Monty Python Live at Aspen Look On The Bright Side Of Life". The special was broadcast in the US on HBO on 21 March 1998. In the UK it was released on VHS in 1999 as part of the BBC box set The Best Of Monty Python's Flying Circus. A DVD version of the set was later released in 2004. In the US the show was released on DVD in 2001 by A&E Home Entertainment as part of their "Monty Python Live" box set. In May 1997 the five surviving members of Monty Python regrouped for the first time since Graham Chapman's death in 1989.
Monty Python reluctant to do a two-man show for various reasons, including Chapman's supposedly difficult and erratic personality. Cleese had fond memories of working with Palin on "How to Irritate People" and invited him to join the team. With no studio available at ITV until summer 1970 for the late-night show, Palin agreed to join Cleese and Chapman, and suggested the involvement of his writing partner Jones and colleague Idle—who in turn wanted Gilliam to provide animations for the projected series. Much has been made of the fact that the Monty Python troupe is the result of Cleese's desire to work with