Rating: 
Summary: Not as good as I remembered
Review: I first watched this movie in high school. The movie does a great job of introducing the signers of the declaration of independence. I rented the movie thinking my 11-year old son would enjoy the history. He enjoys history and is especially interested in American Presidents. What I had forgotten was the language in the movie. I suppose foul and vulgar language gave the movie a humor of sorts, but I regretted renting it at the half-hour mark. I'm going to pass on its purchase.
Rating: 
Summary: I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!!
Review: "1776" has been crying for a widescreen version for long enough! How great that this wonderful screen version of the play will finally have one. I love the entire film, the music and the performances but especially the end when the Liberty Bell rings as the actors move into position to duplicate the well-known painting of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It gives me goosebumps! This film is a yearly July 4th tradition with me; it makes American history three dimensional.
Rating:
Summary: Independence at last!
Review: The DVD announcement of this film should make many people happy. And it's release date allows for people to continue the tradition of watching this film on the 4th of July. From the basic description, this DVD seems to include only the 'restored' version. If it is the same restored version that was released on LaserDisc, some might be disappointed in the film quality going through drastic changes. 1776 has taken an interesting journey from stage to screen in that, originally, the film was basically an accurate transfer of the stage version. In fact, several of the original cast members reprised the roles they created on stage. But, then it went through a massive edit cutting the story into a more streamlined vehicle. The cut even included the song Cool, considerate men that is restored in this DVD release. The story is only slightly peppered with song. The viewer practically forgets it is a musical right up to the moment that they begin to sing again. The songs in general are simple and rely on one catchy hook (He Plays the Violin The vocal imitation of a violin... Cool, Considerate Men's opening sounds like he's going to sing the Star Spangled Banner, The Lee's of Virginia it's nod to Old MacDonald Had a Farm, etc.) Still, such scrutiny is to no avail because the film remains entertaining and a good documentation of the stage production. The last section of the film is (wisely) without song and is devoted to the actual signing of the Declaration of Independence. The moment is accented by the tolling of the liberty bell and the film medium perfectly captures the anxious moment. It is presented more as a melancholy moment than a happy one... What shall become of this nation? Are they doing the right thing? How does Saturday Night Live still get an audience after so many weak seasons? Ditto, ditto. How wonderful to have this film on DVD finally!
Rating:
Summary: Nelson Schroeder
Review: This is a wonderfully humourous and captivating portrayal of the 2nd Continental Congress. As a High School and Post Secondary History instructor, the seemingly never ending battle is to make history relevant and alive for students. This film adaptation of the classic Broadway musical is a treat for history buffs and non history buffs alike.
Rating:
Summary: Great Music...Great History Lesson
Review: This is one of my all-time favorite musicals. You wouldn't normally think of William Daniels or Ken Howard as having great singing voices. NOT SO!! All the main cast do a superb job. This is a movie you should watch every 4th of July.
Rating:
Summary: Puts Music To History
Review: We have enjoyed this movie for years in VHS format and could't wait for it to come out in DVD. Very true to the stage production. If kids need to get a feel of American History this is a great way to do it. We watch it every 4th of July.
Rating:
Summary: A history nut's delight
Review: John Adams and Ben Franklin vye for best one liner in this wonderful musical - based in part on actual verbal quotes, letters and memoirs - about the signing of the Declaration of Independence and John Adams' part in making it happen. As it starts, that moment seems almost impossible as the First Continental Congress can't even decide whether to keep the windows of Independence Hall open or closed let alone whether to break from England. Adams, with help from Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and Richard Henry Lee, performs herculean feats of cajoling, bartering and almost everything else under the sun to get the job done. As the liberty bell tolls, the delegates all sign their names - totally without 20/20 hindsight, keep in mind - knowing that if they're caught by the British they'll be hanged. Female presence is provided by Abigail Adams, whose conversations in letters with her husband here take place in his mind, and Martha Jefferson, who unfortunately seems somewhat generic and added largely to counterbalance the overwhelming male presence in the musical. John Dickinson represents the conscientious dissenters for whom the break with England was a truly agonizing decision, while Edward Rutledge represents the Southern delegates who blocked the slavery issue from reaching the table. Interestingly, the most memorable numbers in the musical might be Rutledge's "Molasses and Rum", in which he savagely blasts any notion that the North is guiltless in the slavery issue, and "Mama Look Sharp", sung by a nameless young Continental Army messenger whose increasingly disheveled appearance everytime he marches in with a dispatch from Washington is a running joke of sorts - until he starts to talk of his participation in the beginning of the war and is suddenly transformed into his friend dying on Lexington Green. As witty as some of the banter is, we're not allowed to forget that these were very serious times. An enjoyable work that grows on you and that you might find yourself watching every Forth of July before the barbecue and fireworks.
Rating:
Summary: Funny Musical
Review: This is a great musical that you will enjoy even if you detest history! It's got great music, and incorporates a lot of good humor with the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independance. Highly reccomened!!
Rating:
Summary: A VHS review of 1776
Review: The five stars I've given this film is not for the format. Not being offered in wide-screen is most annoying. However, the performances are most enjoyable and the historical accuracy, to my knowledge, seems to be factual. I highly recommend it, but will be happy when a DVD in wide-screen format is available.
Rating:
Summary: One Cool Flick
Review: I can't wait for this movie to get on DVD. I watched this movie growing up and I want to get it for my kids to watch. I am extreamly impressed with the personality put into the characters, it turns these important people into real people, not just another name you read about in a history book. It is so much fun to watch and, from everything I've read, it is pretty historically accurate, even what we know about the personalities of the men is included. I love history, but what I think is the most important part of history is the people involved. I want to see them as real people, and there are a few really good books and movies out there that help people do that. This is one of them.
| 
