Directors: Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones
Starring: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin
Story rating: 4 discs (out of 4)
Story review: The Holy Grail is one of the foremost comedies to be released in the past 25 years. For those of you familiar with Monty Python, I need to make no explanation about this movie–you’ve most likely seen it. For those of you who are not familiar with the British troupe (LOSERS!) this is definitely zany British comedy at its best. The well-known film is a hilarious send-up of the Middle Ages as told through the story of King Arthur and framed by a modern-day murder investigation. When the mythical king of the Britons leads his knights on a quest for the Holy Grail, they face a wide array of horrors, including a persistent Black Knight, a three-headed giant, a cadre of shrubbery-challenged knights, the perilous Castle Anthrax, a killer rabbit, a house of virgins and a handful of rude Frenchmen.
Features rating: 4 discs (out of 4)
Features review: Both discs are so chock-full of Python wackiness that you if you locked yourself in your room to watch it, you’d laugh so hard you wouldn’t be able to walk for a week. Let’s look at disc one first, shall we?
It contains two fabulous audio commentaries. The first is by Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones from the old Criterion LD, and the second is by John Cleese, Eric Idle, and Michael Palin. While the second track sounds like they were all in the room together, each person was actually recorded separately. Needless to say, both tracks are a must-listen.
Subtitles don’t normally get much notice, but nothing about this disc is normal. In addition to the “normal” subtitles, you also can watch best subtitles ever: “Subtitles for People Who Don’t Like the Film: Taken from Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Part II.”
This feature is incredibly funny, as the subtitles chosen almost apply exactly to the on-screen action. Really, it’s a way to laugh at this movie like never before.
Now on to disc number two, yes?
Silliness and jocularity abound on this second disc, as well. Here you can embark on a sing-along with the Python cast for three of the musical numbers from the film, or you can go on a Quest for the Holy Grail Locations withPalin and Jones–a new documentary which is quite hilarious. Quite.
The Sacred Relics section contains many educational tidbits. Learn wonderful new uses for coconuts! Learn Japanese from excerpts off the Japanese language track! Learn how to use your remote to switch to the Unshot Footage section!
Speaking of which, you must see the Lego version of the Knights of the Round Table skit.
Bottom line: October 23rd is the day that The Holy Grail finally got the royal treatment. Pick up your own copy, or I shall taunt you a second time?
Special features list:
DISC ONE
· New! High definition widescreen presentation with pink frilly edges!
· New! Soundtrack in glorious 5.1 Dolby Digital!
· New! Subtitles in English, French and Spanish
· New! Subtitles for People Who Don’t Like the Film (taken from Shakespeare’s Henry IV, part II)
· New! On-Screen Screenplay: read the screenplay while you watch the film!
· New! Enlightening commentaries by Terry Gilliam & Terry Jones, plus general complaints and back-biting by John Cleese, Eric Idle & Michael Palin
· New! Extraordinary Animated Menus with very loud stereo sound.
· New! Fascinating Scene Selection feature: all-moving, all-singing, all-tax-avoidance.
· New! Exciting “Follow The Killer Rabbit” Feature!
· New! A special version for the Hard of Hearing.
· Almost New! A glorious extra 24 seconds absolutely free!
· Secondhand! Mono soundtrack in glorious old-fashioned mono.
DISC TWO
· New! Three Mindless Sing-Alongs!
· New! Join Michael Palin and Terry Jones in their special documentary: The Quest for the Holy Grail Locations
· New! How To Use Your Coconuts (an educational film)
· New! Monty Python and the Holy Grail in Japanese! (With English subtitles)
· New! Monty Python and the Holy Grail In Lego!
· New! “On Location with The Pythons”: Genuine 18 min. location report made in 1974 by BBC Film Night. (broadcast December 19, 1974)
· New! An Interactive Cast Directory – discover just how many roles Michael Palin plays!!
· New! Tons of Terry Gilliam’s original sketches plus posters.
· New! Behind-the-Scenes Photos – hitherto unseen by human eyes!
· New! A Load of Old Rubbish – a surprise package of mystery items specially included for the mentally challenged.
· New! Unused Locations! How the directors used up the budget!
· New! Unused ideas!
· Plus! Theatrical Trailers and, of course, Weblinks for real nerds!
