Around the World in 80 Days (Two-Disc Special Edition) Reviews

• Underrated and neglected: A 1950's classic reborn on DVD

  
  By A37EWAUG4XSSPT on 2004-05-25
  First of all, "Around the World in 80 Days" is one of the best of the 1950-1960's grand epics. It may not have the character depth of Giant or the scale of The Ten Commandments, but it's still one heck of a fun movie.

  Mike Todd set out to make 3 hours of crowd-pleasing entertainment and he reached his goal, ten-fold (literally... the $6,000,000 film earned over 4 times its cost at the box office). The cast is wonderful (it's definately Cantinflas' show, though) and the Oscar winning cinematography is breathtaking. Also, one of the best musical scores (also an Oscar winner) and a witty screenplay (Oscar winner) make it a real joy to see.

  Sadly, for the last 18 years, the only version on home video has been a pan & scan one. "80 Days" was shot in the Todd-AO 70mm format, so the crisp, ultra-detailed, and wide image is totally mangled in that format. It doesn't help that the P&S tape also used a mono track rather than the full stereophonic surround sound that Todd-AO (and even many general release 35mm prints) offered.

  Warner Home Video's DVD of the film is nothing short of a triumph. The film's original negative has been in awful condition since the 1950's (not Warner's fault, mind you), thus making a watchable print is more or less impossible. Thankfully, Warner has remastered "80 Days" from scratch. The result is a stunning 2.20:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, with the Todd-AO mix adapted to Dolby Digital 5.1 (448 kbs, too!) While the image occasionally has gooey splices and some specks on the image, the film has a level of crispness and color vibrancy that rivals 1940's Technicolor films. The 5.1 track is wonderful and keeps a lot of the directional sound of 6-track magnetic sound from 70mm presentation.

  What is really amazing is that Warner managed to make one of the most perfect digital transfers of a film, ever. Not one hint of edge enhancement pops up, no pixelation, no macroblocking. While the film source isn't perfect, Warner didn't add any sort of imperfections when adapting the 65mm film to NTSC video. The switch to 448 kbs (Warner usually uses a lower bitrate for 5.1 audio) gives the audio a certain warmth that is in line with the ultra-high fidelity of 6-track mag sound.

  The extras are great, too. The Robert Osborne intros, outtakes, Brian Sibley commentary, original "Trip to the Moon" short, and roadshow program book (on DVD-ROM) makes this an excellent presentation of a Best Picture Oscar winner.

  Whether you're collecting the Best Picture winners, a fan of the classic 1950's epics, or just looking for a fun movie to watch, Around the World in 80 Days is worth a purchase. "80 Days" hasn't lost its luster due to age, it's because of poor presentation. Now that Warner Bros. has released the film in widescreen, people can now discover what is one of the most underrated and neglected films.
  
  

• Incredibly entertaining "Best Picture" needs to be on DVD!

  
  By on 2000-11-08
  This Todd-AO wide-wide-wide screen production earned many accolades when it was released and, although it may be a bit tame by today's standards, it should be placed on a DVD in its original WIDESCREEN Todd-AO format to get the full effect of its scenic and comic wonders. David Niven, a very young and beautiful Shirley MacLaine, Robert Newton and Cantinflas head a HUGE cast of movie stars playing all sorts of cameo surprise roles throughout, many of whom will probably not be recognized by today's generation but who should be remembered nevertheless. The great Victor Young score is magnificent and GREAT names show up all through this movie: Buster Keaton, Marlene Dietrich, Frank Sinatra, Cesar Romero, and over 40 other stars light up this adventure, which really works best in its widescreen presentation. Why this great family film has not been given the DVD treatment is a mystery to me. Let's hope this error in judgment will be corrected soon and a pristine widescreen DVD will be forthcoming of this truly delightful movie.
  
  

• DVD Edition Brings New Luster to Todd Classic!

  
  By A31I3HXMD5H1EL on 2004-09-16
  AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS is more a triumph of spectacle than of storytelling, with an extraordinary backstory of a master entrepreneur's decade-long dream to create the biggest, most extravagant entertainment ever made. That the film was ever produced at all was miraculous; that it succeeded so well (earning the "Best Picture" Academy Award, along with a raftload of other prizes), and remains the most enjoyable version of Verne's novel (far superior to the Pierce Brosnan and Jackie Chan remakes) is a living testament to it's nearly forgotten guiding spirit, Michael Todd.
  
  The film itself is basically a series of 'set pieces' (most involving the brilliant Mexican comedian, Cantinflas, and a wide variety of guest stars, appearing in 'cameos', to use the term coined by Todd), built around the framework of an aristocrat's wager that, using available transportation, he could circumnavigate the globe in 80 days. While David Niven is perfect as the supercilious Phileas Fogg, and Robert Newton is at his hammy best as detective Mr. Fix, it is Cantinflas, as Passepartout, manservant and sweet Everyman, who steals the movie.
  
  While the years has lessened the novelty of many of the cameos, as performers have faded from memory, a few legendary actors still bring a smile, in their brief appearances (particularly an over-long but still amusing barroom sequence with Marlene Dietrich, George Raft, Red Skelton, and, as a 'capper', Frank Sinatra).
  
  Included as 'extras' offered in the two-disc set are a revealing, occasionally tongue-in-cheek 1968 biography, "Around the World of Mike Todd", featuring fascinating and funny insights by his widow, Elizabeth Taylor, a clean-shaven, cape-draped Orson Welles, and many others; "Playhouse 90: Around the World in 90 Minutes", a 'live' look at the ultimately disastrous first anniversary 80 DAYS party at Madison Square Garden, with Garry Moore offering funny vignettes featuring Todd, himself (quite gifted at comedy!), and 'on scene' legendary commentators Walter Cronkite and Jim McKay (long before "Wide World of Sports"); Todd and Taylor, backstage after winning the "Best Picture" Oscar; and MUCH more.
  
  Bravo to Warner Home Video for releasing a new, remastered DVD edition of the film, and including a treasure trove of special features about the film, and the irrepressible Michael Todd!
  
  

• Special Fetures for "AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS" 2-Disc DVD

  
  By on 2004-03-12
  Here are the special features:

  Disc 1:
  -Introductions by Turner Classic Movies host and film historian Robert Osborne

  -Feature-length commentary by Brian Sibley of BBC Radio
  Georges Melies' A Trip to the Moon (1902)

  -Outtakes

  -Stills gallery

  -1956 original and 1983 reissue theatrical trailers

  -DVD-ROM link to Michael Todd's Around the World in 80 Days
  Almanac

  Disc 2:
  -Introductions by Turner Classic Movies host and film historian Robert Osborne

  -Around the World of Mike Todd (1968): narrated by Orson Welles, this profile of the film's producer features reminiscences by Elizabeth Taylor, Gypsy Rose Lee, Ethel Merman, Lowell Thomas and others

  -Playhouse 90: Around the World in 90 Minutes (excerpts): Elizabeth Taylor hosts this live October 17, 1957 telecast of the a star-studded gala from Madison Square Garden celebrating the one-year anniversary of Around the World in 80 Days' world premiere.

  -March 27, 1957 Academy Awards® ceremony highlights

  -Newsreels: the Los Angeles premiere and the opening in Spain

  Sounds great! Also can't wait for the "Cary Grant Signature Collection" from Warner Bros. on June 1, 2004. That collection features: "Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House", "The Bachelor and The Bobby-Soxer", "My Favorite Wife", "Destination Tokyo", "Night and Day". They're having a great DVD year!
  
  

• At last! The original roadshow version in Widescreen format!

  
  By on 2004-05-08
  I have been fortunate enough to get an early look at AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS via a friend who is a local DVD critic.

  Fans of this film who have eagerly awaited its DVD release will be truly thrilled. It's finally been restored to its original full-length roadshow version, and it looks and sounds marvelous.

  For a film that is nearly 50 years old, I think the folks at Warner have done a terrific job with the mastering. The images are clear and sharp, and the colors are about as good as you can expect from anything photographed in the Eastmancolor process during the mid-1950s. The colors are as satisfying as those found on other landmark films of the era, such as REAR WINDOW or THE TEN COMMANDMENTS.

  Happily, Warner has spread the film over two discs, and each disc is stuffed with extras. Of particular note to fans is a terrific documentary by Sol Zimmer (sp?) all about the film's producer, the inimitable Mike Todd. It's as fascinating as the film itself.

  Best of all is the lush Victor Young score, which is done great justice by the lovely 5.1 surround mix.

  I'm sure this Oscar-winning Best Picture will find a happy place in every collection of essential DVDs.
  
  

• Good News for all of you!
  By A3EBCKPOOFUN53 on 2003-06-28
  According to the Digital Bits, Warner Brothers will be releasing AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS in a 2-disc SE. The exact date is not known, but Warner representatives have said it is coming soon, with the prologue, intermission, etc. I will try to give you more details when I can!

  J.T.
  
  

• It's not AGE that has dimmed it; it's TRANSFER & FORMAT
  By A3D561U68TE3MN on 2001-07-28
  O.K., the film is still quite good, but the DVD transfer is not as good as it could have been. As one who saw 80 Days repeatedly in Todd-AO during its 70mm run, I can tell you that it was so sharp and bright that one could almost reach out and touch Fogg's carpetbag -- or smell it. The SOUND on the DVD is COMPRESSED, and had better dynamics in one of the two VHS versions. Now that's sad! The rest of my original review of the tape version applies to the DVD. Here it is, slightly revised. Many reviews suggest that the film, although good, is not as effective as it once was because our tastes have sharpened over the years. You might be suspicious that our enormous sophistication is not the most important variable if you realize the following: 1)the decline has been Gargantuan -- the film won awards all over the world, played well over a year in virtually all of its Todd-AO releases, and drew wild applause at both the intermission and as the end credits appeared (at least every time I saw it) 2)the decline cannot be attributed to the dialogue, because it is still witty, and not at all unsophisticated, though it is broadly satirical 3)the visual humor is almost as funny as remembered from 1956 4)Niven & Cantinflas can only be described as perfect in their roles. The problem is that BOTH the VHS tape transfer and the new DVD do not adequately reproduce the glorious images, or the magnificently bouncy score, played by one of the largest orchestras in the history of film, and captured in one of the best 6 channel magnetic recordings ever. This is a movie that was often characterized by critics as a "romp," but there is not much romp left in the DVD or VHS versions. You CAN get a little of the joy and the bounce back by using a good stereo sound system, and cranking up the volume. One distinctive feature of the film is that there was very little background music; it was FOREGROUND music! The montage and music interlocked amazingly well. After the prologue (the one part of the film tht IS dated) turn up the sound of the marching band to the level of a LIVE brass band, and leave it at least at that level....that's the way it was in Todd-AO, and that's the way it should be! In 1956 Todd-AO had a "control track," the exact function of which is being debated by film historians. I think -- I believe I read it in a newspaper article at the time -- that it was used to turn up and down the other 6 audio tracks, to achieve more dramatic dynamic range than was possible without it. One place I think it was used was just before the intermission, when the music level went up magnificently. Try this: as the intermission approaches, just after Shirley MacLaine says "We're out of British jurisdiction now" turn up the volume smoothly but quickly, then, on the cut to the next shot, PUNCH it up. You will feel the exhilaration, and you will see why people clapped. As a DVD played through a good audio system, "80 Days" would probably make my top 100 list, and certainly is the best realization of Jules Verne on screen. As it was in Todd-AO, on the hypnotically large, deeply curving screen, it just might make my top 10.
  
  
• An Absolute Classic
  By A3L9QN0YNV3PUG on 2005-09-06
  If the objective of a film is to entertain, then this one fills the bill admirably, and it works its magic every time that you view it. Based on Jules Verne's tale, Mike Todd produced a sweeping panorama of the world of 1872, as Plileas Fogg (David Niven), a proper British gentleman, claims that progress has been so great that a person can circumnavigate the earth in as little as 80 days. His fellow club members hoot and bet a fortune that he cannot, so Fogg and his servant, Passepartout (the wonderful, Mexican comedian Cantinflas), set off from London to Paris and on around the world by train, ship, elephant, and even balloon, and we are treated to a magnificent spectacle. Along the way, Fogg runs afoul of Mr. Fix (Robert Newton), a detective who mistakenly tries to arrest Fogg for robbing the Bank of England. Fogg also saves the Indian Princess Aouda (Shirley MacLaine) from burning on the funeral pyre of her dead husband, and romance grows in a particularly 19th century, British manner. Tension grows as they struggle to get from Japan to San Francisco, across the American continent and the Atlantic in time to meet the deadline. This is a thoroughly enjoyable film that doesn't grow old.
  
  
• AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS
  By A2XM8ANEZJR4X7 on 2004-03-13
  I BELIEVE HOLLYWOOD SHOULD RE-START THE MAKING OF SUCH WONDERFUL FILMS AS AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS. THERE WAS NATURAL BRIGHT LIGHT, IT MADE ANYONE FEEL LIKE TRAVELING, THE MUSIC WAS THE PERFECT RELAXER, THE SUDDEN APPEARANCE OF MANY FAMOUS ACTORS, THE ACTOR'S PERFORMANCE,THE TRAVELLING SCENERY, IN FACT, THE WHOLE PRODUTION WAS AMAZING. THANK YOU FOR BRINGING IT BACK ON DVD.IT BRINGS WONDERFUL MEMORIES.
  
  
• Approaching 50, but Entertaining as Ever
  By A2NELRC2Y65O6F on 2003-09-17
  If you're looking for a steely-eyed, completely objective review of Mike Todd's 1956 blockbuster "Around the World in 80 Days," don't look here! As a very unsophisticated boy of 12 I saw this film in its first release, and though I'm long past being an innocent 12-year-old, its spell over me has never faded. I loved the story, and I thought the "twist" at the ending was wonderfully clever (it still is!), but in 1957 it was the technical aspects of this movie that really blew me away--it was the first movie I ever saw in a super-wide-screen format, and the first I ever heard that was in stereophonic sound. Today, however, as I see ATWIED through adult eyes, the acting and the production values are what make it a great film for me.

  The story is about Phileas Fogg (David Niven), a wealthy Englishman of compulsively punctual habits who wagers a staggering sum that he can complete a journey around the world in 80 days--quite a feat for 1872. Accompanied by his somewhat seedy gentleman's gentleman Passepartout (Cantinflas), Fogg sets off on his journey, unaware that Scotland Yard suspects him of masterminding a recent robbery of the Bank of England. Fueled by the bumbling and thick-headed Inspector Fixx (portrayed by Robert Newton, who died shortly after this film was completed), this subplot helps move the action along very smartly.

  For movie buffs, the best feature of this film is the profusion of cameo roles, often delightfully tongue-in-cheek, that punctuates the action. (In fact, the term "cameo role" originated with this movie!) In some films--"The Longest Day" comes immediately to mind--cameo roles are often hokey, and an annoying distraction. In this one, they work beautifully because the casting is so good: Evelyn Keyes as a snooty Parisian girl, John Carradine as an blustering denizen of the American West, George Raft as a sinister saloon owner--every role is perfectly filled. And if you're not the type of viewer who immediately recognizes classic film actors at first glimpse, don't worry about it. You won't miss a thing. The good-natured cameos are so skillfully worked into the fabric of the film that they never intrude upon the plot.

  Is "Around the World in 80 Days" flawless? Of course not. Parts of it, like the opening monologue by famous, cigarette-in-hand newscaster Edward R. Murrow, are certainly dated--but in a way, this gosh-gee-whiz segment showing a relatively tiny rocket being fired into the stratosphere is a nostalgic reminder of what life was like mere days before the first artificial satellite orbited a planet that would never be the same again.

  Now, after a seemingly endless wait, nostalgia buffs can see this wonderfully good-natured film on DVD. The restoration is virtually flawless (there are a few places where the print could have been cleaned up a bit), but compared with the faded VHS copies that have been floating around for years, this release of ATWIED is absolutely stunning, its color and sound brilliantly restored, and well worth the modest investment to obtain it. The special added features are generally worthwhile, too. Highly recommended!
  
  

• A STYLISH, STAR-STUDDED TRIP IN A STUNNING NEW TRANSFER!
  By A1M9DQDGE07Q0U on 2004-05-18
  "Around The World in 80 Days" is producer, Mike Todd's lasting tribute to divine decadence circa 1950's film making. Keeping in mind that the decade produced one lavish, eye popping spectacle after the next in an attempt to win audience away from television, "Around the World in 80 Days" is a star-studded, over produced and overblown retelling of the classic story by visionary author, Jules Verne. Having stated the obvious, this film is also a lot of fun to watch. The story - in brief - concerns a bet made by Phileus Fogg (David Niven)to members of his men's club, that he can circle the world in 80 days and be back in England in time to collect his handsome wager. On this occasion, Fogg is ably aided by his man servant, Passepartout (Cantinflas)to whom Fogg entrusts most of the seemingly benign duties on their journey. Every one from famed Flamango dancer, Jose Greco, to sultry Marlene Dietrich make cameo appearances, which is part of the fun of this gigantic travel log with an attitude. Shirley McClaine plays a key role as an Arabian princess, whom Fogg befriends and brings back with him to England. Over all, good humor, great fun - if a bit stuffy at times - and carried off with overwhelmingly "splendiferous" showmanship.
  THE TRANSFER: In a word - marvelous. "Around the World In 80 Days" was filmed in Mike Todd's patented Todd-AO widescreen format. Superior to Cinemascope in just about every way, novices to the process may find the fish eye warping of vertical and horizontal lines a bit problematic to watch but this is as Todd envisioned the film to be seen. Warner Brothers gives us a near pristine print. After some unstable color during the film's overly lengthy introduction (delivered by no less of an M.C. narrator than Edward R. Murrow), and a rather faded montage of a rocket ship blasting into space, the rest of the film exhibits a stunningly pristine, vibrant and solid color scheme that is in keeping with the high resolution of the Todd-AO film process. Colors are rich, well defined and nicely balanced. Shadow, black and contrast levels are magnificently rendered. Several outdoor scenes exhibit a slightly soft characteristic, but this too is in keeping with the original photography. Edge enhancement is rarely present. Pixelization and shimmering of fine details is never an issue. The audio is remixed to 5.1 and offers a marvelous spread - particularly in the music. Dialogue is directionalized in several scenes to good advantage. Truly, this is one heck of a good visual presentation from Warner and it is to be commended on every level.
  EXTRAS: The film is divided into two parts across two discs, but, as the original roadshow engagement had an intermission, this break is forgiveable. Both discs contain a very thorough and engaging audio commentary. As well, on disc one we get to see George Melies' A Trip To the Moon (also based on a Jules Verne novel) in its full and uncropped version. The film elements have dated badly but over all, the image quality on this short film is to be expected. On disc two we get several extra features including an hour long documentary on Mike Todd that was produced in 1968 and narrated by Orson Welles. The color balancing on this documentary is POOR, with orange flesh tones and a considerable amount of grain, dirt and scratches throughout. We also get some edited clips from Playhouse 90 and the Academy Award ceremonies that are in poor condition but interesting to view from a historical perspective nevertheless.
  BOTTOM LINE: "Around The World in 80 Days" is the sort of grandiose production that became a main staple of the 1950s. It's loaded with kitsch, glamor, exotic locations and appearances by nearly every major star of the day. Although one could argue there were far more deserving candidates for the BEST PICTURE OSCAR, this film continues to live up to all the hype one has come to hear over the years, regarding its lengthy and lavish production. Warner's 2 disc special edition should be on everybody's wish list!
  
  
• First Class Travel
  By A2TJWNRBBU82FQ on 2004-09-07
  An eagerly awaited and long overdue restoration of the movie that won the Oscar as the best film of 1956. That was a pretty good year for movies and the competition was intense. But Around The World In 80 Days was entertainment in capital letters, although younger members of modern audiences might wonder what all the fuss was about.
  
  The film certainly looks and sounds wonderful in this special edition DVD. If you are going to see it, this is the way. The extras are not overly exciting - a bit disappointing really. The most interesting is probably the complete version of Melies' Trip To The Moon (not certain what that has to do with Around The World other than also being based on Jules Verne) but that gets to be heavy going after a while.
  
  Around The World In 80 Days was, of course, the brainchild and crowning glory of super showman Mike Todd. By all accounts, getting the film made and financed was not easy and production occasionally ground to a halt while more funding was secured. That probably accounts for the slight unevenness and occasional rough edges. Some scenes seem almost unfinished and the narrative jumps over large sections of geography. Maybe it's just time restrictions or sloppy editing, but the film does have an uncertain pace unusual for productions on this scale. And the camera doesn't linger on quite as many exotic landscapes as you might expect.
  
  But Todd's biggest and best gimmick for the film was the invention of the cameo role for big name stars. Fifty or so well known personalities pop up all along the route, which provided the extra fun of spotting them and putting the correct name to the face ("Is that Jack Oakie?" "No, that's Jack Oakie." "Mom, who's Jack Oakie?") Some have larger bits than others - Jose Greco gets a superb solo spot, Peter Lorre is Peter Lorre, Noel Coward and John Gielgud make a great double act). A few, like Frank Sinatra, never utter a word - they're just there. But they provide a real sense of class to the affair. Sadly, quite a few of them will now go unrecognized by younger viewers.
  
  The four main stars are a curious mix. Mexican comedian Catinflas is quite good as Passepartout, even if his accent is a little too thick at times. His clowning livens up many scenes, especially in an extended Spanish bullring sequence. Robert Newton plays Detective Fixx like a distant cousin of Long John Silver. A rather subdued Shirley MacLaine seems a strange choice to play an Indian princess. And David Niven seems to play Phileas Fogg just a trifle too straight. Not even a hint of a tongue in cheek.
  
  The later television version of Around The World with Pierce Brosnan makes an interesting comparison and is enjoyable in its own right - even an improvement in some areas. The more recent film with Jackie Chan is best forgotten. It is the 1956 movie that will always be remembered and ultimately be most entertaining. And on this DVD, it is better than ever.
  
  
• Epic Adventure
  By A2AOZQ3WTNVVOK on 2005-03-15
  I recall the first time I saw this movie in the 60s. The scope of the picture, the exotic locations, and the continued cleverness of Phileas Fogg (David Niven) amazed me. Of course, time and technique have dulled the glamour of the special effects, but I still watch this movie with much of the awe of a child of the 60s and I can forgive a lot for a classic movie.
  
  This movie is based on the classic story by Jules Verne. Phileas Fogg is playing cards with his cronies in London when the conversation turns to travel about the world. Phileas Fogg makes a statement that a person can travel around the world in 80 days. After a couple of rounds of "my dog is bigger than your dog" the gentlemen bet Phileas Fogg 20,000 pounds that he will not be able to travel around the world in 80 days.
  
  Phileas Fogg had just employed a new manservant, Passepartout, played by well-known Mexican actor Cantinflas, born Mario Moreno Reyes. The character of Passepartout changes this movie from a big budget snooze fest to a humorous and entertaining fantasy. Niven's Fogg is as you might expect, very proper and serious. Passepartout is a little silly, a huge womanizer, and far less organized than Niven. However, Passepartout is adaptable and a survivor, which makes him perfect for traveling through numerous countries in 80 days.
  
  The pair set out immediately for a journey around the world. Once in France they encounter their first transportation setback of many, and recover by taking a balloon over the mountains to Spain. In Spain we see a vignette, the first of many, starring Passepartout in the role of bull fighter. They trek by boat and eventually manage to make their way to India, where they encounter yet another transportation setback. This time they save Princess Aouda, a relatively minor role for Shirley MacLaine.
  
  A running subplot becomes more intrusive as the journey continues. About the time that Phileas Fogg was departing for his journey the Bank of England was robbed of 50,000 pounds. Mr. Fix, played by Robert Newton, believes based on tenuous evidence that Phileas Fogg was the robber, and tries to stop him at every opportunity. Unfortunately, the Mr. Fix subplot begins to grate as the movie goes on, and I started to wish that Phileas Fogg or Passepartout would throw him overboard on one of the boat journeys.
  
  The threesome, sometimes foursome when Mr. Fix is included, journeys to Hong Kong, where Fix tries to prevent Passepartout from getting ship tickets to Yokohoma to Phileas Fogg. The threesome are temporarily separated but reunite in Yokohoma, where Passepartout has joined a circus as an acrobat, one of his numerous talents.
  
  They set off across the ocean in a clipper ship, of which a number of excellent views are provided if you are a clipper ship fan. The ship arrives in San Francisco, and Phileas Fogg catches a train cross the United States. There are beautiful scenes in the mountains, along with a rare scene of hundreds of bison crossing the railroad tracks. After a run-in with Native Americans, filmed in stereotypical 50s fashion, Phileas, Passepartout and Princess Aouda have missed the train. With a bit of imagination they overcome that obstacle and soon pass the train by.
  
  Onward to New York and a ship passage back to England. Once again there is a transportation problem as they have missed the boat. They take a coastal freighter across the Atlantic, barely making the crossing. Unfortunately, Mr. Fix arrests Phileas Fogg on his return to England, apparently causing a loss of the 20,000 pound bet. However, the movie is not over, and I leave it to the viewer to follow through to the end.
  
  Cinematic expectations have changed with time. In the era of the 50s and 60s extended views of scenery were considered fashionable because they were shown in wide screen, and most people hard rarely encountered such imagery in a movie theater. However, current audiences have lost their patience and demand a faster paced movie, when they are willing to sit through a movie focused more on plot than on action. Thus, the movie has not aged well for many audiences. The movie could probably be edited to remove some of the scenery and the extended shots that advance the plot little, but to do so also removes much of the cinematic beauty of the film.
  
  This movie is interesting in that there are numerous actors who received either cameos or bit parts in this movie. Red Skelton, Ronald Colman, Buster Keaton, Frank Sinatra, Charles Boyer, José Greco, Peter Lorre, and Marlene Dietrich appear. Though many of these names will mean little to younger audiences, most of these actors were quite famous in their era. Deep in the credits are other famous names, such as Keye Luke, who was a regular on the 70s series "Kung Fu," and Richard Loo, who appeared in a number of movies, including "The Sand Pebbles" and "The Man with the Golden Gun." This short list is far from inclusive, as there are many more famous names in the list of credits.
  
  There have been a couple of attempts to remake this movie, and both have succeeded only in proving that the original endures as the best of the bunch. Even with its flaws, this movie is a classic, and for those with a mind to the era in which it was made, and have the patience to watch the movie even when the focus is on panoramas, you will find there are rewards in this film.
  
  
• Too slow-paced and ornamental for modern audiences
  By on 1999-02-05
  Maybe people were easier to entertain in 1956. Maybe the sight of all that scenery was enough. Don't expect any edge-of-your-seat excitement or fast-paced action. The film is more ornament than anything else, with its endless panoramas, lush melodies and `spot the stars' cameo appearances by the likes of George Raft and Andy Devine (Most people under 50 would have a tough time identifying many of these erstwhile celebrities). They give the film a `Where's Waldo' feel.

  I can't imagine your average 10-year-old getting much of a kick out of this movie, with or without a Ritalin overdose. It's structured as a series of episodes, taking place in various countries. Most tend to be overly-long and contrived to the point that I was reminded of the Ed Sullivan Show with its jarring hodge-podge of acrobats, plate twirlers and cornball comedy sketches. Much of what happens in the various countries would appear trite and patronizing to a modern audience.

  The humour is lame and half-hearted at best. For example, the bar scene in San Francisco seems to go on forever, but nothing amusing or interesting ever really happens. Marlene Dietrich, looking like a 70-year-old madame, makes a weak play for Fogg who is threatened by a very tired-looking George Raft while Cantinflas stuffs boiled eggs into Red Skelton's mouth. Compare this bland fare to The Great Race, a similarly structured film but with far better gags, action and characters.

  David Niven is totally wasted as the stiff and formal Phineas Fogg. For most of the movie he is simply planted in the scene, looking properly English. They could have replaced him with a cardboard cutout, for all he's given to do.

  The real star is Cantinflas as Fogg's assistant Passe-Partout. He provides the only real emotion and energy in this amazingly static travelogue. Without him, the movie would have been stultifying.

  To be fair, the final half-hour does get interesting as they race against the clock to win the wager. It's enough to earn it two and a half stars.
  
  

• Episodic Scenic Epic Pales With Time
  By on 1999-09-20
  Time has been unkind to Around The World In 80 Days-- in more ways than one. A prime example of failure in film preservation, the film can no longer be seen as it originally appeared. This aside, the episodic, leisurely pace of the film is a bit TOO episodic and a bit TOO leisurely to substain the film's running time. A first rate cast and entertaining cameos make the movie worth a watch, but only as a second or a third choice.
  
  
• Finally!
  By A1S31XLRRB11US on 2004-05-20
  I have been waiting for years for Warner Brothers to release "Around the World in 80 Days" in its original widescreen splendor. For the DVD edition, the powers-that-be wisely decided to remaster and enhance the roadshow version, which restores one scene showing Cantinflas's attempts to escape the "redskins" chasing him. The picture and sound is quite good, certainly better than any print I have seen on TV in recent memory. Although a few minor scratches and pit marks remain on this restored print, the overall look, especially on a widescreen television, is awesome.

  I have read that this film is not as good as its reputation. One must remember the social atmosphere of the world this movie was released into. Nowadays, with large TV's and the internet, along with the ability to jet to anywhere in the world in the blink of an eye, a film like this may appear quaint and antique. But in 1956, when "Around the World" was first released, television wasn't even in color, much less HDTV widescreen. The only way to see color images of, say India, was to read National Geographic. Before 1956, movie studios "made magic" on the backlot, with sets constructed to look like "Casablanca". The film's producer, Mike Todd, took his cameras to the actual locations, and for the first time in film history. It's little wonder "Around the World in 80 Days" was such a blockbuster hit.

  It will be interesting to see if the new Jackie Chan "Around the World in 80 Days" can even come close to matching Mike Todd's achievement.
  
  

• A very fine, entertaining extravaganza
  By AR2DE47VCY1C8 on 2004-06-18
  

  
  Format: Color
  Studio: Warner Home Video
  DVD Release Date: May 18, 2004

  Cast:

  David Niven ... Phileas Fogg
  Finlay Currie ... Whist Partner
  Cantinflas ... Passepartout
  Robert Morley ... Ralph, Reform Club Member
  Ronald Squire ... Reform Club Member
  Basil Sydney ... Reform Club Member
  Noel Coward ... Hesketh-Baggott, Employment Agent
  John Gielgud ... Mr. Foster, previous valet to Mr. Fogg
  Trevor Howard ... Denis Fallentin, Reform Club Member
  Harcourt Williams ... Hinshaw, Reform Club Attendant
  Martine Carol ... Tourist
  Fernandel ... French Coachman
  Charles Boyer ... Monsieur Gasse, Travel Agent
  Evelyn Keyes ... The Flirt
  José Greco ... Flamenco Dancer
  Luis Miguel Dominguín ... Bullfighter
  Gilbert Roland ... Achmed Abdullah
  Cesar Romero ... Achmed Abdullah's Henchman
  Alan Mowbray ... Consul
  Robert Newton ... Mr. Fix
  Cedric Hardwicke ... Sir Francis Gromarty
  Melville Cooper ... Mr. Talley, Captain of the 'Rangoon'
  Reginald Denny ... Police Chief
  Ronald Colman ... Railway Official
  Robert Cabal ... Elephant Driver-Guide
  Shirley MacLaine ... Princess Aouda
  Charles Coburn ... Steamship Company Clerk
  Peter Lorre ... Japanese Steward
  George Raft ... Saloon Bouncer
  Red Skelton ... Drunk in Saloon
  Marlene Dietrich ... Saloon Hostess
  John Carradine ... Col. Proctor Stamp
  Frank Sinatra ... Saloon Pianist
  Buster Keaton ... Train Conductor
  Tim McCoy ... Colonel, U.S. Cavalry
  Joe E. Brown ... Stationmaster
  Andy Devine ... First Mate of the 'Henrietta'
  Edmund Lowe ... Engineer of the 'Henrietta'
  Victor McLaglen ... Helmsman of the 'Henrietta'
  Jack Oakie ... Captain of the 'Henrietta'
  Beatrice Lillie ... Revivalist
  John Mills ... Carriage Driver
  Glynis Johns ... Sporting Lady's Companion
  Hermione Gingold ... Sporting Lady
  Edward R. Murrow ... Himself/Prologue Narrator
  A.E. Matthews ... Club Member
  Ronald Adam ... Club Member
  Walter Fitzgerald ... Club Member
  Frank Royde ... Club Member
  Roy Darmour ... Featured player
  Plus over 150 extras

  This film was made by the late Michael Todd, one of Elizabeth Taylor's many husbands, who attracted many of the star-studded cast by coining the phrase (now widely used) "cameo appearance." Stars of such lofty reputations would almost certainly not have agreed to "bit" parts, but "cameo" had a much more palatable ring to it. And this one does, indeed, have a cast of stars.

  The late David Niven, one of filmdom's truly outstanding great actors with unmatched panache, has the starring role, as Phineas Fogg, an eccentric Englishman who wagers that he can circumnavigate the globe in only eighty days, to the disbelief and even derision of other members of his exclusive London club.

  Accompanying him is his personal servant, Passepartout (Cantinflas, playing his first English speaking role), whom hw has just hired that very day. The movie is excellent in its depiction of various parts of the world that the pair experience, including 19th century America.

  The plot is complicated when a British detective, Mr. Fix (Robert Newton), suspects Fogg of robbing the Bank of England and dogs his tail throughout.

  This is a fine film, made in 1957 originally, at great expense and with a hugely talented staff. Truly an extravaganza, very entertaining. It was the "Picture of the Year" when it was released. Very entertaining.

  Joseph (Joe) Pierre
  
  author of Handguns and Freedom...their care and maintenance
  and other books

  
  
  

• Spectacular
  By A1CIZ90FFOZTLM on 2004-05-28
  In this age of big-budget CGI special effects, a 1956 movie with this kind of scope and grandeur is all the more astonishing. This is the movie I longed to watch when I first saw the chopped-up, washed-out "Around the World in 80 Days" on VHS years ago. BRAVO on this fantastic DVD!!!! The picture quality is stunning, the colors are vibrant, the widescreen presentation is perfect, and the story is more charming than ever.

  I was drawn to this movie not as a fan of 1950's epics (although I love them) but as an avid fan of Jules Verne. This is quite possibly the only screen version that is loyal to Verne's inspired masterpiece of comedy. With over 40 cameos by such stars as Buster Keaton, Frank Sinatra, Red Skelton, and Peter Lorre, Michael Todd's one and only film is a masterpiece in its own right. It is more about star power, breathtaking cinematography, and sharp, witty dialogue than about story, and it is all these elements that make the film work so well. The flamenco dance in the Spanish tavern is alone worth the price of the DVD - it is one of the most gorgeous scenes ever shot on film.

  But David Niven, Robert Newton, and Shirley MacLaine aside, the real star of this film is the charming and phenomenally talented Cantinflas, the Mexican comedian who at the time was the highest paid entertainer in the world. And with good reason! In his first English-speaking role, Cantinflas steals the show with a brilliant performance.

  Fans of Jules Verne will be tickled pink at the very faithful adaptation (with only very minor changes that play to the particular strengths of Cantinflas himself - even Jules Verne would love that bullfighting scene!), and fans of 50's epics will be enthralled with the scope of this monumental achievement. This is one of those films that should be much better known than it is, because it is simply one of the finest movies ever made.

  Thanks to Warner Brothers for FINALLY seeing this movie's great potential and restoring it to the presentation it deserves. Fantastic job.
  
  

• BRAVO MICHAEL TODD!
  By on 2004-06-21
  One of the LAST GREAT INNOVATORS ~ this pristine restored DVD gives the viewer a hint of what it was like to see the original in '57.

  It runs more or less like a circus act [intentionally] with a miriad of Guest Stars - which makes it even more fun to find them and point them out!

  Niven is deliciously droll, Cantinflas [somewhat like Chaplin's little chap from South of the Border] admirably enhances the trio of globe-trotters - with the Young and Glam Shirley MacLaine as the East Indian Princess [!] Fun casting.

  Possibly one of the most satisfying DVD experiences to date - the picture quality is superior to some of the current new releases! A THX treatment of the sound [not too bad] would have been preferable.

  Something for the neophyte and avid collected!

  [Stunning Elizabeth Taylor is featured as narrator in part of the extras!]
  
  

• AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS
  By A5QZKZTG3ME0M on 2004-06-23
  I only give this one 2 stars because it is such a poor transfer. The picture image is very soft. Such a shame...but then that is Warner Brothers who do not seem to take a great deal of care in their work. One of my all time favorite movies....I can't tell you how many times I saw it in the theatre and was thrilled when it came out on VHS a few years ago. But the picture is soft focus....actually gets hard on the eyes. Shame on you Warner Bros.
  
  
• The worst Best Picture winner ever???
  By A2YYK67XIW6WS2 on 2004-11-24
  First off, let me explain why I purchased the AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS DVD in the first place, sight unseen. One, I was trying to collect as many notable films of the 1950's as I could on DVD, to add to my personal library. Two, it was the winner of the 1956 Best Picture Oscar (how bad could it be, right?). And third, it was on sale at my local wholesaler. So I figured, what the hey, I'll take a chance.
  
  Talk about a COLOSSAL disappointment. I'm a huge movie buff. I'm only 32 years old, but I love all sorts of films and genres from different periods and countries. I love old black & white and silent films, and I don't shy away from foreign films either. I'm also a huge fan of Warner Brothers' 2-Disc Special Edition DVDs. I try to keep an open mind about all the films I see, but I just can't come up with any convincing arguments to either buy or watch this film/DVD.
  
  To start, there is NO GOOD REASON why this film should be 3 hours long. It could have very easily been edited down to 2, if not 90 minutes. There is almost no script to speak of, and what little there is consists of trite exchanges and banter with barely 2 memorable lines of dialogue. There are endless shots of open seas or country, followed by about 30 seconds of dialogue, followed by EVEN MORE endless footage of different locales. There is no real drama or comedy going on to drive the film, and the pacing is absolutely DREADFUL... I found myself hitting the "fast-foward" button on my remote on more than a few occasions, simply because I knew I wasn't missing any dialogue and the establishing shots would go on for 1 or 2 minutes STRAIGHT!
  
  Secondly, the entire cast is virtually wasted. David Niven is always a delight to watch, but is never given a chance to make Fogg truly shine. He has one demeanor that he holds throughout: stiff and mannered, with little or no variation. Cantinflas, who supposedly was one of the highest paid comedians in the world at the time 80 DAYS was produced, gives us little reason to believe how or why he was such a sensation (other than doing his own stunt work). He's mildly amusing at best, and his accent is so thick and mumbled that I had to rewind and replay some scenes with the "subtitle" button on. As for the "noted" cameos... again, the actors/comedians are given little to do and barely play to their strengths and familiarity. The only cameo actor who stuck out as having any real performance or impact was the great John Carradine (can't miss that voice!).
  
  It's hard to believe it took THREE different writers to come up with such a frustratingly bland, lifeless and unfunny script (not to mention headscratchingly illogical... when Cantinflas rescues the Shirley MacLaine Princess character, wouldn't she fall in love with HIM, her actual rescuer, rather than the cool and distant Fogg, who only ordered the rescue? Talk about a missed opportunity for some genuine comedy!).
  
  Although this film obviously has some fans, I wonder if it's only because of some overriding nostalgia factor, whether it was seeing it for the first time back in 1956 or on TV as a child. Other than that, I can't understand how anyone could seriously recommend this film. Yes, it's beautifully photographed, and the costumes are great, but THAT'S IT. I can't believe that 80 DAYS won the Best Picture Oscar of 1956, a year that also gave us GIANT, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, THE KING AND I, THE SEARCHERS... hell, even FORBIDDEN PLANET or INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS should have won before this overblown moving postcard.
  
  I'm sorry to say that I probably won't bother watching this film again and will most likely end up reselling my DVD copy (if anyone will take it!). Certainly my most disappointing DVD purchase EVER. Don't say you weren't warned!
  
  
  
• Around the World in Eighty Days
  By AV2HLOSPROP53 on 2000-08-02
  For me, the segment in Spain is worth the price of the entire movie, for two reasons: Jose Greco, regarded by many as Spain's greatest Flamenco dancer of all time, was actually a New York street-tough kid who discovered dance early in life. When I first saw him leap onto the stage, much taller than the average Spanish dancer and with a grand Romanesque profile, I was dazzled. And then there's Mario Moreno, a.k.a. Cantinflas, underappreciated in the U.S. but characterized in his own country as the Charlie Chaplin of Mexico. His followup to Jose Greco with his own Flamenco interpretation justifies the comparison. Many moviegoers do not realize that a stunt double was not used in the bullring sequence. Cantinflas was a professional bullfighter in Mexico, and after gaining stature as the country's most famous comic actor, continued to make exhibition appearances in the bullring as something akin to the rodeo clown, and in this movie he is just doing his bit. Although he worked with the cape and sword, he never killed the bulls. To anyone over 50, the cameos of movie stars from the 30's and 40's are great fun. I just wish the color quality could be enhanced.
  
  
• Great for fans of 50's and 60's epic films
  By A1IOM171PPQ2U8 on 2000-04-28
  To understand why this film was given so many awards and so much praise, one needs to understand the time in which it was made. To compete with television, Hollywood began making its films bigger - not just in length, but in scope. Theatres constructed much bigger screens, and around the early 50's, big screen filming techniques like Cinemascope, Cinerama, and Vistavision were employed (it would be the equivalent of an IMAX film today). As a result, people came to the movies just to witness the spectacle on a mega-huge screen (bear in mind as well, TV screens at that time were mostly about the size of your thumbnail). Two number one films of that time period were "This is Cinerama" and "Cinerama Holiday," two films which employed the "big screen" technique but had virtually no substance (they were basically travelogues).

  "Around the World in Eighty Days" grew out of this trend; it was crafted so that audiences would leave the TV and go to the movies just to see the huge color spectacle on a big screen - and it worked; this movie was one of 1956's biggest successes. Today, however . . the movie does lose some of its appeal, due to these lengthy scenes which were crafted mainly for big-screen enjoyment (example: the sequence on the train through India, the train trek through the American Midwest - if you'll notice, quite often the camera pulls back for panoramic views of the countryside). Yet this film remains a favorite to me for several reasons, the first being that I am, as the title indicates, a big fan of 50's and 60's epic. This film also features a wonderfully droll performance by David Niven as stuffy English gentleman Phileas Fogg, a role perfectly suited to his talents. Cantinflas is also amusing as the deadpan Passepartout, Fogg's faithful manservant. You may not recognize Shirley MacLaine as Indian princess Aouda (for one thing, her role is incredibly mousy - seeing this, you'd never know one day MacLaine would play someone with as much verve as Aurora Greenaway in "Terms of Endearment"). Another feature of the film is the many cameo appearances made by big name stars in both Britain and the U.S. - Marlene Dietrich, Charles Boyer, John Carradine, Cedric Hardwicke, Ronald Colman, John Gielgud, Glynis Johns, and Buster Keaton (as a very funny train conductor) are just some of the many big names that lent their talent to this opus. Another plus for me is that S.J. Perelman lent his writing talents to this film, which accounts for some of the wry humor strewn throughout. I don't recommend it for children - as has been said, the length will wear your youngster out, that is, if you can even get him to pay attention to it in the first place; but it's worth watching if you're in a sentimental mood and want to return to a more innocent time period. You may want to wait until a widescreen version is made available (though somehow I don't see this one as having great demand for release on DVD). A good film or bad one, depending on your tastes.
  
  

• Mike Todd Chases Phileas Fogg Around the World
  By A3N8RZSXKN1OR2 on 2002-10-24
  There's a famous old saying to the effect that "It's a difference of opinion that makes horse races." Present-day critics often look askance at "Around the World...," yet when it came out, it earned the plaudits of almost every critic then in existence, and was nominated for eight Oscars (including Best Director), winning five, including Best Picture. This may simply indicate a change in movie tastes on the part of critics over nearly 40 years, but I still consider it to be one of the most purely enjoyable examples of family viewing yet to appear on video.

  Of course, everyone knows the basic premise of the film: Phileas Fogg (Niven), "the most punctual man alive," bets a group of fellow clubmen (staking his entire fortune) that he can circle the world in 80 days, and then, accompanied by his valet Passepartout (Cantinflas in his first U. S. film), sets out to do just that, along the way rescuing an English-educated Parsee girl, Aouda (MacLaine), from forced suttee and attracting the attention of Scotland Yard's Insp. Fix (Newton in his final role), who is convinced he is the man who robbed the Bank of England on the day before his departure. This was the first and last film produced by Mike Todd (then married to Elizabeth Taylor), who was killed two years later, and for a first effort--indeed, for any effort!--it's astounding. Todd believed in going all out, and he surrounded himself with the best talent he could find, even going so far as to cast major film figures in minor parts, inventing along the way the now-familiar term "cameo role." The film was actually shot in large part on location, requiring a huge crew and many cast members to travel untold thousands of miles and using what was literally "a cast of thousands." (Of all the exterior scenes, only two were observably shot on indoor sets.) To be sure, it loses something through translation to the small screen, but the scenery is still beautiful and the actors still strut their stuff to good effect.

  In a movie of this length, pacing is everything, and the pace of "Around the World..." is consistent and steady. True, it's a little slow getting started, as it introduces Fogg and his Club, but after a few minutes it cuts to Passepartout on a "pennyfarthing" bicycle, and from then on there's always something going on or something interesting to look at: Cantinflas's bullfight in Spain, the balloon trip over the French countryside, the drugging of Passepartout in Hong Kong, the Japanese circus, and the stripping at sea of the sidewheeler Henrietta, to say nothing of the mere presence of Cantinflas, who adds a touch of comic lightness to what might otherwise be a rather taut film; the costumes, the vehicles, and the incidental characters, especially Sir Cedric Hardwicke as Gen. Sir Francis Cromarty, Red Skelton as the gluttonous drunk in San Francisco, John Carradine as Col. Proctor, and Joe E. Brown as the Fort Kearney stationmaster. The credits at the end are difficult to read unless you have a giant-screen TV, though the imaginitive treatment is worth sitting through. And viewers of all ages will enjoy the sheer suspense of "What-will-happen-next?"--which is, of course, what makes a story a story. The more penetrating viewer may also find it interesting to watch how Fogg develops: though he maintains almost to the end that he is a man of the most precise habits and has no human warmth to speak of, there are cracks in his armor--a moment's appreciation of a sunset over the Arabian Sea, his compassionate resolve to rescue Aouda (and his nervous lick of the lips when she seems unsaveable), his reassuring pats to Passepartout's shoulder as their journey passes midpoint and things pile up in their path. You will probably prefer to fast-forward through the prologue, featuring Edward R. Murrow giving an introductory talk, but once the movie itself gets under way, S. J. Perelman's inspired mix of action, humor, and suspense should hold everyone's interest.

  After all, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. This video has been in my collection for over 15 years (it was one of the first I acquired after buying my first VCR), and in that time, even with literally hundreds of other films in competition, I've taken time to run it a total of eight times to date--and enjoyed it just as much each time as I did when I first saw it. Modern critics to the contrary, I maintain that it well deserves a place in the pantheon of classics--and a look by families seeking simple enjoyment for all ages.
  
  

• More than worth the wait!
  By on 2004-05-25
  For over a year, I have awaited the release of the DVD of Mike Todd's epic travelogue AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS. At long last, it is here. Watch the 181 minute roadshow version with the intermission (at the 112 minute mark) and 5 minute exit mus restored.
  But it gets better.
  LIsten to Brian Sibley's fascinating and personable commentary which covers the entire film.
  But it gets better.
  View the expansive and relevant extra features, which give an idea of how big the film was.
  But it gets better.
  Look at it, restored and in widescreen for the first time in 40-odd years.
  But it gets better.
  Feel it in your hands, and savor the feeling that it is finally yours.
  It doesn't get better than that.

  Jamie Teller
  
  

• Phileas Fogg is the most Punctual man I know
  By A5WMBIOGE8Q6N on 2004-06-08
  Immensely refreshing movie that brings out the best adventure of the human spirit. Phileas Fogg the eccentric multi-millionaire makes a beat with the members with an elite all British Club whose members include a banker from the bank of England that he can travel around the world in 80 days accompanied by his servant Cantinflas. The Club starts placing beats against Fogg immediately and Fogg's deductions about a bank robbery will make him a suspect.
  Fogg instructs Cantinflas too carry the bag containing an enormous quantity of new British notes and charges him to watch the bag at all times. When Fogg arrives at the travel agency and discovers an avalanche has blocked travel by railway, he begins searching for a new solution and upon discovering an alternate solution Fogg purchases a hot air balloon. Fogg and Cantinflas sail over the Alps with Cantinflas grab snow from a peak too chill their Champaign as they celebrate their ingenuity. Fogg will not be deterred from keeping on schedule by providing generous bonus for increased performance by participates along the journey.
  Cantinflas is an important element to the movie; as in the scene in Spain where his spontaneous burst of enthusiastic dancing resulted in an invitation too participate in a bullfight. Cantinflas performed magnificently in the bullfight and eventually tames the bull, a tribute too his magnificently skill and was carried on the shoulders of the people as a hero. Because of Cantinflas skill Fogg is permitted usage of the Sultan's ship for passage to India.
  In India, Cantinflas mischievously taunts a Braham bull mistaking him as a nuisance and instead draws the wrath of the community as religious violation of a religious symbol and a mob chase after Cantinflas and escapes from them out of breath as he leaps onto a train containing the impatient Fogg and the group is on route too Hong Kong.
  Unfortunately, the group discovers the rail road tracks leading to Hong Kong has not been finished and the group must travel the last 50 miles by Elephant and during this time Cantinflas devises and executes the rescues of the beautiful Princess Aouda, who later falls in love with Fogg and becomes his wife. In Hong Kong Cantinflas becomes separated from Fogg as the inspector tricks him into drinking a knockout drink and Cantinflas wakens too find himself on a ship to Yokohama without Fogg and penniless.
  Japan without any money will not treat Cantinflas well and once in Japan without money he can't purchase food. The first place Cantinflas visits after arriving Japan is a large Buddha statue and where he receives an apple and praises Buddha for the generosity, yet his stomach is still empty, so Cantinflas joins the circus too make some money for food when suddenly Fogg arrives during the performance and the group departs in a disaster for the circus.
  The group catches a ship for San Francisco arriving during an election (look for Red Skeleton and Frank Sinatra). Cantinflas prepares for the "Wild West" and hostile Indians by purchasing weapons and eventually appear dressed like gun fighter, but this doesn't prevent his capture by the Sue Indians, who plan on burning him. Fogg rescues Cantinflas leading a Calvary charge and this delay causes them too miss the train so they innovate and create a wind powered rail car helping them finish the journey across the Transamerica rail.
  The group is running behind schedule and have missed the ship to England so they divert travel plans and acquire a steam ship in Argentina managing to cross the ocean by using all burnable items to power the steam ship. Once back on English soil, Fogg is detained as a Bank robbery and later released as the real thieve has been apprehended. Fogg accepts the princesses Auoda hand in marriage and insist on Cantinflas acquire the preacher for the marriage and as Cantinflas retrieves the preacher, he realizes that they have arrived on Saturday not Sunday because they have travel east saving a day. Fogg arrives punctually and receives 20,000 pounds for his travels.
  
  
• A favorite
  By on 1999-04-10
  Niven and Cantinflas are marvelous together as the perfect English gentleman and his acrobatic manservant in this star-studded spectacular. While much of the travelogue footage might look better on the big screen, the great plot and humor keep you interested from start to finish wherever you see it.
  
  
• Great Adventure
  By A1OSORFH948MJ on 2002-06-01
  Another of Jules Verne's wonderful books put on film... somewhat. A somewhat decent transferral from book to film. At any rate, it's a lively and entertaining movie. A good family movie. If you want a film for kids (as well as yourself), and want to see some good adventure, with lots of big stars making cameo appearances, this is a good place to begin. Shirley MacLaine is actually pretty good in this, something I surprise myself by saying. David Niven and Robert Newton are superb; Niven as the fastidious Phileas Fogg and Newton as the London detective following him around the world. I'm anxiously looking forward to seeing this wide screen adventure put onto DVD.
  
  
• One of the Most Ambitious and Gorgeous Movies Ever Made!
  By ASJWXDNJD72DG on 2004-09-22
  It's hard to believe a movie this scale ever got made but thank goodness it did! I have a large collection of dvds and this one ranks in the top 10! Beautiful film and sound quality and a treat to watch. Great special features too. A MUST HAVE AT TWICE THE PRICE!!!
  
  
• A great 1950's film
  By APZ9MBMUKD2W on 2005-07-17
  If you want a good light hearted comedy to watch tonite with a great cast and a great script then I think that you will fall in love with this movie. I most certainly did.
  
  

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