- Joined
- Feb 8, 1999
- Messages
- 18,392
- Real Name
- Robert Harris
For your delectation, an image taken at the time of the commentary recording. We'll probably be hearing from the young man in the shadows:
I've always been a huge fan and avid reader regarding most anything about the American Revolution. Colonial Williamsburg is one of my favorite places on Earth. I'm currently watching Sons of Liberty, which is far better than I surmised.
Back in November of 1972, when 1776 arrived as a Columbia production with Jack Warner at the helm, it was news. The film was based upon the Broadway show, which was directed by Peter H. Hunt, who would go on to direct the film.
When originally released, the film ran 142 minutes. And many of the film's delights had hit the cutting room floor.
The film appeared on a Pioneer laserdisc, with a rough reconstruction, and later on DVD.
The new Blu-ray contains two versions of the film, the Director's Cut at 165 minutes and the Extended Cut at 168.
I know that someone, somewhere is going to react to one of these cuts negatively, because as was the case with Mad World, everyone seems to be desirous of controlling their own cut.
For the record, the spider pit has not been restored to this version of the film.
The reason most people will be reading this is to find out how it looks. One should not need to read this, as Grover Crisp is behind the tech work. I'm also told that we may not have it at all, had it not been for the efforts and support of Sony's Jeremy Glassman, and for his efforts, he has my thanks.
In short, the new Blu-ray looks stupendous. With virtually all material being scanned at 4k from the original negative, and being beautifully color timed and cleaned, there is nothing here but positives.
I love 1776. Anyone who hasn't seen it needs to get a copy asap.
But why listen to me. Here's a more apt comment::
"In restoring 1776 there was no problem big or small that Grover didn't give full attention to and ultimately solve. His tenacity and skill in protecting our film heritage are legendary." - Peter H. Hunt
Image - 5*
Audio - 5
Pass / Fail - Pass
Very Highly Recommended
RAH