widescreen format. If they digitalized it anymore, it would look like "The Matrix"...it almost does. I love the DVD format for most movies but this one overdoes it bigtime. It looks like a cartoon or video game.
 A Gift From The Cinema Gods! This 40th Anniversary Edition Of THE SOUND OF MUSIC Should Be In Every Home! November 17, 2005
17 out of 22 found this review helpful
WOW! What a FANTASTIC Movie-I wish that everyone had a copy, I really do. If I was rich, and could afford to, I'd make sure that every school library had a copy of THIS particular Edition!
When I was growing up, I somehow missed watching The Sound Of Music. Later in life, during my college years, a roommate suggested we rent it from the new movie rental store in Des Moines, Iowa. I told my friend that there were thousands of movies to choose from and perhaps we should find something else. Long story made short, I gave in and decided to rent it since I had chosen the previous 2 movies.
We came home and placed the VHS movie into the VCR. I had some attitude going into it and somehow thought it was going to be a childigh movie that was predictable and boring for an adult to view. I was very, very wrong and I was never more surprised than I was after watching this great movie.
I remember watching the movie and never even placing it on pause even once. Typically, I'd watch about 30 minutes of any movie and then take a break and make popcorn or get something to drink. Not true with Julie Andrews and this masterpiece-The Sound Of Music. I remember laughing and even shedding some tears. I was sort of mad at myself for not watching it as a kid, however I forgave myself and decided to keep it another day and watch it again in total privacy.
When the 40th Anniversary Edition was announced, I called from friend in Iowa, Joeanna, and told her that I wanted to let Santa know what I wanted for Christmas. I wanted a brand new 40th Edition copy of The Sound Of Music. We both laughed as she clearly rememberd how she had to pressure me into watching it as I thought it was a movie just for kids.
As luck would have it, when my recent Birthday came alone, I received a Priority Mail box at my front door. I literally had no idea what Joeanna was going to send me. We always exchange gifts and more than often she'll send a great looking sweater or some sort of gadget from the Sharper Image. I started to cry when I opened the inside box and found this beautifully packaged copy of the 40th Anniversary Edition of The Sound Of Music.
A few years have passed since I used to rent VHS movies. So I'm all set up for watching movies with a great DVD player and a 65" High Definition Toshiba Television. That same night, the night before my 36th Birthday, I invited my neighbors over to watch the movie with me. Just about an hour before they were supposed to come over to watch it with me, they called to say they were not feeling up to par and wanted to take a rain check. I totally understood and we agreed to watch it the following Saturday night.
Guess What? Just like years ago, when I decided to watch The Sound Of Music on my own, I decided to revisit that wonderful experience and watch The Sound Of Music (40th Anniversary Edition) on my own.
The movie was phenomenal! It was better than any version I had ever watched before. Because the movie was so incredible on my large television, and I knew I wanted to write an honest review, I thought it best to watch it again on my 27" television-the one without all the bells and whistles! I wasn't at all surprised when the movie, being watched on my small Sony television, was just as tremendous and enjoyable as when I watched it on the big screen.
With both TV's, I felt transported to a wonderful place and I enjoyed The Sound Of Music like never before. The sound was powerful and the clarity was much better than any other version I'd listened to. I wanted to mention that the color was more vivid that any other time I'd watched it and at times it felt as if I could grab hold of Julie Andrews hand and dance along with them. It might sound too good to be true, but this edition is the BEST MOVIE I HAVE EVER WATCHED. I commend everyone who worked with the editing and all of the digital sound mastering that they pulled off.
This was a gift that I will treasure forever. Since I didn't get the typical gift from my friend, I'm now faced with what I should get HER for Christmas. As I was pondering what gift to get her a light bulb finally turned on in my head. Why not get Joeanna her own copy of The Sound Of Music (40th Anniversary Edition) so that she can enjoy it since if it wasn't for her I might never have watched this incredible and beautiful movie?
If there is one gift that you buy for yourself or for your family-Please purchase The Sound Of Music (40th Anniversary Edition). You will not believe how much great information is on the DVD aside from the movie itself. I think I spent 4 hours, alone in my viewing room, watching everything from the directors comments on almost every part of the movie to special scenes that were either deleted or not included in previous editions. You can find all of the many details of the contents of the DVD-it's really too much to mention in this short review.
I just wanted to thank my friend for introducing me to a part of Americana that is a legend as well. Your entire family will enjoy the movie and your kids will enjoy any of several different options for viewing it on the DVD. I hope this review was helpful to you. I feel like watching the movie, again tonight, as it literaly lifts my spirits up high. I sometimes deal with a tinge of the blues-so what better medicine than the gift from the Cinema God's-THE SOUND OF MUSIC (40th ANNIVERSARY EDITION).
Thanks for taking the time to read my review. I really hope that at least a portion of it was helpful to you.
Peter V. Cannice
Scottsdale, Arizona
Horsepete@aol.com
fabulous new 40th Anniversary edition is one to treasure... December 1, 2005
16 out of 17 found this review helpful
This lovely new 40th Anniversary 2-disc edition of THE SOUND OF MUSIC is a real treat. But, for those in a quandry about buying yet another DVD release of the film (following the "Five Star" 2-disc edition), I say, buy this version but keep the old one too, because it has some great extras that were not ported onto this new edition (more about that later).
THE SOUND OF MUSIC is of course based on the long-running 1959 hit Broadway musical that originally starred Mary Martin. The musical was inspired by a Geman film called "Die Trapp Famile", based on the book by Maria Augusta Trapp. The story is as well-known as those hills that truly did come alive with the sound of music: Maria (Julie Andrews) is a postulant nun at the Nonnberg Abbey in Salzburg circa 1938. The Mother Abbess (Peggy Wood) becomes well-aware that the spirited Maria is hardly suited to the cloistered life of a nun. So Maria is assigned as governess to the seven children of an autocratic widower, Captain Georg von Trapp (Christopher Plummer). Like a breath of fresh mountain air, Maria transforms the children and eventually steals the Captain's heart away from a worldly Baroness (Eleanor Parker). But the Nazi Anschluss is coming, and the family's safety is under threat...
This new DVD contains a wealth of new bonus material including :
"Audio Commentary" - brand new commentary track with Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, choreographer Dee Dee Wood and Charmian Carr amongst others. The Robert Wise director commentary (from the "5 Star" release) is also included.
"A Few of My Favourite Things" - Julie Andrews hosts this generous-length documentary which features new interviews with key cast and production team members, some rare photos, footage from behind the scenes and more.
"Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer: A Reminiscence" - Julie and Chris sit down and share their memories from the film.
"From Liesl to Gretl: A 40th Anniversary Reunion" - This is something truly special. This segment reunites all seven von Trapp children to share their own memories and talk about the film. With Charmian Carr (Liesl), Nicholas Hammond (Friedrich), Heather Menzies (Louisa), Duane Chase (Kurt), Angela Cartwright (Brigitta), Debbie Turner (Marta) and Kym Karath (Gretl).
"On Location with The Sound of Music" - Charmian Carr takes us on a personally-guided tour of Salzburg, taking in the historical sites as well as the locations featured in the film. This is a cute update on "Salzburg Sights and Sounds", which Carr made as a featurette during production of SOM in 1965 (and which can be found on the "5 Star" release).
"When You Know the Notes to Sing: A Sing-Along Phenomenon" - This takes a look behind the scenes during the 40th Anniversary "Sing-Along a-Sound of Music" screening held at the Hollywood Bowl with an audience of over 18,00 people. The "Sing Along" version of the film has taken off all over the world, and this featurette gives you a definite flavour of one.
"The von Trapp Family: Harmony and Discord" - This is the fantastic `Biography' episode which takes an in-depth look at the real von Trapp clan. We learn that the real Maria was a far more flawed and fallible human being than we ever saw in "Sound of Music", and also the shocking fact that infamous Himmler took over the von Trapp villa shortly after their exit from Salzburg. Featuring interviews with several of the real von Trapp children.
"Mia Farrow screen test" - A fascinating look at the girl who might have played Liesl if Charmian Carr was never cast in the role. Farrow sings a brief section of "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" in a blonde wig. Lesley Ann Warren also auditioned for the role (she appeared in the title role of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Cinderella" instead), but it might have been nice to have had Lesley's screen test also. Oh well...
"Restoration comparison" - Compares a 1993 print of the film with the new 40th Anniversary restored print.
There are also copious trailers and galleries to watch and explore.
The "Five Star" double disc set also included the fabulous doco "From Fact to Phenomenon", and that is the main reason why I'll keep my old DVD alongside this new version. I recommend that all fans purchase this new edition, if only for the reunion featurette. For those who have yet to buy SOM in digital format, this release is a no-brainer.
Perfect family and kid gift!!!! December 17, 2005
16 out of 18 found this review helpful
I write this review in order to encourage people to buy this as a gift for families with children or for their own family or kids. I remember all the songs I was exposed to over and over from when I was little, don't you? From Anine, and Grease, and Sound of Music, and Fiddeler on the Roof.
This is such a positive, fun, heart-warming movie with such great and simple songs for any kid to learn and sing. I think it is a must to counter-balance the world of video games, and violent and mindless T.V. to expose your kids, other's kids to something positive like this, AND, importantly, something they will enjoy!
What a wonderful present.
Here are some of the things this DVD will hold for you:
The movie, of course
Wonderful surrond sound, and sing alongs to the songs!
Commentary by the actors and directors for those of you who want to get into the movie even more deeply...maybe because the wondeful memories you have of it!
Still photos of behind-the-scenes and some screen tests and other storyboard stuff, which makes learning about the production of the movie great.
Also, some previews too, which is a great walk through history.
All and all, give a wonderful postive gife to any family, this is a great one!
Lastly, I am in a review writing competition with some other people, so if you liked this review I would love your Yes vote, I write this review though with sincerity and hope for that the kids in the world will find the positive joy of musicals, before they run into the negative elements waiting to take their minds and money later. Take care and best wishes!
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