4K Digital Review of The Sound of Music

 

The Sound of Music Celebrates arrives in a stunning restored and remastered 4K version for its 60th Anniversary. It is one of my favorite movies of all-time. I don't think I have ever seen a movie that is more joyful or optimistic. Here you can believe in the possibilities of love, that good will triumph over evil and the power of song.

Based on a true story that is known the world over, Julie Andrews plays Maria, who may never become a proper nun. She is sent to Salzburg to become the governess to the seven von Trapp children. Their father, Georg (Christopher Plummer), is a widower and a former Navy captain. He runs the household with strict military discipline. Maria wins over the children by letting them be children. They learn to sing and enjoy life. The Captain begins to see the change in his children and his heart begins to open. He even breaks off his engagement to the cold Baroness Schraeder (Eleanor Parker) to marry Maria. But there is danger out there. The Nazi threat looms over Austria and the von Trapps. The Nazis want the captain for their Navy and he makes a desperate escape with the entire family to safety over the Swiss Alps.    

Video:

The 4K Digital video is stunning. The 4K scan is from a brand new 8K scan with color correction and restoration work done. The details are absolutely eye-popping. A few examples include, the individual blades of grass as Maria sings at the opening of the movie, the details of the fabric on all the clothing and the stonework on the von Trapp home. The Sound of Music has never looked better.   

Audio:

The Dolby Atmos soundtrack is an equally stunning upgrade to go along with the video. The enhancement is immediately noticeable with the opening song. You will be completely surrounded by Maria's crystal clear vocals and the orchestration. Outdoor atmospheric ambiance is placed smartly. Dialogue is clean and clearly placed. An outstanding audio effort to accompany the amazing video.

Bonus Features (Bonus features vary by product and retailer)

• Sing-Along Version 
• Commentary by Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Charmian Carr, Dee Dee Wood & Johannes von Trapp 
• 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 interviews
• Rare 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
• Publicity - Fox Movietone News - Academy Awards,®, trailers and teasers, TV spots, and radio spots

Conclusion:

One of my favorite films of all-time has never looked or sounded better. While the bonus features have been ported over from other Anniversary sets, this version is still highly recommended.

The Sound of Music is available now on digital.

*The movie was provided by Walt Disney Home Entertainment for the purpose of this review and the review is strictly my opinion.*