The Sound of Music - Super Deluxe Edition Box Set Soundtrack Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		0.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		5.0

The Sound of Music - Super Deluxe Edition Box Set Soundtrack Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Jeffrey Kauffman December 13, 2023

One of the funniest things for those with a certain jaded sense of humor (ahem) is the plethora of "Rare! Sound of Music Soundtrack" listings on eBay. As anyone who has ever visited a used record store, or even eBay itself, should know, the original soundtrack recording of The Sound of Music could hardly be called "rare", considering its ubiquity. But this impressive new set from Craft Recordings may indeed be more of a rare item, due to its relatively hefty price and packaging that virtually screams "collector's edition".

The Blu-ray disc, which I'm assuming is going to be of most interest to those frequenting this site, offers two versions of the film's music, which in and of itself should indicate that even recordings emblazoned with that all important "original soundtrack" designation often are not actually lifted from the soundtrack. See the audio section below for more information.

The Sound of Music - Super Deluxe Edition Box Set Soundtrack Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

While there is video content on the Blu-ray disc, it's simply the menus shown in the screenshots I've uploaded to accompany this review. The Main Menu offers a choice between the Original Soundtrack Album Program and Film Score Presentation, and simply comparing the track list on screenshot 2 (soundtrack) vs. the track list on screenshot 6 will show that the Film Score Presentation offers much more content.

The Sound of Music - Super Deluxe Edition Box Set Soundtrack Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Sound of Music features the original soundtrack presented in either Dolby Atmos or LPCM 2.0. The film presentation selections are offered only in LPCM 2.0. The Atmos rendering of the soundtrack is really rather gorgeously reserved, and I mean that in the best possible way. You might even think your system is malfunctioning at the very beginning, since there's just the barest whistle of mountain breezes emanating from the Atmos speakers, soon joined by birdcall. The imaging of the Atmos version is beautifully spacious without really being overly "showy". Julie's gorgeous voice is typically anchored front and center (often spread to the front side channels as well as the center), with orchestral backing filling the rest of the channels. Discrete channelization can certainly be noticed in songs featuring several singers. Both stereo versions are beautifully fluid and clear sounding.

The Sound of Music - Super Deluxe Edition Box Set Soundtrack Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Once again, the "uninitiated" may consider the Blu-ray disc in this set a "supplement", but regulars here know better. In that regard, here's all "the other stuff" in this set:

This release comes housed in an oversized hardback book which measures approximately 12 1/4" wide by 10 1/4" high by 1/2" deep. The book has some really excellent writing by people whose names should be recognizable to those with knowledge of the Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization and soundtrack remasterings, including Ted Chapin and Mike Matessino. There is a veritable glut of information not just about the film and its music, but about the soundtrack recording itself. Four CDs are included, as follows:

• CD 1: Film Score Presentation: Act I


• CD 2: Film Score Presentation: Act II also includes interviews with Richard Rodgers, Robert Wise, and Charmian Carr


• CD 3: 1965 Original Soundtrack Album also includes some demos and alternate versions.


• CD 4: Alternates/Playbacks features several tracks offering the dulcet tones (?) of Christopher Plummer, who was dubbed in the actual film.

Note: Craft Recordings has confirmed that many sets shipped with an incorrectly labeled CD 4, which is in fact a duplicate of CD 2. A replacement regimen is in place, and those with the wrong CD can contact thesoundofmusicsupport@craftrecordings.com.

The Sound of Music - Super Deluxe Edition Box Set Soundtrack Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The "original soundtrack" may not in fact be the film presentation version, but the good news is you get both with this extravagantly packaged release, and no matter which version you choose, you're most likely going to love the excellence of the audio. For, yes, collectors, this release easily comes Highly recommended.