Watch as John Cleese, Michael Palin, Peter Cook, and Rowan Atkinson prove that brilliant comedians have hearts too! THE SECRET POLICEMAN'S BALL, a stunning performance of British comedy, was produced to benefit the human rights organization, Amnesty International. Some Monty Python members join up with equally witty compatriates to perform skits like "Cheese Shop," "Four Yorkshiremen," "The Schoolmaster," and "The Name's The Game." In addition, The Who's famed guitarist Pete Townshend performs an acoustic version of the hit from the rock opera TOMMY -- "Pinball Wizard."
DVD Features:
Region [unknown]
NTSC
Keep Case
Full Frame - 1.33
Screen Format Note: Widescreen 16:9
Audio:
Dolby Digital - English
Additional Release Material:
Trailers
Introduction: Introductions - Martin Lewis, Co-Creator
Audio Commentary: Martin Lewis, Co-Creator
Previews: Rare Promotional TV Spots
Unavailable U.S. Releases Sequences
Bonus Footage:
1. Ultra Rare Comedy and Music Performances
2. News Footage
Disc 1:
Features - The Balls:
1. Pleasure At Her Majesty's - 1976
2. The Secret Policeman's Ball - 1979
Disc 2:
Features - The Balls:
3. The Secret Policeman's Other Ball - 1981
4. The Secret Policeman's Third Ball - 1987
Disc 3:
Additional Release Material:
Documentary: Remember The Secret Policeman's Ball? - 2004
Features - The Balls:
5. The Secret Policeman's Biggest Ball - 1989
Distributor Notes: The Secret Policeman’s Balls is a legendary series of benefit shows staged to raise funds for Amnesty International. Beginning in 1976, they have featured the cream of Britain’s comedians and musicians, and laid the groundwork for high-profile charity events, including Live Aid. The 3-DVD set The Secret Policeman’s Balls collects the five biggest and best Balls, featuring Monty Python’s John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman and Terry Gilliam, Beyond The Fringe’s Dudley Moore and Peter Cook, Billy Connolly, Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean), Jennifer Saunders (Absolutely Fabulous) and Hugh Laurie (House M.D.). In addition to the comics, the shows feature historic “unplugged” performances by Pete Townshend, Sting, Phil Collins, Bob Geldof, Peter Gabriel, Donovan, Jackson Browne, Lou Reed, Kate Bush and Joan Armatrading. Also featured are rare duets from guitar legends Eric Clapton & Jeff Beck and Mark Knopfler & Chet Atkins.
Music
Bob Geldof: British Singer/Songwriter
Music
David Gilmour: Guitarist of Pink Floyd
Music
Eric Clapton: British Songwriter/Musician, "Layla"
Music
Jeff Beck: British Musician
Music
Kate Bush: Singer/Songwriter
Music
Lou Reed: American Rocker/Actor, Velvet Underground
Music
Pete Townsend:
Music
Peter Gabriel: British Singer/Songwriter
Music
Phil Collins: Singer/Songwriter/Actor
Music
Sting: Rock musician
Music
Jackson Browne: American Singer/Songwriter
Review 1:
"[A] hilarious 1976 version of Monty Python's 'Dead Parrot sketch makes this most iconic of skits seem fresh." -- Grade: B
Source: Entertainment Weekly
01/30/2009