Customer Reviews

The Sound of Music: A Classic Collectible Pop-Up

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Rodgers and Hammerstein's mega-hit "The Sound Of Music" reduced the true life saga of the Trapp Family to a musical fairy tale. Now, everything has come full circle-- and the musical has been transformed into a fairy tale pop-up book for children. I think a pop-up book is a rather odd way to celebrate the musical's 50th Anniversary. But the pop-up version, featuring illustrations by Dan Andreasen and paper engineering by Bruce Foster, is surprisingly successful-- at least in terms of its artistry and artwork. On another level. however, the pop-up is a bit of a disappointment and a cop-out.
The Andreasen/Foster depictions of the Trapp Family Villa, the wedding scene at Nonnberg Abbey, and the final scene of the escape across the Alps, are especially vivid and impressive. The pop-up features six major scenes, with mini-pop-ups also included. The lyrics (by Oscar Hammerstein II) to several songs--"The Sound Of Music," "A Problem Like Maria". "My Favorite Things," "Do-Re-Mi", "The Lonely Goatherd", "Climb Every Mountain", "So Long, Farewell" and "Edelweiss"-- are included within the mini-pop-ups. Bert Fink's story adaptation is odd and problematic. Fink retains the sugary/sweet elements and characters (Maria, the nuns, the Captain and his seven children) while completely removing any trace of dramatic arch or substance.
The characters of Elsa, Max, and Rolfe, the boy who later became a Nazi-- indeed, the Nazis altogether-- are completely absent from the pop-up version. Some may sensibly state that the Nazi occupation of Austria, so integral to the Trapp Family story and the musical itself, has absolutely no place in a pop-up book. The pop-up book merely says the Trapp family are chased and must escape out of Austria. But, by never explaing the reasons WHY the Trapp Family MUST escape, the pop-up book renders the entire story pointless and nonsensical. "The Sound Of Music's" detractors will have a field day; happily pointing out that the pop-up literally illustrates how pointless and nonsenical the musical was and still is. Fans and children will likely care less. Children will love the bright, pop-up colors; and fans will be delighted with yet another way to celebrate one of their favorite things.

Got this for my 5 year old dd who is a huge fan of the movie musical. The pop-ups are all lifted from scenes in the movie. Every page has additional lift the flap sections with lyircs and history. dd will have to be very gentle with this book, but i was so glad to find this new title for her!

If you are looking for a piece of art - look no farther! This is a beautiful piece for adults or children. If you are looking for a storybook, keep looking - the story is long and doesn't keep the attention of children. The Sounds of Music Pop-up Book would make a lovely coffee table book or gift for any music or art fan!

Delightfully entertaining with magical pops, this story told through song verse was another triumph for Bruce Foster.

The Classic Collectible Pop-up was excellent. The pops were very well done and each had several layers of pictures. The last one showing the mountains was just awesome. In addition the smaller story inserts also had pop-ups. Our grand daughter loved it.

Love, love, love. I purchased this for my 17yr. old niece that was in her senior play "The Sound of Music" The pictures and pop-ups make the characters come alive. She will cherish this book for a very long time. I wouldn't recommend it for a small child,it may be too delicate.

The Sound of Music is one of my family's favorite movies, so this Classic Collection Pop-Up is the perfect book for our collection. The pictures are adorable and the whole book is worth every penny.

The characters look more like a children's book (appropriate, I guess) than any of the actors from the movie or play. But the story is followed accurately and the scenes are enchanting. Some pages are almost breathtaking. For lovers of the pop-up genre, this is a worthy entry. Simply fun!