Monty Python and the Holy Grail Special Edition

Filed Under: Film, Reviews | Article Tags : DVD review

 

By: DVDave

 

March 2002

DVD Features Video: 1.85:1 Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Surround 2.0 Commentary by: Terry Gilliam & Terry Jones, plus general complaints and back-biting by John Cleese, Eric Idle & Michael Palin High definition widescreen presentation with pink frilly edges Subtitles for People Who Don’t Like the Film (taken from Shakespeare’s Henry IV, part II) On-Screen Screenplay: read the screenplay while you watch the film Exciting “Follow The Killer Rabbit” Feature! A special version for the Hard of Hearing A glorious extra 24 seconds absolutely free Three Mindless Sing-Alongs Join Michael Palin and Terry Jones in their special documentary: The Quest for the Holy Grail Locations How To Use Your Coconuts (an educational film) Monty Python and the Holy Grail In Lego “On Location with The Pythons”. Genuine 18 min. location report made in 1974 by BBC Film Night. (broadcast December 19, 1974) An Interactive Cast Directory – discover just how many roles Michael Palin plays Tons of Terry Gilliam’s original sketches plus posters Behind-the-Scenes Photos – hitherto unseen by human eyes A Load of Old Rubbish – a surprise package of mystery items specially included for the mentally challenged How the directors’ recce used up the budget Theatrical release: 04/1975 DVD released on 10/23/2001 by Sony Pictures Running time of 95 minutes Starring: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Michael Palin Director: Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam Plot: The cast of Monty Python recreates the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of Camelot in search of the Holy Grail.

 

 

I can’t say enough how much I love this movie. Monty Python takes silliness to a whole new level. At the same time, their timing is perfect and the pace of the movie holds the viewers interest. Even 27 years after the movie was first released, the comedic value is still fresh. Surprisingly enough, this version of the DVD contains the infamous “Missing 24 Seconds,” rarely, if ever, included in releases here in the United States.

This is one of those movies I can never see too many times. Holy Grail was made on an extremely slim budget. Such circumstances can provoke creativity and showcase the talents of the actors and production staff. Where a film with a huge budget might be able to do a hundred takes of scene, our boys barely had enough film to capture the shot once. Every scene involving a castle in this movie, whether it be the Castle Anthrax, Camelot, or the discussion of the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow, is filmed in the same castle.

This two Disc set is an orgy of information and features. Two commentaries, one with the directors Terry and Terry, and the other with Eric Idle, Michael Palin, and the pompous yet lovable John Cleese. One of the more hilarious features was the Subtitles For People Who Don’t Like The Film, loosely based on Shakespeare’s Henry IV. Possibly the best goodie is the Knights of the Round Table sing-along with characters made entirely out of Legos.

The transfer to DVD is excellent for a movie this old. The original Mono soundtrack is remastered into Dolby Digital 5.1 nicely, though at times the sound comes across “forced” and thus sounding a bit unnatural (as if there’s anything natural about a killer rabbit.) The picture quality is good, with almost no snow or graininess.

There are so many features and goodies with this DVD package, that you’ll need a week to watch them all, and if you love the movie as much as me, you’ll want to again and again.

Reviewer’s Opinion: BUY IT!!