Sound Of Music, The

Sound Of Music, The is rated G:

The Sound of Music is considered to be one of the greatest movies of all time. Based on a true story, the movie follows the plight of a young woman named Maria (Julie Andrews), who wants to become a nun. Although it is obvious to everyone except her, she really isn't cut out for the strict routines of convent living. Hoping to help the novice find a vocation more suited to her impulsive personality, a kindly Mother Superior (Peggy Wood) suggests Maria take a temporary job as a governess and use her time away to seriously contemplate the path God would have her take.

Maria is, of course, less than enthusiastic when she discovers her charges are the seven unruly offspring of Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer). A retired naval officer, the widower has had a devil of a time keeping a governess in his house. But any faith he may have had in receiving heavenly help from the apprentice nun is quickly dashed shortly after their first interview. Less than obedient to his military style of child rearing, Maria is as well late for meals and casual about bedtimes (especially during thunderstorms). However, a previous engagement with a beautiful Baroness (Eleanor Parker) in Vienna forces him to leave the children in her care while he is away from Salzburg.

In his absence, Maria takes the liberty of introducing his family to playtime, picnics, fieldtrips and music (the later of which has been forbidden in the von Trapp home since the death of the children's mother). In short order, she has fallen in love with the kids, and they with her. However, when Captain von Trapp returns with his lovely fiancée in tow, he is horrified by the changes she has instituted in his domestic routine.

Meanwhile the rumors of war and the rise of Hitler's regime are threatening the peaceful Austria they all call home. Fears of being pulled into the conflict against political conscience also hound the family's hopes for happiness.

With frequent pauses for musical numbers from the score composed by Rogers and Hammerstein,

The Sound of Music has sung and danced its way into the hearts of generations of moviegoers. Combining the beauty of the European countryside with a story about prevailing over opposition, this 1965 masterpiece is and ever will be, an inspiration for all audiences.

Director: Robert Wise
Cast: Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer
Studio: 2000 Twentieth Century Fox

Maria helps the children deal with stress and anxiety by having them “simply remember [their] favorite things.” How does focusing our attention on the good improve our chances to not “feel so bad?” Do you think this advice would work in real life situations?

Mother Superior tells Maria that the love between a man and a woman is holy. What things can a husband and wife do that could be considered honorable in the Lord’s eyes? How could her council to “Climb every mountain, ford every stream, follow every rainbow, ‘til you find your dream,” be applicable to struggles you might be facing?

South Pacific was another Rogers and Hammerstein musical that achieved huge success at the box office and enduring audience appeal. An older Julie Andrews can be seen in The Princess Dairies 1 and The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.

In honor of the 45th Anniversary of The Sound of Music, the movie is releasing to Blu-ray and rereleasing to DVD on November 2, 2010. The following versions are available:

The Sound of Music: 45th Anniversary (1-Disc DVD)

- Feature Film In Standard Definition DVD

- Newly Remastered Picture and Sound

- Optional Sing-Along Track

- Music Machine Sing-Along

- The Sound of Music Tour   A Living Story

The Sound of Music: 45th Anniversary (2-Disc Blu-ray)

- Feature Film Remastered on Blu-ray

- Interactive features: Your Favorite Things (Immersive Viewing Experience with Behind-the-Scenes Images, On-Screen Lyrics, Trivia Track and Location Quiz)

- Music Machine Sing-Along

- Audio Commentaries with Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer and Director Robert Wise

- BD-LIVE: Live Lookup Powered by IMDb

- Musical Stages: Creating The Sound of Music (Backlot Tour with In-Depth Featurettes on the Songs, the Stage Show & Movie, the Film and Sound Restoration and the Real-Life von Trapp Family)

- A City of Song: Virtual Map of Filming Locations in Salzburg, Austria

- Vintage Rodgers & Hammerstein and The Sound of Music Programs

- Screen Tests, Rare Treasures, Interviews, Photo Galleries & More!

The Sound of Music: 45th Anniversary (Blu-ray /DVD Combo Pack)

-BLu-ray copy of the film with all the bonus materials listed above on the 2-Disc Blu-ray edition)

- Standard DVD copy of the movie.

The Sound of Music: 45th Anniversary Limited Edition Collector’s Set (2-Disc Blu-ray/ DVD and extras)

- Feature Film Remastered on Blu-ray (including all of the bonus features listed above in the 2-Disc Blu-ray edition)

- Copy of the movie in DVD

Plus:

- 45th Anniversary Soundtrack

- 100-Page “My Favorite Things” scrapbook

- Snapshots from Salzburg

- Reproduction of the original 1965 Souvenir program

- Exclusive “My Favorite Things” Music Box with letter of authenticity