For gardeners and backyard do-it-yourselfers, concrete is a revelation. It's durable, weatherproof, impossible to steal, and it provides much-needed insulation for outdoor plants. Concrete weathers beautifully, softening around the edges, developing moss, and becoming more picturesque with age.

Concrete Garden Projects takes advantage of concrete's numerous assets, showcasing an inspiring array of creative options. The step-by-step instructions for dozens of easy, do-it-yourself décor ideas include containers of all shapes and sizes, elegant benches and stools, miniature ponds and birdbaths, stepping stones, a barbecue, and a fire pit. The authors use a variety of molds easily found or made, household items like bowls and baking pans, and simple wooden frames and boxes. At pennies per pound, and so simple to use — just mix with water and pour — concrete is the key to hand-crafted backyard décor.

Read our interview with Charmian Carr, who played Liesl von Trapp in The Sound of Music.

It doesn't matter. Audiences fell in love with the struggling novice Maria (Andrews), the dashing Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer), and, yes, the cute kids, all based on a real-life World War II Austrian family. Such songs as "My Favorite Things," "Do Re Mi," "Climb Every Mountain," and the title tune became part of the 20th century Zeitgeist. In addition, The Sound of Music officially became a cult hit when audiences in London began giving it the Rocky Horror Picture Show treatment, attending showings dressed as their favorite characters and delivering choreographed comments and gestures along with the movie. So why resist, especially when the 40th Anniversary Edition is the best DVD yet.

The DVDs
As if the direct involvement of Julie Andrews weren't enough, the 40th Anniversary Edition of The Sound of Music is a must-have for fans because of the fond sense of nostalgia that will touch all but the worst cynic's heart. Andrews introduces both discs and contributes a commentary track on the film. It's a joy to hear her speak about the film (for example, she explains how she solved her dislike for the lyrics of "I Have Confidence"), and also heard are remarks by Christopher Plummer (who at one point refers to his being 48, which if true would mean his comments were made in about 1975), Charmian Carr (Liesl), choreographer Dee Dee Wood, and Johannes Von Trapp (the real-life Maria Von Trapp's youngest son, who admits that his father did have a whistle but claims that he was not as stern as portrayed in the film). Even with all those people involved, there are still significant gaps of silence, however. Retained from the previous two-disc editions is the commentary track by director Robert Wise, which during the musical numbers becomes an isolated score with no vocals. Also new are sing-along subtitles in English, Spanish, and French, which allow you to have your own sing-along at home. In addition, the film's remastering shows off a truer and much warmer sense of color.

On the second disc, Andrews participates in a new 63-minute documentary "My Favorite Things: Julie Andrews Remembers." But it's really a general making-of documentary with contributions from a number of principals, including director Robert Wise, who died in mid-2005 (not surprisingly, some stories are repeated from the commentary track and from the 87-minute documentary on the previous DVD). Andrews also shares a warm 19-minute sit-down with Christopher Plummer. Carr, who over the years has become the film's biggest advocate, narrates a new 22-minute documentary, "On Location with The Sound of Music," in which she revisits the places in Salzburg where the movie was filmed, and even joins one of the "Sound of Music tours" that have become a booming industry. And acknowledging another big industry, there's a 12-minute featurette on the sing-along phenomenon, focusing specifically on the audience, costumed and otherwise, that attended a sold-out Hollywood Bowl sing-along in 2005. Making special appearances at the event are four von Trapp great-grandchildren and all seven of the actors who played the children. Thankfully, those actors also appear in a 33-minute documentary "From Liesl to Gretl: A 40th Anniversary Reunion," in which they explain what they do now (many are still in show business) and share stories about the film, who was afraid of Christopher Plummer, and what they feel is their responsibility to the film's passionate fans. What's touching is how the group still considers themselves a family so many years later. Other material includes an A&E documentary on the von Trapps, Mia Farrow's screen test for the Liesl role, and a restoration comparison.

What's Missing?
If you already own the previous two-disc editions, you'll want this 40th Anniversary Edition as well, but you might not want to toss those versions. Probably the most significant omission from this edition is the original 14-minute documentary Charmian Carr made in 1967, "Salzburg Sight and Sound." Carr's new documentary includes only a couple clips from the vintage piece. It's not a great work of art, but it's a notable loss and would have made a good contrast with the new documentary. In addition, the new making-of documentary is about 24 minutes shorter than the old one. Also missing are the audio-only features--the interviews, the radio programs, the Ernest Lehman spotlight--and the historical still gallery examining the history of Salzburg and the film. Granted, this material probably got the least play of any of the old features, but completists might want to hold onto their old discs for it. It would have also been nice to have screen tests other than Farrow's. Tests for all the children and for Christopher Plummer (including singing in his own voice before he was dubbed for the film) were included on Hollywood Screen Tests and Rodgers and Hammerstein: The Sound of Movies. Again, they're not critical but it would have been nice to have them all in one place. So maybe the 40th Anniversary Edition isn't the complete package on The Sound of Music, but it's the most satisfying edition yet, with enough new material to please even the veteran SoM DVD watcher. --David Horiuchi


Stills from The Sound of Music (Click for larger image)

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Fisher-Price Infant To Toddler Swing offers: Three-point harness system holds baby securely Reclines back for babies who can't yet sit upright Attached tray holds toys or snacks

The Infant to Toddler Swing reclines via its ropes for use with infants and growing children.

Tray lifts up and stays out of the way while you fasten your little one into the swing.

Grows With Your Child
Made to see your child through years of happy play, the Infant to Toddler Swing can be reclined via its ropes for use with infants, and then adjusts to accommodate growing children who can sit upright. A convenient tray holds toys or snacks and lifts up and out of the way for quick and efficient in-and-out. To help keep your child secure, even as he swings back and forth, a dual restraint system with three-point harness holds baby in place. And thick nylon ropes support baby's weight.

Quick, Easy Set-Up
Use the Infant to Toddler Swing in your yard on sunny days when baby can enjoy the weather, or on those days when the ground is too wet for crawling games. Set-up is a breeze. Once you find a sturdy place to hang and hook the swing, simply level out the ropes for an even hang. With proper set-up, you won't have to worry about the swing twisting, tipping, or rolling.

The Infant to Toddler swing measure 14 x 14 x 22 inches (WxHxD) and supports a maximum weight of up to 45 pounds. It's also a snap to take-down for storage or on-the-go portability.

Toy: The Infant to Toddler Swing is an outdoor swing that spans the development of a child from infant to toddler, The tray holds toys or snacks and lifts up out of the way for easy in and out, A dual restraint system, with three point harness and tray, keeps the child secure, This swing is as friendly to parents as it is to kids and now it can be reclined for use with infants as young as six months, Recommended age range 6 to 36 Months
Company: Fisher-Price
List Price: $26.99
Amazon Price: $26.99

House has always tackled fascinating cases and that continues this season, though the symptoms aren't overly dramatic by House standards. The team tries to save a man whose family history indicates that he will die of a heart attack before he turns 40. They try to help a brilliant scientist whose depression and addictions make him feel he's better suited for a simpler life as a courier. And Wilson (Robert Sean Leonard) may once again be grappling with cancer. It's a credit to this show that while it features such a strong lead character, the costars don't get shafted in the process. Wilson is one of the show's most charming characters and, by default, has become House's best friend. The two of them share a home and bicker like an old married couple. When a woman they both are attracted to mistakenly assumes that they're a complicated gay couple, we can't help but laugh. But Wilson's love life is made difficult by the return of his ex-wife and House doesn't want to see his friend hurt again. He can abuse Wilson, but he doesn't want her to do the same.

House's boss Cuddy (Lisa Edelstein) has her own issues, juggling a harried personal life and the complications that come with trying to keep House in line. Chase (Jesse Spencer) falls under scrutiny this season after treating a controversial politician who he fears will murder innocent civilians. He finds himself struggling with the Hippocratic oath to treat all patients--even the ones he finds distasteful--to the best of his ability. And of the main characters on the show, one will be fired, another will profess their love for a colleague, and three of them will look for love via a speed-dating service. Yes, the story lines are all over the place, but then again, so is House. --Jae-Ha Kim

DVD: AC-3, Box set, Color, Dolby, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSCCondition: New, Format: DVD, AC-3; Box set; Color; Dolby; DVD; Subtitled; Widescreen; NTSC
Company: Universal Studios (2011-09-25)
List Price: $59.98
Amazon Price: $15.50
Used Price: $14.80

Stream tunes from your Bluetooth-enabled device to the Spracht AURA BluNote portable wireless speaker system.

The AURA Speaker System's bass boost feature provides deep, rich bass tones for a more powerful sound, while the stereo widening feature creates a three-dimensional soundscape. It runs on four AA batteries for up to 10 hours of continuous playback, and it can also be plugged in via the included AC adapter.

Features and Specifications
Streams music wirelessly via Bluetooth (requires device with embedded A2DP stereo music streaming Bluetooth profile) Stores up to 8 Bluetooth profiles so you can pair with multiple devices DSP (Digital Signal Processing) based noise cancellation Make and receive calls using the mobile phone hands free function Bass boost produces a rich, deep, bass tones for a more powerful sound Stereo widening creates a three-dimensional sound Battery life: Up to 10 hours from four AA batteries Audio input jack: 3.5 mm Speaker output: 2 x 2 watts (4 watts of total power) Bluetooth range: Up to 33 feet (10 meters) Controls include volume up/down, bass boost, stereo widening, PTT (push to talk) Dimensions: 7 x 3 x 1.25 inches Weight: 9.5 ounces Backed by a 1-year warranty

What's in the Box
AURA BluNote speaker system, AC wall charger, 4 AA batteries, 3.5mm jack to connect to non-Bluetooth devices, user guide, quick start guide

Wireless Phone Accessory: Wireless, compatible with all Bluetooth/A2DP-enabled devices including iPad, iPhone and new smart Phones/Tablets including Droid, Blackberry, HTC, Samsung Galaxy and many more handsets and computers. Nominated for the CES Innovation Award!, Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) for high fidelity wireless audio. The Bass Boost provides deep, rich, bass tones for a powerful sound. Stereo Widening feature creates a 3-dimensional soundscape., When streaming from your phone, making or receiving calls, use the 'Push-To-Talk' (PTT) Button. Includes a microphone which transforms the BluNote into a 'Conference Phone' allowing you to make/receive calls while you are listening to music., Works with many computers and can be used as a conference device for SKYPE and other VOIP calls. Stores up to 8 Bluetooth profiles so you can pair with multiple devices., Runs on 4 'AA' batteries or with an A/C adapter. Inside the box: AURA Bluetooth speaker system, AC wall charger, 4 'AA' batteries, 3.5mm jack to connect to other NON-Bluetooth devices (ipods, mp3/mp4 players), User Guide and Quick Start Guide.
Company: Spracht
List Price: $129.99
Amazon Price: $49.79
Used Price: $39.34