Monty Python and the Holy Grail is an iconic comedy which likely is well-known to most of the readers of this review. It is an often hilarious spoof of the legend of King Arthur and his search for the Holy Grail. Although the film drags a bit in places, it contains enough laugh-out-loud material to satisy the most demanding Python fan. This exceptional Blu-ray release also contains a plethora of funny and informative extras.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Studio: Sony
Year: 1974
Rated: PG
Program Length: 92 minutes
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1 1080p
Languages: English 5.1 DTS-HD MA, English Original Mono, French 5.1, Japanese 5.1, Portuguese 5.1
Subtitles: English, English SDH, French. Chinese Traditional, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai
The Program
'Tis but a scratch. - The Black Knight
Monty Python and the Holy Grail is an iconic comedy which likely is well-known to most of the readers of this review. It is an often hilarious spoof of the legend of King Arthur and his search for the Holy Grail. Although the film drags a bit in places, it contains enough laugh-out-loud material to satisy the most demanding Python fan. This exceptional Blu-ray release also contains a plethora of funny and informative extras.
The plot, such as it is, involves King Arthur (Graham Chapman) roaming the English countryside (without a horse but with suitable sound effects) in search of worthy knights for his Round Table. Along the way he recruits Sir Lancelot the Brave (John Cleese), Sir Robin the Not-Quite-So-Brave-as-Sir Lancelot (Eric Idle), Sir Bedevere (Terry Jones), and Sir Galahad the Pure (Michael Palin). The members of the Python troupe, including Terry Gilliam, also play multiple other roles. Supporting parts are played by Python regulars Carol Cleveland and Connie Booth (at the time Booth was married to John Cleese).
When God appears in the sky and speaks to King Arthur with a command to find the Holy Grail, the knights are sent off in different directions to conduct the search. Along the way they have encounters with a killer rabbit, the Black Beast of Aaargh!, and the knights who say "Ni." Much lunacy ensues. The film also is quite bloody at times, but in a comical fashion which none but the very young will take seriously. The most memorable of the fighting scenes is King Arthur's sword fight with the unfortunate but indefatigable Black Knight, although Sir Lancelot's frontal assault on a wedding party is a close second.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail also includes several amusing musical numbers and some of Terry Gilliam's unique animation. Gilliam and Terry Jones were co-directors of the movie, the first time either of them had directed a feature film. It is of course highly recommended for Python fans, and is an excellent opportunity for others to see what all the fuss was and contihues to be about.
The Video
Sony has produced another first-rate Blu-ray transfer. The filming was mostly done on location in Scotland, and on Blu-ray it looks better than I remember when seeing it in a theater. It is properly framed at 1.66:1, colors are deep and accurate, and film grain has been retained to produce a very pleasing cinematic experience. Contrast is strong, black levels are adequate and shadow detail is very good. I know that all of this sounds repetitious, but Sony rarely disappoints with its Blu-ray releases and this is no exception.
The Audio
The lossless 5.1 DTS-HD MA soundtrack sounds terrific, although purists may prefer the original mono soundtrack (the audio was remixed in Dolby Digital for its theatrical re-release in 2001). The 5.1 mix gives the music a wider and more satisfying soundstage, but the mono track also is quite strong. Dialogue is clear throughout, although some viewers may want to engage the subtitles on occasion to help decipher the sometimes strong British accents.
The Supplements
A wonderful array of extras has been included on this Blu-ray disc.
There are two entertaining and informative commentary tracks, one with Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones and another with John Cleese, Eric Idle and Michael Palin.
"The Quest for the Holy Grail Locations" is a featurette which follows Michael Palin and Terry Jones as they visit various locations which were used during the filming of the movie.
"Lego Knights" is a standard definition re-enactment of one scene from the film in Lego. Need I say more?
"Coconuts" is a Monty Python "educational short" about innovative uses for coconuts.
"BBC Film Night" was made on location and shows various portions of the film being made, as well as segments with members of the Python troupe rehearsing and discussing the project. It is in standard definition and has a running time of 17 minutes.
For the musically inclined, three of the film's song scenes are shown with the lyrics sub-titled for sing-alongs.
A "Japanese version" of the film contains two scenes which have been dubbed into Japanese with English subtitles. The Holy Grail is now the "holy sake cup." It has a running time of 8 minutes.
Blu-ray exclusives includes a unique iPad app called "The Book of Holy Days" which "re-creates the 28 days on location with never-before-seen outtakes, stills, original script, diaries, sketches, sounds and much, much more." The app has to be purchased and downloaded from the Apple App Store, and both the Blu-ray player and the iPad have to be connected to the Internet via the same local WiFi network. I have not viewed this feature and cannot comment on it.
Another Blu-ray exclusive is "Lost Animation," which has Terry Gilliam introducing several animation segments which were not used in the film. There is a total of 9 minutes of animation which did not survive the final cut.
The final Blu-ray exclusive consists of 7 segments of outtakes and deleted scenes which are introduced by Terry Jones. Including the introduction, this segment has a running time of 19 minutes.
Also included is a photo gallery which gives the viewer an opportunity to see stills of each member of the cast is various roles and the 2001 U.S. re-release trailer. Sony also has included trailers for Not the Messiah (He's a Very Naughty Boy) and The Imagninarium of Doctor Parnassus, both of which have been reviewed on Home Theater Forum.
The Packaging
The single disc comes in a standard Blu-ray keep case.
The Final Analysis
The new extras alone make the Blu-ray of Monty Python and the Holy Grail a no-brainer upgrade for Monty Python fans. The sterling transfer and the excellent audio are also strong incentives which make it wasy to recommend this Blu-ray for purchase. It will undoubtedly be replayed many times.
Equipment used for this review:
Panasonic DMP-BD50 Blu-ray player
Panasonic Viera TC-P46G15 Plasma display, calibrated to THX specifications by Gregg Loewen
Yamaha HTR-5890 THX Surround Receiver
BIC Acoustech speakers
Interconnects: Monster Cable
Release Date: March 6, 2012