4K/Blu-Ray Review: The Hills Have Never Looked Better in "The Sound of Music" 60th Anniversary Release

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s magnum opus, The Sound of Music, gets a dazzling new 4K restoration for its 60th anniversary. The 1966 Best Picture winner is considered one of the greatest movie musicals of all time, and helped catapult Julie Andrews’ star power into the stratosphere hot off her Mary Poppins debut. This milestone anniversary makes it the perfect time for fans to see the hills come alive with never-before-seen details on 4K Ultra-HD.

Set in Salzburg in the late 1930s, The Sound of Music tells the story of Maria (Julie Andrews), a free-spirited novice nun who finds life at the abbey difficult. Sent to work as governess for the seven children of the strict widowed Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer), she brings music, warmth, and joy back into their home. As Maria and the Captain grow closer, the family faces choices that will test their love, unity, and courage during a time of great upheaval.

Acquired by Disney in 2019 with the 20th Century Fox acquisition, this 60th Anniversary release marks Disney’s first physical media release of a Rodgers & Hammerstein film. Disney’s restoration team has given this classic a meticulous restoration that preserves its cinematic qualities while bringing out new details never-before-seen in home theaters. Simply put, it’s never looked better.

Video

Disney’s 60th anniversary 4K restoration of The Sound of Music is nothing short of breathtaking. Sourced from a fresh 8K scan of the original 65mm Todd-AO elements, the film bursts with newfound clarity and vibrancy. Textures and fine details look sharper and more lifelike than ever before, including the knit of Maria’s blouse and the sweeping Austrian landscapes. Colors are rich but natural, and HDR grading subtly enhances everything from the golden tones of a jacket to the lush greens of the countryside. A light, natural grain preserves the cinematic feel, but without distracting blemishes. Simply put, the film has never looked this good, and this presentation is a revelation for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

The included Blu-Ray disc includes the new restoration in 1080p. In this format, the new restoration looks so similar to the previous HD restoration that there’s little reason to upgrade from a previous Blu-Ray release if you don’t have a 4K TV and Ultra-HD player.

Audio

The new Dolby Atmos mix brings The Sound of Music to life with an immersive soundstage that does justice to its iconic songs. From the opening aerial shots accompanied by the swelling score, the track fills the room with warmth and presence. Julie Andrews’ vocals ring out with crystalline clarity, while Irwin Kostal’s orchestrations sound richer and more robust than ever. Surround and height channels add subtle yet effective touches, such as convent bells, mountain breezes, and outdoor ambience, giving the film a new dimensionality. Dialogue remains perfectly clean throughout, and while the low end isn’t overpowering, it adds a pleasing fullness to the music. It’s a dynamic, elegant mix that makes the film feel timeless rather than dated. Additional 4K audio options include a 2.0 descriptive audio mix, plus French, Spanish, Castellano, German, and Italian 5.1 mixes and three Japanese 5.1 tracks (1985, 2006, and 2014 dubs).

The included Blu-Ray disc swaps the Dolby Atmos mix for a 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track. Also included are the descriptive audio track, 5.1 French and Spanish mixes, plus the three Japanese dubs.

Bonus Features

Disc 1 (4K UHD) & Disc 2 (Blu-Ray)

Disc 3: Blu-ray Bonus Features

A few bonus features from previous releases have been omitted. For the most part, these were interactive features from the 2010 45th Anniversary Blu-Ray, some of which were repeated on the 2015 50th Anniversary re-release.

Packaging & Design

The Sound of Music arrives on 4K Ultra-HD in standard Blu-Ray packaging, using this format’s signature black case. A matte finish slipcover is included with the initial release with glossy photo elements that pop. The three discs all contain unique artwork that matches the visual aesthetic of the cover art. The 4K and Blu-Ray discs are stacked, while the bonus features disc is housed on the opposite side of the interior. Inserts include a digital copy code (redeemable through Movies Anywhere), a flier for the new 60th Anniversary vinyl soundtrack release, and a physical bonus — a trio of postcards from the film.

All three discs use the same menu, an animated version of the cover art where flowers sway and musical notes move through the waves of sky. There are no previews on any of the discs.

Final Thoughts

Sixty years after its original release, The Sound of Music continues to enchant, and this new 4K restoration ensures it will do so for generations to come. With breathtaking video quality, an elegant Dolby Atmos mix, and a treasure trove of archival bonus features, this anniversary edition stands as the definitive way to experience Rodgers & Hammerstein’s timeless classic at home. While Blu-ray owners without 4K capability may find little reason to upgrade, for anyone with the proper setup, this release is essential, offering a stunning presentation of one of cinema’s greatest musicals, lovingly preserved and beautifully packaged.