|
Directed by |
|
Starring |
|
Specs |
- Widescreen 1.85:1
- 16:9 Enhanced
- Dual Layer (RSDL 32:03)
|
Languages |
- English: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
- English: DTS 5.1 Surround
|
Subtitles |
Hebrew, Russian, Icelandic, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, English - Visually Impaired |
Extras |
- 7 Deleted scenes
- Theatrical trailer
- Audio commentary
- 7 Featurette
- Animated menus
- 2 TV spot
- DVD-ROM features
- Web access
- DTS trailer
- Short film
|
|
|
Monty Python's The Meaning of Life: SE |
Universal/Universal .
R4 . COLOR . 86 mins .
M15+ . PAL |
Feature |
|
Contract |
|
Sketch-based movies are a real danger zone when television sketch comedy is a difficult enough beast to master. Some sketches succeed brilliantly, some struggle to rate even a smirk, others are just too bizarre for their own good. Some are self-indulgent drivel, while others are just plain crap. A sketch comedy movie, then, would challenge even the best, but if any team could pull it off then it would be Monty Python, and with their loosely bundled sketches entitled, The Meaning of Life, pull it off they did - mostly. After increasing big-screen success with Jabberwocky, Monty Python and the Holy Grail and The Life of Brian, the Pythons - Graham Chapman, Michael Palin, John Cleese, Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam and Eric Idle - gathered to write what was to become The Meaning of Life. The film almost didn't eventuate due to writing blocks, in-fighting and bickering, and an abandoned idea or three. With nothing but a collection of sketches, the project seemed headed for oblivion, until one of the six came up with the idea of lumping them together under the banner of "The Meaning of Life", and so a film was born. It is obvious that the film is nothing more than a series of almost unrelated sketches, but somehow it works. From birth to death many stages between, the Pythons take the obvious and twist the guts out of it in their unique, surreal style. Childhood, puberty, adolescence, adulthood, middle-age and, of course, the autumn years, are all addressed and come in for some very humorous, but always offbeat, observations. The film is neatly packaged into eight chapters, including 'The Middle of the Film', 'The End of the Film', 'Thank you Brigit' and Terry Gilliam's introductory short, The Crimson Permanent Assurance. There are some memorable sequences and unforgettable characters such as the beyond morbidly obese Mr. Creosote and the Grim Reaper. The Meaning of Life is a musical and features a number of witty, amusing and catchy tunes. Just try to stop yourself from joining in during Meaning of Life, Every Sperm is Sacred, Galaxy Song and Christmas in Heaven. Some are very traditional sounding and looking show tunes with more than just a hint of Vegas about them. There are also some examples of the very unique Gilliam style of animation, cheesy special effects, excellent costumes, sets and great makeup. It's no Hollywood blockbuster, but it is a damned fine effort all the same, and was chosen to be Britain's entry for Cannes. This version also offers the option of inserting almost nine minutes that were originally cut from the film, in DTS, and with optional commentary. See the 'Extras' section for further details. Those who are Python fans will have already decided that this release is for them, while those who have never been fans are unlikely to be converted by The Meaning of Life. If you are a serious fan who already owns The Meaning of Life on DVD and are wondering if it is worth the price to upgrade, then dally no longer. There is every reason to throw out the first release and grab this 'Special Edition'. This two-disc collection looks and sounds far better than ever and is bursting with extras, though some are dubious at best. With this and The Holy Grail 'Special Edition' now available in Region 4, surely The Life of Brian can't be far away?
Video |
|
Contract |
|
And so to the crunch - does The Meaning of Life finally measure up to DVD standard? The answer is, mostly, yes! The aspect ratio remains the same at approximately 1.85:1 and widescreen owners can rejoice for this time it is 16:9 enhanced. As well as that, just about everything else has been markedly improved. There is still some slight grain at times, but is barely worth mentioning and, overall, the image is much sharper and displays far better definition. Much of the lack of brilliance can be attributed to the age and source of the master, but even so, this is a much better-looking film. Colours look as good as they ever have, and are solid and even with minimal bleeding and interference from noise. Black levels are generally good and shadow detail is mostly acceptable. There are still some small marks such as dirt and flecks, however the overall look confirms that quite some effort has at last been expended on the film, and not before time. If you wish to sit and look for marks then yes, you will find them, but why bother? Grain is minimal, and there are no real compression problems. There is no detectable shimmer and very little aliasing. If it's quality and consistency you want, then here it is. The layer change at 32:03 is as discrete as you could hope for and not disruptive.
Audio |
|
Contract |
|
Fans will be pleased to hear that there is now a choice of audio tracks, including many people's personal favourite, DTS 5.1. So let's start there, shall we? It came as a surprise to learn there was a DTS track included (and needs to be selected from the Foreigners sub menu and can't be chosen 'on-the-fly’), but upon hearing it, reality kicked back in. Remembering that this film is largely a dialogue-driven comedy with little in the way of 'big' action scenes, then it is no surprise that this DTS is not as aggressive as some others with a lot of the soundtrack coming from the front and centre speakers. Thought has gone into the mix, however, and the film certainly sounds far better than ever. There is most noticeable rear channel use in the two war scenes, and some of the more atmospheric sections such as Death. During the many songs you will also be more aware of the rear channels, and it is also during the songs that the subwoofer gets the most use. There is some modest separation across the front channels, but everything is balanced and even. There are times when there is a slight drop in fidelity, but only real audiophiles are likely to pick it. All dialogue is clear and well synchronised. The volume levels are consistent, and there are no clicks, pops or dropouts. The Dolby Digital 5.1 sounds quite similar, though perhaps less balanced with some fluctuations in fidelity for those with bat-like hearing
Extras |
|
Contract |
|
Overall |
|
Contract |
|
At last this film is now available in a decent DVD package. There is no reason to go overseas and get your copy for the other regions do not appear to have been blessed with any further extra features. The audio and video will never sound better, the film itself hasn't really dated, and will provide laughs even after repeated viewings.
LINK: http://www.dvd.net.au/review.cgi?review_id=3323
Send to a friend.
|
|
|
And I quote... |
"It's time to get reacquainted with… the machine that goes ‘Ping!’" - Terry Kemp |
|
Review Equipment |
- DVD Player:
Akai
- TV:
TEAC CT-F803 80cm Super Flat Screen
- Receiver:
Pioneer VSX-D409
- Speakers:
Wellings
- Centre Speaker:
Wellings
- Surrounds:
Wellings
- Subwoofer:
Sherwood SP 210W
- Audio Cables:
Standard RCA
- Video Cables:
standard s-video
|
Recent Reviews: |
|
|
Related Links |
|
|