Viewed in
2010
Formats
Standard Definition cable TV
Premise
A recording of Eric Idle's show in Washington D.C.
Loved
The performances.
Liked
The song selection.
Disliked
Abrupt transitions.
Thoughts
Better than expected.
It was a pretty cool compilation of well-known Monty Python songs, especially from "Monty Python Sings" album, plus, skits performed by Idle and some talented backup singers/performers. I enjoyed the new "Getty Song", which highlighted all the nudity in art. Pretty much the only song that was not used was "Knights of the Round Table".
Music can truly be a fountain of youth. Idle was about 60 when he toured, and it appeared that he sang and performed for nearly two hours like a 30 year old. The backup performers were very good at channeling their inner Pythons. And the female singers were as talented as they were attractive.
What bugged me was that it appeared to be heavily edited and chopped. While it's possible it was done on purpose, it was disconcerting that it would jump from song to song, abruptly intercut with Python animations or compilations. I think it was the standard definition that threw me off, as I could not tell if which footage was from the show or not.
I found it funny that the American audience hardly laughed. Actually, that's pretty much how we watch Monty Python.
As a fan, it was fun watching this celebration of Python music and skits. It was not as cool without the other living members there (save a recorded Terry Jones cameo), but it was full of silliness and a good stroll down memory lane.
What I would change
Slowed down the transitions between songs.
Random
The hottest backup dancer turned out to be Samantha Harris from "Dancing with the Stars". So turns out she was also talented and funny. It was weird seeing her with so much spunk and charisma, when I was used to watching her as a monotonic television host.
Lastly, I'm confused why Starz channel said this came out in 2009, when it occurred in 2002-2003.
