On the DVD: On the first disc the film itself has never looked or sounded better since its original presentation in Todd AO (prints of which are said to have disappeared forever). The disc also contains a separate audio guide that takes the viewer through the film sequence by sequence, with director Robert Wise commenting on the weather, the production design by Boris Leven, the sequences filmed on location and in Hollywood (like the interiors of the Von Trapp villa), and the naming of other actors who were eager for the lead roles, notably Doris Day and Yul Brynner.

On the second disc there are the documentaries. "Salzburg Sight and Sound" was Charmian Carr's own record of her time on location in the summer of 1964, playing Liesl, the eldest Von Trapp daughter. "From Fact to Fiction", running two hours, begins with the birth of Maria in 1905 who inspired the film, charts her subsequent marriage to Captain Von Trapp, their escape from Nazi Germany not across the Alps but via a train across the Italian boarder, their home in Vermont and thence to the German film of the family that was brought to the attention of Rodgers and Hammerstein as an ideal vehicle for a stage musical. A second group of documentaries covers previews, television and radio commercials and a 1973 interview with Wise and Andrews. Overall, this is a marathon package but in its way is as compelling as the film itself. --Adrian Edwards

The film begins with a majestic alpine lanscape of the distance mountains, and the views of Austria throughout are breathtaking. Julie Andrews is wonderful in the role of Maria, as is her counterpart Christopher Plummer as the arrogent and Proud Captain Von Trap. Maria is a spirited young Austrian nun whose constant rule breaking gets her thrown out of the abbey to be a governess to 7 mischevious children. However, her warmth and kindness soon wins over not only the children but their father the stern and forebidding Captain (baron) Von Trapp who breaks off his engagement to marry the singing nun!

The Sound Of Music is not only a thrilling, action packed, heartwarming film, but it has also turned out some of the most famous and enduring tunes in the world (I doubt there is one person in Britain who does not know the words to Do Re Me!) If you've had a bad day, put your feet up, stick this film on, and by the end all your cares will be swept away and you'll be singing along with the family. Now, where is the nearest mountain....?


Beautiful film for all the family   January 17, 2005
 5 out of 7 found this review helpful

'The Sound of Music' is a classic musical for all the family. Starring Julie Andrews as Maria, a spirited young nun who leaves the abbey to go and governess for Captain Von Trapp's seven children at the start of World War 2.
Widower Captain Von Trapp treats his family like the crew on one of his naval ships, so Maria decides to liven up the seven bored children by taking them to all these different parts of Austria and teaching them to sing.
But as time goes by, Maria realises that she is starting to fall in love with Captain Von Trapp, who is engaged to be married to a wealthy, beautiful woman named Baroness Ella Schraeder.
A touching classic for all the family.


Surreal and awe inspiring   January 5, 2005
 5 out of 13 found this review helpful

This film's got it all - singing nuns, evil Nazis, lederhosen plus Julie Andrews at her most sexiest. Who could ask for anything more ???


The hills ARE alive   August 9, 2004
 24 out of 26 found this review helpful

I grew up with this film, so it was inevitable that I would buy it on DVD, and it doesn't dissapoint. The picture quality is superb, the sound even better, and you can always make your own kareoke version by putting the subtitles on!

I never knew that there was an intermission in the film - with all the advert breaks on the tv version I suppose you wouldn't have to, but the DVD includes this, and extended scenes of the Austrian scenery, making you believe that you are truly there, with the VonTrap family as they fight off repression from the Nazi's.

If like me you watched this film as a child, I suggest you get the DVD, not only will it bring back memories of singing in front of the tele regardless of who was there, but it will also recreate the magic that is somewhat lacking from films today. A classic of all time.