Rating: 
Summary: Like I've Never Experienced Before.
Review: Having just recently purchased a 27" flat-sceen TV, DVD player, and stereo receiver & speakers to go with it all, I needed something to try out my new system and demonstrate all this high-tech, 2003 equipment. A 1965 movie musical to do the above?
You bet. The moment the movie started I was transported, through my humble surroundings, to a grand movie palace as I knew as a kid in the 60's. Watching The Sound of Music simply blew me away. I never experienced this film on TV quite like this before. The sound ~ full & rich, the picture ~ sharp, lush, and brilliant, and the total Artistry it took to create the film version of the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway musical ~ all combine to overwhelm one's senses in ways that most films cannot or will not do today.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely a Gem
Review: One of the movies that I return to very often partly because of the kids. J Andrews is difficult to classify and she is not exactly a great singer. However, her songs particularly those sung together with the children are so much fun. Edelweiss is absolutely a delightful little tune albeit that Plummer wasn't any singer at all. The puppet show was just marvelous, absolutely a treat, and so was the Cuckoo Goodbye Song. The Baroness was so well portayed too. Needless to say some parts are dated but on the other hand, there are so many timeless things and that included a gratuitous tour of the famous town Salzburg where Mozart was born. I can hardly think of any other better family movie for the smaller kids. We have gone over it for at least 7 or 8 times by now and still will. Absolutely a gem.
Rating:
Summary: The Sound Of Pure Pleasure!
Review: Not only were the hills alive, my heart was alive with the sound of pure pleasure. The movie showed how music can change lives.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely a Gem
Review: One of the movies that I return to very often partly because of the kids. Having heard hundreds of opera/ folk/ pop/jazz singers, I of course take no particular delight in J Andrews. However, I am not put off by her at all. Her songs particularly those with the children are so much fun. Edelweiss is absolutely a delightful little tune albeit that Plummer wasn't any singer at all. The puppet show was just marvelous, the best I have seen all my life, and so was the Cuckoo Goodbye Song. The Baroness was so well portayed. Needless to say some parts are dated but on the other end of the scale, it's so abound of timeless things and that included a gratuitous tour of the famous town Salzburg where Mozart was born. I can hardly think of any other better family movie for the smaller kids. We have gone over it for at least 7 or 8 times by now and still will. Absolutely a gem.
Rating:
Summary: Such a joy to watch!
Review: I love The Sound of Music!! Rogers and Hammerstein musicals are in my oppinion the best musicals there are! I love when Maria is in the abbey and the nuns sing "How do you solve a problem like Maria?" It's very light-hearted when it needs to be and very serious when needs be. We all need a touch of light-heartedness now and again. I recommend The Sound of Music to just about anyone and everyone... I actually have the 2 DVD set. I love the "extras" that you get.
Rating:
Summary: The Sound Of Success: Musical Masterpiece
Review: 1965: Julie Andrews once again captures audiences in a musical film. The previous year, 1964, she won the Oscar for Best Actress in Mary Poppins. The Sound Of Music was based on the true account of the Von Trapp family singers, who fled Nazi Germany during WWII. Julie Andrews portrays Maria Von Trapp, formerly a novice nun who became the wife of the naval sea captain portrayed by the handsome Christopher Plummer. The fictionalized account is often sugary, with Julie Andrews providing much of the sunshine, but the last part of the film, as the Von Trapps flee from the Nazis, is darker than most films Julie Andrews has made. The "nanny" or governess role seems to fit Julie Andrews perfectly. As Maria Von Trapp, the governess to seven children, she is an echo of her role as Mary Poppins. She sings her way to the children's hearts and wins the hand of their father, the uptight, repressed captain. Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer have genuine chemistry on the screen. Unforgettable is the Wedding Scene, in which Julie Andrews marries the captain in a long, dragging white gown at the cathedral. The songs are greatfrom this musical, which had in fact been a Broadway musical by Rogers and Hammersteins (this film, in fact, was a descendant of "The King and I" with a similar governess/master theme. "My Favorite Things", "I have confidence", "Sixteen Going on Seventeen", "Do-Re-Mi" and the eponymous song "The Sound of Music"- which opens with Julie Andrews running across the Alpine hills of Austria, are memorable songs which have become part of American culture. On DVD, the experience is superb and beautiful, with trailers and features that are delightful, recalling an innocent time, recalling the poignant magic the film had years ago, fresh and strong even today.
Rating: 
Summary: The Hills Are Alive With The Sound of Julie Andrews
Review: Why anyone would want to view this classic in full frame is beyond me. Shot in Panavision 70, the glorious vistas of the Alps and Austrian countryside are breathtakingly captured. And then, of course, there's Julie Andrews. From her introduction, twirling about the tip of a hillside, to her whimsical "My Favorite Things" Ms. Andrews is one of the cinema's great guilty pleasures, a wholesome, smart and funloving girl next door that anyone would be happy to have as either their mother or girlfriend - depending on one's age.
Fox previously issued this film as a "Five Star Edition". Here, you don't get the fabulous extras, including a wonderful documentary on the history of the film and the Von Trapps. But no matter which version you get, you can't escape the fact that this transfer, although better than the laserdisc or VHS versions previously issued, still has a long way to go to live up to the very best DVD transfers. There is considerable digital noise in the backgrounds, some color smearing and a bit of edge enhancement and fine detail shimmering to contend with. Though it doesn't necessarily distract, it is present throughout and does draw attention to itself, particularly if you are viewing the film on a screen 32 inches or greater. The soundtrack has been nicely restored though at moments it can have a strident sonic characteristic that is slightly grating. Overall, Fox needs to revisit this title with a new transfer. Still, no one can deny that the hills will continue to be alive with the sounds of music for many, many years to come.
Rating:
Summary: This is one of my favorite things!
Review: I absolutly loved this video! The music, cast, and backdrop were perfect, and the script so realistic. I've always loved this video, but when I saw my friend preform in a play exactly like the video, it has encouraged me to sing more and develop my acting talents so maybe I'll be able to play Maria some day. "The hills are alive, with the sound of music. With songs they have sung for a thousand years, the hills fill my heart with the sound of music, my heart wants to sing every song it hears."
Rating:
Summary: A good, good, terrific movie!
Review: The Sound of Music is a really great movie to watch! The songs are beautiful, especially the harmonizing part! This movie's setting is in Salzburg, Austria. This movie is about a young nun, Maria, who loves to sing. One day, the Mother at the abbey shocks Maria by telling her that she must leave and go into the outside world for a while. Maria pleads to stay but seeing that she has no choice, she obeys the Mother. She then is told that she was to be a governess in the house of Captain Von Trapp, who lost his wife years ago, and that she would have to take care of his seven children. Maria leaves the abbey sadly and goes to Captain Von Trapp's house. The Captain is a stern, dull, strict man and his children are all stiff and mean to Maria, except for the two youngest girls, Marta and Gretl. These are the children's names:
Liesl-16 years old
Friedrich-14 years old
Louisa-13 years old
Kurt-11 years old
Brigitta-10 years old
Marta-6 years old
Gretl-5 years old
Maria then is able to make friends with the children when there is a bad thunderstorm. She makes the children happy until their father appears and sternly tells them to go back to bed. Maria is left in charge while the Captain goes to Vienna to visit the Baroness Schraeder and to bring her back to Salzburg. Maria disobeys the Captain by bringing the children to play outside, and she also teaches them how to sing. The Captain comes home outraged, but is changed when he hears his children sing.
However Maria goes back to the abbey because the Baroness tells her that the Captain is in love with her. The Mother then tells Maria that she has to go back. Maria goes back then marries the Captain after the Baroness leaves.
After the wedding, the Germans come into Austria and send the Captain a telegram that he must go to Berlin. The Captain, Maria, and their children quickly escape with the Germans close behind them. They however are able to run away to the mountains.
This movie will never get boring, and the whole plot of the movie is wonderful! You should get this movie and I'm sure you'll love it!
Rating:
Summary: "These are a few of my favorite things!"
Review: Following the success of the 1964 film "Mary Poppins", Julie Andrews starred in another sensational film only one year later, "The Sound of Music". Directed by Robert Wise (who also directed "The Andromeda Strain" in 1971, "The Day the Earth Stood Still" in 1951 and "West Side Story" in 1961), the film was derived from the Broadway musical created by Richard Rogers & Oscar Hammerstein II, in corroboration with writers Howard Lindsay and Russell Crouse). It was based upon the true story of the van Trapp family immediately prior to World War II. Taking place in Salzburg, Austria in 1938, the film begins with a cinematically beautiful display of the Alps and Julie Andrews singing the title song. Julie Andrews plays Maria, a young woman studying to become a nun; but Reverend Mother Abbess (Peggy Wood) along with nuns Sister Margaretta (Anna Lee), Sister Bertha (Portia Nelson), Sister Sophia (Marni Nixon) and Sister Bernice (Evadne Baker) aren't sure whether Maria is suitable nun material. Mother Abbess decides to send Maria on a mission to be a governess to the seven children of Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer), a decorated hero of the Austrian Navy. Captain von Trapp has had great difficulty finding a proper governess for his children, who frequently discourage any governess from remaining by using various pranks. Initially, the children intend to treat Maria as any previous governess, but they quickly take a liking to her. Upon discovering that the children have never sung before, Maria teaches them how to sing, to the unintended delight of Captain von Trapp's friend, Max Detweiler (Richard Haydn), who is searching for fresh musical talent. However, Captain von Trapp does not intend to allow Max to exploit his children's previously unknown musical abilities. Further, unexpected feelings develop between Captain von Trapp and Maria. Complicating matters for Maria and the von Trapp family is the political atmosphere in 1938 Austria. Some Austrians enthusiastically embrace the idea of Anschluss (political annexation) between Austria and Nazi Germany, but most (including Captain von Trapp) are totally opposed. As history records, Nazi Germany takes control of Austria in 1938, and Germany's naval command wants Captain von Trapp to take command of one of its naval vessels. Captain von Trapp instead decides to take his family to the safety of Switzerland. Acting and singing in "The Sound of Music" are superb. Not only the abilities Julie Andrews (who received an Oscar nomination for Best Actress) eloquently showcased, but also those of Christopher Plummer and Peggy Wood (who received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress). The young actors & actresses portraying Captain von Trapp's children are also very talented: Leisl (Charmian Carr), Louisa (Heather Menzies, who played Jessica in the 1977 TV series "Logun's Run"), Friedrich (Nicholas Hammand, who acted in many TV series including "The Amazing Spider-Man" as Spider-Man in 1978), Kurt (Duane Chase), Brigitta (Angela Cartwright, who also played Penny in the 1965 TV series "Lost in Space"), Marta (Debbie Turner) and Gretl (Kym Karath. who also played Maggie in the 1963 film "The Thrill Of It All"). Also putting in wonderful performances are Eleanor Parker as the Baroness, Ben Wright as Herr Zeller and Daniel Truhitte as Rolfe. Songs from the film include:
* "The Sound of Music" (5+/5, Julie Andrews). Overlooking the Alps.
* "Preludium (Dixit Dominus)" (4.5/5, nun's chorus). At the abbey.
* "Morning Hymn/Alleluia" (4.5/5, nun's chorus). At the abbey.
* "Maria", (5/5, Peggy Wood but dubbed by Margery McCay, and the nuns). At the abbey.
* "I Have Confidence" (5/5, Julie Andrews). Maria en route to Captain von Trapp's home.
* "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" (4.5/5, Charmian Carr and Daniel Truhitte). A secret rendezvous.
* "My Favorite Things" (5+/5, Julie Andrews and the children). During a thunderstorm.
* "Do-Re-Mi" (5+/5, Julie Andrews and the children). On a picnic.
* "The Lonely Goatherd" (5+/5, Julie Andrews and children). At the puppet theater.
* "Edelweiss" (4.5/5, Christopher Plummer). After the puppet show.
* "So Long, Farewell" (5/5, the children). Before the stairway.
* "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" (5+/5, Peggy Wood, but dubbed by Margery McCay). At the abbey.
* "Something Good" (4.5/5, Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer). Outside.
* "Processional/Maria" (4.5/5, nun's chorus). Maria's wedding to Captain von Trapp at the abbey.
* "Edelweiss", (5/5, Christopher Plummer, Julie Andrews, children & audience.) At the Salzburg talent show.
* "So Long, Farewell (Reprise)" (4.5/5, the children). At the Salzburg talent show.
* "Climb Ev'ry Mountain (Reprise)" (5/5). Crossing the Alps into Switzerland. Robert Wise earned two Oscars for Best Director and Best Picture for "The Sound of Music". The film also won Oscars for Best Film Editing, Best Music Adaptation and Best Sound, and received nominations for Best Cinematography, Best Costumes and Best Set Design. Overall, I rate this film with 5 out of 5 stars. Some people do not enjoy the film at all, but most people will be endeared to Maria, Captain von Trapp and the von Trapp children. I highly recommend purchase of this DVD.
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