The Sound of Music at 60: Cast Memories and a Conversation with Disney’s Restoration Team

Sixty years after its debut, The Sound of Music remains one of the most beloved films in Hollywood history. To mark the milestone, Walt Disney Studios has unveiled a dazzling 4K Ultra-HD restoration, sourced from an 8K scan of the original 65mm negative. To honor the anniversary, I spoke with Kevin Schaeffer, Director of Restoration & Library Management at Walt Disney Studios, as well as three of the Von Trapp children — Angela Cartwright (Brigitta), Debbie Turner (Marta), and Kym Karath (Gretl). Together, they shared technical insights into the restoration and personal memories from the set of a film that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

According to Schaeffer, the restoration began with an 8K scan of the original 65mm negative. “That gives us a crisper, sharper, clearer picture than ever before," he explained. “But it is a 60-year-old piece of film. Even with the best of care, there were dirt, stains, scratches, and some inherent issues from the original production, especially the opening helicopter sequence, which had jitter and camera bumps. With today’s technology, we’re able to smooth that out and make it a clearer experience than anyone’s ever had before."

The use of high dynamic range brought an entirely new dimension to the film. “Things really pop now that you wouldn’t have noticed before, because you were two or three generations down with extra layers of grain," he said. “It’s just stunningly beautiful."

Some of the film’s most iconic moments stand out in the new restoration — from Maria zigzagging through the trees in the opening number to the romantic glow of the gazebo scene between Maria and Captain von Trapp. “There were some challenges," Schaeffer explained. “The technology brings out all the colors and brightness, but sometimes it can be a little too clear. In the gazebo scene, for example, the light in the background could be overwhelming, so we had to scale it back to keep focus on their faces. That’s always the goal: to support Robert Wise’s original creative vision."

The restoration is more than just a technical exercise — it’s about ensuring The Sound of Music continues to resonate for decades to come. “There’s a wonderful 4K Blu-ray, which I’d encourage everyone to get," Schaeffer noted. “It’s also going to be available on streaming services. And one always hopes for more theatrical play." The new 4K print recently played in theaters through Fathom Events and debuted at the annual Hollywood Bowl Sing-Along event.

For the cast, the film was an unforgettable experience. Kym Karath, who played Gretl, recalled: “It was actually the fourth movie I made, but it was different from anything I had done before. I got this big family, and I got to sing, which I loved from birth. And then going to Europe, it all sounded wonderful."

Debbie Turner, who played Marta, added: “I had never been in a movie before, only commercials. My mom would work with me on my lines the night before. We had so much fun. It was constant fun, and it still is."

Angela Cartwright, Brigitta on screen, brought experience from The Danny Thomas Show. “I was used to cameras and working in front of an audience," she explained. “But this was on such a bigger plane. We were on location, traveling, and I had this whole family with me, which made it even more fun."

Even after six decades, sensory memories linger. Turner vividly recalled returning years later to Salzburg’s Leopoldskron Palace, where scenes had been filmed. “I walked over to the water and remembered it being mucky when I was little. Sure enough, it smelled just as bad as it did back then!"

Cartwright said the sets had their own atmosphere: “There were big oily camera cables, the smell of pancake makeup and hairspray. And every morning, donuts and coffee. That wasn’t something we did in my Greek family, so it stood out." Karath added her own memory: “The lights made these strange squeaky, buzzing noises. It really sticks with you."

The Walt Disney Archives now houses costumes from the production, some of which the cast were reunited with during this press event. “I went to look at the costumes before, and I could barely be pulled out of that room," Karath said. “I was fascinated by the detail, and shocked by how small my costume was." Cartwright added, “They’re pristine. Absolutely beautiful."

The young actors didn’t keep much from filming, but their mothers bought souvenirs in Austria. “We got a little music box and a cuckoo clock," Turner remembered. “I still have mine." Beyond props, the experience forged real-life family ties. “Our mothers became friends, our sisters got along, and we celebrated holidays and birthdays together," Cartwright said. “We really became like family — the ‘faux-Trapps,’ as we call ourselves."

With each new release, The Sound of Music continues to find a new generation of fans. “It doesn’t look like an old movie," Cartwright reflected. “It pops… I’m glad Disney is listening to what people love."

Six decades after its premiere, The Sound of Music remains as fresh as ever. The 4K restoration ensures Robert Wise’s vision continues to shine, while the memories of the cast remind us of the joy that went into making it. Whether on Blu-ray, streaming, or back on the big screen, audiences can once again experience the hills alive with the sound of music.