RODGERSS & HAMMERSTEIN’S THE SOUND OF MUSIC 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION. ©20th Century Fox Home Entertainment.

By ANGELA DAWSON

Front Row Features

HOLLYWOOD—A half-century ago, movie audiences were introduced to the singing von Trapp family in big screen adaptation of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s musical “The Sound of Music.” The musical, starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, has since become a beloved movie musical classic, and continues to delight generation after generation of audiences.

To commemorate the five-time Academy Award winning film, Twentieth Century Fox honors the 50th anniversary of the 1965 box office smash with an unprecedented year-long, company-wide celebration highlighted by theatrical and home entertainment releases, and a slate of cross-company and promotional partnerships that will bring one of the world’s most “favorite things” to millions around the globe.

The deluxe golden anniversary of the film’s premiere launched Tuesday, March 10, with the release of the five-disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition 50th anniversary Blu-ray combo pack, which includes a DVD and digital HD versions.

Beautifully restored, the five-disc 50th anniversary Blu-ray features more than 13 hours of bonus content highlighted by the all-new documentary “The Sound of a City: Julie Andrews Returns to Salzburg,” detailing Andrews’ recent return to the magical city where she filmed her iconic role, Maria.

The celebration continues on Thursday, March 26 with Turner Classic Movies (TCM) paying tribute to the film’s legendary stars, Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, with an opening night screening of the movie at the sixth annual TCM Classic Film Festival (which runs from March 26-29) in Hollywood. Famed film historian Robert Osborne will introduce the brilliantly restored film at the opening-night gala and moderate a Q&A session with Andrews and Plummer.[private]

The beloved 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 April 22, in more than 500 theaters across the U.S. (www.FathomEvents.com).

A phenomenon upon its debut in 1965, “The Sound of Music” roadshow release ran for more than two years in theaters, enthralling 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, the family film classic enjoys nearly 2.5 million Facebook followers (half of whom are 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 this year. The acclaimed line will screen the movie on board multiple sailings throughout the year along with themed events, sing-a-long experiences and more. 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.

(l-r) Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer star in THE SOUND OF MUSIC. ©20th Century Fox Home Entertainment.

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 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 several featurettes highlighting the movie, music, real-life von Trapp family and more.

The Ultimate Collector’s Edition Blu-ray features 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.

In addition to the new Special Edition Blu-ray and CD soundtrack, no less than four new books are being published in 2015 to coincide with the anniversary, focusing on the film. They are: “The Sound of Music Companion – 50th Anniversary Edition” (Laurence Maslon, Pavilion/Rizzoli); “The Sound of Music Story” (Tom Santopietro, St. Martin’s Press); “Sound of Music FAQ” (Barry Monush, Applause Books); and “The Sound of Music: BFI Film Classics” (Caryl Flinn, BFI).

Before it was an Academy Award-winning film, The Sound of Music was a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, and productions of the stage musical continue to be presented all over the world. Another major stage production is set to tour this year across the U.S. and Canada, directed by Tony Award-winner Jack O’Brien, simultaneous with another stage production touring the U.K.

Winner of five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, Robert Wise’s inspiring adaptation of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music” is the most popular musical of all time and one of the genre’s biggest box office hits. Starring Oscar winners Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, the film follows Maria (Andrews), the warm-hearted young woman who brings joy and music to Captain von Trapp (Plummer) and his seven children. This cinematic treasure is filled with unforgettable songs, including “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things” and “The Sound of Music.”[/private]