MONTY PYTHON’S LIFE OF BRIAN – The Immaculate Edition [Blu-ray] [1979 / 2007] [UK Release] Always Look on the Bright Side of Life!
Regularly voted one of the funniest films of all time, ‘MONTY PYTHON’S LIFE OF BRIAN’ delivers the smartest and sharpest satire from the Monty Python team Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin, and this Immaculate Blu-ray Disc Edition is the best way to revisit this comedy classic.
Born into a time of chaos and change, Brian Cohen [Graham Chapman] is reluctant caught up in a new wave of religion sweeping 33 A.D. Judea when he is mistaken for the promised messiah. What follows is a biblical comedy of errors that questions everyone and everything, from ex-lepers, Pontius Pilate and haggling to revolutionaries, crazy prophets and crucifixion.
FIM FACT: The first draft of the screenplay, provisionally titled ‘The Gospel According to St. Brian,’ was ready by Christmas 1976. The final pre-production draft was ready in January 1978, following "a concentrated two-week writing and water-skiing period in Barbados.” The film would not have been made without Python fan Beatle George Harrison, who set up HandMade Films to help fund it at a cost of £3 million. George Harrison put up the money for it as he “wanted to see the movie”—later described by Terry Jones as the “world's most expensive cinema ticket.” The original backers — EMI Films and, particularly, Bernard Delfont — had been scared off at the last minute by the subject matter. The very last words in the film are: "I said to him, 'Bernie, they'll never make their money back on this one'", teasing Delfont for his lack of faith in the project. Terry Gilliam later said, “They pulled out on the Thursday. The crew was supposed to be leaving on the Saturday. Disastrous. It was because they read the script ... finally.” As a reward for his help, George Harrison appears in a cameo appearance as Mr. Papadopoulos, “owner of the Mount,” who briefly shakes hands with Brian in a crowd scene (at 1:08:50 in the film). His one word of dialogue (a cheery but out of place Scouse “ullo”) had to be dubbed in later by Michael Palin. Terry Jones was solely responsible for directing, having amicably agreed with Terry Gilliam (who co-directed Holy Grail) to do so, with Gilliam concentrating on the look of the film.
Cast: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Terence Bayler, Carol Cleveland, Kenneth Colley, Neil Innes, Charles McKeown, John Young, Gwen Taylor, Sue Jones-Davies, Peter Brett, John Case, Chris Langham, Andrew MacLachlan, Bernard McKenna, Spike Milligan, Randy Feelgood (uncredited), George Harrison (uncredited), Charles Knode (uncredited) and Monty Pytho (uncredited)
Director: Terry Jones
Producers: Denis O'Brien, George Harrison, John Goldstone, Tarak Ben Ammar and Tim Hampton
Screenplay: Eric Idle, Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones
Composer: Geoffrey Burgon
Costume Design: Charles Knode and Hazel Pethig
Cinematography: Peter Biziou (Director of Photography)
Image Resolution: 1080p
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Audio: English: 5.1 LPCM Audio
English: 5.1 Dolby TrueHD Audio
French: 5.1Dolby TrueHD Audio
Hungarian: 5.0 Dolby Digital Audio
English: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
English: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
Subtitles: English, English, English, English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Bulgarian, Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Icelandic, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovenian, Swedish, Thai and Turkish
Running Time: 93 minutes
Region: All Regions
Number of discs: 1
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment / HandMade Films
Andrew’s Blu-ray Review: MONTY PYTHON’S LIFE OF BRIAN [1979] Following a brilliant star, three wise men come upon a small, humble manger, where a child was just born. Bearing gifts, they praise the child, and proclaim him to be the son of God. Then they realize their mistake, take back their gifts, and go to the right manger. Sound unusual? Well, that’s the life of Brian Cohen.
Constantly being the victim of mistaken identity and being in the wrong place at the wrong time, Brian Cohen [Graham Chapman] is believed at many times in this film to be the Messiah. But he’s not the Messiah, he’s a naughty boy, at least that’s what his mother says. You might think being thought of in such a high manner would be nice, but remember what they did to Jesus? The things that happen to Brian are hilarious, such as when he acts like a prophet to escape from Pontius Pilate’s palace. He delivers a speech to people near him, but when the coast is clear, he just stops talking. The on lookers assume there is a hidden meaning, and believe he is the Messiah! It’s these type of things that cause Brian’s life to be one big case of mistaken identity. But will Brian Cohen suffer the same fate as Jesus, or will he convince the crowds that he’s just a normal guy?
MONTY PYTHON’S ‘LIFE OF BRIAN’ is a totally amazing unique hilarious movie, which instantly equals well written comedy and poking fun at common institutions. While many people think Life of Brian is a film making fun of Christ, but really, other than a sermon Brian attends, Jesus has no role in this film. The film instead focuses on its humour toward religion as a whole, and how some people will jump at the chance to find a Messiah, no matter how inconsequential the actions/words of the person are.
Now religion is a touchy topic, but if you’re secure in your faith, you should have no problem watching a film that questions some basics of faith and religion. This picture is not anti-religion by any means; it’s just a humorous look at what happens when someone is mistaken for Christ. According to historical texts, this type of mistaken identity was fairly common during those times, so the idea is not as outrageous as it might seem. Although, I bet Brian’s story is funnier than any of the real ones. So, don’t believe anything you hear about MONTY PYTHON’S ‘LIFE OF BRIAN’ being a sacrilegious movie, because it’s not.
Now, I’m pretty sure if you’re reading this review that you’re somewhat familiar with the players who make up Monty Python. You should know what type of comedy to expect, so I won’t waste time with describing it, other than saying it is well written and very funny. The actors of Monty Python don’t just have a role within their movies; they usually have almost all the roles in their movies. There’s not a real billing order in this movie, so I’ll just list them, in no particular order. John Cleese (‘Time Bandits’ and ‘Fierce Creatures’) turns in a couple notable roles in MONTY PYTHON’S ‘LIFE OF BRIAN,’ including a Roman official leading a stoning and a centurion in Pontius Pilate’s palace.
John Cleese is a great comedic actor, and his skills are never better represented than in Monty Python projects, although he has many non-Pontius Python successes as well. Terry Gilliam, who is better known these days for his directing skills (‘12 Monkeys’ and ‘Brazil’), plays a rather dim witted jailor, covered in make-up effects. Terry Gilliam is a favourite among the man fans of Monty Python, mainly because of his choice of pictures to helm, opting for good material rather than commercially viable movies.
Terry Jones, who co-directed ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’ with Terry Gilliam, directs Life of Brian alone. Jones also directed ‘Erik the Viking,’ ‘Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride,’ and ‘Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life.’ Terry Jones also takes a turn in front of the camera, playing Brian Cohen’s loud mouthed over bearing mother. You can also see Terry Jones in front of the camera in ‘Jabberwocky’ and ‘At Her Majesty’s Pleasure.’ Playing the lead role of Brian Cohen is Graham Chapman, who passed away in 1989.
Graham Chapman carries his share of this film and then some. I believe him to be the best actor of the troupe, and he proves me right in MONTY PYTHON’S ‘LIFE OF BRIAN.’ Graham Chapman’s reactions are superb and delivery is perfect. Graham Chapman can also be seen in ‘Yellow Beard’ and ‘How To Irritate People,’ as well as the other Monty Python films. Michael Palin (‘The Missionary’ and ‘A Fish Called Wanda’) takes on some hilarious roles in MONTY PYTHON’S ‘LIFE OF BRIAN.’ Michael Palin plays Pontius Pilate, complete with a wonderfully funny lisp, as well as a cured leper who is my favourite character in this picture. Rounding out the cast is Eric Idle (‘European Vacation’ and ‘Burn Hollywood Burn’), who sings “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” at the film’s closing, while a group of people are being crucified.
If you’re a Monty Python fan, buying this Blu-ray disc is a no brainer. While many people overlook MONTY PYTHON’S ‘LIFE OF BRIAN’ in favour of ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail,’ MONTY PYTHON’S ‘LIFE OF BRIAN’ is a totally awesome funny movie, with a fluid storyline, and steady plot movement ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail,’ while extremely funny, and filled with legendary bits, is just a string of skits, which sometimes flow together. ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail,’ is hilarious, but I prefer the complete feel of MONTY PYTHON’S ‘LIFE OF BRIAN.’ I personally think that MONTY PYTHON’S ‘LIFE OF BRIAN’ is the best film by the Monty Python’s team, as its style of humour does not appeal to everyone.
MONTY PYTHON’S LIFE OF BRIAN MUSIC TRACK LIST
BRIAN [Music: André Jacquemin and Dave Howman] [Lyrics: Michael Palin] [Arranged by Trevor Jones] (Sung by Sonia Jones)
Requiem in D minor, K.626 - 3. Sequentia: Dies irae (uncredited) [Written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart] (Performed by Unknown)
VISON OF FEAR (uncredited) (played when Brian is taken to jail) [Written by Eduard Ben-Michael]
ALWAYS LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE [Lyrics: Eric Idle] [Arranged by John Altman] (Sung by Eric Idle and chorus) (uncredited)
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Blu-ray Image Quality – HandMade Films and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment presents us the film ‘MONTY PYTHON’S LIFE OF BRIAN’ there is just a slight bit of softness that pervades this release. With that aside, for a relatively older film, the source is clean, the flesh tones are natural, film grain is captured nicely and black levels, though not inky, are quite well done. There are no visible compression artefacts to be found on this release. The transfer excels in the many brightly lit, outdoor scenes, where the colour palette looks the best and both foreground and background resolution is at their optimum levels. I don't think this disc will ever become reference material, but surely it is the best version of this Monty Python classic available on any medium.
Blu-ray Audio Quality – HandMade Films and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment brings us the film ‘MONTY PYTHON’S LIFE OF BRIAN’ there was no discernible difference in quality between the TrueHD lossless and the uncompressed PCM tracks. The overall sound quality left much to be desired. There was not much discrete information in the rear channels and not much ambience, which made the sound far too dry. The film, being mostly dialogue driven, did not make much use of the lower frequencies either and also had a tendency to distort in louder passages. This soundtrack may be one of the rare instances where a 5.1 mix is truly overkill.
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Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:
Special Feature: The Story of Brian [2007] [1080p / 480i] [1.78:1] [59:51] With this featurette, we get to view a brand new documentary, this supplement interviews the surviving Monty Pythons team and goes through the entire process, from the writing through to the release of the film. As expected, there are plenty of funny stories and keen observations by all the members of the group. Told cheekily, and the featurette mixes new interviews with period footage and a few funny sight gags. There are a ton of excellent anecdotes spread throughout the documentary as well as a number of fun facts about the controversy that's haunted the film ever since it first appeared in theatres. Contributors include: Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, John Cleese, Robert Hewison [Author of “Monty Python: The Case Against”], John Beyer [Mediawatch-UK], Sir John Mortimer [Defence Lawyer for Gay News Trial], Michael Deeley [Former Managing Director for EMI Films], John Goldstone [Producer for ‘MONTY PYTHON’S LIFE OF BRIAN’] George Harrison [1988], Jonathan Benson [First Assistant Director for ‘MONTY PYTHON’S LIFE OF BRIAN’], Geoffrey Strachan [Methuen Publishing], Kenneth Turan [Film Critic for LA Times], Councillor Hitchin [Harrogate Council 1979] and Inayat Bunglawala [Media Secretary of the Muslim Council of Britain].
Special Feature: Script Read Through [Audio only] [1997] [1080p] [1.78:1] [110:48] With this featurette, we are informed that on the 15th July, 1997, Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin went into a studio in London to record a read-through of the draft screenplay for their new film ‘MONTY PYTHON’S LIFE OF BRIAN.’ Although it was a year before the film went into production, over the course of the next six months this audio recording enabled them to agree on scenes and characters to be dropped or added, until they had a final screenplay ready to shoot. So they inform us that this July 1977 audio recording is from the working script and is illustrated with Terry Jones’ original storyboard.
Special Feature: Audio Commentary by Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle and Terry Jones [Audio only] [2007] [1080p] [1.85:1] [92:00] With this featurette, for my money, the better of the two commentaries, this one edits together the comments from three of the Monty Pythons. Terry Jones has the largest view of the production, as he directed it and had to take everything into account. He has plenty of great production stories, but also has plenty to say about the material and the themes. Terry Gilliam is more technically oriented, and is quick to point out whenever he's on screen. Eric Idle is the most contemplative of the group, examining the writing process and the ramifications of the material. I really appreciate the presence of Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle and Terry Jones for their comments for ‘MONTY PYTHON’S LIFE OF BRIAN,' but I really wish all five participants would have sat down together to record one track. Just imagine the possibilities. After about 30 minutes into this particular audio commentary, they seem to get very bored with the commenting on their film and I finally gave up and felt what a waste of time. Also there should have been only one audio commentary.
Special Feature: Audio Commentary by John Cleese and Michael Palin [Audio only] [2007] [1080p] [1.85:1] [92:24] With this featurette, here we have the other two living Monty Pythons team who have their thoughts edited together. John Cleese and Michael Palin are more fact based, talking about the context behind the jokes, and the relationships between the members of the group. Slightly less engaging than the previous audio commentary, there's still a treasure trove of information here. I was also surprised to find the track with Cleese and Palin to be well balanced, with several in-depth examinations of the film. The two men throw out quite a few more quips and barbs than the participants on the first track, but they never drift off topic or lose themselves in idle banter. Best of all, John Cleese and Michael Palin are very candid about the in-fighting amongst the Monty Pythons team, as well as the drama that seemed to follow the comedy team no matter what their endeavour. Once again, after 30 minutes this audio commentary got so boring and monotonous, I totally gave with boredom and felt again what a waste of a featurette and again there should have been only one audio commentary.
Special Feature: Radio Spots [Audio only] [2007] 1080p] [1.78:1] [2:54] With this featurette, we get to hear four not so funny radio adverts promoting the film ‘MONTY PYTHON’S LIFE OF BRIAN.'
Special Feature: Deleted Scenes [1997] [408i] [1.37:1] [13:16] With this featurette, we get to view five deleted scenes from the film ‘MONTY PYTHON’S LIFE OF BRIAN’ and they include: Shepherds; Pilate’s Wife; Otto; The Sign That Is The Sign and Souvenir Salesman.
Special Feature: Photo Gallery [1997] [1080p] [1.78:1] [1:47] With this featurette, we get to view a series of collection of black-and-white stills that includes a candid look at the Monty Pythons during the filming of the film ‘MONTY PYTHON’S LIFE OF BRIAN.'
Special Feature: Trailers: With this featurette, we get to view two separate trailers and they consist of ‘Close Encounter of the Third Kind’ [1997] [1080p] [2.20:1 / 1.78:1] [1:29] and Coming To Blu-ray [2007] [1080p] [1.78:1] [0:32]
Finally, ‘MONTY PYTHON’S LIFE OF BRIAN’ [1979] is a comedy classic of its age and the most cohesive and intelligent work ever done by Monty Python team. The quality of the writing and the performances are peerless and well executed. This Blu-ray offers the best image quality ‘MONTY PYTHON’S LIFE OF BRIAN’ has ever been seen on any home video format, and a strong series of supplemental material that well complements the contents of the film itself. Whether you're religious or not, a Monty Python fan or not, you owe it to yourself to own this movie without any hesitation. Highly Recommended!
Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom
