UHD Review A Few Words About A few words about...™ - 1776 -- in 4k UHD (1 Viewer)

[Robert Harris]

Peter Hunt's 1972 musical film is based upon the 1969 Broadway production also directed by Mr. Hunt (he won the Tony). Several original cast members also made it through from stage to screen.

While not historically accurate, it tells a wonderful tale about representatives of the the 13 Colonies making the decision to move for independence.

It was a quality legit show, and remains a quality motion picture - and the final work of Jack Warner in the capacity of producer.

At the time of it's release, there were political undercurrents that led to cuts, trims, etc. Some came from President Richard Nixon, who reportedly was concerned that certain attributes might allow people to get the "wrong idea about the Republican Party." The song Cool, Considerate Men was removed.

To the best of my understanding, there were three cuts of the film - the original 141 minute release version, the Director's Cut at 165, and the Extended at 168.

All three versions are finally released in a single package, with the 1972 cut found on the Blu-ray disc, along with extras, and the Director's and Extended in 4k.

A third disc contains all the other requisite extras.

Sony has done right by this Columbia presentation, and the work performed several years ago, by Mr. Crisp and his team, shine through.

Color is perfect. The image is stable, with accurate grain, wonderful shadow detail and beautifully reproduced blacks.

A terrific entertainment, with quality all the way.

Image – 5 (Dolby Vision)

Audio – 5 (Dolby Atmos)

Pass / Fail – Pass

Plays nicely with projectors - Beautifully

Makes use of and works well in 4k - 4

Upgrade from Blu-ray - Yes

Highly Recommended

RAH

 

[B-ROLL]

Keeping with the word's of wisdom attributed to Howard DaSilva's character in 1776, I ordered this as part part of Target's B2G1 sale.

 

[Koro]

Not sure if this is allowed, but if anyone want my digital code (U.S. residents only), here it is:

Go to sonypictures.com/maredeem and use code '3F61 4FA7 KYFM VPM5'.

 

[Garysb]

Currently $15.50 at Amazon. Sold out, but you can order it. Cheapest it's been to date.
Update : Currently no longer available from Amazon. Only 3rd parties.
See on Amazon

 

[Matt Hough]

Currently $15.50 at Amazon. Sold out, but you can order it. Cheapest it's been to date.

See on Amazon

I bought mine yesterday; it's supposed to arrive tomorrow.

 

[Garysb]

Apparently Amazon is price matching Walmart which does have 1776 in stock for $15.50 so you can get it in time for the 4th of July.

Walmart price is actually from a 3rd party "Please Rewind" which appears to be owned or related to SONY as it is described as "SPHE Scan Based Trading Corporation" and their address is the Sony lot in Culver City
10202 West Washington Blvd
Culver City, California 90232, United States

Robot or human?

 

[Polbroth]

Peter Hunt's 1972 musical film is based upon the 1969 Broadway production also directed by Mr. Hunt (he won the Tony). Several original cast members also made it through from stage to screen.

While not historically accurate, it tells a wonderful tale about representatives of the the 13 Colonies making the decision to move for independence.

It was a quality legit show, and remains a quality motion picture - and the final work of Jack Warner in the capacity of producer.

At the time of it's release, there were political undercurrents that led to cuts, trims, etc. Some came from President Richard Nixon, who reportedly was concerned that certain attributes might allow people to get the "wrong idea about the Republican Party." The song Cool, Considerate Men was removed.

To the best of my understanding, there were three cuts of the film - the original 141 minute release version, the Director's Cut at 165, and the Extended at 168.

All three versions are finally released in a single package, with the 1972 cut found on the Blu-ray disc, along with extras, and the Director's and Extended in 4k.

A third disc contains all the other requisite extras.

Sony has done right by this Columbia presentation, and the work performed several years ago, by Mr. Crisp and his team, shine through.

Color is perfect. The image is stable, with accurate grain, wonderful shadow detail and beautifully reproduced blacks.

A terrific entertainment, with quality all the way.

Image – 5 (Dolby Vision)

Audio – 5 (Dolby Atmos)

Pass / Fail – Pass

Plays nicely with projectors - Beautifully

Makes use of and works well in 4k - 4

Upgrade from Blu-ray - Yes

Highly Recommended

RAH

This is a brilliant flick, but I had no idea there were so many cuts/different versions.

Is CCM on the BR, or did you mean cut as in never in the movie script/never shot?

 

[Josh Steinberg]

There are four versions of the film in the UHD combo pack - every version except for the 1972 theatrical cut features Cool Considerate Men.

 

[Polbroth]

"He plays the (cotton-pickin') violin..."

 

[jim_falconer]

Great price, and as much as I’d enjoy viewing the PSE version of the film again, I’m happy with my BD from a few years back. Basically everything was reinserted back into the release, with the minor exceptions of Jefferson looking out the window as the kids are playing, and the lamplighter extinguishing the candles as Adams wakes up at the foot of the stairs. Perhaps a total of 10-15 seconds worth of footage.

 

[Kevin Fox]

Great price, and as much as I’d enjoy viewing the PSE version of the film again, I’m happy with my BD from a few years back. Basically everything was reinserted back into the release, with the minor exceptions of Jefferson looking out the window as the kids are playing, and the lamplighter extinguishing the candles as Adams wakes up at the foot of the stairs. Perhaps a total of 10-15 seconds worth of footage.

I had the BD from a few years back, but this new 4K also includes the LaserDisc version (on one of the Blu-rays in SD) with the original commentary that's not been heard since that LaserDisc, so well worth it for me to have every version in one package.

 

[Garysb]

There is now a $2.20 coupon for 1776 4K on Amazon. The price is still $15.50 so with the coupon it comes to $13.30 before tax.

See on Amazon

 

[Matt Hough]

I've never been a fan of this cover art, but I was delighted with the slipcover mine came with featuring artwork closer to the film's poster art.

 

[waltodonnell]

This surfaced recently. 12 minute clip compilation of the fantastic 1997 Broadway Revival with Brent Spiner:

 

[jim_falconer]

Absolutely wonderful, thanks much for posting that clip!

 

[ManW_TheUncool]

There is now a $2.20 coupon for 1776 4K on Amazon. The price is still $15.50 so with the coupon it comes to $13.30 before tax.

See on Amazon

They're probably essentially PM-ing Target's current B2G1 sale (for certain specific titles) w/out actually doing B2G1 -- that's been part of their MO for at least the last couple years or so now.

Target has it for $19.95, and B2G1 could essentially knock that down to ~$13.30 (although B2G1 is of course much more cumbersome for the consumer than a straight discount).

_Man_

 

[Matt Hough]

I had tickets for that production, and it closed two weeks before we arrived. I was bitterly disappointed. I had seen the original production and was eager to compare. I think we substituted High Society, and boy, was that a big letdown!

 

[Charles Smith]

I saw it, and being the first stage production of '1776' I'd ever seen, I liked it fine. I've since seen others that I found much more endearing. And for these ears, this severe reduction in the orchestration really leaves it wanting.

 

[Jack P]

I saw it in 97. Wasn't the best production I'd seen. I've seen two productions at Paper Mill Playhouse (88 and 09) and even an outstanding one in Morristown, NJ at a little place called the Bickford Theater the year before the Broadway revival which won some major honors from NJ theater critics. That's available on YT for viewing.



I wish I could find a full recording of when the 97 revival transferred to the Gershwin Theater because when they did the original orchestrations were restored.

 

[KPmusmag]

I had tickets for that production, and it closed two weeks before we arrived. I was bitterly disappointed. I had seen the original production and was eager to compare. I think we substituted High Society, and boy, was that a big letdown!

Oh, that's a shame on both counts. And I am sorry to hear about High Society because, while I did not have the opportunity to see the play, I love the cast album.

I wish I could have seen Brent in 1776, also.