To commemorate six decades since its original debut, Robert Wise`s cinematic triumph, The Sound of Music, is set to captivate audiences once more with a breathtaking 4K Blu-ray Collector`s Edition. This highly anticipated release, scheduled for September 23, boasts a brand-new 4K transfer of the beloved film, enriched with extensive bonus content, premium packaging, and a set of three exclusive art prints.
This special Collector`s Edition features a meticulously restored 4K version of the classic musical. Disney`s dedicated restoration team embarked on a nine-month endeavor, starting with a comprehensive digital scan of preserved film footage. This was followed by a painstaking manual editing process to eliminate imperfections like warping and debris from the original film stock. The enhanced 4K presentation is further elevated by Dolby Atmos audio and Dolby Vision for an unparalleled visual and auditory experience. Complementing the 4K disc, the set also thoughtfully includes standard Blu-ray and digital copies of the movie.
Beyond the film itself, the Collector`s Edition enhances the collector`s experience with three high-quality prints depicting iconic moments. Furthermore, a dedicated bonus disc offers hours of special features, providing deeper insights into the production of this cherished classic.
Exclusive Bonus Features
The Collector`s Edition of The Sound of Music is replete with illuminating bonus features, highlighted by an archival audio commentary. This unique commentary track unites stars Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, and Charmian Carr, alongside cinematographer Dee Dee Wood, and Johannes von Trapp, whose family`s inspiring true story forms the basis of the film. A comprehensive list of the included special features is detailed below:
- Sing-Along audio track for an interactive viewing experience.
- Archival Audio Commentary by actors Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, and Charmian Carr, cinematographer Dee Dee Wood, and Johannes von Trapp.
- Archival Audio Commentary by esteemed director Robert Wise.
- “The Sound of a City” documentary, exploring the film`s backdrop.
- “A City of Song” behind-the-scenes featurette, offering a glimpse into its creation.
- “Musical Stages: The songs, the show & the family” featurette, delving into the musical`s core.
- Interviews with the legendary musical theater duo Rodgers and Hammerstein.
- A collection of original trailers, TV and radio spots, and other promotional materials from the film`s initial marketing campaigns.
About The Sound of Music
Directed by Robert Wise, The Sound of Music is an internationally acclaimed musical that garnered him Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture in 1965. The film is set against the stunning backdrop of the Austrian countryside in 1938. Its compelling narrative follows Maria (portrayed by Julie Andrews), a free-spirited young woman who takes on the role of governess to the seven children of Georg von Trapp (played by Christopher Plummer), a widowed retired naval captain. As a profound bond blossoms between Maria, Georg, and the children, the family faces an immense challenge: the news of Germany`s invasion of Austria, compelling them to embark on a daring escape to neighboring Switzerland.
While this new Collector`s Edition offers a definitive presentation of the film, other editions remain available for those looking to expand their collection. For instance, The Sound of Music: 50th Anniversary Edition on Blu-ray provides many of the same bonus features, although it does not include the new 4K transfer, exclusive art prints, or the unique packaging found in the latest Collector`s Edition.