Rating: 
Summary: Sing me my history
Review: In all honesty, I've never been really big on musicals. This one is an exception to that rule. In fact, I would say that this is the most worthwhile musical I've ever seen in my life.The film details the trying times of the Continental Congress in the days leading up to July 4, 1776. The story brought home what the "essence" of those days must have been like. Should the colonists have an all-out open rebellion against mother England and declare independence? Or were the idealogical differences between the colonists and the British capable of being satisfied via the diplomatic apparatus of compromise? These were among the most pivotal questions disputed by our founding fathers during those summer days of 1776. In truth, I never gave this topic much thought before watching this DVD. It has given me a newfound admiration and appreciation for just how difficult and tumultuous their position was. The casting of the film is nothing less than outstanding. In particular, William Daniels as John Adams, Howard De Silva as Benjamin Franklin and Ken Howard as Thomas Jefferson all stand out. As a tall redhead, Howard in particular actually looks like the Virginian. What makes this musical truly remarkable is just how dynamic it is. Many scenes are utterly hilarious and many of the songs are quite funny. At the same time, the film is able to transition into rather dark topics without losing its cohesion. Some of these dark matters include the issue of slavery, the punishment our founding fathers potentially faced for treason, and the horrifying consequences that await a people once the gates of war have been pried open. In my mind, this is a worthwhile film for all Americans to see. It offers a profound sense of where we came from and the idealogical foundations that this country was built on. History buffs in particular would benefit from this film, but all of us should be sung our history.
Rating: 
Summary: Little-known musical on the Continental Congress
Review: I'd never even heard of this musical until I saw the DVD case the other day. By today's standards, this is a really strange animal. If you pitched this to a studio exec today --telling him it is a musical based on the Continental Congress' debate over independence in the summer of 1776, that some of the songs are duets in which John Adams in Philadelphia sings, by mental telepathy, with Abigail Adams in Massachussetts, the movie is two hours and 45 minutes long, it isn't for kids since it has alot of adult humor and a fair amount of profanity-- he'd probably have a good laugh and ask you what you really came to pitch. Of course, it helps to know that this was a successful broadway musical before it was made into a movie, and hollywood was still making musicals in the later 1960s and the very early 1970s. Despite the extreme oddness of this movie, I really enjoyed it. William Daniels (who is best known as Dustin Hoffman's father in the Graduate and for his role as a physician on the TV series "St. Elsewhere") stars as John Adams. Adams is very outspoken in his effort to get the Continental Congress to declare independence. His ally in this fight is Benjamin Franklin, played superbly by Howard da Silva. Later they recruit Thomas Jefferson (played by Ken Howard, most famous for the TV series "White Shadow") to the cause of independence. When Jefferson has writer's block while trying to write the declaration, Adams arranges for Martha Jefferson to be brought up from Virginia to inspire him. After that, Abigail Adams asks John (by mental telepathy, of course) why John didn't bring her down for a visit. Not all of this is historically accurate. To give an example, the size of the congressional delegations has been cut down for drama's sake; the delegation from Pennsylvania was seven, not three, and John Dickinson was not the only influential voice from Pennsylvania opposed to independence. But the basic gist of the story is historically accurate. The part where Thomas McKean rides down to pick up a very ill Ceasar Rodney and bring him back to congress so that the two of them can outvote fellow delegate George Read and carry Delaware for declaring independence, is a true story. I have to admit that this movie taught me more about the fight for the declaration of independence than I ever knew before. Despite the fact that some of the songs are dated in style and a bit tedious, this was a very entertaining two hours and forty-five minutes. It is a good example of how the DVD format helps us find and enjoy gems from the past we would otherwise never have known about.
Rating:
Summary: A fascinating musical. . .
Review: . . .far better than most of what has come out in the last 30 years. (At least in the mind of this reviewer.) This charming musical, full of wonderful music, dancing, and humor, tells the story (albeit abbreviated) of the weeks leading up to the writing and ratification of the Declaration of Independance. The plot is centered around the machinations of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. The musical does show the conflicts, both in personality and in ideology, between the members of the Continental Congress, and also demonstrates the issues -- and the compromises -- which led to certain decisions and choices. The roles of Adams, Jefferson, and Franklin are superbly cast (and the personality and humor of Franklin is one of the best parts of the story.) Parents should be cautioned, however, as there is some fairly liberal use of mild profanity -- and numerous not-so-subtle sexual innuendos. All in all, though, this musical is a treat.
Rating:
Summary: 1776 has great extra features
Review: In 1776, on the dvd, the extra features include a commentary which is excellent and the audition tapes filmed when casting the members. You can see great change in the casting and the actual movie. Watch this movie anyday!
Rating:
Summary: Gotta Love It!
Review: I have loved this movie/video ever since I saw it for the first time in the 7th grade in New Jersey. (thank you Mrs. Watro!). It's corny but very fun to watch. My favorite song is "Hey Johnny, Look Smart". To add to the trivia about this movie, in an episode of the fine medical drama St. Elsewhere, William Daniels (Dr. Mark Craig)& his wife (played by Bonnie Bartlett) were in Philadelphia at a medical conference. As they were walking around Liberty Plaza (I think!) she was badgering him to sing something. So finally, he came out with "it's hot as hell in Philadelphia!!!" which, as we know, is from this movie! Yet another "John Adams" reference in his career. I about fell on the floor laughing when I heard that! Just thought this would be a fun piece of trivia to write about.
Rating:
Summary: Beautifully restored history
Review: This DVD of 1776 has been beautifully put back together, so the audience can finally see most of the original version of the film. The 181 minute LD of the film had more of the original version of the film, but it had lots and lots of quality problems to the restored footage. This DVD has the footage cleaned up and it looks absolutely gorgeous. While some small things are missing (Lee's hilarious reprise of "Lees of Old Virginia", for example.), the movie will satisfy any fan of the show. The cast is terrific, and the commentary by the director is really interesting.
Rating:
Summary: 1776 Rolls Around -- Again!
Review: Many years ago as a very young music teacher on summer vacation I sat enthralled at a Saturday evening performance of 1776. Almost all of the original cast were still present on stage that evening and at one point I realized that I was literally sitting on the edge of my seat with my hands clenched, wondering if Congress would sign The Declaration of Independence! In 1972 the film version with most of this cast in place appeared at the local movie house. I bought my popcorn and Coke and settled in with barely contained enthusiasm as the house lights went down. The film began and within minutes it was obvious that although everything I was seeing on the screen had been part of the play, the work had been hacked and cut almost beyond recognition and certainly beyond comprehension. When I heard that a remastered DVD was being released, I ordered my copy with a certain cautious enthusiasm. At last my copy arrived and I put it into my player: ten minutes later I was sitting on the edge of my couch with my hands clenched wondering if Congress would sign The Declaration of Independence. The restoration is magnificent and even makes the weaker moments of the film (e.g. Blythe Danner dancing in the garden?) palatable. There is no historic validation that Martha Jefferson came to Philadelphia during the writing process, but there is no proof she didn't. Much more precious is the appearance of Virginia Vestoff who is as darling and sincere as she was in the Broadway cast. We lost many fine performances when she was taken from us at such an early age. The men's cast, with a couple of exceptions, were alumni of that stellar original cast and so had been "rehearsing" for several years before they went before the camera. To save space here, may I suggest you look at the cast list and check them all off as outstanding. A few directoral errors are present (the "Quittin' Time departure of conservatives in their carriages) and some technical problems such as a very, very bad audio mix during the first three or so minutes of the film which brings the orchestra to the front, Adams (William Daniels) slightly behind and the entire chorus thrown vocally into the next room. This is a small carp and the problem resolves itself quickly and does not return. Just for the fun of it, run the scene with John and (an imaginary) Abigail Adams sitting on opposite sides of the Liberty Bell discussing John's flaws and ambition. On at least the first viewing be prepared with a box of Kleenex. On subsequent viewings it's every man for himself!
Rating:
Summary: Best Movie I've ever seen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: William Daniels appears from the original Broadway show to the movie, and is outstanding!!! I do believe I've watched it two hundred times!!!!!! Wonderful music and humor that I can't stop watching. The Ben Franklin in this is perfect, and even better then the one in Broadway!!!!!! I'd suggest it for any patriot who loves musicals.
Rating:
Summary: US History and Film History
Review: The original musical was responsible for unearthing several facts about the way American indepedence was brought about, esecially the underappreciated role that John Adams played in it. The play was responsible for a renewed interest in the Revolutionary era, and the movie played more than a small role as a precursor to America's Bicentennial celebration. With this DVD restoration (and it is a restoration in more than one sense, not just a remastering), the film is presented the way the creators intended it to be, which is vastly different from the way Warner Bros. released it back in 1972. When I watched the DVD for the first time (after seeing the original on commercial TV for years), I almost didn't recognize it. There are several scenes edited back into the movie rather than added to a "special features" section like most movies. This is a rare instance where doing so is justified and right, since the studio mercilessly and ignorantly cut the film down before release. The fact that the movie is so radically restored makes up for the lack of significant extras, although the commentary by the writer and director are interesting, and the audition reels are amusing, especially when you consider the fact that the cast is virtually a complete transfer from the Broadway production. This is a must DVD for collectors, even if they aren't huge fans of the movie, because of the incredible work done to restore the film to its intended form.
Rating:
Summary: 1776 DVD NOT COMPLETELY RESTORED
Review: 1776 is perhaps my favorite movie musical. Peter Hunt who directed the original Broadway production of 1776 also directed the film version. The show was left almost entirely intact from its Broadway to film transfer. Many of the actors who created the roles of our founding fathers on Broadway were also used for this 1972 film version. However, as fans of 1776 know, prior to its theatrical release Jack Warner, the film's producer, cut approximately forty minutes of the film from the original Peter Hunt cut. Some of the cuts were made to accommodate additional theatrical showings, while other cuts like the removal of the musical number "Cool Considerate Men," were remove so not to offend the conservative Nixon White House. This DVD transfer has a new refined 5.1 stereo mix which produces the best audio track that I have heard to date for this film. The DVD transfer also beautifully restores some, but not all the cuts that Warner made to the film. Any one who has viewed the Pioneer Special Edition LaserDisc version of 1776 will notice that about 14 minutes of the film did not make it to the DVD, including a verse from the song "Piddle, Twiddle and Resolve," the Overture, the Intermission and Intermission Music, and a number of assorted pieces from different scenes. Since the original negative for all the additional scenes were destroyed, prints were used for the LaserDisc restoration. Age and long-term storage had affected color, density and image orientation is some of these scenes (and in one case, a black-and-white workprint had to be used), which is very evident on the LaserDisc. The scenes which were restored for the DVD blend much more flawlessly. However, with all its technical imperfections, I will go back to the Pioneer Special Edition LaserDisc of 1776 for future viewings. It is still the most complete and satisfying restoration of this historic musical.
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