The first two discs contain a six-part documentary about the
groundbreaking British troupe. Despite the use of new interviews with
the six members, and other sources such as a hilarious Bruce Dickinson
(Iron Maiden’s singer), there’s not much new ground covered. Who wrote
with whom and who fought with whom have already been explored. There
are a few exceptions, notably the responses and reflections on Graham
Chapman’s death (including footage of his memorial service) have taken
on a quieter, later-in-life contemplation, the depth of the objections
to Life of Brian is given deeper consideration and Python’s
afterlife via Eric Idle’s musicals is explored. Disc three, the bonus,
offers classic TV sketches, cut scenes and a gallery of member Terry
Gilliam’s visual art, a vision intact in his filmmaking.
This article appears in Nov 19-25, 2009.