Rating: 
Summary: A STYLISH, STAR-STUDDED TRIP IN A STUNNING NEW TRANSFER!
Review: "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!
Rating:
Summary: A STYLISH, STAR-STUDDED TRIP IN A STUNNING NEW TRANSFER!
Review: "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!
Rating: 
Summary: A very fine, entertaining extravaganza
Review:
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 DominguĂn ... 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
Rating: 
Summary: Good News for all of you!
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Worth Seeing Once
Review: After the first 45 minutes, I wondered if I'd lost my mind to continue watching a movie so stunningly boring and lacking in plot development. Everybody knows the premise of course. The fabulously wealthy Phineas Fogg wagers he can circumnavigate the globe in an unprecedented 80 days, whereupon he and his manservant Passepartout set off to do it. If you read Jules Verne's book, you would think making a movie of it would be a no-brainer. Unfortunately, this movie was made in just that style. Anyway, in memory of Jules Verne, and because I thought it must have won 5 Oscars for some reason, I just had to see what happened next, and it did begin to pick up after they arrived in India. Or perhaps my expectations by then were lower. The photography is superb. The cast has dozens of cameos, including Buster Keaton as a train conductor. But the flat-footed direction disappointed me. I'm glad I watched it, but I don't intend to watch it again.
Rating:
Summary: First Class Travel
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Great Adventure
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful movie, great transfer to DVD. Skip the commentary.
Review: Another wonderful re-master of a lovely classic movie, "Around the World in 80 Days" is a delight to see in its DVD incarnation, infinitely better-looking and sounding than the awful VHS tapes floating around. But why, oh why, must we be subjected to Cryin' Snivelly on the commentary track? The lying socialist BBC is (institutionally) persona non grata in my home, but I was willing to give the guy a chance anyway. But no, he shows he's Mr. P.C. within the first few minutes by taking a swipe at Joe McCarthy via Ed Murrow; and frankly, that sort of political hogwash is unwelcome in this context (nor is it good history, either; but never mind about that). I'd like to know more about "behind the scenes" at the movie, but not at the price of indulging a BBC flake like Snivelly. My advice: Love the movie, turn off the commentary.
Rating:
Summary: It may be an oldie. But it's a goodie.
Review: Around the World in 80 Days has aged better than most think. The film does show alot of long cinematic scenes. But it is funny (The ending is just hilarous, if you get it). Over 40 stars make apperances, if only brief, in the film. The only ones I could identify where Red Skeleton, Frank Sinatra and Buster Keaton. Then again, I am younger than this movie. Anyway, It's long, and old. But with performances by David Niven and an excellent one by Cantinflas, this movie is a classic indeed.
Rating: 
Summary: A real snoozer!!!
Review: 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!
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