Overview: Eric Clapton is one of the most revered and influential guitarists of all time. From his early days with the Yardbirds, through John Mayall sBluesbreakers, Cream, Blind Faith, Derek And The Dominos and on to his solo career he has had consistent critical and commercial success. Planes, Trains And Eric follows Eric Clapton and his band on the Far and Middle Eastern leg of his 2014 World Tour.

Blu ray Verdict: If you were not aware of this regrouping, this “original band line-up” reuniting this past summer, well, what rock were y’all under?! Their announcement drew two forms of reaction: the first was VERY SINGLE NIGHT of the run at the 02 Arena in London SOLD OUT in seconds flat, and second, well, some people shrugged their collective shoulders, asked why, and then told anyone who would listen it would fail and that they were only in it for the money!

Which is hilarious correct, as ALL the surviving five (5) Python’s - John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones and Michael Palin - went on en masse of TV shows (especially in the UK) and when asked that very same question of why they were doing it, responded each and every time with, “For the money!” Now, as much as that might not be 100% true, it is very plausible and definitely an engaging factor for the surviving members of what has since creation, become one of the world’s greatest comedic icons.

Anyway, whether it was for money or not, those fans that have adored them since the 70’s and yet never had the chance to see them live performing all their now infamous skits, all got the chance to do just that on this UK run of shows this summer. Filmed live on July 20th on the final night of the run of ten sold-out performances, the five guys - together with Carol Cleveland - performed many of their classic sketches and much-loved songs, with modern, Pythonesque twists!

Intercut with film inserts from old school Monty Python’s Flying Circus, these along with new ones specially created for the tour by Gilliam himself, provided some extra visual entertainment. Iconic animations, outrageous dance routines by an ensemble of twenty and a fantastic live orchestra all combined to give true value for money.

On stage together for the first time in over 30 years, the skits and songs performed were all the ones the fans had wished for, had hoped for: the Dead Parrot sketch. The Lumberjack Song, the Spanish Inquisition sketch, Spam, Nudge Nudge, Argument, the Four Yorkshiremen sketch, the Bruces and, of course, a sing-along of ‘Always Look On The Bright Side of Life’ as the grand finale.

However, and this has to be said, if you did have the chance to see the show live and you don't happen to have a handy time machine lying around, then yeah, sure, why not buy this today. BUT, if you're going to buy a live version anyway, you're better off - by far - if you get them in their heyday.

Now, the Blu ray isn’t exactly packed with extras, which is a shame, but what it does contain is very interesting for us Python fans! We first get an exclusive Behind-The-Scenes “Sneak Peak” of The Reunion - November 2013 / The Announcement, November 2013 / The Production, November 2013 to July 2014 / Backstage At The O2, July 2014 / Highlights from the 10 shows at London’s O2 Arena, July 2014; and exclusive footage of the Pythons as Pepperpots and Gumbys!

Reviewed by: Russell A. Trunk