The Film
Fetchez la vache!
In honor of the 35th anniversary of Monty Python's best (maybe?) and most quotable (definitely) film, Sony has finally knighted Monty Python and the Holy Grail with a Blu-ray release.
If you need a rehashing of the movie, you may want to rethink everything you've ever called a comedy. OK, though; I'll bite. King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table set out in search of the Holy Grail. However, it's the adventures along the way that make the movie, which includes a Black Knight, projectile farm animals, a bevy of lonely beauties at the Castle Anthrax, Knights who say Ni, and a Bridge of Death.
To try to sum up the brilliant absurdity of this movie into a few mere sentences is more treacherous than facing the Rabbit of Caerbannog. For fans of the classic British troupe and comedy in general, Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a no-brainer.
The Picture 
It's hard to expect a whole lot from a film that's 35 years old. That said, Monty Python and the Holy Grail looks pretty darn good for its age, if not pretty darn close to how you might remember it. The 1.66:1 transfer is grainy, which kills some of the detail and the film has flecks and flickers throughout. However, there is detail to be had, and that alone is impresive. Also, the colors and black levels are more than decent. There's only so much Sony could really do with this film, and they should be commended for what's presented here.
The Sound
The DTS-HD Master Audio track is a bit of a mixed bag. Overall, it's a good track, but echoes on occasion. The rears are practically silent, except for when music pops in throughout the film. Otherwise, the dialogue and sound effects are fine. Just don't let the 5.1 sound fool you into thinking there's an immersive experience to be had. It's just a slight step up from the original mono track, which is also included here.
The Extras
Fans will be frothing over the collection that's included on this anniversary release. There are outtakes, interviews and photos, as well as about 13 minutes of "Lost Animations." The dual commentaries, which features the actual Monty Python cast, has enough tidbits and humor on each to make both worth at least one listen. If that's not of interest, maybe you'd prefer something like the "Subtitles for People Who Do Not Like the Film."
The Holy Grail, so to speak, is an add-on iPad app titled "The Holy Book of Days Second Screen."This is something that fans would probably be willing to fight the Black Knight over, but you can just pay the $4.99 for the download. Once the app is installed, viewers can follow along with never-before-seen outtakes, stills, diaries, sketches, sounds and other tidbits.
Final Thoughts
Monty Python and the Holy Grail isn't just one of the best Monty Python movies, but one of the best comedies ever. Even if you've seen it to the point where you can recite it, you probably haven't seen it enough. It's not the best looking and sounding Blu-ray, but it's the best it's going to get. Sony certainly tried, and the extras prove that. If this isn't deserving of a spot in your collection, it's hard to imagine what is.
Product Details
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