Customer Reviews

Around the World in 80 Days

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I took this audiobook along on a recent 2-day drive to Florida with my 7-year-old who only knew the Jackie Chan version of the story (!) and he was hooked by Jim Dale from the first word to the last 8 hours later. His character-voices were spot-on, the incidental music was an unexpected and delightful bonus - we were breathless with anticipation throughout the whole story. The miles to Florida disappeared as we crossed the Indian sub-continent and everywhere else along with the unflappable Phileas Fogg and his Dear Fellow. A wonderful ride! This is a top-notch production.

I saw Jim Dale years ago on Broadway in Barnum. He was excellent there, and is even moreso here. He creates voices for the characters that I believe perfectly match the characters that Jules Verne envisioned and created. The story keeps you endlessly engaged, and Dale is up to the task. And, by the way, contrary to the cover design, and contrary to everything that you may think if you've never read the book....there's no balloon.

This is a wonderful classic story masterfully read by Jim Dale. If you start listening to it and think it is slow moving and boring, I would encourage you to be patient. Once the story gets going, and believe me it does, you will find yourself wrapped up in it as if you yourself had a part in Phileas Fogg's bet. If you don't give this story a chance you are really missing out. My children (ages 10,9, and 7) loved it and really got into the story. No, it's not Harry Potter, it's much better.

I had never read this book before and to listen to Jim Dale narrate was exceptional. This narration brings out another side to Jim Dale's abilities to draw the listener into the story. Totally different than his narration of Harry Potter. Excellent!!! Three thumbs up.

My family listened to this book on a trip from Phoenix to Las Vegas and it made the trip go by quickly. Jim Dale does an excellent job with characterizations. I first listened to him in the Harry Potter series and he was the main reason I picked up this book and I was not disappointed.

This is the first time I have "read" this book, having only seen the movies with Jackie Chan and David Niven. The older movie follows the story better than the newer one. The book is, as usual, much better. I'm still not sure why there is always a balloon in the movies and even on the cover of this book, since there is not one in the book.

Phileas Fogg is a ridiculously unflappable character, and his manservant, Passepartout, is almost the opposite. The main story involves Fogg making a bet with his friends at the reform club that he can go around the world in 80 days. Several complications ensue, yet Fogg shows no emotion through almost the entire book. There is romance (kind of), mistaken identity, and many other fun things in the plot. It's not deep by any sense of the word, but just plain fun. It was amusing to see how Verne viewed the world. The characterization of Mormon's was funny (I'm a Mormon), and the wild west was very wild.

I highly recommend this book for a road trip with the family. The book is just under 8 hours in length.

Okay. I am a little slow. I didn't realize until around Chapter 5 that Jim Dale was portraying all the characters. This is a fantastic production that includes sound effects with the reading. Because of Jim Dale's skill, our family actually felt like we were part of the story, rather than just listening to it. It is a great adventure story that includes beautiful descriptions of each stop along the way. Jules Verne helps the reader learn more about each culture and you actually feel like you are back in 1872. I think the only reason a person would not like this audio production is because they don't like the story itself. Otherwise it is fun for the whole family.

Loved this audio book. We listened to it driving from Houston TX to Carlsbad NM. It kept us enthralled! Love Jim Dale's work.

This is a masterfully done production. Jim Dale is a brilliant reader and narrator. He makes the characters really come alive. Jim Dale narrates the story with a unique voice for each character. Really edge of the seat stuff. My kids didn't want to stop listening until they reached the end.

Highly recommended !

Jim Dale's performance is exceptional (as always). I heard a lot of audiobooks but I always prefer his narration. The voice work is incredible. Even when he talks with a woman's voice, you forget that a man does it! This book is one of my favorite and Jim Dale's narration made it absolutely perfect! Thanks, Jim Dale! You are the best narrator in this world!

I found this audio book very boring. It did not hold my interest at all. I bought this book because of the person that was the reader. I have all of the Harry Potter books and Jim Dale is an excellent reader. But this book just was not my cup of tea.