Plot: What’s it about?
As A&E has now issued all the volumes of Monty Python’s Flying Circus onto our beloved format, now they have chosen to add another couple discs fans’ collections. Now we have The Life Of Python, which is a collection of all sorts of Python goodies, such as old classics, new material, and some other themed goodies. I am very pleased to have all this material, but I think two discs is too much and the price seems too steep, if you ask me. I think a single dual layered disc would have handled all this material with ease, as well as lowering the potential price a little. If you can find this at a reasonable price, then by all means pick this set up, as it is a must own for Python fanatics. As this is an unusual release in terms of content, I am simply going to list what you’ll find on each of the two discs packed in here. So…
Disc One- This disc holds the bulk of the material, including It’s…The Monty Python Story, which is an excellent documentary on the television show and all the lives it has reached over the years. This the real draw of this release to me, as it contains all sorts of interviews with the Pythons and famous followers of the troupe, footage from Graham Chaplin’s funeral, and even some new sketches, which were a welcome addition to the piece. This is the reason to purchase this release, all fans of the show will be delighted to watch this one. Also on this disc is a tour of sketch locations with Michael Palin, a special Mayday episode of the television show, an animated tribute from the creators of South Park, and a countdown of Monty Python’s finest musical numbers, hosted by Meatloaf. This disc is loaded with goodies to be sure and when compared to the second disc, look like a virtual library of material.
Disc Two- This disc contains the second German episode of the television show, which is very offbeat even for Python, but still a treasure to own on this format. As the package states, this show is funny in German, but the show is presented in English. That’s all the real content you’ll find on this disc, which means a lot of space simply goes to waste here. I know there had to be something in the BBC rubbish bin they could have tossed on here, but as it stands, this is a barren disc in terms of content.
Video: How does it look?
The material is shown in the original full frame aspect ratio and looks good, though of course not as defined as feature film. The newer material looks much sharper and cleaner of course, while the older stuff comes off as grain laden and worn for the trip through the years. But if you’ve seen the other Python discs, then you’ll know what to expect here and that’s a solid image, if it a little worn. But since the cases on these Python titles always warn you, no real complaints can be lodged.
Audio: How does it sound?
Same rundown as the video here, as the elements seem good enough, but won’t have you drooling by any means. The older stuff seems a little harsh, but not too much so and the recent footage is much more balanced and clean. You can always hear what you need to and since the disc is on par with the other Python releases, I am leveling the score here as average.
Supplements: What are the extras?
The usual rehashed useless tidbits, art galleries, and trivia game have been slapped on. If you’ve seen the other Python discs, then you’ve seen all this stuff before.
