1776, the 1972 musical retelling of how this country’s forefathers created and signed the Declaration of Independence, arrives on 4K UHD Blu-ray from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment that includes four different cuts of the film (two in UHD, one in HD, and the laserdisc cut in standard definition).
The Production: 3.5/5
It is late June 1776 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and John Adams (William Daniels) is encountering opposition from the majority of the Continental Congress on declaring independence from Great Britain. On his side are Benjamin Franklin (Howard Da Silva), Thomas Jefferson (Ken Howard), John Hancock (David Ford) and Richard Henry Lee (Ron Holgate), and it is Franklin who suggests that Lee be the person to propose the subject of independence from King George, mostly because most find Adams obnoxious and disliked. Jefferson is then assigned to draft the declaration, but comes down with a case of writer’s block, until Franklin sends for Jefferson’s wife Martha (Blythe Danner) to visit Philadelphia from their home in Virginia. Jefferson completes the draft, and then must contend with the objections and revisions requested by his fellow congressmen, until finally coming to a vote and signatures on July 4, 1776.
Based on the hit Broadway musical, the film version of 1776 assembled much of the same cast and even the play’s director, Peter H. Hunt, who made his film directorial debut with the film and would later work mostly in television, directing episodes of Mel Brooks’ When Things Were Rotten, Ellery Queen, Baywatch and Touched by an Angel. Unfortunately, Hunt’s inexperience shows occasionally with his over reliance on zoom lenses during many of the musical numbers. Speaking of musical numbers, it is the songs that can make or break a musical, and the songs by Sherman Edwards, while not horrible by any means, are really not all that memorable. What drives the film, though, are the performances (especially William Daniels, Howard Da Silva, and Ken Howard), the screenplay by Peter Stone (adapting his own stage book), and the production design by George Jenkins (Funny Lady, All the President’s Men). This was my first viewing of the film since watching it on NBC way back on July 4, 1976, and much like my long-time friend Keith Parrish (creator and star of my short film The Adventures of Terrific Man), will likely be giving it a spin every July 4th.
Video: 5/5
3D Rating: NA
Sony has done it again, bringing a catalog title to 4K UHD and breathing new life into the picture, despite the fact that the previous Blu-ray (released in 2015) was exceptional for its time (and “mastered in 4K”). The 2160p HEVC-encoded transfer includes both Dolby Vision and HDR10, and boasts a major improvement in overall detail, particularly in the textures of the intricate period costumes and set design. You can almost reach out and feel the embroidery in many of the congressman’s coats and the soot on the walls from the candles and wood fireplaces used to heat Independence Hall during the colder winter months. Contrast is exceptional, also assisting in bringing out much of the increased detail in the picture. Colors are more vibrant and natural, too.
Audio: 4.5/5
The default Dolby Atmos track is a slight improvement over the lossless DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix (also included on the UHD disc). Fidelity, particularly in the musical numbers, is richer, giving the film a wider dynamic range. There are no noticeable discrete height effects, but the track does give a better sense of immersion than the more front-heavy 5.1 mix. Dialogue is clear and understandable throughout.
Special Features: 4/5
Fans, even those who have not upgraded to 4K, will be extremely happy with this 3-disc set (despite being packaged in a 4-disc UHD keepcase). While the UHD disc is movie only, it does include both the Director’s Cut and Extended Cut in 4K UHD and Dolby Atmos. The Blu-ray movie disc is identical to the 2015 release, and Sony has included a third disc of additional special features.
Blu-ray Movie Disc
Audio Commentary with Director Peter H. Hunt, William Daniels and Ken Howard: Only available on the Director’s Cut.
Audio Commentary with Director Peter H. Hunt and Screenwriter Peter Stone: Only available on the Director’s Cut.
Deleted and Alternate Scenes (1080p): Piddle, Twiddle & Resolve with optional commentary (3:30); Reprise of Lees of Old Virginia with optional commentary (1:12); Privy (0:54).
Screen Tests (1080p; 12:52)
Theatrical Trailers (1080p; 4:15): Teaser and Theatrical trailers are included.
Blu-ray Special Features Disc
1972 Theatrical Version (1080p; 141:38): Presented in DTS-HD MA 2.0 mono.
1992 LaserDisc Version (upscaled 1080i; 177:38): Presented in 4:3 letterboxed, including an overture, presented in DTS-HD MA 2.0 stereo. There is an optional commentary track that was included with Pioneer’s Special Edition LaserDisc release with director Peter H. Hunt and moderated by Joe Caporiccio of Pioneer.
Digital Copy: An insert contains a code to redeem a digital copy on Movies Anywhere. At the time of this review, iTunes/Apple TV offered the Director’s Cut in 4K Dolby Vision/HDR10 and 5.1 Dolby Digital. Vudu and Primer Video offered the Director’s Cut in 4K (no HDR) and 5.1 Dolby Digital, while the Movies Anywhere app only offered the Director’s Cut in HD and 5.1 Dolby Digital but with 4K rights. No additional cuts or special features were included on any digital retailer.
Overall: 4.5/5
Over the years, 1776 has gained a cult following, and those fans will be delighted with this release.
1776: 50th Anniversary [4K UHD]
38% Off $30.99 $19.18
Todd Erwin has been a reviewer at Home Theater Forum since 2008. His love of movies began as a young child, first showing Super 8 movies in his backyard during the summer to friends and neighbors at age 10. He also received his first movie camera that year, a hand-crank Wollensak 8mm with three fixed lenses. In 1980, he graduated to "talkies" with his award-winning short The Ape-Man, followed by the cult favorite The Adventures of Terrific Man two years later. Other films include Myth or Fact: The Talbert Terror and Warren's Revenge (which is currently being restored). In addition to movie reviews, Todd has written many articles for Home Theater Forum centering mostly on streaming as well as an occasional hardware review, is the host of his own video podcast Streaming News & Views on YouTube and is a frequent guest on the Home Theater United podcast.
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