Review of Monty Python`s Flying Circus Set #4

Introduction

The fourth double-disc set of Monty Python episodes from A&E contains episodes 20 to 26 of this much-loved classic TV series. These episodes made up the second half of the second season, continuing the trend of quality set by earlier episodes.

Recorded and broadcast in 1970, does Monty Python stand the test of time? Well, that`s a rhetorical question really, because of course it does!

On to the discs themselves.

Video

Video quality is as good as can be expected for a 31 year old TV series that has been converted from PAL to NTSC.

I`ve said it before and I`ll say it again - it`s a travesty that Python fans have to import NTSC discs to watch their favourite show, but thankfully the quality is good enough. Certainly better than my VHS copies, and that`s all that really matters since there`s still no sign of a sensible region 2 release for the show.

Audio

As with all of the other discs in the series, as good as can be expected. A DD2.0 stereo track is available, which is just really the mono recording played back over both channels. It sounds good enough, so no complaints in this department either. There would be no benefit in a DD5.1 remix after all.

Features

As well as three episodes on the first disk and four on the second, we even get a selection of extras.

You`ll find "Gillianimations" - a collection of animation segments from the brain of the mad animator himself, "Meet the Chaps" which is the biography section, but which also includes a brief sketch for each of the team, a trivia quiz called "A Trivial Quest", which is fairly easy for fans and rewards you with more sketches and also "Pythonisms" - a useful dictionary to help you speak Python, partially aimed at the American audience (who the disk is really for of course).

A very well presented set of extras, and good to see that some effort has gone into these discs.

Conclusion

A chance to own another classic slice of Monty Python on DVD. Fans should snap these up as there`s still no news of the full series being released in region 2.

Loads and loads of classic sketches on offer including "Attila the Hun/Nun/Bun", "Killer Sheep", "Idiots", "Mr & Mrs Git", "Hank and Roy Spim - Mosquito Hunters", "Bruces", "The Verrifast Plane Co.", "Bing Tiddle Tiddle Bong", "Fish Licence", "Conquistador Instant Leprosy", "How Not To Be Seen", "Spam" and many more.

A snapshot of one of their most creative periods, and a must buy for fans everywhere.