Sound Of Music 4K Ultra HD

Academy-Award® winner Julie Andrews stars in one of her most memorable roles as Maria in the film adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical "The Sound Of Music." Maria is a spirited young woman who leaves a convent and becomes a governess to seven unruly von Trapp family children. Her charm and songs soon win the hearts of the children and their father (Christopher Plummer), but when Nazi Germany unites with Austria, Maria is forced to attempt a daring escape with her new family. (Gary Reber)

Special features on this 60th Anniversary edition include commentary by Julie Andrews, Christopher Plumer, Charmian Carr, Dee Dee Wood and Johannes Von Trapp; Sing-Along With Movie; Musical Stages: The Songs, The Show and The Family; A City Of Song (SD 34:38); Vintage Programs: The Sony Of Music, Rodgers And Hammerstein and Audio Interviews; Rare Treasures: Julie And Carol At Carnegie Hall: The Pratt Family Singers, The Julie Andrews Hour: Julie Andrews And Maria Von Trapp, Screen Tests, 40th Anniversy DVD Introduction By Julie Andrews and Galleries; Publicity; The Sound Of City: Julie Andrews Returns To Salzburg; Picture Disc; Postcards and a Movies Anywhere digital copy.

The 2.35:1 2160p HEVC/H.265 Ultra HD Dolby Vision/HDR10 picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed on 35 mm Eastman film in Todd-AO and sourced from a 4K master Digital Intermediate format derived from a restoration of the original film negative remastered from a new 4K scan. Film grain exhibits a smooth structure that is never objectionable and provides a truly filmic experience. The results are impressive. The picture is absolutely gorgeous as is the Austrian backdrop and scenery, as well as the classic architecture of Salzburg and the Trapp residence. Color fidelity is perfectly natural with saturated hues that are warm and rich. Colors pop, such as the baroness' reddish dress. Earthy colors also standout with deep greens, such as the landscape surround the Von Trapp estate and the greenish-tinted lake outside the estate, The entire color palette is natural with excellent nuanced hue shadings. Flesh tones are natural with distinctive complexions. HDR contrast is excellent. Backs are deep and solid. The black and white habits of the nuns is stunning with their deep solid inky black fabric in contrast to their pure white coif headgear. White levels are bright and pure, such as Maria's white wedding gown. Shadows are well delineated and exhibit depth and detail. The imagery is sharp and clear throughout. Resolution is excellent with fine detail exhibited throughout. Facal feature, especially during closeups reveal distinctive complexions, makeup, skin pores, lines, and hair. Environmental and structural architecture of Salzburg and around the Von Trapp estate, such as the gazebo, are nicely detailed. Object textures are revealing of textural detail. This is a beautiful picture with a vivid color palette and staging that are wonderful. This is absolutely the new reference for this classic love story. (Gary Reber)

The soundtrack has at its core has the 7.1-channel foundation sourced from the original six-track stereo magnetic master. The creatively talented remixing engineers at Mi Casa Multichannel (now defunct) were charged with the remastering in the 7.1-channel format. Over the years they have earned an excellent record of sonic achievements in proper 7.1 mixing and their experience tremendously benefits this soundtrack. The added two channels are positioned to the 90-degree side positions and optimized as to the recommendations originally preferred by Dolby and DTS, relative to the sweet spot listening position. The spatial sound field result is impressive, far more dimensional than just reproducing the soundtrack on a 5.1-channel system. While the overall structure of the soundtrack has not deviated from that of the original six-track magnetic master, the sound is better balanced. For this release, the soundtrack has been repurposed as a Dolby Atmos/Dolby TrueHD 7.1-channel soundtrack. While the fidelity is dated, the sound is clean, hiss-free, and nicely articulated. Fidelity is amazing for a 1965 film. The presentation is absolutely wonderful with fabulous music and song. Atmospherics and outdoor ambiance sound realistic. Sound effects are present though reserved and never prominent. What is prominent is the music. Foley sound effect are perfectly placed. The orchestral/choral score with orchestrations by Irwin Kostal. is dynamic sounding with a vey wide and deep soundstage that envelops the entire sound field. Surround energy is mostly reserved for the music. Stereophonic imaging is superb with excellent definition. Bass support sounds natural, especially as it pertains to the music. The .1 LFE channel still remains reserved but never feels noticeably missing, as the music is well balanced in the lower frequencies. Dialogue is intelligible throughout with generally good spatial integration and directional cues in relation to the screen presence of the actors. And the singing is wonderful and crystal clear.

The Immersive Sound element is comprised of the orchestra/choral score sans the primary song vocals, occasionally extremely subtle atmospherics, subtle dialogue among the nuns in the convent and in the great entry hall of the Trapp family home, Foley and other sound effects, such as thunder, nuance guest chatter and church bells. The music is the prominent element and provides good height layer enhancement of the sound field.

An intermission and an orchestral entr’acte appear as they did in the original theatrical run. The festival conclusion and Abbey escape are the highlights to the sonic dimensional scope of the new mix. This is a wonderful remastering effort and musical experience that is a uplifting emotionally-charged holosonic® spherical surround soundtrack with excellent production qualities and fidelity, and music that lifts one spirits. This is film that brings the "sound of music" to the entire family. (Gary Reber)