Absolutely Fabulous!
1776 follows in the tradition of great musicals where literally every song is great, distinct and memorable so that the audience leaves the theater humming the overture. My Fair Lady was like that; so was Camelot. The greatest musicals have outstanding songs and lyrics and they just sweep you away. Also 1776 broke the mold of musicals as well - it had great music, history, drama, comedy and this combination really worked. Nuff said - it is hands down my favorite musical.

Huzzah! Extraordinary Entertainment.
Having played John Adams at the old Fort Bragg Playhouse with the inimitable Tom Savini as Benjamin Franklin back in July of 1972, I was in great anticipation of the film release. Comparisons are inevitable, and I do recall being disappointed in the film, not because of any of the performances, which were impeccable, nor of the production values, which were astounding, but because for some unfathomable reason a key song had been cut out of the theatrical release.
Surprising too, because it had been prominently featured in the pre-publicity campaign. I refer, of course, to "Cool, Cool Conservative Men." There has been some speculation as to why it was cut, the least plausible of which is pressure from the Nixon White House, but I am happy to say that in the DVD version the song has been restored. John Dickinson is back in all his acerbic, obstructionist glory. (Historically accurate, no; dramatically necessary, yes.)
This is a DVD that should be purchased by everyone and played every Fourth of July.
We sometimes forget how unlikely an event it was, this founding of a new nation in so extraordinary a manner.
"Think of it,." Franklin opines, "It's never been done before," and indeed it had not. Never in history has a nation been created based upon a set if ideas rather than by conquest and on personality, the pattern of monarchies and dictatorships.
The Roman Republic developed over time as did Greek Democracy, only the United States was created in one fell swoop based upon the principles set down by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence.
The remarkable thing about this treatment of the events leading up to the signing of that document is the way the audience is pulled into in the drama. Even though we know the outcome from history, during the play we are incredibly in a great deal of doubt about it. When the whole enterprise comes down to one vote in Congress, we hang on the uncertainty of it all. This is very good writing.
Performances are crisp, the pacing is effective and, with the restoration of the entire score, the music is stirring.
Five big stars.

A Beautiful Remastering
The remastered edition of "1776" is near perfect. THe audio is crisp and clear, as is the ALL of the video. THe commentary track is interesting and insightful into not only the historical accuracies (many sections of the dialogue) and factual compromises (Martha Jefferson never went to Philadelphia, Thomas went to her), but also the politics of the Nixon era that scrubbed (at Nixon's request)and nearly lost for all time (at Jack Warner's direction) the "Cool Considerate Men" number that closes the stage version's first act. Fortunatley, the number was recovered and (as with the laser disc release) assumes its rightful place in the film. My only quibble with this edition is that, unlike the laser disc version, the second half of "Piddle Twiddle and Resolve" is missing again. William Daniels' John Adams crackles with an intesnity and iron will that still holds its own against Paul Giamatti's brilliant (2008) turn as Adams in HBO's "John Adams."

A Really Good Night's Entertainment
OK, I don't like musicals, I'll make this clear from the start. However, this musical -- and this version of the musical -- captures the essence of how the U.S. was born, the personalities that shaped it and the events that compelled them to act as they did. It is a wonderful introduction to history and stays largely faithful to history, while remaining entertaining. There are a few minor details historians will point out to be less accurate such as John Dickinson's oral duels with John Adams but the moments of "artistic license" are few. It also contains excerpts from the wonderful John and Abigail Adams letters, and the includes the dark background of the fiasco of the Battle for New York, through Washington's pleading letters. In short, if you want a quick and entertaining lesson on how the Founding Fathers created the U.S. and why, this musical will do the job justice.

Would Students Benefit from this Movie?
I am posing a question regarding the musical 1776.
From an educational standpoint, would students benefit from watching this movie? I know it is rated PG, so I would have to get permission from parents so that students can view. Please give me your opinions, please.