Happily someone high up at Sony Pictures has not only remembered that timeless comedy classic Monty Python And The Holy Grail is 50 years old this year, but they’ve also decided to celebrate this half-century milestone by granting the film a 4K Blu-ray release. And not just any 4K Blu-ray release, either; this one’s going to appear as a limited edition steelbook release accompanied by hours of special features – including a brand new 50 Years of Monty Python And The Holy Grail tribute documentary.
The film will be presented on 4K disc in its 1.66:1 original aspect ratio using a new 4K master bolstered by the Dolby Vision high dynamic range format, breathing new life into Monty Python’s unique take on the King Arthur myth and its cast of classic characters. Hopefully the likes of The Black Knight, the Knights Who Say “Ni”, Tim the Enchanter, Brave Sir Robin and, of course, the legendary White Rabbit will have never looked better.
It’s not just the film’s picture quality that’s getting a new lick of paint for the 4K Blu-ray release, either. The film will also be presented on the 4K disc with a Dolby Atmos sound mix, to make sure you don’t miss a word of The Frenchman’s taunting or the Bridgekeeper’s cunning riddles. Purists will be pleased to hear, though, that the original English Mono track is going to be provided as an option on the disc too, delivering the same audio experience cinemagoers got when the film was first released back in 1975.
The film will be accompanied on the 4K disc by two special features: A slightly shorter “near-theatrical’ version of the film (presented in HD resolution) previously only available on an old VHS release of the film, and the “Tis But A Tribute – 50 Years Of Monty Python And The Holy Grail” documentary, in which more than 25 comedians share their memories of, affection for and continued fascination with the film.
The bulk of the package’s special features, though, will be reserved for the HD Blu-ray that will be included alongside the 4K one. Heading these HD Blu-ray extras up will be not one but two audio commentary tracks, one featuring directors Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones, and one featuring John Cleese, Eric Idle and Michael Palin. There are plenty of other goodies to get your Monty Python teeth into too, though:
* 2015 Tribeca Film Festival Q&A with Terry, Terry, Mike, John and Eric!
* Outtakes and Extended Scenes with Introduction by Terry Jones
* Lost Animations with Introduction by Terry Gilliam
* Quest for the Holy Grail Locations with Michael Palin and Terry Jones
* Lego Knights: The Knights of the Round Table in LEGO
* Special Japanese Version
* How to Use Your Coconuts (An Educational Film)
* BBC Film Night on Location
* Three Songs to Sing-Along
* Photo Gallery
* Original Theatrical Trailer
Sony has announced that this gorgeously presented new 4K release of what’s easily my favourite comedy film of all time will be launched on August 26th. Given the 4K release’s limited edition status and the film’s enduring popularity, though, I’d strongly recommend getting your order in well before that on-sale date arrives.
—
Related Reading
‘Kingdom Of Heaven’ 4K Blu-ray Details Announced—Including Restored And Remastered Director’s Cut
Disney Announces Restored And Remastered ‘Lilo & Stitch’ 4K Blu-ray
‘Tombstone’ 4K Blu-ray Details Revealed—Including A Full Remaster By Disney’s Film Preservation Team
