Although it certainly will offend moviegoers lacking a fine sense of humor, ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT's dvd presentation of "MONTY PYTHON'S LIFE OF BRIAN" offers fans of the comedy group exactly what they should expect, and it's certain to win over many new fans, unfamiliar to them before now. 

A brilliant opening sequence satirizes the three wise men showing up at the wrong manger, before taking their gifts back to offer to the messiah. 

The wise men mistaking young Brian for the messiah, is just the start of systematic slaps in the face to him as he grows older.  His constantly nagging mother won't leave him alone, and there's a real question concerning whom his real father might be.  When Brian joins and anti-Roman rebel group, things get funnier and more complicated.  The film pokes hilarious fun at everything imaginable, including "Star Wars,"  When Brian is caught writing Graffiti on a wall stating "ROMANS GO HOME," the nitwit capturing him in the act, corrects his latin grammar before making him write it a hundred more times!  It's extremely witty, and often side-busting! 

There is truly nothing sacred in this film however, and some of the crucifixion humor, will offend some viewers. 

ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT has provided the film's correct 1.66:1 aspect ratio, without 16:9 enhancement.  There is a substantial amount of artifacting throughout the film. However, colors are generally decent, and contrast is acceptable, though lacking in depth.  Fleshtones appear natural. 

ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT has provided a Dolby 2.0 Stereo mix for this release.  While the music and some minor ambient effects are pleasantly channeled through all speakers, the dialogue is muffled in spots.  There were a few scenes wherein we had to rewind to catch a line of witty banter. 
 

ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT has also provided bios for the entire comedy group, along with a trailer. 

Although there's a CRITERION edition, enhanced for 16:9 enhancement, the ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT version is suitable for the lower SRP.