I just finally got the "out of print" Life of Python DVD set. I watched the Python "reunion" special. The documentary was good, I enjoyed it very much. I also enjoyed the documentary about their "rock and roll" career. It left out some key points, such as George Harrison's involvement of Life Of Brian and Neil Innes's contributions.
I was sad to see that Eric didn't concede with joining the group for the bits of new material, which is odd because in the past 9 years he has been doing a lot of past Python material live, on CD, and books (not to mention adapting the Holy Grail to Broadway creating Spamalot . . . which did reunite Python for the opening). He was also the one who was trying to do more Python stuff after the Meaning of Life and after the death of Chapman. However, it looks like it could have been conflicting with scheduling because he did do the interviews, did the phony bio sketch of "Monty Python" the man, showed up on satellite for the VERY brief interview at the end, as well as played some music on his guitar. Also I heard he was angry with some of the things Carol Cleveland said, however I found nothing of what she said offensive, so I don't know.
However, the great part was when Palin spoofed his Travel videos by doing one on "Pythonland". Even though that is the one part I saw before, it still was great to see.
All in all, I think it was great and funny. I liked the new bits with the Gumbies, the men on the street, the Pepperpots, and the bit with Mastermind and the Gorillas. They all made me laugh and smile, but I wished there was more. The "new" Mayday portion (which has bits of other Python sketches aired) was good and funny as well. Also, to the makers of South Park: please release Gilliam's Mother. I found that one bit was not on the DVD that I knew about, it could have been aired on BBC and was cut from the DVD, or was an out take from the show. It was where Palin plays a man who wants to be remembered as an idol so he comes to a man played by Cleese, who eventually shoots him.
The Live At Aspen reunion interview was better, and the documentaries of the films on the special edition DVDs themselves (a terrific one on the Life of Brian Immaculate Edition DVD, a funny digital reunion on the Meaning of Life Special Edition DVD) were better. Also if you want a complete history of the Pythons, get the book Python by the Pythons.
Sadly there will be no 2009 reunion. The 5 chaps met in England, had a great night together, and they all felt that another one wouldn't be good, that all they wanted or needed was that personal night together. However they are all still going strong. Both Terry's are doing movies (Gilliam is back doing The Man Who Killed Don Quixote with possible Palin as Don Quixote this time), Cleese has a new show on the BBC, Palin is still doing his travel videos, and Eric is still doing Spamalot, writing books, and CDs.
It is worth seeing if you are a big Python fan like me. If you are a mediocre, you may not get as much joy out of it. However you can get a look at it, I recommend it.
I was sad to see that Eric didn't concede with joining the group for the bits of new material, which is odd because in the past 9 years he has been doing a lot of past Python material live, on CD, and books (not to mention adapting the Holy Grail to Broadway creating Spamalot . . . which did reunite Python for the opening). He was also the one who was trying to do more Python stuff after the Meaning of Life and after the death of Chapman. However, it looks like it could have been conflicting with scheduling because he did do the interviews, did the phony bio sketch of "Monty Python" the man, showed up on satellite for the VERY brief interview at the end, as well as played some music on his guitar. Also I heard he was angry with some of the things Carol Cleveland said, however I found nothing of what she said offensive, so I don't know.
However, the great part was when Palin spoofed his Travel videos by doing one on "Pythonland". Even though that is the one part I saw before, it still was great to see.
All in all, I think it was great and funny. I liked the new bits with the Gumbies, the men on the street, the Pepperpots, and the bit with Mastermind and the Gorillas. They all made me laugh and smile, but I wished there was more. The "new" Mayday portion (which has bits of other Python sketches aired) was good and funny as well. Also, to the makers of South Park: please release Gilliam's Mother. I found that one bit was not on the DVD that I knew about, it could have been aired on BBC and was cut from the DVD, or was an out take from the show. It was where Palin plays a man who wants to be remembered as an idol so he comes to a man played by Cleese, who eventually shoots him.
The Live At Aspen reunion interview was better, and the documentaries of the films on the special edition DVDs themselves (a terrific one on the Life of Brian Immaculate Edition DVD, a funny digital reunion on the Meaning of Life Special Edition DVD) were better. Also if you want a complete history of the Pythons, get the book Python by the Pythons.
Sadly there will be no 2009 reunion. The 5 chaps met in England, had a great night together, and they all felt that another one wouldn't be good, that all they wanted or needed was that personal night together. However they are all still going strong. Both Terry's are doing movies (Gilliam is back doing The Man Who Killed Don Quixote with possible Palin as Don Quixote this time), Cleese has a new show on the BBC, Palin is still doing his travel videos, and Eric is still doing Spamalot, writing books, and CDs.
It is worth seeing if you are a big Python fan like me. If you are a mediocre, you may not get as much joy out of it. However you can get a look at it, I recommend it.