听 As this review is written, sales figures reveal plenty of you are snapping up this DVD release of "Monty Python's Life of Brian". Stop! Mysteriously, review copies were not eagerly given out for this title. Why? Because suddenly we seem to be right back in the dark ages of early Region 2 DVD releases.
Technical Features:
Picture Pan and scan fullscreen. What? Both the US Anchor Bay and Criterion editions are in 1.85:1 ratio, so why do we have to put up with a damaged, scratched, and dirty print, cropped for further measure? If you were hoping for an improved version to replace your video copy, then be warned, this isn't it.
Sound The 2.0 surround mix offers some musical enhancements, but little else in the way of excitement. That said, it's clear and is certainly better than the image quality.
Special Features:
Absolutely none. The animated menus are a nice touch, but unlike the US Criterion edition there is no commentary with Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, and Terry Jones. Neither do we have the other commentary track with John Cleese and Michael Palin, or any deleted scenes, a documentary and more. Unless your video copy is worn out, or you'd like the advantage of using the chaptering on the DVD, the UK Paramount release is best avoided. In technical terms, it's pants.
Region: 2
Chapters: 20
Ratio: 1.33:1 (fullscreen)
Sound: Dolby Digital 2.0 (surround)
Extra Features: Scene selection, animated menus, and English captions for the hearing impaired.
This DVD was reviewed on a JVC XV-S57 DVD player.
