1776 (Restored Director's Cut)
by Peter H. Hunt
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DVD details
Actor: Donald Madden, Howard Da Silva, John Cullum, Ken Howard, William DanielsDirector: Peter H. Hunt
Brand: Sony
Cinematographer: Harry Stradling Jr.
Editor: Florence Williamson
Editor: William H. Ziegler
Producer: Jack L. Warner
Writer: Peter Stone
Writer: Sherman Edwards
DVD: Region Code 99
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 5.1; English (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 5.1
Format: Anamorphic, Closed-captioned, Color, Director's Cut, Dolby, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: 2.35:1
Running Time: 166 minutes
Published: 2002-07-02
DVD Release Date: 2002-07-02
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Sony Pictures
Product features:
- Condition: New
- Format: DVD
- Anamorphic; Closed-captioned; Color; Director's Cut; Dolby; DVD; Subtitled; Widescreen; NTSC
DVD Reviews of 1776 (Restored Director's Cut)
DVD Review: Musical nostalgia and historic story telling...
Summary: 4 Stars
When I was in seventh grade back in 1973, my class took a field trip to see this movie. It was only a few years before the bi-centennial, but already people in the US were becoming more and more patriotic minded.
I viewed this movie with the idea that it was a musical first, then a historical perspective about the signing of the declaration of independence. "1776" delivers very well on both counts.
The opening number - "Sit down, John" sets the stage for what is already well known - John Adams is highly opinionated when it comes to "independency". However, he is in a fluctuating minority and is in desperate need of support. Benjamin Franklin, John Adams companion and fellow supporter, enlists the assistance of Richard Henry Lee of Virginia as a supporting voice from outside New England. The musical number "The Lees of Old Virginia" is a catchy tune that sees Henry accept the challenge of getting the colony of Virginia to back a motion for independence for all colonies. Henry's statement "a short stop to refresh the Missus and then off to the matter" is both comical and to the point. All of the men who participate in the Continental Congress balance their work as representatives with a large portion of self sacrifice for their home life and business.
From here we see the day to day operation of the Continental Congress - the formal and informal, the serious and not so serious. The missing representatives from New Jersey arrive just in time to vote on the initial motion to declare independence from England when John Dickenson submits that this vote must be unanimous. The split decision is broken by the John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, in surprise support for unanimity. While John Adams fumes "the man is from Massachusetts" Hancock eloquently explains how the new independent colonies cannot carry on it "the mark of Cain." This is a very powerful statement and provides the catalyst for the need of a "Declaration of Independence". While John Adams attempts to explain the use of such a document, Thomas Jefferson declares "To place before mankind the common sense of the subject, in terms so plain and firm as to command their assent." With this statement, the declaration committee is formed and Thomas Jefferson, much to his dismay, is asked to write the document. (The decision on who will write the declaration is set nicely to the song "But, Mr. Adams")
We are treated to one of the most serious musical numbers in the movie when the courier from the Continental Army describes the scene of the battle of Lexington and Concord in the song "Mama Look Sharp". This solemn solo reminds us that there is a price for liberty and freedom. A price that is already being paid by many members of the rag tag Continental Army.
At this point we see the both the writing of the declaration begin, and the lobbying of the remainder of the Continental Congress on why independence is necessary. These efforts come back together when the declaration is presented to the Continental Congress. While the delegates are getting their first taste of the declaration, Jefferson, Adams and Franklin muse on the birth of the new nation in the song "The Egg." Thank goodness Franklin relents to having the symbol of the United States be an Eagle instead of a Turkey.
The South voices its concern over the declaration and in particular to its attempts to eliminate slavery. In the song "Molasses to Rum" John Cullum provides a passionate performance, and expresses the difficult political situation slavery represents. However, I am afraid that it is a difficult argument to understand in the context of 2007.
This solemn tone is continued on the eve of the vote for independence. John Adams summarizes the anguish of having a vision for a new nation and independence while some around him seem blind to the need for either. The song "Is Anybody There" serves as the final plea for these ideals amidst 13 colonies who have yet to become a United States.
I enjoyed this movie a great deal. It is the type of movie that needs to be on the shelf, ready for viewing by young and old alike on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and any other patriotic holiday where the questions of how this nation got its start are asked. While it is a bit long, the musical numbers help pass the time and tell the story. The historical facts are mostly accurate and should not be discounted.
After viewing this movie for the first time in over 30 years I did have to pause and consider how lucky we are as a nation. The vision held by our nation's fathers and promoted through the political process was remarkable.
I also had an uncontrollable urge to drink rum.
Description of 1776 (Restored Director's Cut)
You'll be seeing stars and stripes as the most fascinating leaders in American history come to life in 1776, a musical about the birth of a nation! With the Boston Harbor still stained from over-taxed British tea, a revolution is brewing in the colonies! And now England has thousands of troops headed for America's shores to squelch her subjects' freedom-loving spirit! It's up to John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson to convince a stubborn congress of British colonists to unite as American patriots turn the inevitable war with England into a Declaration of Independence!Bestsellers in DVD
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