Monty Python’s The Meaning Of Life (HD-DVD/1983)
Picture:
B- Sound: B- Extras: B Film: B
When the
Monty Python troop began their work, they were trying to do the anti-comedy,
but it developed into a new form of comedy.
Their final feature film, Monty
Python’s The Meaning Of Life (1983) is a set of skits that addresses that
“failure” in the darkest of terms as not being able to laugh off the most
important points and achievements their work highlighted. Now it is on HD-DVD.
The film
not only holds up well, but has appreciated over time and takes on a whole new
meaning in this odd time in which this version arrives. Terry Gilliam, the only American member of
the troop, went on to make the very dark, controversial and vital Brazil, but he is not the only one
dealing with heavy subject matter in their unique and eccentric way. It also properly belongs in a cycle of
deconstructionist Musicals that includes Martin Scorsese’s 1978 film New York, New York and Herbert Ross’
1981 version of Dennis Potter’s Pennies
From Heaven.
However,
it could also be seen as a rebuttal of all the skit TV shows its TV work was
connected to as a cycle, including Second
City TV and Saturday Night Live. Is it that the counterculture that made all
of them possible one that failed in the face of Thatcher and Reagan? Is it that the shows just did not go far
enough or stars form those shows having hit films was an abandonment of edgy
comic roots? Is this even a rebuttal of
Mel Brooks, who had just run out of steam at this point?
Maybe,
but the film offers more and is not just making fun of thinking and being
smart, because it is that smart proving that comedy really is a serious
business. It is the troops’ long goodbye
and the sadness is as real as it is ironic.
Now more than ever is a time to revisit it, a film that may be their
classic.
The 1080p
VC-1 1.85 X 1 digital High Definition image is not very good, barely above a
DVD and the film deserves much better than this. The various segments took two cinematographers
(Peter Hannan and Roger Pratt of Brazil
and Mona Lisa) and their work
deserves better reproduction. The Dolby
A-type analog sound was upgraded to DTS for some DVDs and is only Dolby Digital
Plus 5.1 here, but sounds like the same soundmaster with the same sonic
limits. However, the music numbers sound
good, but could be better with more remastering.
Extras
are from the previous DVD, including Eric Idle introduction, deleted scenes
dubbed Snipped Bits, Songs Unsung with alternate versions of
the original songs, feature length audio commentary by Terry Jones & Terry
Gilliam, a making of featurette, Bonus Short - Un Film de John Cleese alternate trailer for the film, Educational Tips piece, Re-Mastering A Masterpiece segment,
special soundtrack for those watching along at home, What Fish Think, Song &
Dance deals with two of the musical numbers, and promotional materials in Selling The
Meaning Of Life.
- Nicholas Sheffo
