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Product Description
A comic oratorio inspired by Monty Python's Life Of Brian filmed at its only European performance at the Royal Albert Hall in October 2009 to celebrate 40 years of Monty Python.
Stills from Not The Messiah (click for larger image)
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Synopsis
Experience the incredible one-night-only performance as the Monty Python troupe reunites onstage during a live musical adaptation of their classic film Life of Brian.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By Paul Hough
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Having seen most things from Python I had high expectations of this new show. However while I wasn't sure what I was expecting it to be like, other than being based on the 'Life of Brian' film, it certainly did not live up to it.
It's a total musical performance of 'Life of Brian', with all new songs (except the one famous one) written by Eric Idle, which I thought I would enjoy very much but for some reason it seemed to fall completely flat for me and I found my self pressing the FF button. Which is a pity because up until now I have loved all things Python-ny
I have seen similar products done this way (such as the brilliant 'Les Miserables - Live at the Albert Hall) and have thoroughly enjoyed them. It may be that I expected too much or wanted it to be more like the film that I feel so let down by it.
In summary if you not expecting a stage version of the film and are prepared to watch it as something completely new than maybe you will see more to enjoy in this show than I did. Otherwise avoid if you wish not to be disappointed.
It's a total musical performance of 'Life of Brian', with all new songs (except the one famous one) written by Eric Idle, which I thought I would enjoy very much but for some reason it seemed to fall completely flat for me and I found my self pressing the FF button. Which is a pity because up until now I have loved all things Python-ny
I have seen similar products done this way (such as the brilliant 'Les Miserables - Live at the Albert Hall) and have thoroughly enjoyed them. It may be that I expected too much or wanted it to be more like the film that I feel so let down by it.
In summary if you not expecting a stage version of the film and are prepared to watch it as something completely new than maybe you will see more to enjoy in this show than I did. Otherwise avoid if you wish not to be disappointed.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By M. Robinson
Format:DVD
Heard about this from friends and it is excellent - if you like Monty Python, and particularly the Life of Brian, and are prepared to listen to an operatic style treatment. The Life of Brian is there, but in a new way, almost as good as the original.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Blu-ray
This is an oratorio first, and a comedy second. It's not your conventional Monty Python fare, nor is it a "Hollywood Bowl"-style celebration of Python humour.
What it IS is a tongue-in-cheek yet often straight-faced musical parody of Handel's "Messiah", with over 100 voices and a 120-piece orchestra, that has a sense of humour and is inspired by- rather than being a retelling of the story of- "Life Of Brian". If you know what you're expecting, and you're not expecting a classic 40th anniversary Monty Python reunion, then you'll probably enjoy this. Apart from an encore of "The Lumberjack Song" and the inevitable "Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life" this is not "Monty Python Sings".
It's not Eric Idle's finest work- I'm afraid I think "The Rutles" was the last time he was actually funny- and some of the new musical jokes are on the weak and obvious side, but the four lead vocalist's performances are vocally strong as well as being full of fun. It's enjoyable but not laugh-out-loud funny.
The Blu-ray is reasonable, with two behind-the-scenes documentaries (running for about 40 minutes in total) and some other extra pieces which help explain why "Not The Messiah" even exists, which seems more like a happy accident than a deliberate celebration or a cash-in.
This is only for real Python completists or for opera fans with a sense of humour, rather than a must-have for everybody.
What it IS is a tongue-in-cheek yet often straight-faced musical parody of Handel's "Messiah", with over 100 voices and a 120-piece orchestra, that has a sense of humour and is inspired by- rather than being a retelling of the story of- "Life Of Brian". If you know what you're expecting, and you're not expecting a classic 40th anniversary Monty Python reunion, then you'll probably enjoy this. Apart from an encore of "The Lumberjack Song" and the inevitable "Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life" this is not "Monty Python Sings".
It's not Eric Idle's finest work- I'm afraid I think "The Rutles" was the last time he was actually funny- and some of the new musical jokes are on the weak and obvious side, but the four lead vocalist's performances are vocally strong as well as being full of fun. It's enjoyable but not laugh-out-loud funny.
The Blu-ray is reasonable, with two behind-the-scenes documentaries (running for about 40 minutes in total) and some other extra pieces which help explain why "Not The Messiah" even exists, which seems more like a happy accident than a deliberate celebration or a cash-in.
This is only for real Python completists or for opera fans with a sense of humour, rather than a must-have for everybody.
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4.2 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
ok
I bought this as a stocking filler for my husband but it wasn't as funny as I thought it would be just okay.
Published 2 months ago by Mrs. A. P. East
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant
I've watched this so many times and not tired of it yet. Excellent singing, excellent BBC chorus and orchestra. The professional singers and the pythons were a riot.Very Funny. Read more
Published 4 months ago by hazel
5.0 out of 5 stars
Eric Idle is a naughty boy
This is a comic oratorio. Eric Idle likes to make fun of the famous. With John du Prez he has now turned to Handel (but also Mozart, Richard Strauss and some others). Read more
Published 15 months ago by JHvW
5.0 out of 5 stars
Highly recommend!
I had little idea what to expect when I ordered this, but I love the special concerts from the Albert Hall and this one didn't disappoint! Read more
Published 22 months ago by Freeman
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not the Messiah
I'm a big Python fan and own the complete boxset of the films and tv series, as well as the Almost the Truth documentary. However, I was left somewhat underwhelmed by this show. Read more
Published on 28 Jan 2011 by R Hartle
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great fun
This is opera with a difference - one, short piece has no words, but so much meaning! If you like the MP gang, buy it!
Published on 24 Aug 2010 by Susan Halse
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not The Messiah (He's a Very Naughty Boy) [DVD] [2007] by Eric Idle
Very good entertainment.
This performance was a well kept secret, which I stumbled on by accident on a BBC Scotland lunchtime news/review programme.
Lucky!!!
This performance was a well kept secret, which I stumbled on by accident on a BBC Scotland lunchtime news/review programme.
Lucky!!!
Published on 9 Aug 2010 by Little rock
5.0 out of 5 stars
Eric Idle is not the Messiah
I wasn't there when this was filmed, unlike the other reviews, so I'm not biased in that sense.
I absolutely loved it. Read more
I absolutely loved it. Read more
Published on 25 Jun 2010 by Miss A. Frost
3.0 out of 5 stars
I'm going to buy this but...
I'm a Python fan...I paid the extortionate price to see them all (minus JC) at the Royal Albert Hall. I'm so glad I went. A unique event. But was it worth the hype...no. Read more
Published on 10 Jun 2010 by Spectacle
5.0 out of 5 stars
An absolute MUST for all Python fans!!!!............
At the outset, I must admit that my view on this piece may be slightly prejudiced seeing as I was fortunate enough to have been in attendance at the Royal Albert Hall that... Read more
Published on 5 Jun 2010 by Mark Durand
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