Monty
Python Live (Mostly): One Down, Five to Go - At The 02 London
(2014/Eagle Blu-ray)
Picture:
B Sound: B Extras: C Film: B+
As
apparent from the title Monty
Python Live (Mostly): One Down, Five to Go is
a Monty Python reunion show that took place in June of 2014 at the O2
Arena in London, England. Also clear from the (joking) title only 5
of the original 6 cast members remain; with Graham Chapman having
passed away in 1989.
The
cast pokes fun at their ages and inabilities for sure, even
unabashedly mocking Graham Chapman for being gone; but concurrently
the gang displays that they still have what it takes to make comedy
gold, while paying homage to a fallen brother. This live 2014 show
features the remaining cast of John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle,
Terry Jones, and Michael Palin; as well as 'featuring' Carol
Cleveland. The stage production acts as a 'best of' or 'greatest
hits' for the Python cast as we are treated to fan favorites like The
Dead Parrot Sketch, The Spanish Inquisition, and The Four
Yorkshiremen. A host of old musical numbers are also presented like
The Lumberjack song, Every Sperm is Sacred, Always look on the Bright
Side of Life; albeit this time around the Python crew are joined by
quite a large cast of performers.
Sure
some of the sketches go on too long or are sensationalized by cuss
words/phallic symbols, and yes the old boys show their age; BUT COME
ON IT'S MONTY PYTHON HERE?!
In
the end, Monty Python's creative cast were pioneers that paved the
way for much of the outlandish comedy styling we have today. This
presentation gave us a taste of the past (relying heavily on old
favorites), but showed us they still got it!
The
technical features for this single disc Blu-ray are about what you
would expect for a live performance; looking very nice, but more so
middle of the road for a high definition presentation. The picture
is presented in a 1080i, MPEG-4, AVC encoded, 1.78 X 1 widescreen
that gets the job done with a clear image, solid black levels, and
balanced/bright colors; but nothing out of this world or demo quality
as sharpness is lacking and only on close shots can finer detail be
appreciated. The sound is lossless 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio (MA) that
is more impressive than anticipated as surrounds are well utilized
with solid directionality/panning effects, as well as the big musical
numbers (which combine voice and orchestral accompaniment) being in
fine balance. Dialogue is spot on.
Extras
are present, but only amount to 20 minutes of material; being all too
short for this classic comedy troupe. Extras include:
Green
Screen Shot 2014
Highlights
from the 10 Shows at the O2 in London
Backstage
at the O2 in London
The
Production November 2013 to June 2014
The
Announcement November 2013
The
Reunion November 2013
-
Michael P. Dougherty II
