One of the key components to the success of Monty Python has been the animated segments from troupe member Terry Gilliam. Whether used to connect two sketches or being funny just on their own, Gilliam’s work was so integral to the group’s comedy that they made the transition to the big screen for the group’s films. For the upcoming blu-ray 40th anniversary edition of Monty Python And The Holy Grail, Gilliam has gone and unearthed some unused animation prepared for the film and provided a nice audio track as well.
On the commentary track, Gilliam jokes about why the footage was cut –
This in fact is probably the only reason to buy this new Blu-ray version of the film, for the new animation. In fact, it’s old animation, but its the animation that was cut out by the rather envious members of the group, who were trying to restrain a young, talented animator. A man who could have gone on to be a great animator, but no, he was forced into live-action filmmaking to cover the scars.
Also of note on the commentary track is Gilliam talking about some of the interesting and surprising inspirations that he drew on for the pieces in the film. We also get to hear part of a song cut from the film by frequent Python musical collaborator (and former member of The Bonzo Dog Do-Dah Band) Neil Innes.
The 40th Anniversary blu-ray edition of Monty Python And The Holy Grail hits shelves on October 27. You can order your copy from Amazon here
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