1776

Rating:
Summary: At Last: The Director's Cut
Review: For those of us who are fans of "1776," one of the most frustrating things about the movie and subsequent video versions was the exclusion of the "Cool, Cool Considerate Men" musical number. It made me feel as if I wasn't seeing the entire play, as I had enjoyed the number on stage many times, and I often wondered why it was cut. The number took about four minutes or so; in a movie already over two hours, what's another four minutes. When DVD's became reality, I hoped the picture would be restored to its original version.

And it's so nice to get one's wish. Not only is the missing number restored (incidentially, it's one of the livliest in the movie), but the movie as a whole was restored rather than just slapping the video onto DVD. The picture is crisp and the sound excellent, as it must be for a musical. Fans used to the video version should also note that the opening is changed; the titles come first instead of being melded into the scene where Adams is descending the stairway from the attic in Independence Hall to tell Congress just what he thinks in the film's opening number. Frankly I prefer the video's version of this scene, but hey, I'm not complaining.

For those of you who haven't yet seen the movie: what are you waiting for? This is the history you wish you had been taught in school instead of the seemingly endless droning on about dates of events. "1776" tells not only how the Declaration of Independence came about, but also why, and exactly how close it came to not being adopted, if not for some last minute old fashioned politicking. Some things change but always remain the same, it seems. For those who think a musical about the adoption of the Declaration of Independence is unseemly, just take a peek. One viewing should assuage your feelings of doubt. The musical numbers are not only lively and well done, but pertinent to the subject and actually catchy. The lyrics to Adams's songs come from the letters to his wife and friends. I believe the book of the play was based on a wonderful book entitled "Four Days in July," now, unfortunately, out of print. What a helluva birthday, Christmas or Hanukkah present that would make to a history buff, the DVD and the book.

And if I haven't convinced you doubters to buy the DVD then I simply ask you to abstain . . . but courteously.

Rating:
Summary: Rainy Day...
Review: Goofy, yes. Campy, yes. Not the best-produced thing you'll ever watch... but what fun to sit and pass an afternoon with friends watching. Maybe even singing along?

Rating:
Summary: 1776 is a SMASH!
Review: When I watched 1776 in school at last year, I thought it was GREAT! Not only is it educational, but wonderfully done!
I bought the VHS release, which was the one I saw in school and I watched 1776, the whole day. When I got the DVD version, I was shocked to see all this new material in it, that was cut from the theaterical release in 1972. The sound was amazing and the picture was even better. The ending is the best as you see our country being born!!
If you are into history films and musicals, this film is for you!! 1776 IS A SMASH!!!!

Rating:
Summary: Great History Lesson!
Review: If History was never your favorite subject, or you could just never grasp certain events in US History, this is a fun way to get a good understanding of the Continental Congress' debate as to whether or not to sever from Great Britain and do what had never been done before --- form an independent nation.
And if you have a fine appreciation for History, you'll enjoy the film that much more.

The songs and the dialogue between John Adams, Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson as they lead the way for American Independence against men in Congress who didn't want a United country is brought to light in an entertaining and enlightened manner. This is a must see for everyone! You won't be disappointed!

Rating:
Summary: (Five) Stars and Stripes Forever
Review: This film is exceptionally witty and intelligent, and certainly of another time. It deftly uses the musical numbers (and I don't particulary care for the genre) to support the story -- the momentous events leading up to the Declaration of Independence.

It has a colorful cast of characters, some of which -- such as Adams, Jefferson and Franklin -- are legendary. Others are less known, but help create a rich ensemble of our nation's forefathes.

What's more remarkable is the role given to two women (Martha Jefferson and Abagail Adams) who, while not present for most of the film, are central to this moment of history.

Not being well versed in early American history, I can't vouch for the film's accuracy. But who cares? "1776" is an utter joy to watch, listen to, and experience -- many times.

Rating:
Summary: It's about time.
Review: I first saw this film in 1974, on a very large screen. With the advent of VCR, I have owned three tapes of this film but was disappointed with the pan and scan editing to tape.

The DVD version, with it's twenty additional minutes of story, reverts to a widescreen format. Scenes became complete again. Trees that framed shots could again be seen. Actors standing apart could be seen in a single shot without camera movement.

I have been waiting for many years to see this film in widescreen. I have already thrown out the Pan and Scan VHS version in my library.

Rating:
Summary: What are you waiting for? Buy this now!
Review: This review will be short, as there's little to say about this film beyond being an absolute necessity in any theatre-lover's collection. The moving (and historically vital) story of the creation and adoption of the Declaration of Independence is powerful, the score is stirring, and nearly all of the members of the original Broadway production have preserved their roles on film. And they're all flawless. The book is one of the finest musical theatre books, and the score matches it at every step, resulting in a wonderfully entertaining book musical and history lesson rolled up into one. Movie musicals do not get better than this.

Rating:
Summary: The definitive cut of a classic
Review: Some have complained that the DVD cut of 1776 leaves out several pieces of film that were included in the 1991 laserdisc version. The problem with the 1991 version was that it was done without director Peter Hunt's input and thus does not reflect his definitive vision of the film.

The 1991 version was at best a "workprint" restoration that included every scene shot for the film that they could find regardless of whether it would ultimately have been included in the final picture. The "Overture" and "Intermission" were both assembled out of musical fragments and were never planned by the director.

The DVD version restores most of what was included on the laserdisc, except now they have the original negatives to work with. It does leave out a few things from the laserdisc version, but this cut represents the first time that Peter Hunt has had a chance to assemble his version of the film since 1972.

This is the film we would have seen in 1972 if not for Jack Warner's interference.

Rating:
Summary: Delightful
Review: The music from this film resounds long after viewing the tape. Character portrayals are wonderful. A must see.

Rating:
Summary: AMAZING!!
Review: My friends and I started watching this thinking it would be as boring as a history class, but it turned out to be an unbelievably excellent movie. We couldn't get enough of it!! We watched it over and over until we practically memorized the lines. It was also very funny. Some parts made us laugh a lot. The best part is that i did learn a lot about our founding fathers through this.