If you are one of the many Python fans that discovered the comedic group long after their TV series and film releases, then you might not be aware of the public outcry that rose up around The Life of Brian, a film that many believe to be sacrilegious. Because of this outcry, the Python film was banned in quite a few countries, including the UK. This odd documentary, almost a mockumentary really, starts with the troupe trying to get the movie into theaters, continues on to show the public reaction as well as the Python's reaction to that reaction, and eventually culminates in a BBC-broadcasted debate on "Friday Night, Saturday Morning" with Cleese and Palin on one side and the then Bishop of Southwark, Mervyn Stockwood (Roy Marsden) and a born-again comedian, Malcolm Muggeridge (Michael Cochrane) on the other. Holy Flying Circus also touches quite a bit on the growing tension between Cleese and the rest of the Pythons.
Several times, Holy Flying Circus makes a point of saying that the details it portrays aren't necessarily factual and, much like The Life of Brian, this film is used primarily as a vehicle to convey the filmmaker's message. That message appears to be about free speech and censorship as it draws many parallels between the events around the 1979 film and how TV and movies are treated today. I found the message comes through loud and clear, and the filmmaker's ability to draw on a very particular controversial event in such a distinct way really makes Holy Flying Circus stand out. I was especially impressed by how well the actors were able to nail the Monty Python feel so well.
The Blu-ray/DVD combo version of Holy Flying Circus comes with some deleted scenes, a gag reel, production stills and a making-of featurette that shows how the giant phonotrope used in the opening sequence was built and filmed. There is nothing about Holy Flying Circus that screams high definition, especially when you consider how well the filmmakers pulled off the 1970's feel in both the physical appearance and the film quality, but a quick Amazon search tells me that you will either be picking up the Blu-ray/DVD combo, or getting an imported version from the UK at a higher cost.
I believe that any Monty Python fan, even those like myself that weren't around while the troupe was still active, should at least watch this movie, and while most people won't find it worth purchasing, those more dedicated fans will want to purchase it, if nothing else than to show off to their friends who are only casual Python followers.
