Rating: 
Summary: Incredibly entertaining "Best Picture" needs to be on DVD!
Review: 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.
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 11 I saw this film in its first release, and to the extent that I'm still an innocent 11-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 1956 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 mysteriously wealthy Englishman of compulsively punctual habits who wages a staggering sum that he can complete a journey around the world in 80 days--quite a feat for 1872. With 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 very shortly after this film was completed), this subplot helps move the action along very nicely. For movie buffs, the best feature of this film is the profusion of cameo roles, often delightfully tongue-in-cheek, that punctuates the action. (It's said the term "cameo role" originated with this movie, and I can believe it!) In some films--"The Longest Day" comes immediately to mind--cameo roles are a distraction. In this one, they work beautifully because the casting is so good: Evelyn Keyes as a snooty Parisian girl, John Carradine as an archtypical man 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-- 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 opening segment showing a relatively tiny rocket being fired into the stratosphere is a nostalgic reminder of what life was like before the first artificial satellites ever orbited the earth. I wish I could say that it's worthwhile to rush out and buy this almost ageless movie on DVD, but I can't--it hasn't been released in that format yet. Before it is, the film badly needs the kind of loving restoration that "Gone with the Wind" received a few years back. The rich palate of the opening scenes has faded so badly that the footage is virtually indistinguishable from black-and-white. A frame-by-frame restoration would enable this classic to take its place of pride once again in the company of other Oscar-winning "best film" productions--and the sooner it happens, the better.
Rating:
Summary: At last! The original roadshow version in Widescreen format!
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Spectacular
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Underrated and neglected: A 1950's classic reborn on DVD
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: More than worth the wait!
Review: 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
Rating:
Summary: Finally!
Review: 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.
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: 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: Not as visually crisp as expected
Review: I know this movie is more than 44 years old, but compared to what Warner Bros. did with Casablanca and Adventures of Robin Hood on DVD, this one falls slightly short: It could have been cleaned up more and made to look sharper, although it's still very good quality. I love this film, but I do wish that Warner Bros. would have put a little more into its restoration. It deserves it! But, if you're not as technically picky as I am, you're bound to like it. It's a solid DVD, despite some shortcomings.
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