Rating: 
Summary: This Movie Has It All
Review: I was one of those people that would never give this movie a chance . All I kept thinking was the NBC commercial with Julie Andrews running on a hill singing "the hills are alive with the sound of music." How dreadful the prospect of ever seeing this. I initially bought this for my wife, who loved it, and because of this kind gesture, I was forced to watch it. To my suprise, I loved it. It's not a corny musical but a musical with romance, humor & suspence. What more can you ask for? I loved it so much I bought it on DVD for superior sound and picture quality, which I got with this DVD. I have to thank the "Sound of Music." I have become more open to many other older movies. The acting is superb by the main characters. The children's acting is off at times, but I don't exprect much from kids from that era. No big deal. And yes great songs that will stick in your head long after you have watched it.
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Summary: This Film Needs No Introduction!
Review: 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 music that makes it such a classic film. From the first song, "The Hills Are Alive," you know this is going to be something spectacular. "Maria," "I Have Confidence," "Sixteen Going On Seventeen," "My Favourite Things," "Do-Re-Mi," "The Lonely Goatherd," "So Long, Farewell," "Climb Every Mountain," "Something Good," and "Edleweiss" are all amazing compositions. It's musical music, and not really something I would usually like, but you just can't help but hum along. You know all the lyrics and have known them for years. They're forever etched into your memory, and you know they're never gonna leave! The Sound Of Music is an exceptional film that everyone should see. It's a film where nothing bad happens. You won't find any death or violence in this. It's a very stereotypical film, but one that everyone can relate to at the same time. I urge you to buy this DVD, because this is a film that you can watch again and again. It's a masterpiece and to buy it would be a very wise move indeed.
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Summary: Delightful schmaltz
Review: It's become fashionable to make fun of this musical, but the truth is that it's still a great movie, great music, and uplifting message. Maria, the young woman who just couldn't make it within the confines of a nunnery, leaves the convent and becomes nanny for a widow with a bazillion cute kids. In his grief and ineptitude, he has been trying to run the household along military lines, and it falls to Maria to add warmth, sunshine, music and love back into their lives. The movie is set in Salzburg during the early years of the Nazi occupation of Austria and is based on the true story of the Von Trapp family. Love, tragedy, drama, suspense, a daring escape over the Alps ' and joy. Who could ask for more from a film?
And then there's the music, the Rogers and Hammerstein score from the Broadway play, which has given us such timeless tunes as How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria, My Favorite Things, Edelweiss, So Long ' Farewell, etc.
With Julie Andrews as Maria and Christopher Plummer as the Baron von Trapp, it's a winner for all ages.
Rating:
Summary: The Musical Masterpiece On DVD At Last
Review: The 1965 hit musical film, The SoundOf Music, won the hearts of millions when it was first released. It won several awards during the Oscars and was principally responsible for making Julie Andrews a star. Julie Andrews had already appeared in Disney's "Mary Poppins" earlier in the 60's. Her experience in singing Broadway, matched with her fine acting, truly makes this her greatest film. I don't remember but she may have won Best Actress for the role of Maria. She certainly performs an Oscar worthy role. Helping the film is also a great cast of singers- the Von Trapp children, Christopher Plummer as the captain-father, Peggy Wood as the Reverend Mother. The film was shot on location in Austria- in a woodland, mountainous region near Salzburg. The opening sequence was shot from a helicopter to capture a swooping camera descent and close up on Julie Andrews as she spins and sings the title song. It is one of cinema's timeless scenes. Maria, a nun who is more spirited than spiritual, finds herself out of line with the nuns in an abbey. The Reverend Mother personally appoints her to a different task - she becomes Governess to seven children from the wealthy Captain Georg Von Trapp. It is World War II (the 30's) and Hitler has ascended to power, creating panic and doom under a totalitarian Nazi regime. When Georg is commissioned to join the Nazi party as naval captain, he refuses and must escape in order to save his life and the life of his children. The songs are catchy and memorable, it has been proven time and time again as a winning score and showcase for Julie Andrews- especially "My Favorite Things" and "Do-Re-Mi". It's been nearly 40 years since the success of this film and it is still very loved and highly regarded. A must have.
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Summary: The Happiest Sound in all the World...
Review: This movie is without a doubt the best movie ever made! The Sound of Music has a combination of wonderful cast (Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Eleanor Parker, Charmian Carr etc., etc., etc.,) It also has stunning views of Austria and is one of the most romantic love stories. I have seen many movies and musicals and not one of them inspired me like the Sound of Music. The DVD is great with lots of extras just like the Five Star edition. Its packaging is beautiful and the widescreen version of it is amazing. The Sound of Music is a must for anyone that ever set foot on this planet. This is not America's most loved and cherished film for no reason. Everyone needs to see it at least once and I would strongly suggest buying this stunning classic. R&H's last musical was their greatest. The Sound of Music is packed with wonderful songs, everyone one of them classics, known around the world. "Edelweiss", "My Favorite Things", "So Long, Farewell", "Do-Re-Mi", "The Sound of Music"... these songs are all classics that will continue to bring a smile to chidren's and adult's faces for years to come. There is something about it that just makes you smile and watch it over and over again. The wonderful morals of love conquers all, and what trusting in God can do ring loud and clear. Whoever came up with the slogan "The Happiest Sound in all the world," back in 1965 when the movie came out was definatly right. This movie still is enormously popular even today and it proves that the Sound of Music clearly is still, and forever will be, "The Happiest Sound in all the World!"
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Summary: I simply remember this as one of my "favorite things"!
Review: The Sound of Music is a movie you will watch over and over again. The music fills your heart and lightens your burden. The acting is superb,the children are enchanting, the story is rich with drama, humor, adventure and love. And the scenery is breathtaking. It is a story for all ages and all people! I love this movie!!!!
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Summary: The Greatest Sound Lives Forever on DVD.
Review: 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!
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, session time and who we were with when we first experienced The Sound of Music!
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Summary: The Ultimate SOM DVD to Buy!
Review: Great DVD, with *tons* of extras to keep you amused for hours. All you need now is the 35th Anniversary 2-disc cd set and the SOM: The Making of America's Favorite Movie book by Julia Antopol Hirsch and you'll be the Ultimate Sound of Music fan! :)
Rating:
Summary: Can't get much better than this!
Review: Funny, charming, poignant, and well-acted, this is one of the best musicals of all time. Very highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: A Classic for ALL people!
Review: I am 33 years old and am African-American. As a child, my three siblings and I watched the Sound of Music year after year after year. We learned and sang along to ALL of the songs, knew the children's names, demeanors, as well as anticipated the entire plot unfolding each time it aired on TV. My mother loved music, movies, comedy and fun. If the Sound of Music was considered a "baby-sitter" back then to her, then she hired the right lady in Julie Andrews and the cast. We would sit quietly and intently watching the movie only to make noise when called for (singing, laughing, and crying). As an adult, the love for this movie has never changed. Julie Andrews' role as Maria led us to embrace life through sharing in her joys, fears, hopes, innocense, sorrows, and her journey to find out what really mattered in life in this movie. It is truly a classic that ALL people should watch, share with family, friends and of course their children. When I have kids of my own, the classic edition will be one of their "baby sitters", and hopefully it will bridge a gap in communicating how life can show you many things about yourself and others. My sister and I introduced the soundtrack to our nephew at the age of 6. He's 13 years old and was watching the movie on TV when it last aired a few months ago. He loves the songs and I am sure, as it "stuck" to us, it has taken the same meaning to him. I would encourage you to buy the video, DVD and soundtrack. They are truly collectors items. You will not be disappointed.
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