Posted Mon Jan 26, 2015 at 08:00 AM PST by Tom Landy
20th Century Fox is rolling out the red carpet for the 50th anniversary of Robert Wise's classic musical this year.
In an early announcement to retailers, 20th Century Fox will be releasing 'The Sound of Music: 50th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition' on March 10.
Share the magical, heartwarming true-life story that has become the most popular family film of all time - Rodgers and Hammerstein's The Sound of Music. Julie Andrews lights up the screen as Maria, the spirited young woman who leaves the convent to become governess to the seven children of Captain von Trapp, an autocratic widower whose strict household rules leave no room for music or entertainment.
The treasured film will once again proudly shine on the big screen in commemoration of this special anniversary. Through a Fox partnership with Fathom Events and Turner Classic Movies, a beautifully restored version of the film will be shown for two days only, April 19 and 22, in over 500 theaters across the U.S. (www.FathomEvents.com).
"The Sound of Music is one of the most beloved movies of all time and has become part of the cultural fabric of generations around the world," said Mary Daily, President of Worldwide Marketing and Chief Marketing Officer, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. "From its very beginning, The Sound of Music has brought immense joy to millions. The 50th anniversary offers us the opportunity to honor this very special film – the music, scenes and moments that continue to keep it as relevant today as when it first premiered." A phenomenon upon its debut in 1965, The Sound of Music's spectacular 'roadshow' release spanned over two years in theaters, inspiring audiences on the way to winning the "Best Picture" Oscar, as well as millions of fans spanning multiple generations. A testament to its enduring popularity, this timeless classic enjoys nearly 2.5 million Facebook followers (50% 34 years old or younger).
The Sound of Music 50th Anniversary celebration will feature a global partnership with Princess Cruises, also celebrating its Golden Anniversary in 2015. The acclaimed line will screen the movie on board multiple sailings throughout the year along with themed events, sing-a-long experiences and more. Beginning in March, fans can enter to win a Princess cruise for two plus a $500 Princess Cruises gift card each month through the end of the year with a total of nine chances to win.
The emotional all-new The Sound of Music documentary, "The Sound of a City: Julie Andrews Returns to Salzburg," blends personal memories with fascinating history, as Ms. Andrews returns to key sites in the story of the von Trapps, including Nonnberg Abbey, Mondsee Abbey and the "Do-Re-Mi" steps at Mirabell Gardens. With the Blu-ray, fans can further explore the making of the biggest live-action musical of all time with numerous featurettes highlighting the movie, music, real-life von Trapp family and more. The Ultimate Collector's Edition Blu-ray will feature an exclusive, 50th anniversary soundtrack from Legacy Recordings/Sony Music, which includes eight international bonus tracks never-before released in the U.S. Legacy Recordings/Sony Music will also release, for the first time ever, a special 50th Anniversary soundtrack featuring the full film score.
The 5-disc (Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy/CD Soundtrack) combo pack will feature 1080p video, a lossless 7.1 soundtrack, and will include over 13 hours of bonus content including a brand new hour-long documentary, The Sound of a City: Julie Andrews Returns to Salzburg.
Suggested list price for the set is $49.99.
You can find the latest specs for 'The Sound of Music: 50th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under March 10.
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