Rating: 
Summary: Episodic Scenic Epic Pales With Time
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: A favorite
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Too slow-paced and ornamental for modern audiences
Review: 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.
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 DominguÃn ... 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: BRAVO MICHAEL TODD!
Review: 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!]
Rating:
Summary: A Must
Review: Superb release of the star-studded Michael Todd venture. The film looks great. But what makes this special is the feature-length commentary by Brian Sibley. He not only gives a run down on all the actors (including, helpfully, those whose stars have faded -- how fleetingis fame) but gives an extraordinary wealth of information about the music, costuming, back lots, writers and, especially, Michael Todd. Anyone weary of commentaries with tired directors and vapid actors who tell nothing more than what's going on on-screen, will find Sibley's commentary not onlyl informative but a lot of fun.
Rating:
Summary: Approaching 50, but Entertaining as Ever
Review: 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!
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: The worst Best Picture winner ever???
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: One of the Most Ambitious and Gorgeous Movies Ever Made!
Review: 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!!!
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