Less than two years since Criterion put out their Monty Python
and the Holy Grail special edition, Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment
is releasing a two-disc Collector’s Edition of the Python group’s
1975 comedy. The discs themselves are absolutely identical to the 2001 Criterion
edition. The differences lie in the packaging and two additional pieces of Python
paraphernalia. This new version comes with a soft-cover Pocket-Books-sized copy
of the screenplay. The book fits in the hollowed-out “book” DVD
case. In this case you’ll also find a “limited edition art graphic”
– a reproduction of a single 35mm film frame featuring all 5 Knights of
the Round Table and their servant Patsy. Each of these “Senitypes”
is secured in a large card, which on the front has a larger picture of the “Senitype”
frame and, on the back, a Python-esque description of this cel.
The one flaw in this packaging is the stacking of the two discs in the collection.
The discs do not lock into the case separately. Rather, they are sitting one
on top of the other on the single plastic lock. Kinda sloppy if you ask me,
but it shouldn’t hurt the discs at all.
For those of you out there who are unfamiliar with the Holy Grail,
I will now breakdown the layout of each disc. (Those familiar with it may skip
to the last paragraph). On disc one is of course the incredibly hilarious film,
the story of King Arthur and his Knights on their search for the ever-elusive
Holy Grail. There are many options for watching the movie. For the traditionalists
out there, the film is presented in widescreen format. You can also watch with
various subtitles: English, French, Spanish, On-Screen Screenplay (which is
in English), or “subtitles for people who don’t like the film taken
from Shakespeare’s “HenryIV, Part II.” Sound options include
English tracks in both Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound or the original mono
track as well as a French language track. If you take too long to decide, however,
your DVD will ask you to “Get on with it!” And for the hard of hearing,
there is a special option for you on disc one. If you select “Hard of
Hearing” from the main menu, the DVD will scream the menu options at you.
Other disc one features include two audio commentary tracks. The first with
directors Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones, and the second is with John Cleese,
Eric Idle, and Michael Palin. The option “Killer Rabbit” is the
final way of watching this movie. In this mode, a white rabbit will occasionally
appear on the screen and if you hit enter on your remote or click your computer’s
mouse on it, you will be taken to a relevant bit of “behind the scenes
info” about that particular scene. Of course there’s scene selection,
the menus are all depicted in Pyth-animation, and there you have disc one, already
a mind-blowing amount of extra fun.
Disc two contains all of the “extras” in this collection. Starting
first with “Sing-a-Long,” you can choose from three songs: “Knights
of the Round Table,” “Sir Robin,” and “Monks Chant,”
which is preceded by a tutorial on how to use your DVD case to hit yourself
in the head at the appropriate time in the “Chant.” Next comes what
is probably the most informative (yet by no means less entertaining) part of
the DVDs extras – the short documentary “Quest for the Holy Grail
Locations.” 25 years after production has been completed, Michael Palin
and Terry Jones return to their castle location for a tour and to share some
behind-the scenes stories. “Sacred Relics” breaks down into many
subcategories. It’s mostly old photos, sketches, posters, cast breakdowns,
film trailers and the like. One of the best parts of this section is the BBC
Film Night – an on-the-set look at the film’s making and makers,
which aired on the BBC December 19, 1974. Also entertaining is the “Japanese
Version.” Is it really in Japanese? I have no idea. Two scenes from the
film are dubbed with broken-English subtitles. “Holy Grail” becomes
“Holy Sake Cup” and “shrubbery” becomes “bonsai.”
I laughed a lot.
“Unshot Footage” contains what was probably one of my favorite
extras – “Knight of the Round Table” in Lego. It’s exactly
what it sounds like. They shot a version of the entire Knights of the Round
Table song with Lego men, in a Lego castle, with a Lego parrot. Amazingly frivolous
fun. Also in this section are some sketches of “unused ideas” and
an on-the-road tour of unused locations with directors’ commentaries.
Finally “Excommunication” will give you an online location where
you can track down more information about this film, if this isn’t enough
for you…you sick, sick people.
Those who own the Criterion Collection edition may want to consider
if a copy of the script and the “Senitype” are worth investing $50
in a DVD they already own. But if you’re die-hard enough a fan, you probably
will. Those who don’t own this movie on DVD yet, this is the way to go.
It is a great compilation, filled with more than any superfan could ever possibly
want or thoroughly get through in less than half a day. A lot of this review
has been merely a list of this compilations many features. If I told you how
great each one was, this review would be pages longer than it already is. If
you’ve seen this film or anything else these guys have done, you know
that they’re amazing. You won’t be disappointed in this DVD nor
will you be waiting for laughs at any part of it.
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