Python Live 2-disc set (1 Viewer)

[BobPeck]

I just bought "Monthy Python Live!" from Best Buy on a whim. I love Monty Python and was in the mood for some light comedy. . .
Before I opened it, I went to Amazon.com (and lots of other sights: bits, talk, etc.) to check out any reviews.
Amazon (and dvdtalk) claimed a release date of 10/23.
Is this the correct release date? Did Best Buy prematurely put this out? There were like 100 copies of it in the Comedy shelves.

 

[Jeff Wilson]

They put it out very early at the Best Buy where I bought it, as I got it about 8 or 10 days ago. I was thinking I had missed the release, and then found out it was out two weeks early. Now I need to find the receipt and get my extra three bucks back since it's on sale Tuesday.

 

[george kaplan]

This isn't by any chance Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl is it? I've been waiting a long time to replace my vhs of that.
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13-time NBA world champion Lakers: 1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1972, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2001

 

[Steve Tannehill]

Yes, it includes the Hollywood Bowl performance, as well as the reunion shown on HBO (complete with Graham Chapman in urn), the first German episode, and one other bit that eludes me.
- Steve

 

[Keith Mickunas]

I saw this one about two weeks ago at my local Best Buy. It surprised me too because I was certain I couldn't have missed a Monty Python release. Well I've got mine on order now and its been shipped. I look forward to this along with Holy Grail, I think that pretty much completes my Monty Python collection.

 

[george kaplan]

Yes, it includes the Hollywood Bowl performance

Steve,
Just to clarify before I get too excited: it includes the whole movie, or selected scenes from the movie?
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13-time NBA world champion Lakers: 1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1972, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2001

 

[Holden Pike]

The complete film Monty Python: Live at the Hollywood Bowl is included.

 

[Scott Merryfield]

For some reason I missed the announcement of this title. Thanks, everyone, for the info. I just placed an order at Deep Discount DVD for a copy. Any set with both "The Hollywood Bowl" and the HBO special is a must buy for me.
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My DVD Collection
AFI 100 Films to watch: 40 -> 4

 

[Derek U]

Just out of curiosity....
What kinds of extras are on the disc (specifically the "post troupe career highlights"?)
Thanks,
Derek

 

[george kaplan]

The complete film Monty Python: Live at the Hollywood Bowl is included.

YES! I have exactly 5 vhs tapes that I haven't been able to replace with either ld or dvd. This is one, so I'll be down to 4 vhs tapes on Tuesday, and on Dec. 4, I'll be down to three when I replace Davy Crockett and the River Pirates.
That'll leave me with just three (Summer Magic and two George of the Jungle animated collections).
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13-time NBA world champion Lakers: 1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1972, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2001

 

[Chad Parks]

Don't get TOO excited. The Hollywood Bowl movie is pan-and-scan, and pretty damn medicre transfer-wise. It's watchable, but not really up to a normal DVD standard.

 

[Steve Tannehill]

Is it pan&scan or full-frame/open matte?
- Steve

 

[Derek Miner]

Is it pan&scan or full-frame/open matte?

Speaking of which, does anyone have any insight into this background of this film?
I mean, I've seen it several times, but it is always shown pan-and-scan, most notably when they have the Bruces' singalong and the words don't fit on the screen all at once.
But further, Live at the Hollywood Bowl was obviously shot on video and then converted to film. So what the heck happened to the original video elements? That always bugged me.
My hunch on this one is that when the 4:3 video image was converted to 1.85 for theatrical release, it was adjusted up or down, as necessary for proper framing. So I'm assuming that all transfers of the film since have been pan-and-scan instead of full-frame to avoid inconsistent matting at the top and bottom of the screen.
Which, of course, begs the question why nobody did a letterbox transfer. I guess nobody considers the effort worth the cost... or the elements are not handy.
Any ideas?
= Derek =