Once in a lifetime, there comes a motion picture that changes the whole history of motion pictures. A picture so stunning in its effect, so vast in its impact that it profoundly affects the lives of those who see it. That picture might well be MONTY PYTHON & THE HOLY GRAIL, featuring the entire Python gang in this hilarious retelling of the Knights of King Arthur and their quest for the Holy Grail.

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Video Quality

Monty Python and the Holy Grail has been given a 2160p 4K UHD upgrade with Dolby Vision that serves as a worthwhile step up from the included Blu-Ray that was first released in 2012. The previous release was very impressive on Blu-Ray, but Sony towers over any previous release with this new 4K UHD Blu-Ray disc. This disc offers the ideal amount of natural film grain which is properly coarse for the film stock yet never noisy or unnatural. This allows the movies to thrive with an abundance of pleasing texture and detail in the transfer. The image presents a sterling amount of depth that makes these sprawling lands feel more spacious.

The improvements in contrast and overall clarity are a sight to see, especially when you look at the exteriors of the castles or textures on costumes. The UHD disc contains very complex, deep colors throughout with the surprisingly intricate sets delighting thanks to the cinematography. Highlights are brilliant and offer greater stability without veering into blooming. Black levels are deep and allow the picture to maintain an excellent amount of depth and detail in darker environments. Skin tones look natural, and the clarity of the transfer gives you a robust amount of facial detail including the various implementations of facial hair and makeup effects. There is absolutely no sign of any print damage or other such blemishes that would take away from the look of this title. This transfer is a treat for fans of this classic comedy. Sony has delivered on all fronts for this one.

Audio Quality

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray disc utilizes a new Dolby Atmos track in addition to a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track and the original DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio mono track for the purists. The amount of audio and subtitle options Sony provides on this disc is unlikely to displease anyone. The Atmos track is not shockingly different in execution from the 5.1 presentation, but it does give the overall soundscape extra nuance and a more deeply immersive quality. There is an emphasis on the front channels for the majority of the dialogue, but activity extends to the surrounds, rears and overhead speakers when it comes to the score and certain environmental sounds to make these worlds feel more robust and all-encompassing. The sounds up above are not constant, but they are present enough to keep the listening experience quite engaging. These channels really come in handy during some of the more raucous scenes.

The film satisfies when it comes to the music, as the humorous tunes flow through in a really pleasant, enveloping way. Dialogue is crisp and clear without ever getting lost amongst the score or sound effects. The low-end effects from the subwoofer are mostly engaged to provide some extra texture to some key moments. Atmospheric sound effects are rendered appropriately within the mix so that directionality is never an issue. While this film may not benefit from an Atmos track in the same way as modern blockbusters, the expanded audio track allows it to feel livelier and more precise than ever. Although if you stick with the mono track, you will be greeted with what may be the best track of all for balance and strength. Sony continues to offer consumers many great options with their releases.

Special Features

Sony has provided Monty Python and the Holy Grail with a sleek new SteelBook featuring artwork that is truly lovely in person. Video of the SteelBook can be found at the top of this review.

4K UHD Blu-Ray (Disc One)

Near-Theatrical Version of the Film (HD, 1:31:31): The VHS version of the film that runs approximately 35 seconds shorter than the theatrical version is provided in HD with DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio sound.

‘Tis But A Tribute – 50 Years of the Holy Grail: A 16-minute appreciation piece is provided featuring interviews with David Cross, Taran Killam, Scott Aukerman, Brian Posehn, Craig Ferguson, Paul Feig, Flula Borg, Suzy Eddie Izzard, Jessica Hynes, Jess McKenna, Rachel Bloom, Paul F. Tompkins, Scott Adsit, and many more. You get numerous insights into the immense impact this film had on modern comedy.

Blu-Ray (Disc Two)

Audio Commentaries

- Audio Commentary #1: John Cleese, Eric Idle, and Michael Palin

- Audio Commentary #2: Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones

2015 Tribeca Film Festival Q&A with Terry, Terry, Mike, John and Eric: A 30-minute Q&A with five of the surviving members of Monty Python in which they reflect on the 40th anniversary of the film.

Outtakes & Extended Scenes: There are seven scenes and an introduction from Terry Jones presented here totaling 19 minutes in which you can view moments that didn’t make the final cut of the film.

Lost Animations: There are six moments and an introduction from Terry Gilliam presented here totaling 13 minutes in which you can view animations that didn’t make the final cut of the film.

Quest for the Holy Grail Locations: A 47-minute location tour 25 years after the film’s release with Terry Jones and Michael Palin.

Lego Knights: A two-minute LEGO recreation of a musical sequence.

Japanese Version: A nine-minute look at two scenes dubbed in Japanese.

Coconuts: A three-minute demonstration from the “Ministry of Foods” on the importance of coconuts.

BBC Film Night: A 17-minute making-of piece that aired on the BBC in 1974.

Sing Alongs: There are sing-along options for “Knights of the Round Table”, “Sir Robin”, and “Monks’ Chant.”

Subtitles for People Who Do Not Like the Film (From Henry IV Pt II): Presented in English, Chinese Traditional, Japanese, and Portuguese.

Cast Director Photo Gallery

Original Theatrical Trailer (3:09)

Holy Grail Disc Credits

Final Thoughts

Monty Python and the Holy Grail is one of the all-time great comedies that tackles its narrative more so in sketch form, yet it holds together better than it needs to as a complete story full of payoffs and subversions. The iconic group weaves together so many comedic styles from gloriously stupid slapstick to clever witticisms that each land with expert precision. No matter how many times you have seen the film, you will find yourself dying from laughter and discovering new things to appreciate. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has released a 4K UHD Blu-Ray featuring a top-tier A/V presentation and invaluable special features. This is a comedy every film fan should have in their collection. Essential

Monty Python and the Holy Grail will be available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray SteelBook and Digital on August 26, 2025.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.