TotalTelly.co.uk
Devoted to Popular, Cult and Retro TV
Monty Python's Life Of Brian [DVD] [1979]
![Monty Python's Life Of Brian [DVD] [1979]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51CEXJJ188L._SL160_.jpg)
On the DVD: Life of Brian returns to Region 2 DVD in a decent widescreen anamorphic print with Dolby 5.1 sound--neither are exactly revelatory, but at least it's an improvement on the previous release, which was, shockingly, pan & scan. The 50-minute BBC documentary, "The Pythons", was filmed mainly on location in 1979 and isn't especially remarkable or insightful (a new retrospective would have been appreciated). There are trailers for this movie, as well as Holy Grail plus three other non-Python movies. There's no commentary track, sadly. --Mark Walker
RRP: £12.99
Our Price: £2.72 (subject to change)
Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
There is not a single joke, sight-gag or one-liner in Monty Python's Life of Brian that will not forever burn itself into the viewer's memory as being just as funny as it is possible to be, but--extraordinarily--almost every indestructibly hilarious scene also serves a dual purpose, making this one of the most consistently sustained film satires ever made. Like all great satire, the Pythons not only attack and vilify their targets (the bigotry and hypocrisy of organised religion and politics) supremely well, they also propose an alternative: be an individual, think for yourself, don't be led by others. "You've all got to work it out for yourselves", cries Brian in a key moment. "Yes, we've all got to work it our for ourselves", the crowd reply en masse. Two thousand years later, in a world still blighted by religious zealots, Brian's is still a lone voice crying in the wilderness. Aside from being a neat spoof on the Hollywood epic, it's also almost incidentally one of the most realistic on-screen depictions of the ancient world--instead of treating their characters as posturing historical stereotypes, the Pythons realised what no sword 'n' sandal epic ever has: that people are all the same, no matter what period of history they live in. People always have and always will bicker, lie, cheat, swear, conceal cowardice with bravado (like Reg, leader of the People's Front of Judea), abuse power (like Pontius Pilate), blindly follow the latest fads and giggle at silly things ("Biggus Dickus"). In the end, Life of Brian teaches us that the only way for a despairing individual to cope in a world of idiocy and hypocrisy is to always look on the bright side of life.
the life of brian dvd
Review date: 2010-08-20 Rating: 8 out of 10
THIS WAS BOUGHT FOR MY 15 YEAR OLD GRANDSON. i dont know how he knows about the monty python team, but, there you go. I watched it and laughed a bit, (it was not as funny as I remember), but my grandson was rolling around the floor laughing, i suppose some films dont date then, All i all good value for money, 6/10 for me 8/10 for my sibling.
Similar Products
- Monty Python And The Holy Grail [DVD] [1974]
- Monty Python's And Now For Something Completely Different [1971] [DVD]
- Monty Python's The Meaning Of Life [DVD] [1983]
- The Blues Brothers [DVD] [1980]
- Blazing Saddles (30th anniversary edition) [DVD] [1974]
Reviews
Monty Python for beginners
Review date: 2010-08-10 Rating: 10 out of 10
For those of us who were too young to enjoy the Python's at their best then do take a look at this, my 13 year old son has got really hooked on them now.
Life of Brian
Review date: 2010-07-09 Rating: 10 out of 10
If you've never seen this film then you've really missed out! It is just as funny today as it was when it first came out over 30 years ago. And unlike some older films, this has never dated. Absolute classic.
The Catholic church was outraged when it first came out, calling it blasphemy, but it's actually Catholics/Christians who find it funniest as they understand the loose parallels (never once does it actually mention Christ) -the do-gooders would probably prefer us all to watch the graphic horror of The Passion of the Christ, in Aramaic with English subtitles, for a bit of light entertainment! (which is also actually a really good film, but very different).
A film that has everything
Review date: 2010-05-02 Rating: 10 out of 10
This film is off the best films of all time and probably, defiantly the greatest comedy films of all times (the only one near is Monty Python and the Holy Grail).
This has a great story line which makes a change for a comedy film. There are laughs everywhere and you will be quoting lines to people for ever. This film takes you in and you won't be able to stop watching it and you will keep watching it again and again so you will get your money's worth out of having a DVD of it.
It hasn't got as much randomness or catoons as Monty Python and the Holy Grail which will make it better for the none Monty Python fan.
This has film is a must have, good script, good story line, brilliant acting, lots of laughs and is a must have because it has everything you want from a film.
Best film ever but terrible quality
Review date: 2010-04-03 Rating: 2 out of 10
This is my all-time favourite film. So much has been written about the actual film that my 2 cent's worth wouldn't make any difference. As a film it is superb.
I know that the price is very good but I honestly wish I hadn't bought it.
I have a very good system and am no dunce when it comes to tech. I even have a City & Guilds in Audio Visual Technology... so don't go thinking that I had the source volume set too low, made some kind of error in playback or was using a duff system.
This print gives a very audible hiss throughout and the picture quality is grainy.
How was this "digitally remastered" as stated on the tin? I just don't believe any care was taken with it. I suppose that it is not a lie to say of any original analogue film "digitally remastered" when it is put on to DVD. I could take my VHS copy and run it into my capture card, burn it to DVD and call it "digitally remastered" but I expected more from this DVD. I actually think my VHS copy has less white noise on playback. The picture is about the same so were I to capture the VHS version, crop out the inevitable scanning artefacts that one gets from a VHS transfer to the top or bottom of the picture frame and then author my own DVD, I'd end up with something better. Very poor. I'm sure that the Pythons wouldn't be impressed if they knew about it.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
John Cleese
Eric Idle
Graham Chapman
Terry Gilliam
Michael Palin
Creators:
Graham Chapman (Primary Contributor)
Graham Chapman (Writer)
John Cleese (Primary Contributor)
John Cleese (Writer)
Michael Palin (Writer)
Terry Gilliam (Writer)
Eric Idle (Writer)
Terry Jones (Writer)
Denis O'Brien (Producer)
Director(s):
Recording label: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
EAN: 5035822538535
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Closed-captioned, Colour, PAL, Widescreen,
Release date: 2003-04-14
Number of discs: 1
Aspect ratio: 16:9 - 1.85:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 89 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1979-08-17
Language: English (Original Language)
Language: Latin (Original Language)