1776

MOVIE DESCRIPTION:

Patriotism and musical exuberance collide in Hollywood's retelling of American history with a newly restored director's cut of the musical 1776. Columbia's work on this 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer is very nice. Sporting a solid array of colors and well-saturated black levels, this image appears to be very evenly produced save for a few instances of edge enhancement in a few key scenes. The audio is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround in English and should please those with home theater systems. With many instances of directional effects and a crystal clear soundtrack, this disc's audio presentation should make fans sit up and sing. Also included on the disc are English and French subtitles. The extra features on 1776 are small but substantial. Included on this disc is: a very enjoyable commentary track by director Peter H. Hunt and screenwriter Peter Stone, as they discuss the restoration process of the film and how it was brought to the silver screen; a few screen tests of some of the actors in the film; and theatrical trailers for the film and other Columbia musical movies. ~ Patrick Naugle, All Movie Guide

DVD FEATURES:

• Region: 1
• Number of Discs: 1
• Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 (Cinemascope)
• Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1
• Screen: Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV
• Subtitle: French, English
• Features:
  • Director and screenwriter commentary
  • Screen tests
  • Bonus trailers
  • Production notes

AWARDS

• Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

•     Nominated Best Cinematography - 1972 (Harry Stradling, Jr.)

• Hollywood Foreign Press Association

•     Nominated Best Picture - Musical or Comedy - 1972

• National Board of Review

•     Nominated Best Picture - 1972

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Cast:

  
       William Daniels - John Adams
       Howard Da Silva - Benjamin Franklin
       Ken Howard - Thomas Jefferson
       David Ford - John Hancock

• Director:

  Peter H. Hunt

• Producer:

  Jack L. Warner

• Play Author:

  Peter Stone

• Screenwriter:

  Peter Stone

• Cinematographer:

  Harry Stradling, Jr.

• Composer (Music Score):

  Sherman Edwards

• Musical Arrangement:

  Peter Howard

• Musical Direction/Supervision:

  Ray Heindorf

• Songwriter:

  Sherman Edwards

• Editor:

  Florence Williamson, William H. Ziegler

• Art Director:

  George Jenkins

REVIEW:

• The subject of some controversy when produced (many objected to the characterization of the founding fathers, and the Nixon White House is alleged to have pressured the producers into deleting a song critical of conservatives), 1776 had all the ingredients of a wonderful musical film -- except for a skillful director. This is unfortunate, because the screenplay is literate and witty, full of memorable and exciting characters. The one-of-a-kind score is excellent, and the cast -- almost all direct from Broadway -- could not be better. Although director Peter Hunt manages to open up the proceedings, there's still a staginess that could have been avoided. Better yet, Hunt could have used the staginess to create a confined feeling that could have echoed both the stifling atmosphere of the Continental Congress meeting place and the stifling oppression against which John Adams fought. Hunt also showed very little imagination in shooting the musical numbers; the opening cries out for someone who can create the visual equivalent of the music's chaos. The use of the soft-focus lens for the scenes between Adams and his wife is hokey, and the static staging of "Mama, Look Sharp" dilutes that song's impact. When he does try something, the effect is often weak or distracting, as in the lightning cuts of Lee mounting his horse at the start of "The Lees of Old Virginia." As Adams, William Daniels gives a magnificent performance, capturing all of the facets of this complicated and fascinating man, and Howard Da Silva is a delight as Ben Franklin. The entire supporting cast is deserving of praise, but special mention must be made of John Cullum, whose "Molasses to Rum" is a chilling showstopper. Ultimately Hunt's direction damages the film, but its strengths are still significant. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide

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