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"Blessed are the cheesemakers," a wise man once said. Or maybe not. But the point is Monty Python's Life of Brian is a religious satire that does not target specific religions or religious leaders (like, say, Jesus of Nazareth). Instead, it pokes fun at the mindless and fanatical among their followers--it's an attack on religious zealotry and hypocrisy--things that that fellow from Nazareth didn't particularly care for either. Nevertheless, at the time of its release in 1979, those who hadn't seen it considered it to be quite "controversial."

Life of Brian, you see, is about a chap named Brian (Graham Chapman) born December 25 in a hovel not far from a soon-to-be-famous Bethlehem manger. Brian is mistaken for the messiah and, therefore, manipulated, abused, and exploited by various religious and political factions. And it's really, really funny. Particularly memorable bits include the brassy Shirley Bassey/James Bond-like title song; the bitter rivalry between the anti-Roman resistance groups, the Judean People's Front and the People's Front of Judea; Michael Palin's turn as a lisping, risible Pontius Pilate; Brian urging a throng of false-idol worshippers to think for themselves--to which they reply en masse "Yes, we must think for ourselves!"; the fact that everything Brian does, including losing his sandal in an attempt to flee these wackos, is interpreted as "a sign." Life of Brian is not only one of Monty Python's funniest achievements, it's also the group's sharpest and smartest sustained satire. Blessed are the Pythons. --Jim Emerson ... Read more

Reviews (186)

Holy Hilarity!
Life of Brian is not as well known by the movie going public as Monty Python?s classic "Monty Python and the Holy Grail", but it is definitely is as, or maybe even funnier than Holy Grail. This is especially true for people who are familiar with the Biblical stories it pokes fun at. It is perfect satire, for nothing is sacred and everything is a joke.

The story revolves around Brian, a very unlucky resident of Judea who just happened to be born the same day the Christ child was born. Missing his chance at glory, Brian lives his life selling animal parts at the Coliseum, dominated by a violent mother who is very "friendly" to the Roman occupiers. The rest of Brian's environment is inhabited by a very wild bunch. The neo- or archo-Marxist group, the People's Front of Judea, battles the Romans daily by holding meeting after violent meeting, plotting against the legions and their arch rivals, the Judean People's Front. The Romans, on the other hand, are led by the Pontius Pilate, who, contrary to Biblical reports, has quite a lisp and an endearing sense of stupidity. When Brian rebels against his mother and joins up with the wild band of revolutionaries, his life is changed forever. Quite by accident, Brian is then thought to be the messiah, although he is quite reluctant in his leadership.

Satirically, this movie is absolutely ruthless. Everything is skewered, everything. The performances are all fantastic, especially that of John Cleese, who is just the man in this movie, playing about six separate characters. Joke after joke hits the viewer, which results in just non-stop humor. It's just a wonderful movie by the Python pioneers who really revolutionized comedy. The Criterion DVD edition is great, with tons of hilarious extras that are worth the price on their own. To the people that use this to either justify their atheism or believe it to be an attack on their religion, calm down. It's a comedy for God's sake, why do the opinions of some British comedians affect your outlook on life? Just laugh damn it!

Great extras on this Python DVD
THE LIFE OF BRIAN has remained one of my favorite Python flicks after the glow of the Holy Grail began to wear thin from overuse. If you're considering purchasing this movie, you've probably seen the movie already and are a Monty Python fan. If not, get ready for one of Python's most sacrilegious and hilarious movies of their collection! If you are easily offended, you might think twice. However, the satire here is equally distributed and is not aimed so much at religion itself but moreso at the amusing ways in which people can behave "under the influence" of zealotry.

I thoroughly enjoyed rewatching the movie, but it was a great surprise to find that this DVD comes packed with some great bonus materials. Several full-length, revealing interviews with the cast go into more Python history than just that surrounding this flick. And a rather large collection of scenes cut from the final release are also quite interesting.

The video and audio quality seem to be on par with most of the other DVD movies I've seen so far, despite the film's age.

All in all, a great addition to any Python collection.

Is nothing sacred? NO! And that's why this is a riot!
Irreverent, brilliant, ingenius... I'm getting all these words out of the way now before I forget them! Even though I'll probably use them a dozen times!

The funniest thing to come from England since The Stamp Act, Monty Python's Flying Circus could always be depended upon to provide the world with brilliantly twisted humor. The LIFE OF BRIAN is no less a comic masterpiece than anything else these boys have done. Ostensibly a parody of the life of Jesus, LIFE OF BRIAN is a hilarious attack on liberalism, conservatism, colonialism, individualism, communalism, organized religion, disorganized religion, fanaticism, feminism... take your pick of any of a hundred topics. It doesn't matter, it's still brilliant. And the script and direction holds it perfectly all together, even if there's a space ship chase sequence thrown in for the hell of it.

Once again, the members of MPFC each play several roles and every viewer has his or her favorites, so what the hell, I'll mention mine. Michael Palin, while playing a wonderfully foppy Pontius Pilate, is equally hilarious as a twitchy, hyperactive leper that Jesus had cured. Instead of being grateful, he complains that his rehabilitation has ruined his livelihood as a beggar. (Speaking of rehabilitation, Palin plays the part like a junkie in need of a fix.) John Cleese has several great moments, but his role as a Centurion turned sadistic Latin teacher is nothing short of genius. Everyone who has studied Latin will be beside themselves during this scene. And Terry Jones as Brian's mom still stuns me 25 years later. "My Brian is not the messiah! He's a very naughty, naughty boy."

Monty Python's LIFE OF BRIAN is irreverent, brilliant, and ingenius and this edition, complete with outtakes, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews make this package worth the price. Whether you are an individual or not, "Monty Python's Life of Brian - Criterion Collection" will save your comic soul.

a review of a movie
A brilliant movie with a brilliant finale.

funny but wheres Bodge?
This is a very funny movie. It takes place int he Stone Age. About a guy named Brian and this is his life. Most of the humor is because his name is brian and people confuse him for somebody else. "I'm not so anso I'm Brian." Also there is a very funny moment when a man says his wife is called Continual Buttocks (a butocks is a bottom) or soemthing. Some of the humor is called toilet humor that I'm not a fan of. My friends and I only thought that Bodge would have looked great in this film with his beard and BRITISH accent!!! Where was he? He would have been perfect! ... Read more

Reviews (630)

one of the best comedies ever and dvd extras to rave about!
This is what dvds were invented for -- there are so many great features here! So in addition to seeing one of the funniest movies ever made, you can be entertained for hours with the extras, and the extras are terrific: subtitles in English, French or Spanish; audio track choices -- English (the original mono or a brand new full stereo version), French, a directors' (Gilliam and Jones) track or a commentary track with Cleese, Idle and Palin; a copy of the script overlaid on the film; a painstaking, hilarious Henry the IV-ish subtitle for those who don't like the film; a hard-of-hearing feature; killer rabbit easter eggs; animated menus using Gilliam's original animation; karaoke renditions of 'Knights of the Round Table', 'Sir Robin' and the 'Monks Chant'; a delightful 45 minute visit to the locations with Jones and Palin; an educational film about the 'other' uses of coconuts; Japanese versions of the French Castle and Knights Who Say Ni scenes, including references to the 'holy sake cup'; a 1974 BBC Film Night visit to a location site during filming; photos of tickets, press releases, reviews, posters, production stills and original artwork; trailers; cast credits (Palin played over a dozen parts!) with pictures of each character; a Lego knights version of the Camelot scene; pictures of sketches that were never used (a killer snail?!); a web link.

A lot of effort went into this special edition dvd, and it shows. I particularly enjoyed seeing Jones and Palin visit locations. They were in a jolly mood, their comments are interspersed with film footage, and they meet affectionate and funny fans along the way.

If you like this film you will love this dvd version; if you love the film, you wil adore this two-dvd set. An essential item for your collection.

Highest recommendation.

I Never Thought Looking For A Shrubbery Would Be This Fun!!
In the early 1970's the Monty Python troop (Michael Palin, Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, and Terry Jones) stars from the immensely popular television series Monty Python's Flying Circus began producing, with the help of a fundraising concert headlined by Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd (You lie!! No, I didn't!), initial photography on what would later become (from all my extensive years of movie watching) the single most unforgivably sidesplitting, enormously irreverent, shrewdly perceptive, unremittingly uproariously aggressive, gruesomely hysterical, and endlessly quotable comedies EVER. Not even Mel Brooks's Best Efforts (The Producers, Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein) comes very close to the revolutionary medieval merriment sustained in this royal purebred of cult classics. BAR NONE. No contest here.

Endlessly stockpiled with hauntingly hysterical sketches that will probably never leave your mind (no matter how hard you try) including, The Knights Who Say Nei, The Self-Abusing Monks (Eah aay ess eay dom eay nay), The Black Knight, The Trojan Rabbit, the Ever-Appearing Verbally Abusing French (I don't want to talk to you no more!!!), The Enchanter Named Tim, The Killer Bunny, The Bridge of Death (What is the capital of Hysteria?), The Old Woman Named Dennis, and so many countless more great sketches to include here that I'd die trying. Monty and Python and the Holy Grail remains an ever-enriching mirthful cult-classic that just seems to improve with age. Since Columbia has a bountifully hefty new special edition of the Holy Grail out now there should be no excuse, if you've never seen it (I think I'll go for a walk!!), just drop everything your doing (including Bringing Out Your Dead) and go experience this life changing movie today. You won't be disappointed, just tell them the Knight Not Appearing In This Film sent you, and they'll know what to do.

As for the options on the special edition here's a run-down:

Disc One: -"21st Anniversary" cut of the film running an extra 24 seconds; -Anamorphic Widescreen; -Dolby 5.1 track; -Original Mono Track; -Audio commentary with Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, John Cleese, Eric Idle and Michael Palin; -subtitles "for people who don't like the film" (you get the text from Shakespeare's Henry IV instead); -an "on-screen screenplay" feature which lets you read the screenplay as you watch the film; -"Follow the Killer Rabbit" feature;

Disc Two: "Three Mindless Sing-Alongs"; -"The Quest for the Holy Grail Locations" featurette; -"How to Use Your Coconuts" educational film; -"Monty Python and the Holy Grail in Japanese" (with English subtitles); -the BBC Film Night special "On Location with the Pythons; -an interactive cast directory; -still galleries with Terry Gilliam's original sketches and behind-the-scenes photos; -"A Load Of Rubbish" with mystery items; -unused ideas and other material; -two trailers
and web-links.

Both discs represent the absolute final word resource for EVERYTHING and I do mean everything you'd need to know about the Python's greatest film. An Absolute Necessity for any Python Fan!!

P.S. You can't base a system of government just because some watery tart threw a sword at you.

What are you going to do, bleed on me?
excellent. Possibly the funniest movie ever made. Who could forget such a line as "I fart in your general direction. Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of eldeberries." This is a great movie and a great dvd edition that gives it justice. This is completely worth the money. A comedy Classic.

This movie didn't make me Run Away! (or) Run away FASTER!!!
Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail is, by far, my favorite movie -and I'm sure it always will be! Being a truly hilariously-random film, this DVD does an awesome job of showcasing this fact to the highest extent. The killer white "rrrrabit" will live on in my heart forever, and I will always be knowledgeable that African swallows are non-migratory. What other movie has a group of knights requesting shrubberies -from King Arthur, no less- to create a 'two-level effect with a path through the middle'? Only Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
The movie might sound strange as I mention these things out of context, but I assure you it is much stranger when Monty Python says it!
So, to conclude this review, I definitely give "Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail" DVD a 5 star rating, as I know it will entertain millions for years to come. Enjoy!

The Lego Camelot Number Alone is Worth the Price
Who would have thought that, after nearly 30 years, the world's goofiest movie could be made even moreso? Not only is this DVD a comedy triumph (it would be simply if it were the DVD version of the classic film, in which a crew too broke to afford horses for King Arthur and his Knights changed history and college kids' banter forever by introducing coconuts as migrating props). Oh, no, this DVD is one that may become a standard for other DVDs. Just look at this list of extras above! To be sure, some of them are fluff. The "load of rubbish" selection is simply some receipts and a few odd notes. But most of it is stupendous.

The first disc contains the movie itself, along with some choices of how to watch it.... subtitles, commentary by directors Terry Jones & Terry Gilliam or by John Cleese & Eric Idle & Michael Palin. Then "for people who don't like the film", there's subtitles from Shakespeare's "Henry IV, Part II". Now, these do not faithfully follow Henry IV verse by verse, but they do come from the play, and it's hilarious how the phrases Shakespeare wrote do actually match up with the action on the screen.

Disc Two contains several mementoes: a film of John Cleese, Terry Jones, and "Grail" production manager John Young (who also played the hapless "Historian" towards the end of the film, and the "I'm not dead!" guy) paying a return visit to Castle Doune , in 2000. At first it's fun to hear them reminisce at the filming site, but since it's a very small spot with nothing but a wall and a bit of ground, they appear uncomfortable and that quickly gets old. More interesting is the home movie made by the two Terries when they looked for prospective film locations in the seventies. Their excitement is palpable.

A somewhat painful scene (except for the chance it gives us to watch Terry Jones in action as a director) is the BBC documentary made during filming. The interviewer seems more interested in trying to be funny himself than in the Pythons. But there are several great comic extras, including words to some songs, a coconut skit, two scenes dubbed in Japanese, and best of all, an animated feature of the "Camelot" scene and song done entirely in Lego...must be seen to be believed.

Finally, someone has made good use of the storage space on a DVD. ... Read more

Reviews (426)

Stop Complaining
I REALLY hate these reviewers saying this is a bad dvd. For 20 bucks, you get enhanced visuals and sound, a commentary from the composer [Music is halfthe movie, after all!], AND the uncut edition you'd previously have to buy through Canada or bootleg! Rhino could've sold this at 30 bucks-like most dvd's-but they're LOSING money by selling it to the fans at vhs retail. If you think Lucas will give you a better deal, then don't buy this and wait another decade for the Star Wars trilogy! And yes, I consider this the best deal I've ever had on a dvd! It's perfect, exactly like I remembered it, but with the curse words I missed the first time around. It almost makes me feel like I'm watching Macross Plus; that's how good it looks and sounds. Transformers fans-like myself-MUST own it. DVD's like this are reasons I'm glad to own a dvd player. Now let's hope the He-man movie on dvd happens too. (And I mean the animated movie, not the horrible live action-flick with Dolph Lundgren.)

The coolest Transformer movie created!
This movie rocks! Just if you're wondering, the Transformers are two legions of robots who war over the control of their home world, Cybertron. These robots convert from vehicle to robot, whenever they please. The good guys are the Autobots: Hot Rod, Kup, Blurr, RC, Ultra Magnus, Blaster, Wreck-Gar, Perceptor, Ironhide, Jazz, Cliffjumper, Bumblebee, Grimlock, Slag, Sludge, Snarl, Swoop, and of course, the legendary Optimus Prime (there are other Autobots; too many to list). The bad guys are the Decepticons: Megatron, Starscream, Astrotrain, Bombshell, Kickback, Barrage, Shrapnel, Venom, Soundwave, Thundercracker, Bonecrusher, Hook, Laung Haul (Bonecrusher, Hook, Laung Haul and a bunch of other guys combine to form the most powerful Decepticon called Devestator), and more.
What really was dumb to jam in the movie was 2 swear words. I thought the coolest scene in the movie was Hot Rod opening the Matrix of Leadership and Transform into Rodimus Prime, and also "lighting their darkest hour" while playing "The Touch" in the backround. Having the coolest soundtrack a director could dream of, this movie is probably the coolest you'll ever see! By the way, the Transformers theme song and the song called "Dare" are in my favorite range of soundtrack. Hope this reveiw helped everyone who read it.

One word AWSOME
I went to see this movie when I was a teen in the theaters. It was an awesome movie to see in the theaters. Now my son is into the Transformers and found my VHS of the movie and plays it all the time. He actually likes it better than ARMADA, ENERGON BEAST WARS and MACHINE WARS. About 4 years ago I went thru a lot of trouble getting a VHS of the movie (It took me over a year of searching and finally I got it from a Canadian video company). I'm glad to see the DVD has come out. It is a great movie a lot of action, humor and watching it with my son he sees that war has consequences. Every now and then we will put sound thru the stereo and put the headphones on. Now I got to get the DVD because he may wear out the VHS.

The best of theTransformer's movies.
I went to see this movie when I was a teen in the theaters. It was an awesome movie to see in the theaters. Now my son is into the Transformers and found my VHS of the movie and plays it all the time. He actually likes it better than ARMADA, ENERGON,BEAST WARS and MACHINE WARS. About 4 years ago I went thru a lot of trouble getting a VHS of the movie (It took me over a year of searching and finally I got it from a Canadian video company). I'm glad to see the DVD has come out. It is a great movie a lot of action, humor and watching it with my son he sees that war has consequences. Every now and then we will put sound thru the stereo and put the headphones on. Now I got to get the DVD because he may wear out the VHS.

Disney can take their movies and stick em up their wazoos
Disney artists need to take lessons from this movie. Disney uses a lot of lazy computer animation, which usually looks horrible.

This movie is 99 percent actual hand drawn animation. All of which looks superb.

The music is also great. About 6 great songs with that 80's hard rock attitude.

For another example for great hand drawn animation, check out G.I. Joe the movie. ... Read more

Reviews (193)

Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life
From birth to death, this is a hilarious view at the time we spend inbetween. The established cast of actors, in and out of drag, poke fun at everything from religion to vital organ transplants.

My favorite scene is where "the fattest man in the world" pigs out at a fancy restaurant and eventually explodes to the disgust of the other guests. Another good one is where 3 couples at a house party get a visit from the grim reaper and give him several clever arguments before finally following him to heaven.

This is The Monty Python Gang at their very best. The little ditty at the end of the movie is priceless! You will also enjoy the "introduction" by a groups of gold fish and the "opener" saluting the great profession of accountancy. This film is an absolute must for fans (but then again, if you're a fan, you've already seen it anyway). Five stars for this one!

The Pythons in top form!
Here we have THE best Monty Python movie ever! I know I said that about Life Of Brian...but I mean it this time (no, really). Meaning of Life is a stroll through the world according to Monty Python. Many aspects of the human condition are twisted by our favorite Brit-comedians into a series of hilarous sketches. Although there are a few standouts-Birth the Third World, intercourse instruction, live organ transplants and *my favorite* the entire Death section-everything is funny. Additionally, all of Eric Idle's songs are so good you'll never forget them-and find yourself singing them in the shower. Show this to your uninitiated friends and see what happens! Beware: there are those who may find some of this offensive. I personally find MEANING an exhilarating ride! One thing does trouble me. Monty Python says it'll be Christmas in Heaven every single day! Don't you think this'll get annoying after the first 4 or 5 months?

This is on my favorite all-time movies list; which explains why I own both the DVD and the VHS version. Don't expect a Life Of Brian DVD type Criterion treatment-you get the movie, scene selection and that's it. But that's all you need. The VHS isn't bad either if you don't want the widescreen or higher price of the DVD. I was worried about wearing out the VHS...not a problem now!

More hilarious twenty years later...
...a Python fan since about twelve, I vividly remember this film coming out when I was thirteen or so. I loved it. It's great that it has not only held up but, like fine wine, it has gotten better with age. Maybe Terry Gilliam's right when he says, in one of the commentaries, that, today, comedy's standard is so low that "our crap seems good no." But it reveals their genius in so many ways. It reveals a confidence they clearly didn't feel--as tho' they'd gotten their sea legs--in the first two efforts. Though "Brian" is their supreme achievement, I have to say that this film must be placed ahead of "Holy Grail"--which given its budget looks distincly like badly shot TV. Hysterically funny, but the budget limits are are even more glaring in a high res medium like DVD.

In "Meaning of Life" the entire cast are masters of the medium (something Cleese proved independently in "A Fish Called Wanda") and they use their skills, rising even to lyrical heights (Eric Idle's paen to the universe in "Live Organ Transplants"). And the effects are more hysterical twenty years later.

This movie is also remarkable for the rather bitter satire of American pop culture. Heretofore, the Python's had stayed within the classic tradition of British comedy--filled with whimsy and just plain silliness and the class structure. American humor is generally either observational or political--and these days it almost entirely the latter. Even the masters of observation, Goldberg and Carlin, have abandoned it for bitter political diatribes attacking former fans like myself in the basest terms because out political beliefs differ.

And it follows, as it should, that the movie's best skits are the ones true to their tradition. George Harrison once called Python the continuation of the Beatles (to the point of chipping in $8M for distribution and advertising for "Brian"!). And, especially in the all too brief Gilliam animations, this is completely accurate. Without being at all derivative, they capture the whimisical sensibility the Beatles had updated and transformed and ran with it.

One draw back is the rather low-rent 5.1 remix. I've other films--e.g. the Godfather films--which are older than have far better jobs. So don't expect much. In fact, you might even consider using the 2CH option as the remixing engineer makes little use of the rear speakers.

That gentle bitch aside, the deleted scenes are mixed (why on Earth Jones thought anyone would want to see more of Mr. Creosote is beyond me?) and clearly wisely hit the cutting room floor (especially the horrendously unfunny Martin Luther skit), but some the commentary by Jones and Gilliam--clearly done at different times and mixed--is interesting most especially for the bitterness of Gilliam's attitude. It has been so on the two preceding films, but it's much more intense on this one.

The brief interview segments shows the group rivalry is still a hot issue in the guys' psyches, nearly twenty years after Graham Chapman's tragic death ended the group; they are still bickering. Gilliam's comments about Cleese are particularly acid; Cleese does he usual job of insulting nearly everyone. He is returned the favor by the rest of the group, tho' Jones slyly does it with the most class and thus does it the best. Cleese, after all, easily slips into insufferable. Hence his brilliance as Basil Fawlty.

A reluctant four star due only to the ****-poor 5.1 remix. The studio, surprise, surprise, didn't want to spend any extra money getting a good one.

The movie itself: 5 stars.

This disc should have been recalled
If you purchased this disc, and it does not have "V2" on disc one, contact Universal for a replacmeent, even if it plays fine on your current DVD player.

Here is why - the problem is with progressive scan DVD players and progressive scan monitors. Very few people have both, so the problem will not rear its ugly head until you upgrade.

The movie is completely unwatchable in this configuration.

Do yourself a favor, and get disc one replaced now, before it is too late.

Not up to par
I have seen both The Holy Grail, and The Life of Brian and this one did not meet my expectations after seeing those. I laughed thrice, maybe. I almost skipped the entire second section, as younger persons were present and we were utterly disgusted with it. If you have a taste for sexual humor, you'll most definitely enjoy this film more than I. The second disk is not even worth slipping into your player, and if, like me, you have a compatibilty issue with Disk 1 and you live in another country, it's going to be a hassle to get a replacement.
The fish were comical, and the entire segment on fighting was brilliant, but that was all of the humor I seemed to find up until a few minutes near the end. If you've never watched Monty Python, I suggest you start with one of the other movies, as this one could turn you off of a truly great source of hilarity. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Monty Python on DVD.
Well, they've gone and done it. They put Monty Python's Flying Circus on DVD! Well, what can I say? I am an afficianado of this silly group of English tricksters, and have been since I first saw them on PBS way back in the early 1970s.

This product is a 2 DVD complete set of the entire first year of Monty Python's Flying Circus. For yourinvestment, you get such sketches as: "Sex and Violence", complete with "You Can't tell the difference between Whizzo butter and this dead Crab" sketch; "The Larch"; "The Dull Life of a City Stockbroker"; "Nudge Nudge" sketch; and many more very silly sketches. I am also fond of the "It's the Arts" program, wherein interviewers are alternately rude and kind to the guests, particularly Arthur "Two Sheds" Jackson. Also included on the DVD are the weblinks to Pythonshop online, a "meet the chaps" biography section, a Pythonisms Glossary, and Art Gallery of Terry Gilliam, and a preview of upcoming episodes section. Episodes 1-6 are contained on this 2 set of DVDs. I like this format because its less bulky than the VHS set, and is a better value, with 3 episodes per DVD, as opposed to 2 for each VHS tape.

While the first season of Python isn't my favorite, it still is worth the money for the serious Python fan.

A little pricey, but hey, it's Monty Python
Picture and sound quality shouldn't be the reason you are buying this set. The number of episodes per disc (3) is a bit on the lean side as well. But, if you are a python fan, these sets finally offer a way for the fans to have all the tv episodes in a medium that will not deteriorate over time. I'm not going to trifle with reviewing the comedy of Monty Python, because if you consider buying this dvd you should already know what they are about. 4 stars because of the sound/video and small number of episodes per disc.

"I didn't really call you Eddie-baby, did I sweety?"
Instead of giving the conventional review of how hilarious Monty Python's Flying Circus is - We all bloody know that by now! - I'm going to list all of the skits that you will receive when you finally decide to get off your bum and buy this bleeding, essential first volume in A&E's wonderful collection of the entire series of Monty Python!

This site lists the 6 episode titles, but here are the 44 skit names. Why? Because I'm pretentious and a massive geek!

Disc one: Its Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart(Famous Deaths)/Italian Lesson/Whizzo Butter/Its the arts/Arthur "Two Sheds" Jackson/Picasso-Cycling Race/Funniest Joke in the world/French lecture on sheep aircraft/A man with 3 buttocks/Musical mice/Marriage guidance counselor/Wacky Queen/Working class playwright/Wrestling epilogue/Mouse problem/Court scene with Richelieu/Bicycle repairman/Children's stories/Restaurant sketch/Seduced milkman/Stolen newsreader/Nudge Nudge

Disc two: And did those feet/Art gallery/Art critic/Its a man's life in the modern army/Undressing in public/Self defence/Secret service dentists/Confuse-a-cat/Smuggler/Police raid/Newsreader arrested/Erotic film/Silly job interview/Careers advisory board/Burglar-Encyclopedia salesman/Johana Gombolputty/Non Illegal robbery/Crunchy frog/Dull life of a city stock broker/Red Indian theatre/A Scotsman on a horse/Twentieth century vole

You also get extras like: Meet the chaps (a scene and bio of each member of MP), Pythonisms (a glossary), Gillian's Attic (fun with the art), Nudge Nudge & Crunchy Frog (Live from the Hollywood Bowl!), Silly Occupations, and Hysterical figures (scenes from other volumes)

Congrats to A&E for the fab job they did on these and to Amazon for selling it to me inexpensively!

"Nudge nudge, no whatta mean, say no more..."
Instead of giving the conventional review of how hilarious Monty Python's Flying Circus is - We all bloody know that by now! - I'm going to list all of the skits that you will receive when you finally decide to get off your bum and buy this bleeding, essential first volume in A&E's wonderful collection of the entire series of Monty Python!

This site lists the 6 episode titles, but here are the 44 skit names. Why? Because I'm pretentious and a massive geek!

Disc one: Its Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart(Famous Deaths)/Italian Lesson/Whizzo Butter/Its the arts/Arthur "Two Sheds" Jackson/Picasso-Cycling Race/Funniest Joke in the world/French lecture on sheep aircraft/A man with 3 buttocks/Musical mice/Marriage guidance counselor/Wacky Queen/Working class playwright/Wrestling epilogue/Mouse problem/Court scene with Richelieu/Bicycle repairman/Children's stories/Restaurant sketch/Seduced milkman/Stolen newsreader/Nudge Nudge

Disc two: And did those feet/Art gallery/Art critic/Its a man's life in the modern army/Undressing in public/Self defence/Secret service dentists/Confuse-a-cat/Smuggler/Police raid/Newsreader arrested/Erotic film/Silly job interview/Careers advisory board/Burglar-Encyclopedia salesman/Johana Gombolputty/Non Illegal robbery/Crunchy frog/Dull life of a city stock broker/Red Indian theatre/A Scotsman on a horse/Twentieth century vole

You also get extras like: Meet the chaps (a scene and bio of each member of MP), Pythonisms (a glossary), Gillian's Attic (fun with the art), Nudge Nudge & Crunchy Frog (Live from the Hollywood Bowl!), Silly Occupations, and Hysterical figures (scenes from other volumes)

Congrats to A&E for the fab job they did on these and to Amazon for selling it to me cheap!

Prime Python...
These first six shows are the true bedrock of Python. Although we get the biggies in the later half of series one (like Parrot, Lumberjack and Albatross) these six have some of Python's finest pieces. Highlights include the totally surreal French Lecture on sheep by Cleese and Palin, Chapman's dominating film producer Irving C. Saltzberg (one of Chapman's finest roles), the masterful spiraling comedy of the Undercover Dentists (again, superb performance skills from Chapman), classy work from Eric Idle as a Red Indian trotting out his theatre experience, and John Cleese clearly relishing the chance to humiliate a certain Sir Edward "Eddie-Baby" Ross. And of course, nothing can top the immortal Nudge Nudge sketch, the pinnacle of Idle's acting and writing skills. Don't stop to think! Get it! ... Read more

Reviews (63)

A must for Python, Beatles fans
What's genius about the Rutles is this: Watch the Rutles, and then watch one of the Beatles documentaries (the Compleat Beatles, etc) - then note that the Rutles was made PRIOR to any of the decent Beatles documentaries, yet looks like a parody of the real deal.
This mockumentary pre-dates Spinal Tap, and takes a different approach - by chronicalling supposed "source" material - news reels, press conferences, etc. The approach works well for Eric Idle, and the music by Neil Innes is perfect - slightly silly, but more Beatles than Weird Al.
The knowledge of the Beatles - their personal history, their tv appearances, their scandals, etc - is so well known by Idle - makes this mockumentary spot-on accurate, and all the more funny.

The DVD is worth having. If you have this on VHS, you've got a pretty lousy transfer from the original 16mm film. The film was restored and retransfered for DVD, and it casts the movie in a whole new light of clarity.

The bonus material isn't much to write home (or Amazon) about, but it's nice to have the stuff added on such a low priced DVD.

terrific sendup of Beatlemania stands up well after 25 years
In 1978 it was easy to remember Beatlemania, and this sendup of the mass hysteria was spot-on and hilarious. Starting as a skit for Saturday Night Live, and popular enough to get built into a feature-length film, this Eric Idle project is layered with jokes, spoofs, terrific songs, and great cameos by George Harrison, Mick Jagger, Paul Simon and Idle's wife, and it is still very funny 25 years later.

DVD extras are quite good. Eric Idle's commentary is excellent -- informative and entertaining. There are also 4 deleted scenes that last about 18 minutes; a photo gallery with 29 pictures; a "Play Songs Only" option, where you ee only the film's songs (Goose Step Mama, Number One, Between Us, With a Girl Like You, Hold My Hand, I Must Be in Love, Living in Hope, and Ouch!).

The look and sensibility of the film are exactly right, the writing is VERY funny, and the songs are surprisingly Beatle-like and quite listenable. If you are a Beatles or Monty Python fan, or if you just love good comedy, you will probably get a real kick out of this.

Side Splitting Hilarious
The movie was made more than 20 years ago, but retains its relevance as the Beatles continue to be a cultural icon. While the Rutles was not originally intended to be a full length movie, the product is great.

The project was completed long before John Lennon's murder, so all four members could approve the project. The Beatles are spoofed by the characters in the unique personality traits possessed by each member of the fab four and their scandals. The one-liners and song parodies prove Eric Idle's value to Monty Python and strength as comedic writer. The parody on Yoko Ono being "... a Nazi who's father invented World War II" is hilarious. Look for a scene midway through the song "Ouch!" in which Idle can not even control his own laughter at the monsterous woman in a bikini. I bet it a was too hard to get through a take with a straight face. This is a must for Beatles fans and Monty Python fans.

Idle and Innes compliment each other perfectly
This little treasure is something that all Beatles fans, Python fans and early SNL fans should own. It's the one thing that Idle says he is most proud of, and for good reason. His little bits, which perfectly parody the Beatles that Idle so adored, fit seamlessly into Innes' fantastic songs. Idle comments that Innes' songs added another dimension to the Beatles songs they're based off of rather than becoming shameless parodies (are you listening Weird Al?) and he is quite right.

The film contains moments of comic genius, but mind you they're mostly subtle moments of comic genius. The people I've run into that didn't think this film is funny at all tend to like the blatant, loud, American-style humor. So be patient with the humor, enjoy the music and discover the true genius of the Rutles.

By the end of the film, I almost cared more about the fictional Rutles than I did about the actual Beatles. (And I'm a huge Beatles fanatic) It's just a fantastic, fun film for those who can appreciate the true, witty humor.

Attention All Beatle Fans: BUY THIS!
If you're a Beatle fan, and for some reason you've never heard of this film, immediatley purchase this DVD!
IT is the ultimate parody of Beatlemania. The Rutles was initially released as a made for NBC TV film in 1978. Created by the Saturday Night Live team and Eric Idle (Monty Python), it has a distinct British flavor and Pythonesque sense of humor. It is basically a "mockumentary". Here's an example: after "Nasty" (John Lennon) proclaims the Rutles are bigger than God, the public is outraged, and start burning Rutle records. Record sales soared, people were buying them just to burn them! It turns out that the journalist who interviewed Nasty was hard of hearing. Nasty said the Rutles were bigger than "Rod" (Stewart)!!
The mockumentary covers the entire Beatle phenomenon up to their break-up.
The film gained more fans on video, and is now a bonafide cult classic. The music by Neil Innes (who wrote songs for Python) is superb, and he is perfect as John Lennon. Eric Idle plays McCartney and directs. The songs parodies are also on cd. They are amazingly Beatle-like.
The film is never critical, but made as a tribute with large doses of humor. The harsh aspects of Beatlemania are lightened. For example, Brian Epstein does not die in Rutleland, he accepts a teaching post in Australia.
Even if you are not a Beatle fan, this film is still a lot of fun, although you may not get all of the references. ... Read more

Reviews (500)

Great movie, but no extras
I admit, I was not one of those folks who ran out to see South Park as soon as it hit the theaters. In fact, I didn't even run out to rent South Park when it was released on VHS and DVD. But I finally did rent it in a moment of weakness, and am so glad I did. A few minutes into the film I had to scrape my jaw off the floor, but then I laughed my head off for 90 minutes and promptly watched the film again. After I returned the rental, I bought the DVD, and still watch it whenever I need a laugh.

South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut is, in a word, brilliant. From the Disney-esque musical numbers (skewered by the biting wit of the lyrics) to the I-can't-believe-they-just-said-that vulgar hilarity of Terrance and Phillip to the "Saddam is from Mars, Satan is from Venus" moments sprinkled throughout, South Park is the best piece of satire written in years, and is guaranteed to keep you in stitches.

The movie is set in, of course, South Park, home of our heroes Cartman, Kenny, Stan, and Kyle. The boys manage to worm their way in to a theater to see Canadian duo Phillip and Terrence's new R-rated movie, which is brimming with jaw-dropping language. It proves "educational" to the boys, and they're swearing with flair and gusto quicker than you can say... well... you'll have to imagine. From there, it's a short leap to horrified teachers, mortified parents, and then Mothers Against Canadians. And it would be criminal to give away any more of the plot.

Yes, the language is positively filthy.... Yes, the film ridicules networks willing to do anything for ratings, Hollywood families of fame, overbearing and misguided parents, and everyone in between.... Yes, there are many moments of plain grossness.... So if you're easily offended, generally uptight, or a member of any morally outraged group, this film is not for you. This film is ABOUT you. Find something else to watch.

But for everyone else: buy this movie. You'll laugh; you'll cry (well, maybe not cry...); it will become a part of you.

Last note: The only reason I rated this DVD 4 stars instead of 5 is the complete lack of extra features. The movie is certainly worthy of a 5 star rating, but the complete lack of extras for the DVD format, especially given this material that's just screaming for extras, is inexcusable. But I highly recommend purchasing the movie, anyway.

Incredibly funny!
Although not a highest-grossing film of the year, this movie was a surprise success when it was released. It has caused people like the writers of the Simpsons to reconsider making an animated feature film of Homer and the rest.

On the surface this is not much more than a long episode on South Park with slightly better effects. But under the hood they developed a lot of technology to create the film, and it has definitly smoothed the process for the show's production.

As for the plot, I'm sure it's been discussed to death, but I will say that the quality of the movie is at it's best! Terrance and Phillip (my favorite characters) play a starrng role, and the show wastes absolutely no time trying to explain to the audience who such-and-such is (except for a small blurb about Ike being Canadian). All of our favorite characters are in it, without it being a showcase. And of course, since it's a feature film, it's much more irreverent than what's on the public airwaves. But again, it's not a giant excuse to offend you. It's all done consistently and it remains hilarious.

Finally, as usual, Trey Parker is given full writing credits since he's usually the one that ends up physically typing the script. But like always the show is a full collaborative process between Parker and Stone. At least, this is what they publicly admit :).

Great cartoon.. yet anti christian
First off, i love south park. I love Terrence and Phillip's inmature fart jokes, cartmans loud mouth, how kenny dies in the movie, and how the usa goes to war with canada. But i hate how they make fun of christianity. It is morally wrong and as funny as the creators re, if they do not ask for forgivness, they will rot in hell. Then they will see how funny it is. If they stopped being anti christian, then more people would like it. That is why i am sticking with the simpsons, even though it has a little anti christianity in it. If south park changed there ways, it would be the best show and movie ever.

Warning-
No, I'm not giving the movie itself 2 stars. The movie's actually one of the funniest things I've ever seen and was the first dvd I ever watched back in 1999. But the dvd itself gets 2 stars. All it had was 3 trailers and that's it. Which is why I posted this review/news-

A special edition of this is being worked on right now.

So hold off on this and wait for the better edition, which is bound to have tons of features like commentary, making-of and maybe a deleted scene or two (I can't imagine what could've been deleted from this). There isn't any release date set for it as of yet, but I'm guessing it'll come out in November or December.

Totally outrageous
I remember when I rented this movie a few years back, and I tried to watch it at about 1 a.m. I had to turn it off....it was TOO funny....too much for my senses that late at night!!! The usual guys are here....Kyle, Cartman, Kenny, etc....with one very big difference.....they curse a LOT and dont bleep it out!!! As usual theres the fast rapid fire humor that South Park is known for.

So if you like it fast and raunchy, get a big bag of popcorn, a nice cold soda, and take a few deep breaths cause you will LAUGH!!! ... Read more

Reviews (14)

"Oh, you're no fun anymore!"
You might have noticed my first extensive and overly detailed review for DVD set 1 (episodes 1-6) where I listed all of the individual sketches you will get on that set. Well, if you haven't, then go bloody well check it out then, you twit! (nothing personal) Anyway, this is a review just like the previous one - overlong and tediously informative. Again, I won't waste time on reviews of the material - You know it's extremely silly!

DVD SET 2(episodes 7-13)

Disc 1(or 3) consists of: Camel spotting/You're no fun anymore/The Audit/Science Fiction Sketch/Man turns into Scotsman/Police Station/Blancmanges playing tennis/Army protection racket/Art critic-the place of the nude/Buying a bed/Hermits/DEAD PARROT/The Flasher/HELL'S GRANNIES/Llamas/A man with a tape recorder up his nose/Kilimanjaro expedition/A man with a tape recorder up his brother's nose/Homicidal barber/LUMBERJACK SONG/Gumby crooner/The refreshment room at Bletchley/Hunting film/The Visitors

Disc 2 (or 4) is sillified with: Walk-on part in sketch/Bank robber in Lingerie shop/It's a tree/Vocational guidance counselor/Ron Obvious/Tunneling from Godalming to Java/Pet Conversions/ Gorilla librarian/Letters to "Daily Mirror"/Strangers in the night/Lavatorial humour/Interruptions/Agatha Christie/Undertakers film/Jimmy Buzzard interview/Interesting people/Eighteenth Century social legislation/Battle of Trafalgar/Battle of Pearl Harbour/Falling from building/"Spectrum" - talking about things/Visitors from coventry/Mr. Hitler/Silly voices at the police station/Upperclass twit of the year/Ken Shabby/How far can a minister fall?/Restaurant abuse/Advertisements/Albatross/Come back to my place?/Me Doctor/Historical Impersonations/Quiz programme on "Wishes"/"Probe Around" on crime/Mr. Atilla the Hun/Psychiatry/Operating Theatre

These are the sketches accessible through the menus on the DVDs themselves, so if you notice a sketch not listed...well, then your a complete geek.

This set also contains extras like: Meet the chaps, Pythonisms, Gillianimations, Lumberjack and Albatross Live!, Trivial Quest, and Talent show!

Python is great, this set isn't so much ...
While Monty Python's Flying Circus is defiently one of the funniest comedy troupes to come out of the 20th Century, and this set is well worth buying, I would warn those of you who aren't die-hard fans that, of the four DVD sets out right now, this one is probably the least funny. The Pythoners were apparently rushed as they wrapped up their first season of shows (some of these episodes were recorded only a week before airing!), and the humor in these DVDs, particularly the last three episodes, on DVD 4--are far from prime Python.

Still, there's "Upperclass Twit of the Year" and "Albatross" and enough others to make it worthwhile!

It's still funny after all these years.
"I'm a lumberjack, and I'm okay." Who doesn't remember Michael Palin uttering this line in the famous butcher barber/lumberjack skit? How about Upper Class Twit of the Year? And, the Dead Parrot? All of these skits and more can be found on this 2 cd set. If you like the obscurity that is Python, then this is the set to purchase.

The one segment I did not like was aliens turning into Scotsmen. That went on far too long.

This DVD gets Twit of the Year award
Great DVD. And VHS. Starters...get this. Its really good. It's worth your while.

Monty Python gets 2 thumbs up!
Monty Python are very funny. I highly reccommend this set. If you're not sure, just purchase the first set to try it out, and see if you like it. I promise that you'll be laughing so hard you'll rush out to get the other sets as well. I purchased the full set and I dont regret any of it.

I wouldnt recommend this for young children. I'd say early teens and up would enjoy this the most. Some of the british slang can be too difficult for the really young ones to follow.

Monty Python is a combination of sketch comedy and stereotypical british humor. One way or another, you're bound to laugh. THe episodes are short so you can watch just a piece at a time at your convenience, but there's enough on each tape to last a full evening.

I give it two thumbs up. ... Read more

Reviews (85)

very 'Enchanted' by 'Ella'
I notice that many people did not enjoy this movie, mostly because they found the book superior; but I have never read the book, (but am looking forward too doing so) so I'm strictly speaking as someone who hasn't.
the movie is a variation of Cinderella with an interesting twist, about a young woman named Ella (Anne Hathaway) who was given the "gift" of obedience at birth by a dizty fairy (Vivica Fox), which forces Ella to do anything anyone tells her to. But the gift seems like more of a curse to Ella, especially when her father marries an evil woman named Dame Olga (Joanna Lumley), and she must put up with Olga's two petulant daughters (Lucy Punch and Jennifer Higham) who take advantage of her when one of them learns of her unusual gift. Then one day when Ella must do something terrible because of the gift, she decides to set off and find the fairy who gave her the curse so she can take it away. Ella is given a talking book that was once human (he was Ella's house fairy Mandy's boyfriend, but was turned into a book by her botched spell) that can show you anything but can't tell you where it is. She is also joined on her quest by an elf who wants to become a lawyer, but he can't because elves aren't allowed to be anything but singers and dancers. Ella is also added by prince Charmont (Hugh Dancy), who she doesn't really like because his uncle, the king, (Cary Elwes) keeps ogres and elves and giants segregated from humans, and she is a sort of activist against this. But of course, they soon fall in love, and Ella is plunged into royal intrigue, and must do the worst thing the curse has ever made her do if she doesn't find the fairy lucinda in time.
'Ella Enchanted's cast is great. Anne Hathaway is a very talented young actress and her talents were wasted in the unfunny and cliched 'The Princess Diaries', but 'Ella' is very good material and she is very charming and funny in it. I also think Vivica Fox made a very nice turn as the harebrained fairy Lucinda, the two stepsisters were completely hilarious, and Hugh Dancy was very convincing and charasmatic in his prince charming role. I also liked the visual style, which mixes storybook kingdom and kind of like what 'Shrek' would look like in real life. I also found the modern influences on the film very funny, like the prince having a fun club, the mall opening in the mideveal town, and a hilarious situation involving the wicked stepmother and "batox". There is also genuine suspense in a crucial scene sometime before the end, and I'll be darned if it didn't have me on the edge of my seat.
The one thing that really annoyed me though, was how some of the characters just show up when theyr'e needed to move the story along. Ella's father for example is a very thankless role, and during the few times he came onscreen I would think "hey I forgot he was in this"; and the awesome Joanna Lumley (from the TV show Absolutely Fabulous) as the wicked stepmother is tragically underused, and should have had more scenes. Also, Parminder Nagra (Bend it Like Beckham) plays Ella's best friend, and has a key role in an important scene, but we don't see much of her after that.
But these problems are pretty minor, especially for a lighthearted and breezy movie like this. 'Ella Enchanted' is also one of those rare species of family films that is actually enjoyable for the whole family, and I feel parents will like it just as much as the kids will.

Ella Enchanted: friend or foe?
I've loved the book ever since i read it 4 years ago. SO naturally, when i heard about the movie, i was excited. After seeing the trailer, though, i became a little apprehensive about the changes being made to a perfect story. Despite my intuition, i forced myself to see the movie; i must tell you, i was pleasantly surprised. Although the story line is completely different from the original, the story was extremely funny, and added whimsy to the fairy tale world. Characters were cut and pasted-changing them to fit the new plot, as well as some added characters (that the story could have done without, but were added to the humor). For fans over 10- Cary Ewells from the princess bride was an extra bonus, as well as the guy from Monte Python. Although some of the scenes seemed a little Shrek-wanna-be, it made me laugh all the same. It is a completely different story being told than in the book, which allows book fans to forget the connection, and instead to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

VERY BAD
THE FILM STUNK IF I WANT TO SEE THE MOVIE ILL GO BUY THE BOOK I READ THE BOOK IN SCHOOL AND IT WAS AWSOME! I SAID THAT I WAS GOING TO BUY IT BUT I SAW IT IN THE MOVIE THEATERS AND IT WAS BAD!!!!!! WARNING DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THIS GO BUY CONFESSIONS OF A TEEN AGE DRAMA QUEEN! THIS FILM STINKS IT SHOULD NOT EVEN GET A STAR AND THATS THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WARNING: WASTE OF MONEY!!!!

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
The book was so good and then they had to go out and make a movie that was a completely different story!!!!! if you have not seen this horrible rip off, then Go read the book and don't waist your money!!!!!!!!!! I am never going to watch another miramax film ever agen! Oh, and this film does not even deserve 1 star!!!!

The best movie ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I loved ella enchanted it is about a girl who has to do everything she is command to do. It is very funny and anne hathaway is HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (44)

Clean, Clear, and Funny
This movie introduces no new material to Monty Python's body of work. It selects several key routines from the first two series of Monty Python's Flying Circus and reshoots them. So why bother?

Because this is easier to watch.

This film was shot as part of an abortive attempt to introduce Monty Python to an American audience (which wouldn't actually be accopmlished for another three years). Where the original series suffered from a low budget and spotty production values, this film has high-end production quality, including clean sound, a single variable-angle 35mm camera, and the exclusion of the laugh track that muddied the sound on the TV series. There was obviously money for retakes, allowing the boys to edit out minor line muffs and giving them permission to experiment with their character delivery.

The picture is clear and organic. The sound is clean and audible. The characters are fun and believable. Just what we've always loved about Monty Python, isn't it?

But be warned, except for one or two linking jokes, this is material that you've already seen. Don't expect anything that will take your beloved boys in new directions, and don't think you'll get anything new. Just sit back, hear the jokes you've never heard clearly before, and laugh out loud. That's what they wanted, isn't it?

Funniest comedy ever- beside Holy Grail
This is simply the outright funniest sketch comedy to be had on DVD, or anywhere else. Every skit is as funny or better than the last, and that's saying something for Monty Python to top itself. The Holy Grail (by the Python also) is only better due to the solid story for a complete movie. Some of the humor on Something Completely Different is a bit abstract, such as the "How's the wife?" man in the bar. The dead parrot, the lumberjack song, and the marraige counselor are only the jems in this collage of the obscure; every skit here is a winner. One of the best parts of the 'movie' is how each skit is strung together, usually with the troupe's cheap old animation that makes everyone laugh just as hard as they did at the skits.

And Now for Something Completely Similar to the TV Show
And now for something completely different...if you've never seen the first two seasons of the series.

"And Now..." was put together with the specific purpose of "breaking" Python in the States and never meant for British audiences already familiar with the group. In one of the great ironies of showbiz history, it was a flop Stateside but a hit in England!

The film collects skits from the first two seasons and redoes them with a series of linking devices like the Colonel and Gilliam's animation to form a cohesive form. On some levels, it feels a bit stale compared to the original. While the Pythons have complained about the harsh TV lighting and studio audience, the film with the same skits seems lifeless at times. But the humor still comes through, and I can't knock this film as it was my own intro to the more surreal side of the group.

There's some great familiars such as "Dirty Fork", "Dead Parrot", "The Two Kilimanjaros", "Hell's Grannies" and so on. This film works best for those unaware of Python, but the diehard fan will find this enjoyable as well (though, again, it suffers in comparison to the actual TV series). Share it with your friends and neighbors, force it on them. They'll either laugh or wonder what the f#$k is the big deal.

ABSOLUTELY WRETCHED
Hello. My name is Johan Gambolputty de von Ausfernschplenden-schlitter-crasscrenbon-fried-digger-dingle-dangle-dongle-dungle-burstein-von-knacker-thrasher-apple-banger-horowitz-ticolensic-grander-knotty-spelltinkle-grandlich-grumblemeyer-spelterwasser-kurstlich-himbleeisen-bahnwagen-gutenabend-bitte-ein-nürnburger-bratwustle-gerspurten-mitz-wemache-luber-hundsfut-gumberaber-shönendanker-kalbsfleisch-mittler-aucher von Hautkopft of Ulm. I would like to take this time to apologize to my pet penguin Terry-even though it wasn't technically penetration, I still feel bad about it. (He's allergic to television sets). I also wish to revoke my rating of this DVD - I give it 5 stars (it was delightful).
Thank you,
Johan Gambolputty de von Ausfern-schplenden-schlitter-crasscrenbon-fried-digger-dingle-dangle-dongle-dungle-burstein-von-knacker-thrasher-apple-banger-horowitz-ticolensic-grander-knotty-spelltinkle-grandlich-grumblemeyer-spelterwasser-kurstlich-himbleeisen-bahnwagen-gutenabend-bitte-ein-nürnburger-bratwustle-gerspurten-mitz-weimache-luber-hundsfut-gumberaber-shönendanker-kalbsfleisch-mittler-aucher von Hautkopft of Ulm.

And this is just one of the many virtues of not being seen.
This will always be my favorite movie. Monty Python's unique brand of humon really is at it's peak here (i feel it bottomed out with the not-so-funny "the meaning of life"), and it provides the silly realease one needs after a long day. as an added bonus: turn on the movie to any point, even if you havn't seen it, and watch for five minutes for a guarenteed laugh. ... Read more

Description

After slaying the Arthurian legend in their now classic Holy Grail, the Pythons set their sights on the Greatest Story Ever Told. Blind faith, virgin birth, crucifixion-nothing is sacred in this epic send-up of ancient times, which draws on the cornball biblical blockbusters of the 1950s to lampoon celebrity culture in any era. Criterion has gathered the guilty parties-including John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin-for two commentary tracks as provocative and hilarious as the film itself. Available for the first time in a 16:9 enhanced transfer, Monty Python's Life of Brian can finally be viewed in all its - ahem - glory. ... Read more

Reviews (186)

Holy Hilarity!
Life of Brian is not as well known by the movie going public as Monty Python?s classic "Monty Python and the Holy Grail", but it is definitely is as, or maybe even funnier than Holy Grail. This is especially true for people who are familiar with the Biblical stories it pokes fun at. It is perfect satire, for nothing is sacred and everything is a joke.

The story revolves around Brian, a very unlucky resident of Judea who just happened to be born the same day the Christ child was born. Missing his chance at glory, Brian lives his life selling animal parts at the Coliseum, dominated by a violent mother who is very "friendly" to the Roman occupiers. The rest of Brian's environment is inhabited by a very wild bunch. The neo- or archo-Marxist group, the People's Front of Judea, battles the Romans daily by holding meeting after violent meeting, plotting against the legions and their arch rivals, the Judean People's Front. The Romans, on the other hand, are led by the Pontius Pilate, who, contrary to Biblical reports, has quite a lisp and an endearing sense of stupidity. When Brian rebels against his mother and joins up with the wild band of revolutionaries, his life is changed forever. Quite by accident, Brian is then thought to be the messiah, although he is quite reluctant in his leadership.

Satirically, this movie is absolutely ruthless. Everything is skewered, everything. The performances are all fantastic, especially that of John Cleese, who is just the man in this movie, playing about six separate characters. Joke after joke hits the viewer, which results in just non-stop humor. It's just a wonderful movie by the Python pioneers who really revolutionized comedy. The Criterion DVD edition is great, with tons of hilarious extras that are worth the price on their own. To the people that use this to either justify their atheism or believe it to be an attack on their religion, calm down. It's a comedy for God's sake, why do the opinions of some British comedians affect your outlook on life? Just laugh damn it!

Great extras on this Python DVD
THE LIFE OF BRIAN has remained one of my favorite Python flicks after the glow of the Holy Grail began to wear thin from overuse. If you're considering purchasing this movie, you've probably seen the movie already and are a Monty Python fan. If not, get ready for one of Python's most sacrilegious and hilarious movies of their collection! If you are easily offended, you might think twice. However, the satire here is equally distributed and is not aimed so much at religion itself but moreso at the amusing ways in which people can behave "under the influence" of zealotry.

I thoroughly enjoyed rewatching the movie, but it was a great surprise to find that this DVD comes packed with some great bonus materials. Several full-length, revealing interviews with the cast go into more Python history than just that surrounding this flick. And a rather large collection of scenes cut from the final release are also quite interesting.

The video and audio quality seem to be on par with most of the other DVD movies I've seen so far, despite the film's age.

All in all, a great addition to any Python collection.

Is nothing sacred? NO! And that's why this is a riot!
Irreverent, brilliant, ingenius... I'm getting all these words out of the way now before I forget them! Even though I'll probably use them a dozen times!

The funniest thing to come from England since The Stamp Act, Monty Python's Flying Circus could always be depended upon to provide the world with brilliantly twisted humor. The LIFE OF BRIAN is no less a comic masterpiece than anything else these boys have done. Ostensibly a parody of the life of Jesus, LIFE OF BRIAN is a hilarious attack on liberalism, conservatism, colonialism, individualism, communalism, organized religion, disorganized religion, fanaticism, feminism... take your pick of any of a hundred topics. It doesn't matter, it's still brilliant. And the script and direction holds it perfectly all together, even if there's a space ship chase sequence thrown in for the hell of it.

Once again, the members of MPFC each play several roles and every viewer has his or her favorites, so what the hell, I'll mention mine. Michael Palin, while playing a wonderfully foppy Pontius Pilate, is equally hilarious as a twitchy, hyperactive leper that Jesus had cured. Instead of being grateful, he complains that his rehabilitation has ruined his livelihood as a beggar. (Speaking of rehabilitation, Palin plays the part like a junkie in need of a fix.) John Cleese has several great moments, but his role as a Centurion turned sadistic Latin teacher is nothing short of genius. Everyone who has studied Latin will be beside themselves during this scene. And Terry Jones as Brian's mom still stuns me 25 years later. "My Brian is not the messiah! He's a very naughty, naughty boy."

Monty Python's LIFE OF BRIAN is irreverent, brilliant, and ingenius and this edition, complete with outtakes, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews make this package worth the price. Whether you are an individual or not, "Monty Python's Life of Brian - Criterion Collection" will save your comic soul.

a review of a movie
A brilliant movie with a brilliant finale.

funny but wheres Bodge?
This is a very funny movie. It takes place int he Stone Age. About a guy named Brian and this is his life. Most of the humor is because his name is brian and people confuse him for somebody else. "I'm not so anso I'm Brian." Also there is a very funny moment when a man says his wife is called Continual Buttocks (a butocks is a bottom) or soemthing. Some of the humor is called toilet humor that I'm not a fan of. My friends and I only thought that Bodge would have looked great in this film with his beard and BRITISH accent!!! Where was he? He would have been perfect! ... Read more

Description

In this epic mini-series based on Jules Verne's novel, Englishman Phileas Fogg (Pierce Brosnan) prides himself on his clockwork discipline. Fogg is so confident of his ability to beat the clock that he bets a small fortune with members of the Reform Club that he can use modern transportation methods to circle the globe in 80 days! With servant Jean Passepartout (Eric Idle), Fogg soon finds himself crossing war-torn Paris, traversing the jungles of India and Burma, and dueling with Jesse James on the American prairie! And if that weren't complicated enough, Fogg is the prime suspect in a London bank robbery, and Detective Wilbur Fix (Peter Ustinov) is pursuing Fogg and Passepartout, in hopes of returning Fogg to England to be arrested-and to collect the reward money!

The voyage even brings an unforeseen responsibility when Fogg rescues the beautiful Princess Aouda (Julia Nickson) and she arouses long-dormant feelings in Fogg's bachelor heart. Can Fogg acknowledge those feelings? Will he win the bet? Will he give Fix the slip? The ending is one you don't want to miss! ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A Great Entertainment
This is a charming and wonderful journey to watch. I enjoyed it a great deal, but be warned... this is NOT a family movie. Today's youth with short attention spans who like blood and monsters won't understand this one. Save it for the adults. Its well written, well acted and simply great fun.

journey with lots of obsticales
I saw this movie last summer on tv. When I started watching it I had no idea that it was as long as it is, otherwise I probably wouldn't have watched it, what would have been a mistake. Then this movie is wonderful. The only reason I can see that some people might not like it is, that it doesn't use all this high technology, full of action and sex scenes that we are used to now a days, when watching a movie. For me it is a welcome change and I enjoyed it, but everyone has their own opinion and is entitled to it.
Another thing I like about this movie is all the build in obstacles Pierce Brosnan has to go through on his quest. Often, it seems to me, that once he got out of one problem, he faces another one, what creates suspence on whether he will reach his goal or not. Also I highly appreciate the differente cultures portrayed in it.

Lost a lot of fun!!!
I watched the same film in VHS few years ago.
It was very impressive and had a lot of fun.
But after I got this DVD, it really disappointed me!!

A lot of scenes have been REMOVED: just like the chapter in China, Japan and India.And that part(saving the princess) has gone also.

If this is a miniseries, I guess they really didn`t have an idea about when and where to cut it!!!

Excellent movie however DVD lacks quality
This is an excellent movie which aired as an mini movie in 1989. The movie has a nice flow and the characters are quite vivid. Around the world imagery is quite colorful. It was a delight to watch it again. Unfortunately, the DVD quality resembles that of VHS. It was a poor quality transfer for a DVD considering that this movie was shot using Panavision equipment.

Wonderful family movie
I think this is a perfect movie to watch when you have several hours to spend relaxing. It's very long but you don't have to watch it all in one sitting. You'll want to get back to it as soon as possible though because it keeps you wanting more!
I divided it up into two evenings. This is one movie you can watch with your grandmother or with children around and not be embarrassed. I think it's a great family movie. And the picture was fine. I used to have the VHS copy and this DVD was much better quality. ... Read more

Reviews (49)

Worthy Enough To Be The Sequel To Such A Great Film!
This movie was wonderful. Kid's will love it! Cruella Devil is finally being released from prison. They have experimented on her and assume that she is cured from her dog hatting days. In fact, they have turned her into a dog lover. She even goes out and buys an abandoned dog shelter. Her peroll officer, whos dog's have just had a litter of dalmation puppies including oddball who has no spots, Meets the owner of the shelter and falls in love with him. But when Cruella hears the bells of Big Ben, something goes wrong inside her head and she goes out to get revenge. This time she wants a hooded spotted dalmation puppy coat, hence it will take 102 dalmations to complete it. The only dalmation that isn't captured is Oddball because she has no spots. It's up to her and her parrot friend who thinks he's a dog to follow the kidnappers to France and save the day! Your whole family will love it! Buy it today!

First 101 dalmations now 102 dalmations,,,wonderful!
I recived this one as a Xmas present *Dec01*, I watched it before I got it, cos we rented it... and I loved it, and i will always love this movie. It's such a cute movie! My favorite dog is "Oddball" my worst character is Cruella De Vil. As u can tell why! Cruella De Vil, Cruella De Vil.. if she doesnt scare u no evil thing will! I've seen the cartoon version of 101 Dalmations... and I love the cartoon more than the real version on 101 Dalmations. But 102 Dalmations is much better. I also have 101 Dalmations *Not the cartoon version*, and that one is not as good as 102 Dalmations.. (Believe Me))))) Well anyways please do yourself a favor and buy "102 Dalmations" today.

Cute puppies. 16th april 2004.
I have never really seen the first propally, but i could imagine the second been that bit better. Great for anyone, really cute doggies, and ther are 102 of them on a adventure near to the end.

This is a horible movie
I thought it would be a delightful flick with cute pupies running away from a nasty lady but it's not that way. old tired jokes get used agan agan and agan. BOTTOM LINE: it stinks

A puppy's day
An evil Cruela Devil does the same plan like in the original movie. This movie sounds the same like the original. They repeated everything including the plot, the story and made different characters take care of the dogs. It should be the same people like in the first 101 Dalmatians. Disney made a really bad look out type of movie. This movie should be called 102 Dalmatians Cruela Devil Returns. An extra this movie should be Rated R for evil violence, overacted, and disaster images that are usually garbaged. ... Read more