Commissions Earned

The 1979 film “Monty Python’s Life of Brian” will be released on 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray via The Criterion Collection on April 14th.

Terry Jones directed the film. It starred the Monty Python comedy troupe, which included Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin.

The movie has received a 4K digital restoration, supervised by Monty Python’s Terry Gilliam. The tech specs for the 4K UHD Blu-ray include a 2160p video presentation in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio with Dolby Vision (HDR10-compatible) high dynamic range, along with lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and 5.1 surround sound mixes. Tech specs for the Blu-ray version include a 1080p HD video presentation in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, as well as DTS-HD MA 2.0 and 5.1 surround sound.

The 4K release, just like the Blu-ray release, will arrive as a 2-disc set with a [bonus] Blu-ray Disc accommodating only the special features. NOTE: It does NOT include an HD version of the film on said disc; just extras.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray are now available for preorder at Amazon. Also, you can preorder directly via the Criterion Website. The bonus materials included with the releases are listed below.

• Two audio commentaries featuring Pythons Gilliam, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin
• The Story of Brian (2007), a making-of documentary
• The Pythons (1979), a documentary about Monty Python filmed on location for Life of Brian
• Behind-the-scenes Super 8 film shot by Palin
• Five deleted scenes with commentary by the Pythons
• Original British radio ads starring Mrs. Cleese, Mrs. Gilliam, Mrs. Idle, and Palin’s dentist
• Original illustrated recording by the Pythons of an early version of their screenplay
• Animated stills gallery
• Trailer
• English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• PLUS: An essay by film critic Bilge Ebiri
• Cover based on an original theatrical poster by Terry Gilliam