Complete Monty Python's Flying Circus, The: Collector's Edition (DVD)

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VIDEO

These are the same transfers as in the "16-Ton Megaset."

The episodes are presented in their original full screen broadcast format. As stated on the back of the previous "16-Ton Megaset," the unrestored episodes are "Now in glorious digital DVD format so that you, the digital aficionado, can enjoy the original scratches, pops and hisses with crystal clarity."

AUDIO

The DVD is presented in Dolby Digital stereo. Optional English-language subtitles support the audio and may be necessary for some viewers who have difficulty understanding the Pythons´ accents.

EXTRAS

The first 14 discs containing the 45 episodes of "Flying Circus" are identical to the first 14 discs of the "16-Ton Megaset" with the same transfers and extras. The only difference is that the episodes now have a time code, unlike on the previous "Megaset."

In addition to "Before the Pythons," Disc 15 features a lost Monty Python Sketch (3 min.) and a very interesting featurette "Animated Gilliam" (16 min.) Gilliam goes through the introductory animation sequences to each of the four seasons of the show and provides a detailed mise-en-scene analysis of each shot. I absolutely loved this feature.

The boxed set is nicely presented. It is a 6x4 box with a lift-off top. There are two large folding cases inside the box, one with the 14 discs of the series, and the other with the seven bonus discs. The discs are nested two each per sleeve.

Another major improvement over the "16-Ton Megaset" is the inclusion of an episode guide with individual skits listed (y´know, I complained about the lack of time codes and an episode guide last time – do you think they listened to me?) which helps viewers sort through this large and anarchic set in which the absurd episode titles do little to help you remember where to find specific skits.

You also get a discount code for a ticket to Spamalot.

SET VALUE

It´s difficult to recommend buying this release over the "16-Ton Megaset." The price difference between the two is considerable (about $60 at full retail) and the only extras you get that aren´t in the "16-Ton Megaset" are the two documentaries and the three discs with the "Personal Best" collections (two per disc, six total). These are two excellent documentaries and I´m sure Python fans will love them. However, the "Personal Best" discs are a superfluous inclusion in a set that already contains the entire series. Yes, it´s nice to watch each the Pythons provide a brief intro to each of the skits but, essentially, they are simply collections of skits already in the set, just presented in a different order. What´s the point?

If you´re a true Python completist, you will want the new documentaries but consider that those are the only meaningful extras you are paying for beyond the "16-Ton Megaset." My recommendation for "Film Value" is for the value of the Series itself, not this specific DVD release which I can´t really recommend over the alternative.

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