Over the last few years, the comedy troupe known as Monty Python has made their 4K UHD debuts and every transfer thus far has looked incredible. Whether it be a standard amray for The Meaning of Life (1983) or a gorgeous steelbook for Holy Grail (1975), every single Python 4K has looked incredible. For fans of the iconic comedians, these have been must-have staples for any collection. While Life of Brian beams into 4K with a stunning, gorgeous, undeniable transfer, there is no need to wait, debate, or simply contemplate adding the iconic comedy to your 4K UHD, Blu-ray, or Criterion collection. Life of Brian is as funny as ever, still timely, and continues to prove why Monty Python, as a collective, is still one of the greatest comedy troupes of all time.
L-R: Graham Chapman and Terry Jones LIFE OF BRIAN. Photo courtesy of The Criterion Collection.
If you know nothing about Monty Python’s Life of Brian, this is their “religious” movie. During its initial release, it sparked protests and the incredibly vocal religious voices were clear about how much they did not approve of this movie and how angry it made them. Life of Brian focuses on Brian Cohen (Graham Chapman), a relatively ordinary, unextraordinary man who goes on to become one of the most important people in this version of history. He gets labelled as the messiah and is placed to overtake the Roman Empire, resulting in havoc, chaos, and hilarity through and through.
Alas though, as this is a Python movie, there are the usual suspects or Terry Gilliam (Jupiter Ascending), John Cleese (Shrek the Third), Eric Idle (Casper), Terry Jones (Absolutely Anything), and Michael Palin (A Fish Called Wanda) all playing a plethora of characters that bring all of the absurdity and madness to life. Directed by Jones and written by the entire troupe, Life of Brian continues to be poignant and timeless. This 4K restoration, done by Criterion and supervised by Gilliam, presents the film in Dolby Vision HDR and has all of the special features tagging along on the supplementary Blu-ray in the combo pack. So, prepare for some rib-breaking hilarity with this newest edition to the Criterion Collection and allow your Python collection to continue to grow and flour.
While the movie originally came out in 1979, this restoration was not done from a print, 35 mm or other, but from a digital copy, presumably a restored version of the previously released Blu-rays. Regardless, this restoration still pops and is as vibrant as ever, flourishing in all moments. Nothing is overtly dull or seems out of place, and the colors pop throughout the feature, focusing on the hilarity and obscenity that is occurring throughout. There is no grain or dust throughout the 4K presentation, further supporting that this was restored from the previous releases. While the movie is nearly 50 years old, it looks like it came out today.
Michael Palin in LIFE OF BRIAN. Photo courtesy of The Criterion Collection.
In terms of special features, they’re bountiful, but there is nothing new presented here. However, the transfer itself is more than enough of a reason to upgrade your pre-existing Blu-ray, or if this is a first-time purchase, it truly is a no-brainer. It has two separate audio commentaries, the making-of documentary, the documentary about shooting on location, a behind-the-scenes featurette, deleted scenes, original radio ads, and an original illustrated recording of an early version of the screenplay. If you’ve never seen Monty Python’s Life of Brian, this is a wonderful blind buy that looks incredible and is packed with special features. If you have seen Life of Brian, then you know how exemplary this film is. If you own multiple copies, this 4K restoration is phenomenal. Overall, it is not a matter of if you need to get Criterion’s edition of Life of Brian, it is a matter of when.
Life of Brian Special Features:
- *NEW* 4K digital restoration, supervised by Monty Python’s Terry Gilliam, with 2.0 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack
- Alternate 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack
- One 4K UHD disc of the film presented in Dolby Vision HDR and one Blu-ray with the special features
- Two audio commentaries featuring Pythons Gilliam, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin
- The Story of Brian (2007), a making-of documentary
- The Pythons (1979), a documentary about Monty Python filmed on location for Life of Brian
- Behind-the-scenes Super 8 film shot by Palin
- Five deleted scenes with commentary by the Pythons
- Original British radio ads starring Mrs. Cleese, Mrs. Gilliam, Mrs. Idle, and Palin’s dentist
- Original illustrated recording by the Pythons of an early version of their screenplay
- Animated stills gallery
- Trailer
- English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
- An essay by film critic Bilge Ebiri
- Cover based on an original theatrical poster by Terry Gilliam
Available on 4K UHD and Blu-ray April 14th, 2026.
For more information, head to the official The Criterion Collection Life of Brian webpage.
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Categories: Films To Watch, Home Video, Recommendation, Reviews
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