The Sound of Music 45th Anniversary Edition [Blu-ray] [1965]

The film looks just beautiful,this Blu-ray edition is simply the best the film has ever looked on disc. For the Blu-ray the makers went back to the original negative, which was too damaged to use previously, using new restoration techniques. The detail in the picture is just amazing, it's a whole new experience. The sound restoration is remarkable, it's deep and rich and full. Fox have really gone to town with the extras not only do we get all the extras from previous editions but a host of new and rare items to make an astonishing collection. This is one of the best Blu-ray editions yet of any film.
The Sound of Music has always been a superlative film. Every aspect of the film works. The locations, the music, the script the direction and the acting all came together at just the right time to create this film. The jewel in the crown is Julie Andrews, one of the greatest musical performances ever.
A magnificent film presented in a breathtaking edition.

I wasn't going to bother posting a review for a film as popular as the Sound of Music on the basis that it has been reviewed countless times and what more is there to say. However, I felt that I just had to redress the very negative reviews of one or two people who had commented on this blu-ray edition. The disc is simply fabulous! I can only assume that the negative reviewers had mistakenly inserted the standard dvd into their recorder! Such an error is entirely feasible because one has to look carefully to ensure that the correct disc is used.

Anyway, for the benefit of anyone who is hesitating about whether or not to upgrade I would wholeheartedly encourage you to take the plunge. You will not be disappointed! The meticulous upgrade is simply fabulous and at the current price the 3 discs are an absolute bargain. I am viewing this blu-ray on good equipment through a JVC projector onto a large screen. This will show up any imperfections. Both the video and audio quality are superb.

Some months prior to the release of this Blu-ray I sold my 40th Anniversary Edition of this film. While that was quite a good standard dvd version it was poles apart from this new edition. The colours and image on the new release are so sumptious and sharp. Very, very occasionally the image may soften slightly but the overall definition is just fantastic. This is a wonderful film and everyone who loves it should upgrade to this version. This will not be bettered! In due course I am looking forward to viewing the copious extras. Oh, and by the way, the menu system is top quality which is more than can be said for many new releases. The menu system on the new 25th Aniversary edition of Les Miserables is rubbish compared with the menu on the blu-ray Sound of Music!

I really don't like musicals and of all the musicals I really dislike this sits at the top of the pile.
Life being what it is though it's one of my wife's favourite films and so when the VHS boxed set with cassette and booklet came out we got it and the sparkly DVD version was released we got that too and so it was inevitable that we would wind up owning the Blu Ray version too.
I have read nothing but glowing reviews of the transfer & couldn't help having a look to see what all the fuss was about.
The introductory scenes featuring aerial views of the Austrian countryside are a little grainy and washed out but back in the mid 60's this was par the course and there's only so much can be done to improve it. Once things become Earthbound however the picture takes on far greater depth and although it cannot compete with modern digital realism there is a naturalness and depth that was definitely missing before. Colour is not so much vibrant as realistic and the depth of detail is quite amazing considering this is nearer to 50 years old than 40.
Blacks are what really shine here, really showcased early on in the abbey, with good solid depth and not just dark grey as can happen often on older films.
What I enjoy most on Blu Ray is the sound. I know the picture is what most people rave about but for me the best BD soundtracks can blow you away. So what of this one? Well for me this is where this edition really shines. It's in 7.1 DTS-HD & it really has been superbly mixed. If you have 4 speakers to the rear then most soundtracks will either pair them up to work like 2 pairs,(5.1), or use 2 as surrounds and then pair up the other 2 in mono to add depth,(6.1),. Here, using full 7.1, all 4 rear speakers are utilised seperately and to superb effect. Detail isn't sent flying around the room like it is in the other 2 7.1 films I own, ( 'Toy Story 3' & 'Hellboy II'), nonetheless the mix is opened up nicely so that when in the abbey the voices echo convincingly and at the Von Trapp home the sound of all the children running onto the landing is detailed and realistic.
Of course if you love the film then what matters most is the music and I hate to admit it but this really will blow your socks off. Singing is wonderfully detailed and just how well Julie Andrews articulates and how wide her range is are both shown to full effect. The orchestration is excellent, the sub is used throughout the musical scenes to really add low end grunt to the music but always stops short of drowning everything out in wallowing bass. In fact the balancing act of low frequency depth and articulation is handled very well.
The various instruments are easily picked out and the soundstage is deep and wide. The skill of Rogers & Hammerstein is laid bare in a soundtrack that could be used as a reference for anyone wanting to show off their surround gear.
This is a soundtrack to convince people to dump their 'packaged with the telly' surround gear & splash out on some separates. If you're using a 5.1 speaker system and you love this film then see if your amp can do 7.1 and go for that extra pair of speakers to the rear. You'll hear this like you've never heard it before!
I still can't stand the film, read some of the excellent reviews on here to get just why others love it so much, but I have to say that this edition is an outstanding example of just what Blu Ray can do when the studio puts an effort into it's releases. A much improved picture and a soundtrack that has been brought to life.
A reference standard release that can only be fully recommended.