Monty Python`s Life of Brian (Criterion) (Region Free)
"The funniest and most sustained feature yet from Britain`s bad boys" - Leonard Maltin
Certificate: none
Running Time: 94 mins
Retail Price: $39.95
Release Date:
Content Type: Movie
Synopsis:
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 audio commentaries as provocative and hilarious as the film itself.
Special Features:
Interactive Menus
Scene Access
Two exclusive audio commentaries: One by Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, and Terry Jones; the second by John Cleese and Michael Palin
Original theatrical trailer
Five rarely seen deleted scenes with audio commentary by the Pythons
Four original British radio ads
Documentary film The Pythons, shot on location during the making of Life of Brian
Video Tracks:
Widescreen Anamorphic 1.85:1
Audio Tracks:
Dolby Digital Surround 2.0 English
Subtitle Tracks:
English
Directed By:
Terry Jones
Written By:
Michael Palin
Terry Jones
Eric Idle
Terry Gilliam
John Cleese
Graham Chapman
Starring:
Carol Cleveland
Michael Palin
Terry Jones
Eric Idle
Terry Gilliam
John Cleese
Graham Chapman
Soundtrack By:
Michael Palin
Eric Idle
Geoffrey Burgon
Director of Photography:
Peter Biziou
Editor:
Julián Doyle
Costume Designer:
Hazel Pethig
Charles Knode
Producer:
Tim Hampton
John Goldstone
Executive Producer:
George Harrison
Distributor:
Criterion
Your Opinions and Comments
In this DVD though, we get two commentaries, with some interesting insights into the production, and how they happened to find Spike Milligan in the area, so included him.
From the trials and tribulations of being perched on a bicycle seat to film the crucifixion scence, to the whole Otto subplot that was eventually cut.
The additional video footage is very grainy and basic, having been copied off some old material persumably discovered in someones attic. Mostly you can see why the scenes were left out, but interesting in their own right and help to explain some parts of the film.
The radio adds are, well, just a little bizarre to say the least!
A great film, well packaged.
The best part of Life of Brian is that it contains many layers. Layers that are there to either "get" or not, and your enjoyment of the film will not be diminished if you don`t "get" any of them. It`s funny on the surface. But it also acts as a bit of a scathing social commentary on many of the following subjects: politics of repression, gender equity and gender roles, history and much more. It even predates, yet to a degree presupposes the politically correct movement that was to come and then beats the hell out of that too.
The amazing thing about Life of Brian `s release was the way in which it was received by many religious groups. While the story tells the life of poor Brian, a chap who just happened to be mistaken for the Messiah a few times in his life, it is really not a scathing attack on Christianity, or the life of Christ. Even so, it was boycotted, banned, smeared and much worse by many religious groups both here and abroad. I guess some people just need something to scream about.
The disc contains a 1.85:1 anamorphically enhanced transfer. Unfortunately, the image does not measure up to the best available transfers. The opening scenes of the film particularly seem very soft and grainy. With a washed out color palette and soft desert colors, I guess that was largely inevitable.
"Life of Brian" is a masterpiece of comedy, social commentary, biting satire, and overall, British humor. If you have never seen it, rent it. If you have seen it, buy it. If you love it, buy this disc from Criterion. It is worth every penny, no matter the cost!