A decent compilation of python sketches, and according to the host Steve Martin, some clips never before seen. Rather disapointing however, some of the funniest sketches are noticably cut short, leaving out the punch line. Great introduction sampler for folks who are less familiar with the comedy groups Flying Circus matereal, but fanatic devotees might be somewhat distraught with sketches being trimmed. Final television appearance of the entire python team together shown briefly at the end of the film, which is a shame and a poor final tribute due to Graham Chapman dying soon there after.
Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python (1989 TV Special)
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A good intro for those less familiar with the work of Monty Python
grantss14 November 2018
Presented by Steve Martin, a collection of sketches from Monty Python's Flying Circus.
A good intro for those less familiar with the work of Monty Python. Covers some of their most well-known sketches.
However, by making this a 'Greatest Hits', you remove the continuity of the original Flying Circus episodes. There the skits may have seemed independent in their setting and plot but there was often a running joke through the whole episode and certain things linking the skits. Here we have none of that.
Furthermore, for those of us already familiar with the work of Monty Python, we'd rather watch Monty Python's Flying Circus in its entirety.
A good intro for those less familiar with the work of Monty Python. Covers some of their most well-known sketches.
However, by making this a 'Greatest Hits', you remove the continuity of the original Flying Circus episodes. There the skits may have seemed independent in their setting and plot but there was often a running joke through the whole episode and certain things linking the skits. Here we have none of that.
Furthermore, for those of us already familiar with the work of Monty Python, we'd rather watch Monty Python's Flying Circus in its entirety.
The BEST Monty Python compilation you can buy.
Jonny T9 January 2000
This video was my first experience with Monty Python. Since then I have become a rabid fan. This compilation is fabulous. All the sketches included are top notch and outrageously funny. Steve Martin's commentary is also quite amusing and the video leaves nothing to be desired. If you are a python fan, you should buy this video. The miriad of hilarious sketches will leave you rolling on the floor. If you've never seen Monty Python on the other hand, watch this video. It will make you a fan. It made me one.
Perfect for the New or Non-Fan!
Emily Jane29 May 2000
If you are my age (15) and have no idea who in the hell Monty Python is, this is just the thing for you. Jam packed with some of the funniest sketches ever written! Great for the long time fan too.
On a little foot note, at the end when Steve Martin told where the Pythons were (in the cupboard), there is some sentimental value to the little joke - ALL the Pythons in the cupboard, including Graham. "Sad, isn't it?"
On a little foot note, at the end when Steve Martin told where the Pythons were (in the cupboard), there is some sentimental value to the little joke - ALL the Pythons in the cupboard, including Graham. "Sad, isn't it?"
The New Bits Were Funny
richard.fuller15 March 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I'm rather certain this must have been the program, tho I am not sure.
Hosted by Steve Martin standing in a rather plain looking den or something, he begins an overly gushing retrospect of the Flying Circue performers, what geniuses they were, how talented.
Who can forget them? "John, Paul, George, Ringo and . . . ." Martin immediately shakes it off. Clearly he has the wrong Brits.
LIke anyone in the American audience would notice tho.
Yes, the show then went thru nothing but clips of Monty Python skits, which have been shown and reshown in edited form elsewhere.
Then back to Martin.
How truly, utterly talented they were, he continues.
Where are they now, you may ask? They are right here, Steve says, and opens the cupboard behind him to reveal five shellshocked looking gentlemen.
Cleese towers over the other guys, and Graham Chapman, who was ill at this time, is sitting.
Martin then closes the door, locking them back in.
He concludes the documentary program and departs.
Fade.
The credits begin rolling.
Then we hear Michael Palin.
"Steve? Steve? -- Can we come out now?"
Hosted by Steve Martin standing in a rather plain looking den or something, he begins an overly gushing retrospect of the Flying Circue performers, what geniuses they were, how talented.
Who can forget them? "John, Paul, George, Ringo and . . . ." Martin immediately shakes it off. Clearly he has the wrong Brits.
LIke anyone in the American audience would notice tho.
Yes, the show then went thru nothing but clips of Monty Python skits, which have been shown and reshown in edited form elsewhere.
Then back to Martin.
How truly, utterly talented they were, he continues.
Where are they now, you may ask? They are right here, Steve says, and opens the cupboard behind him to reveal five shellshocked looking gentlemen.
Cleese towers over the other guys, and Graham Chapman, who was ill at this time, is sitting.
Martin then closes the door, locking them back in.
He concludes the documentary program and departs.
Fade.
The credits begin rolling.
Then we hear Michael Palin.
"Steve? Steve? -- Can we come out now?"
Not the Norwegian blue
Prismark106 December 2014
The night before the Pythons celebrated their 20th anniversary of their first television shows, Graham Chapman died after a long illness.
Steve Martin, a fan gives a deadpan commentary to this celebration of all things Python.
Its an excuse for us to see clips of the Python shows. Dead Parrot sketch excluded.
Monty Python which debuted on BBC1 launched a new type of absurd, surrealist comedy and its been heavily influential on both sides of the Atlantic. The final scene leaves us with all of the team trapped in a cupboard, Chapman included.
Steve Martin, a fan gives a deadpan commentary to this celebration of all things Python.
Its an excuse for us to see clips of the Python shows. Dead Parrot sketch excluded.
Monty Python which debuted on BBC1 launched a new type of absurd, surrealist comedy and its been heavily influential on both sides of the Atlantic. The final scene leaves us with all of the team trapped in a cupboard, Chapman included.
Monty Python Live, Part II: Not Exactly Live
gridoon10 July 2005
I suppose if you see this compilation as a stand-alone feature, you'll probably find it good enough. But I saw it as part of the 2-disc "Monty Python Live!" DVD edition (and this comment is meant ONLY for those who see it this way), and although it has some funny moments ("nobody ever expects the Spanish Inquisition!"), it is largely a waste of time. For one thing, you can see all these sketches elsewhere. For another, you can see many of them on the SAME DVD PACK. And for another, most of the best sketches ("The Argument", "Lumberjack's Song", "World Forum") are infinitely better executed in "Live at the Hollywood Bowl" (which is included on the other disc). If anything, this film helps you gain a greater appreciation of that film, and of how much experience improved the Pythons over the years. This disc also includes the first "German Episode", which is alternately brilliant (with some of Terry Gilliam's best animation) and labored, and mostly of historical interest.
The best Python classics in 72 minutes
lawrence-147 February 2000
With the exception of the Dead Parrot sketch which hands this compilation it's title, this is the ultimate collection of Python classics that have been suitably squeezed into 72 minutes. The Ministry of Silly Walks, Spam, The Lumberjack Song..they're all here along with some other lesser-known delights (e.g. the Queen Victoria Handicapp, fantastic!).
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