1776 (Restored Director's Cut)

I recently finished teaching my Founding Fathers/American Revolution unit in History with my 5th grade students. At the end, I showed the movie 1776. I have enjoyed the movie and the music for years, but I wasn't sure how the children would like it. They LOVED it. I think that by showing the movie, they were able to put faces and personalities to all of the men and women we had studied. They enjoyed the music (especially BUT MR Adams and Sit down, John) and were completely tickled with Benjamin Franklin. I am not a fan of movies in the classroom, but I will make sure that 1776 is part of my teaching when I get to the 1770's in American History for the rest of my career!

I love this movie!!!!! I truly recommend this to families that would like their children to learn about our countries (THE USA that is) Independence! Thanks

The first time I saw the musical 1776 on stage I was captivated with the characterizations, the music, and above all the powerful story. When they converted the play to film, I was afraid I would be disappointed, as I often am with so many Hollywood makeovers of great Broadway musicals. This has to be one of the rare exceptions. And it is exceptional. Outstanding performances by the leads who reprised their Broadway roles, especially William Daniels as the petulant and opinionated (or is it obnoxious and disliked?) John Adams, make this production as good as, maybe even better than, the original.

I love this movie and know all the songs and dialog but for some reason, don't ask me why, I assumed the "Director's Cut" would be in letterbox. You would think that the director would like to have his movie in that format. It isn't and for me it negates all the extras since I can't even see all the people in the scenes.

This should be shown to every American yearly. It captures the spirit and drama of the times. It's a history lesson with music. After seeing Adams, Jefferson, and Franklin, you have to wonder if their efforts were rewarded when you look at the current crop who walk the halls of Congress. This is a must for every lover of liberty's DVD collection.