World Famous Comics: Monty Python's the Meaning of Life
Monty Python's the Meaning of Life
Starring: Carol Cleveland, Matt Frewer, Simon Jones, Andrew Maclachlan, Monty Python Average Rating: Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Audience Rating: R (Restricted) Binding: DVD Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Dubbed, DVD-Video, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC Label: Universal Studios Home Entertainment Number of Items: 1 Region Code: 1 Release Date: August 23, 2005 Running Time: 108 minutes Theatrical Release Date: March 31, 1983
Amazon.com essential video: Perhaps only the collective brilliant minds of the Monty Python film and television troupe are up to the task of tackling a subject as weighty as the Meaning of Life. Sure, Kierkegaard, Wittgenstein, and their ilk have tried their hands at this puzzler, but only Python has attempted to do so within the commercial motion picture medium. Happily for us all, Monty Python's the Meaning of Life truly explains everything one conceivably needs to know about the perplexities of human existence, from the mysteries of Catholic doctrine to the miracle of reproduction to why one should avoid the salmon mousse to the critical importance of the machine that goes ping! Using fish as a linking device (and what marvelous links those aquatic creatures make), The Meaning of Life is presented as a series of sketches: a musical production number about why seed is sacred; a look at dining in the afterlife; the quest for a missing fish (there they are again); a visit from Mr. Death; the cautionary tale of Mr. Creosote and his rather gluttonous appetite; an unflinching examination of the harsh realities of organ donation, and so on. Sadly, this was the last original Python film, but it's a beaut. You'll laugh. You'll cry (probably because you're laughing so hard). You may even learn something about the Meaning of Life. Or at least about how fish fit into the grand scheme of things. --Jim Emerson
Amazon.com: Perhaps only the collective brilliant minds of the Monty Python film and television troupe are up to the task of tackling a subject as weighty as the Meaning of Life. Sure, Kierkegaard, Wittgenstein, and their ilk have tried their hands at this puzzler, but only Python has attempted to do so within the commercial motion picture medium. Happily for us all, Monty Python's the Meaning of Life truly explains everything one conceivably needs to know about the perplexities of human existence, from the mysteries of Catholic doctrine to the miracle of reproduction to why one should avoid the salmon mousse to the critical importance of the machine that goes ping! Using fish as a linking device (and what marvelous links those aquatic creatures make), The Meaning of Life is presented as a series of sketches: a musical production number about why seed is sacred; a look at dining in the afterlife; the quest for a missing fish (there they are again); a visit from Mr. Death; the cautionary tale of Mr. Creosote and his rather gluttonous appetite; an unflinching examination of the harsh realities of organ donation, and so on. Sadly, this was the last original Python film, but it's a beaut. You'll laugh. You'll cry (probably because you're laughing so hard). You may even learn something about the Meaning of Life. Or at least about how fish fit into the grand scheme of things. --Jim Emerson
The Meaning of Laughter It's Monty Python at their best. Very funny lengthy sketches and musical numbers that have you rolling on the floor. Absolutely hysterical. They show silly, yet intelligent humor that is sure to be appreciated by their audiences.
Get it and you will want to own all of the Monty Python's movies... but that's a good thing.
The weakest of the Python films, but it's hardly unfunny Out of all three Python films (Holy Grail, Life of Brian, Meaning of Life) this one is by far the weakest. But just because it's not as good as the other two doesn't mean it's highly unfunny. There are some many great sketches here that'll make many fall on the floor laughing. My favorite skits here are "Mr. Creosote", "Live Organ Transplants", "The Protestants' View", "Find the Fish", "Galaxy Song", and the prologue of the film, "The Crimson Permanent Assurance". The Actors/Writers never cease to amaze (Graham Chapman with his straight-faced attitude, John Cleese with his authoritarian madness, Eric Idle with his verbal wit, Terry Jones with his shrieking pepperpot impersonation, and Michael Palin with his diverse acting abilities; and let's not forget Terry Gilliam for his imaginative animations).
The only flaw I can find here is the DVD transfer. I have to turn up the volume very high so I can watch the movie, and the screen quality is just above average. With that flaw aside, "Meaning of Life" is yet another classic from the Python team.
A-
Decent transfer for a 25 year old movie Don't expect this to be your refrence HD material. While in my opinion this is the best of the Monty Python movies, none of the movies were visually stunning. That does not mean that this got a bad transfer, quite the opposite, but if you are looking for something to impress your friends about your expensive HD set, this is not the disc.
If you are a film purist, you will be happy to know that you can still see the film grain in the picture in places. Colors seem to be natual, and may be a disappointment for those of you who are used to more vibrant things in your HD. Washed out comes to my mind, but that is really more of the style of the film, and not a problem with the transfer. In fact, the animated scenes are quite vivid and brilliant, so while not breathtaking, I will say that the transfer is faithful to the original source.
There is no high-res audio track, but do not let that disappoint you. The Monty Python movies were not known for having the subwoofer pounding, full surround emersion experience, and the Dolby Digital Plus soundtrack faithfully represents the movies soundtrack without giving up anything.
Bonus features seem to mirror previous DVD releases, and nothing special is really added.
If you are a fan of this movie, this is probably as good of an HD transfer as you will ever get, and I would highly recommend it. If you are not a Monty Python fan, pass over this one.
They couldn't make it today! An absolutely brilliant film, get the collector's edition and laugh like you've never laughed before!
If you've seen the film before you know it is irreverent, hilarious, controversial, and involves the best pre-main feature feature you'll ever see in any DVD!
If you lived in London during the early eighties you will reminisce whimsically as the cast film on location across the city.
If you've never seen the film before you'll wonder how they ever got it made, and ask yourself "Why oh why can't I get more comedies like this and less like ".
Trust me, you've never met me but you must see this film....
The meaning of life: Only from Monty Python I think, this is the best of the films by the British comedy troupe Monty Python. The quality is superb, and the DVD is filled with extras that are outstanding and comical. The interviews are memorable with the Monty Python cast and crew. The commentary by Jones and Gilliam is very astute. If you are a fan of Monty Python like me, you owe it to yourself to get this HD DVD. Definitely a must have!
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