Monty Python's Life of Brian (Criterion Collection Spine #61) | 
| Actors: Terence Bayler, Peter Brett, John Case, Graham Chapman, John Cleese
Studio: Criterion
Category: DVD
List Price: $39.95
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Avg. Customer Rating:  287 reviews
Sales Rank: 16679
Format: Anamorphic, Color, Dvd-video, Special Edition, Widescreen, Ntsc
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Subtitled)
Rating: R (Restricted)
Number Of Items: 1
Running Time: 94
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
DVD Layers: 2
DVD Sides: 1
Picture Format: Anamorphic Widescreen
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: PMIDCC1554D
ISBN: 1559409010
UPC: 715515010320
EAN: 9781559409018
ASIN: 1559409010
Theatrical Release Date: August 17, 1979
Release Date: November 16, 1999
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Product Description
After slaying the arthurian legend in their now classic holy grail the pythons set their sights on the greatest story ever told. Blind faith virgin birth crucifixion nothing is sacred in this epic send-up of ancient times which draws on the cornball biblical blockbusters of the 1950s. Studio: Image Entertainment Release Date: 11/16/1999 Run time: 94 minutes Rating: Nr
Amazon.com essential video
"Blessed are the cheesemakers," a wise man once said. Or maybe not. But the point is Monty Python's Life of Brian is a religious satire that does not target specific religions or religious leaders (like, say, Jesus of Nazareth). Instead, it pokes fun at the mindless and fanatical among their followers--it's an attack on religious zealotry and hypocrisy--things that that fellow from Nazareth didn't particularly care for either. Nevertheless, at the time of its release in 1979, those who hadn't seen it considered it to be quite "controversial." Life of Brian, you see, is about a chap named Brian (Graham Chapman) born December 25 in a hovel not far from a soon-to-be-famous Bethlehem manger. Brian is mistaken for the messiah and therefore manipulated, abused, and exploited by various religious and political factions. And it's really, really funny. Particularly memorable bits include the brassy Shirley Bassey/James Bond-like title song; the bitter rivalry between the anti-Roman resistance groups, the Judean People's Front and the People's Front of Judea; Michael Palin's turn as a lisping, risible Pontius Pilate; Brian urging a throng of false-idol worshippers to think for themselves--to which they reply en masse "Yes, we must think for ourselves!"; the fact that everything Brian does, including losing his sandal in an attempt to flee these wackos, is interpreted as "a sign." Life of Brian is not only one of Monty Python's funniest achievements, it's also the group's sharpest and smartest sustained satire. Blessed are the Pythons. --Jim Emerson
Amazon.com
"Blessed are the cheesemakers," a wise man once said. Or maybe not. But the point is Monty Python's Life of Brian is a religious satire that does not target specific religions or religious leaders (like, say, Jesus of Nazareth). Instead, it pokes fun at the mindless and fanatical among their followers--it's an attack on religious zealotry and hypocrisy--things that that fellow from Nazareth didn't particularly care for either. Nevertheless, at the time of its release in 1979, those who hadn't seen it considered it to be quite "controversial." Life of Brian, you see, is about a chap named Brian (Graham Chapman) born December 25 in a hovel not far from a soon-to-be-famous Bethlehem manger. Brian is mistaken for the messiah and therefore manipulated, abused, and exploited by various religious and political factions. And it's really, really funny. Particularly memorable bits include the brassy Shirley Bassey/James Bond-like title song; the bitter rivalry between the anti-Roman resistance groups, the Judean People's Front and the People's Front of Judea; Michael Palin's turn as a lisping, risible Pontius Pilate; Brian urging a throng of false-idol worshippers to think for themselves--to which they reply en masse "Yes, we must think for ourselves!"; the fact that everything Brian does, including losing his sandal in an attempt to flee these wackos, is interpreted as "a sign." Life of Brian is not only one of Monty Python's funniest achievements, it's also the group's sharpest and smartest sustained satire. Blessed are the Pythons. --Jim Emerso
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| Customer Reviews: Read 282 more reviews...
 A classic of all time November 2, 2008
A lot has been said and do not wish to repeat it. In my mind this is by far the most complete and timeless of the Monty Python classics ... I personally love The Meaning of Life but it resonates mostly with those coming of age in the 70s and early 80s as many of the topics were current then (sex education, antiwar sentiment etc).
Life of Brian will never lose its appeal but it requires a copy with English subtitles even for native English speakers to catch all the brilliance.
It is moreover an essential piece of work in bringing about religious understanding and tolerance. Whether you are a believer or not it is healthy in a free society to challenge the very institutions they are built on and remind us all not to take anything too seriously. Those who find it offensive are most likely also in favor of challenging the separation of church and state and return to non-secular societies. Look to the 'success stories' we have mostly in the Arab world today for inspiration.
If your movie collection holds more than 5 titles this must be one of them.
Always look on the bright side of ... September 15, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
There are certain movies that stand out on the holidays. This is not one of them. It probably should be. You will find that many of the Python crew plays many different characters in the movie.
Now the truth can be told. It all starts with three wise men delivering gifts to young Brian. Oops they correct their mistake. Later, Judea, 33 A.D., on a Saturday afternoon, once again Brian (Graham Chapman) is a tad far down the mount when they hear what sounds as "blessed are the cheese makers" (it's not meant to be taken literally that could mean any manufacturer). That is where Brian first sees Judith (Sue Jones.) Later he shall be involved in the People's Front of Judea. Later still he will be mistaken for the messiah (it is a logical mistake). Two factions fight over who owns the messiah (the Shoe Followers and Gourd Followers.)
You will recognize many of your favorite vices and verses. One of the highlights of the story is the speech given by Pilate and Biggus Dickus.
As with most complex movies you will find the one you are looking for Python comedy, fanatic parody, or if you wish a deeper meaning.
If you enjoyed this movie the next on your list should be "Wholly Moses" (1983) with Dudley Moore and Laraine Newman.
Wholly Moses!
IMHO, the funniest film ever September 4, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
The Python's most complete work. Packed with one-liners, a good plot, real pathos at the end and a message, "You don't need me, you don't need anyone!" which has even more relevance now than when it was originally released.
Should be compulsory viewing
CLASSIC! September 4, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
OK, so it's no Holy Grail, but if you're a fan (or even a partial fan) of Monty Python, this is pure pleasure. If for nothing else but the final song, Always Look on the Bright Side of Life. Not for the easily offended, as Monty Python take shots at every Christian tenet they can. Absolutely hilarious, in a totally blasphemous and disgusting way.
brian August 31, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
monty python's life of brian is a cult classic.it is also the funniest movie that I have seen..
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