60th Anniversary Screening of 'The Sound of Music' Set for November 21st

60th Anniversary of 'The Sound of Music'

Starting November 21, 2023, movie fans will be treated to a special 60th-anniversary screening of the beloved musical film, 'The Sound of Music'. Capturing hearts since its original release, this iconic film has been meticulously restored for viewing in theaters across Japan, including TOHO Cinemas Hibiya.

To commemorate this milestone, the film’s cast members have shared their heartfelt messages, expressing their excitement and nostalgia for this cinematic treasure. Among the participants are Angela Cartwright, who played Brigitta, Debbie Turner as Marta, and Kim Karath who portrayed Gretl. View their joyful messages in a special video here.

The film's restoration has brought it to life in stunning 4K digital quality, overseen by a dedicated team from Walt Disney Studios. For over nine months, the team worked tirelessly to digitally scan and repair the original film, fixing various imperfections to ensure viewers experience the film as it was always meant to be seen. Kevin Schaefer, Director of Restoration and Library Management at Walt Disney Company, stated, "It is an honor for our team to preserve this masterpiece and deliver it to audiences worldwide in its intended glory."

Screening Details

Global audiences have already embraced the newly restored version, as it opened in over 950 theaters across 28 countries on September 12. Remarkably, in North America alone, the film grossed more than 160 million yen within just three days, achieving a notable ranking in weekend box offices. This demonstrates that even without flashy action sequences, the film’s simplistic yet powerful story resonates across generations.

The film will be exhibited in various regions starting November 21, including:

- Hokkaido: TOHO Cinemas Susukino
- Tokyo: TOHO Cinemas Hibiya, 109 Cinemas Futakotamagawa
- Ibaraki: AEON Cinema Moriya
- Ishikawa: AEON Cinema Kanazawa
- Aichi: AEON Cinema Nagoya Chaya, AEON Cinema Tokoname
- Osaka: Osaka Station City Cinema, 109 Cinemas Minoh
- Fukuoka: AEON Cinema Fukuoka
- Miyazaki: Miyazaki Kinema-kan

Additional screenings will commence on November 27 in Kagoshima, and on November 28 in Tokyo and Kanagawa at premium cinema locations.

Unique Viewing Experience

At the 109 Cinemas Premium Shinjuku, audiences can enjoy a unique experience in theaters equipped with the SAION-SR EDITION sound system, designed by the renowned composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, which offers an immersive audio environment. The ticket prices reflect this premium experience, with ticket prices ranging from 4,500 yen to 6,500 yen, depending on the seating class.

Film Overview

Originally released on March 2, 1965, 'The Sound of Music' was met with immense acclaim and remained in theaters for an impressive 93 weeks. It quickly became known as one of the highest-grossing films of all time, featuring unforgettable songs like “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” and “Edelweiss.” Notably, it also secured five Academy Awards at the 38th Oscars, including Best Picture.

Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, the geniuses behind this musical phenomenon, crafted many of the greatest works in Broadway history, and 'The Sound of Music' remains a testament to their legacy. As we celebrate its 60th anniversary, audiences are invited to relive this classic tale of love and music in stunning clarity and sound.

Conclusion

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience 'The Sound of Music' in a theater setting. Whether for the first time or as a beloved repeat viewing, this restored classic is sure to reaffirm its place in cinematic history and continue to enchant audiences for years to come. For more details and theater listings, please visit Culture Ville.