Monty Python's Flying Circus - HD Restored Blu-ray - 11/4/19
UPDATE 9/10/2020: Universal is releasing a "Standard" version of the set, without the limited edition box or books, in the US on 11/10/2020:
https://www.target.com/p/monty-pytho...0/-/A-81427954 https://www.deepdiscount.com/monty-p...4/191329153178 Monty Python's Flying Circus has received an HD restoration by British distributor Network, and they're releasing an all-region complete series set on Blu-ray on 11/4/19. https://networkonair.com/all-product...lu-ray-edition AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE REGION FREE COMING 4 NOVEMBER 2019 AN EXCLUSIVE BLU-RAY RELEASE! "Nobody expected Monty Python's Flying Circus to be restored on (Norwegian) Blu-ray!" Amongst our weaponry are such diverse elements as:
Years in the making, Network is proud to present the entire original television series of Monty Python’s Flying Circus, fully rejuvenated for the first time. Sketches, some edited for timing, taste and copyright reasons, have been carefully restored to their intended length and the majority of Terry Gilliam’s animations have been newly scanned in High Definition and restored to a specification way beyond their original format. Hitherto unseen outtakes, film inserts and studio recordings have been retrieved, adding yet another dimension to this exclusive release. This is the ultimate television restoration and a must for every generation of Python fan.
After nearly a decade of research and planning, this is a ground up restoration by Network’s award-winning in-house team working from the best available materials – from first generation 2-inch videotape masters to surviving negative and print film material, scanned in 2K. The wildly varying picture sources have been graded scene-by-scene and intensively cleaned up. State of the art upscaling of Standard Definition videotape has been deployed with careful use of noise reduction for both video and film grain, resulting in a vastly improved viewing experience all round on Blu-ray High Definition format, far exceeding anything previously available. Network has the worldwide rights to this restoration, at least at the moment, so there doesn't look like there will be a US release in the immediate future, which is why the Network release is region-free. Not mentioned on the Network page is that they've made two versions, one 50i and one 60i, and which version you get depends on your shipping address, so US addresses will get the 60i version. Network Distributing reveals its Monty Python?s Flying Circus: The Norwegian Blu-ray Edition! The 7-disc set includes all 45 episodes plus extras in the original 1.33:1, restored in 1080 HD, with the original mono audio. The set will be coded for Regions A, B, and C, it’s available in 50i and 60i versions (which you get will be determined by your shipping address), and subtitles will be included in English, French, German, Spanish, Polish, and Portuguese. https://smile.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B07YMFVQ3M/ It's also listed on Amazon UK, although that is likely the 50i version, so US buyer take note if you don't have 50i compatible equipment (or if you specifically want the 50i version): https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Monty-Pyt...dp/B07YMFZ5MP/ Amazon UK also has just series 1 available, in either digipack or case form: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Monty-Pyt...dp/B07XN4BKQC/ https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Monty-Pyt...dp/B07XW6SNQG/ Network will probably eventually release all the series individually, and also a "standard" edition of the complete series, although that may take a while. It took them 2 years to release their standard release of The Prisoner after releasing their limited edition. Edit 2019/10/15: added Amazon US listing. |
Re: Monty Python's Flying Circus - HD Restored Blu-ray - 11/4/19
This will tempt me. Not sure if I even opened my complete DVD set, since it’s always streaming somewhere.
|
Re: Monty Python's Flying Circus - HD Restored Blu-ray - 11/4/19
Streaming likely in the wrong frame rate. Funny how they can put THIS out on Blu-ray though but not many recent shows shot in HD. |
Re: Monty Python's Flying Circus - HD Restored Blu-ray - 11/4/19
Wasn’t a lot of it on tape? All that will be upconverted. I’ve wanted to own this series for years but the DVDs were always so expensive and it was easy enough to find on streaming. Maybe if this can be had at a decent price.
|
Re: Monty Python's Flying Circus - HD Restored Blu-ray - 11/4/19
I've had this pre-ordered for a while now.
|
Re: Monty Python's Flying Circus - HD Restored Blu-ray - 11/4/19
I already have the 2008 UK PAL complete boxset, which I got for like $10, so I'll have to wait for reviews to see if this is that much of an upgrade.
|
Re: Monty Python's Flying Circus - HD Restored Blu-ray - 11/4/19
Originally Posted by milo bloom
(Post 13623409)
Wasn’t a lot of it on tape? All that will be upconverted.
Also, for the studio taped footage, while it's technically SD, they went back to the 2" tape masters, so it should be of higher quality. Also, it was shot in PAL, so for the US, the 1080i60 is going to be an upconversion of the 576i PAL signal, instead of the 480i downconversion we've previously gotten on DVD here. So there's going to be a bit more resolution for the upconversion to pull from. Edit: there's also a DVD release of the remastered Series 1 for those who think Blu-ray isn't worth it, although it's UK PAL DVD only at the moment, and you only save £3 over the Series 1 Blu-ray. https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Monty-Pyt...dp/B07XW7DD1R/ |
Re: Monty Python's Flying Circus - HD Restored Blu-ray - 11/4/19
And now there's a listing on Amazon US for the "Norwegian Edition International" for $139.99:
https://smile.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B07YMFVQ3M/ Updating the first post. |
Re: Monty Python's Flying Circus - HD Restored Blu-ray - 11/4/19
Originally Posted by Jay G.
(Post 13624030)
And now there's a listing on Amazon US for the "Norwegian Edition International" for $139.99:
https://smile.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B07YMFVQ3M/ Updating the first post. |
Re: Monty Python's Flying Circus - HD Restored Blu-ray - 11/4/19
Originally Posted by Meathead
(Post 13624081)
Already down to $114.90
|
Re: Monty Python's Flying Circus - HD Restored Blu-ray - 11/4/19
Just came across this video showing one of the original episode 2" master tapes being played. This video was released before the Blu-ray set was announced, but in hindsight was clearly work being done for that set.
The description on the video is almost better than the video itself: What do you do with a tape that's been hidden away for over twenty five years? Why, get it played of course! The tape is one of two original transmission tapes of "Monty Python's Flying Circus" that slipped through the net when the BBC made their digital masters in the early 1990s. The episode, "Déjà Vu”, the third episode of the second series, should have been part of that archiving process but for some reason the BBC's poorer quality sales copy was archived instead. According to the paperwork, the tape hasn't been played since 1979, but it seemed fitting that it should be resurrected in Monty Python's 50th anniversary year. The tape is a two-inch quadruplex recording, a format developed by Ampex in the 1950s. It was the workhorse of television broadcasters from 1958 until the late 1980s when it was superseded by more flexible formats. Ampex quad machines haven't been manufactured since the early 1980s, but working machines can still be found. This video shows the first time we played back "Déjà Vu", almost certainly the first time it has been played since the 1970s. |
Re: Monty Python's Flying Circus - HD Restored Blu-ray - 11/4/19
Oh my god, that was like porn to me. |
Re: Monty Python's Flying Circus - HD Restored Blu-ray - 11/4/19
Network has listed more details on the special features. Their pages has the info stored in pictures, but I found a site that has the text from those images.
https://www.comedy.co.uk/shop/news/5...cial_features/ By series and episode, the full list of additional material is as follows. Series 1
Series 2
Series 3
Series 4
https://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.p...&postcount=967 Just to clarify, every episode is being presented as originally broadcast, with the exception of four episodes. These are:
Other highlights for me are the extra content on Scott of the Sahara, Ken Clean Air System, Ursula Hitler...all of it really. The only disappointment was not finding a broadcast quality version of material such as Mr. Neutron. Most of it is fully restored, but there are two sections from videotape where we had to go with an inferior quality recording. But it's presented in context. https://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.p...&postcount=972 Spoiler:
|
Re: Monty Python's Flying Circus - HD Restored Blu-ray - 11/4/19
Pre-orders from the Network site will ship out November 1:
Dear Customer Thank you for your Monty Python’s Flying Circus Norwegian Blu-ray Edition pre-order. Here at Network we like pre-order titles to be in your hand on the day of release. However, due to the popularity, demand and scale of the Monty Python’s Flying Circus Limited Edition release, this time we will be shipping your pre-order from Friday 1st November. Precisely when this great set arrives with you will depend of course on your location. But rest assured, all orders will be sent as soon as possible, we will provide fully trackable methods to ensure safe delivery (we’ve even designed specially made shipping packaging, so the beautiful box-set is protected and arrive safe and sound) We can’t wait to share this unique, historic set with you. Many Thanks, Network Spoiler:
|
Re: Monty Python's Flying Circus - HD Restored Blu-ray - 11/4/19
Waiting for this to make it across the pond... :banana:
|
Re: Monty Python's Flying Circus - HD Restored Blu-ray - 11/4/19
Arrived today... and I'll be waiting for a replacement. Thanks to UPS for kicking the box around! The inner cardboard separating the seasons all ripped. Actually the way this is packaged, I bet the damage returns are going to be thru the roof.
|
Re: Monty Python's Flying Circus - HD Restored Blu-ray - 11/4/19
Originally Posted by Meathead
(Post 13635838)
Actually the way this is packaged, I bet the damage returns are going to be thru the roof.
https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread...0#post17024260 One person got an email response from Network: https://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.p...postcount=1230 Dear customer, Thanks for your email. Unfortunately, we have been made aware that a handful of people have received their Monty Python’s Flying Circus Norwegian Blu-ray damaged. This fault is confined to a small number of the substantial amount of boxsets that have been shipped since last week. Our teams are currently assessing the situation with our delivery partners to understand the cause of the issue, and to formulate an appropriate response. Thanks for your patience and continued support. There's two preliminary reviews of just the season 1 discs, which is all Network sent out in advance. The Digital Bits is planning on updating their review once they have the full set: https://www.avforums.com/reviews/mon...y-review.16798 https://thedigitalbits.com/item/mont...rwegian-bd-box |
Re: Monty Python's Flying Circus - HD Restored Blu-ray - 11/4/19
OK, my copy arrived today, and the box is damaged. The separators between series sets were all torn out. Interestingly, one separator was slipped into the booklet, suggesting it was torn off during assembly, not during shipping.
|
Re: Monty Python's Flying Circus - HD Restored Blu-ray - 11/4/19
Not being able to gauge the construction of that box was the single thing that kept me from placing an order for this. Bummed to hear these stories. Might just stick to the individual season sets and forego all the goodies unless I can find a deal that doesn't require shipment. :( Too bad Arrow didn't release this; that might've involved sturdier construction.
|
Re: Monty Python's Flying Circus - HD Restored Blu-ray - 11/4/19
Originally Posted by Jay G.
(Post 13635867)
There's quite a number of reports of damaged boxes on the blu-ray.com thread:
https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread...0#post17024260 https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/dvdtalk...6d6a0d691e.jpg Mine also has a crushed corner from where the shipping box landed en route... Hopefully their fix is to send out just the box with nothing else in it. Otherwise I see set after set coming damaged. At least the set was in plastic as my UPS driver decided to soak the top of the box before delivering. :mad2: |
Re: Monty Python's Flying Circus - HD Restored Blu-ray - 11/4/19
I could never get over the *EXTRA LOUD* laugh-track this show had.
Sure, some laughing I can take, especially if it's in-studio, but it was always so blaringly loud, like nails on a chalkboard. If they were able to at least turn that down for this release, it'd be an instant purchase for me. |
Re: Monty Python's Flying Circus - HD Restored Blu-ray - 11/4/19
Originally Posted by Jay G.
(Post 13635867)
One person got an email response from Network:
https://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.p...postcount=1230 Despite the packaging issues... the restoration is amazing. Watched two episodes last night and very pleased with the results. |
Re: Monty Python's Flying Circus - HD Restored Blu-ray - 11/4/19
New email from Network:
Dear Customer Apologies again if you are one of the unlucky recipients of a damaged box set. We share your disappointment, especially as the restorations and books themselves have been receiving such acclaim. We are investigating this as a matter of urgency and we await feedback from our manufacturing, packing and courier partners. We will get back to you just as soon as we can but thanks for your patience and understanding in the meantime.
Originally Posted by Meathead
(Post 13636438)
Despite the packaging issues... the restoration is amazing. Watched two episodes last night and very pleased with the results.
|
Re: Monty Python's Flying Circus - HD Restored Blu-ray - 11/4/19
Network has also turned on the auto-reply:
Dear Customer, Many thanks for contacting Network On Air. We are currently receiving high volumes of emails, and it may take longer than usual for us to come back to you, but we will respond to you as soon as possible. On some occasions this can take up to 7 working days. If your query is regarding a pre-order of Monty Python’s Flying Circus Norwegian Blu-ray Edition, good news, shipping commences for these orders from Friday 1st November Thanks for your patience at this busy time, and for your continued support! NetworkOnAir |
Re: Monty Python's Flying Circus - HD Restored Blu-ray - 11/4/19
That box looks like the kind of cardboard they use for boxes of Pop-tarts. And they put Blurays in that?!
|
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:25 AM. |
Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.