Few things make a reunion tour less appealing as the passing of a key member, and Monty Python – much like The Beatles after John Lennon was assassinated – have done little together as a group since Graham Chapman died of cancer in 1989. Much of the cast have worked together since, but the only time the five living members got together was for an appearance in 1998 at the Aspen Comedy Festival. But now, according to Variety, Terry Jones has roped together the group to voice aliens in his upcoming movie Absolutely Anything.

Jones has been the group’s primary filmmaker for their projects together, having directed all the Python films proper (co-directing with Terry Gilliam for Monty Python and the Holy Grail), though he did not go on to the success that Gilliam achieved with such films as Time Bandits and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. This would be his first film in over fifteen years.

Currently, Eric Idle is the only hold-out, with Michael Palin, Gilliam, and John Cleese having already signed on. The only thing then keeping this from happening is age-old resentments (which I wouldn’t write off), and it would give the film a geek cache that would surely make it profitable. Jones has been working on the script for two decades, and it sounds like all that would be required of the Python members would be to function as voice actors. But getting together that group will surely inspire some notable comic figures past and present to cameo in the film – Robin Williams has already signed on to voice a talking dog. Production is set to start this spring.

Lemon Curry?

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After forty years, all six members of the British comedy troupe Monty Python will reunite! I don’t know why I have to write this post with such enthusiasm, but it just feels right. We all knew this milestone was approaching and there has been much hype surrounding the fortieth celebration. According to the NYTimes, the original members of the group will come together for an anniversary event in New York. More on the story below.

On October 15 at the Ziegfeld Theater in Manhattan, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, and Graham Chapman will be present to support their upcoming documentary. Yes, Chapman will be there in some capacity, even though he passed away 20 years ago.

Their documentary is called Monty Python: Almost the Truth (The Lawyer’s Cut), and the founding members will be present for the screening and will participate in a Q&A session. A six-hour version of the documentary will have its premiere on IFC on October 18th.

I’m kind of scared to see how they plan on having the late Graham Chapman involved. We know Gilliam knows how maneuver around such instances, but this isn’t a film its a live appearance. Maybe they’ll have various actor-comedians take his place or speak on his behalf? Either way, I’m excited to see the movie. October can’t get here fast enough!

What do you think about Monty Python’s 40th Anniversary celebration? Are you a fan?

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NEW FEATURES

“WALL-E”

Pixar’s latest animated triumph hits DVD today in both a standard release and a three-disc collector’s edition.

This is an absolute must-buy and the best movie of the year to this point. More than that, it’s a celebration of movies in general as its main character, a lovable robot, expresses itself through old Hollywood musicals when his beeps and chirps fail him. Fan of cartoons or not, this is an essential addition to any DVD collection.

“Tropic Thunder”

Starring: Ben Stiller, Jack Black and Robert Downey, Jr.

It never seemed like it would be possible, but somebody managed to make a comedy with Jack Black and nobody noticed. He’s barely visible in the film, completely overshadowed by Stiller, Downey, Steve Coogan, several newcomers and unexpected appearances from the likes of Tom Cruise and Matthew McConaughey. Did anybody ever think Black would be completely consumed by the rest of the cast of a film?

Speaking of those unexpected appearances, wasn’t it amazing to see McConaughey actually acting again? No more shirtless mugging, just real bombastic comedy. Also, it’s strange that Cruise had to play a man of pure evil to get people to like him again.

It’s available in a standard edition and unrated director’s cut.

Also:

• “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2” – Learn More – Buy Now
• “Paris, Je T’aime” – Learn More – Buy Now

TV ON DVD

“Monty Python’s Flying Circus: The Complete Series”

Long before “Saturday Night Live” set the standard for sketch comedy, five Brits and one American created a series that would raise the bar for all comedy with a sketch series that’s never been topped.

In this monstrous set, fans can enjoy old favorites like “The Lumberjack Song” and “The Fish Slapping Dance” while those who are only familiar with the movies get to experience more than 22 hours of blazing comedy in a 21-disc set they never knew existed.

• “Charmed”: The Complete Series – Buy Now
• “Bones”: Season Three – Buy Now
• “Dr. Who”: The Complete Fourth Series – Buy Now
• “Hannah Montana”: The Complete First Season – Buy Now
• “The Odd Couple”: The Complete Series – Buy Now
• “Hawaii Five-O”: Five Season Pack – Buy Now

SPECIAL EDITION OF THE WEEK

“Heathers: Limited Edition Locker Set”

The unfortunate name of its special edition notwithstanding, “Heathers” is still the best dark high school comedy of all time. Before the term frenemy became vogue, Winona Ryder was poisoning a group of girls sharing the name of the title, while Christian Slater pulls a gun at school. Oh yeah, they also play a killer game of strip croquet.

This 2-disc edition is loaded with extras including two featurettes and an alternate ending screenplay.

Also:

• “300″: Limited Collector’s Edition – Buy Now
• “The Last Emperor”: Criterion Collection – Buy Now
• Columbia Best Pictures Collection – Buy Now

Monty Python Holy Trinity (The Holy Grail, Life of Brian, Meaning of Life) – Buy Now

HORRIBLE STRAIGHT-TO-DVD RELEASE OF THE WEEK

• “Doughboys”

Starring: Vincent Pastore and dozens of Italian actors

There’s a pizza place in New York. But this isn’t just an ordinary pizza place, it’s been in the family for decades and now it’s facing trouble. This trouble isn’t simply related to these tough economic times though. Oh no. These are big troubles. We’re talking mafia troubles. Now it’s up to the shop owner to save the family business while keeping Big Pussy and his fellow gangsters out of the dough.

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