Customer Reviews

Around the World in 80 Days (Miniseries) [VHS]

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(11)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

I was enchanted by this miniseries in 1989 and to see it again after all these years I have not been disappointed. Pierce Brosnan is the quintessential Fogg, always proper and always meeting challenges with a stiff upper lip and a lot of Victorian can-do spirit. The cast is wonderful, including notably Eric Idle and Peter Ustinov. As one of the last of the great '80s all-star miniseries, this one competes for a place as the best. It's family-friendly, too, with plenty to delight all ages.

For those who've seen the edited DVD from which portions of the miniseries were cut, I have good news: This edition from Trinity actually has the whole thing. Nothing's missing here, with the full running time of 266 minutes. (And for those who didn't know, yes, it really is 266 minutes. The original miniseries was presented in 3 parts--not 2--of 2 hours each, including commercials.) I was fortunate enough to discover this version first. And best of all, it costs a lot less.

The bad news is that this is a transfer from video, and as we all know about video, it doesn't always survive a decade and a half well. In just a few places there are minor video glitches. However, they're brief and they aren't anywhere near bad enough to distract from the film. As such they're quite forgiveable in light of that fact that this brilliant miniseries is complete and finally available on DVD.

I would give this pitifully under-rated film five stars, however, there are some problems with the 2 DVD set....

This is a good quality transfer, but there are 2 flaws in this version....

Some scenes from the VHS set are missing.... but the absolute worst thing is that every 15 or 20 minutes, we have to see the opening logo once OR TWICE, then also see "previews of the next episodes" and so forth, which worked well on commercial television, but absolutely have no place on a DVD. The VHS version simply had the entire miniseries as a continual film... this is how the DVD should have been replicated... with the missing scenes restored.

The worst series transfer I have ever seen. First, the color is

poor, orange skin, etc. More importantly, the producers have

included the endless repeats of logos/credits/overview scenes,

used in the original telecast, adding up to almost an hour of "noise". Almost impossible to edit while watching,for your viewing pleasure I recommend that lovers of this series, of which I am one, tape the excellent 5 hour version frequently shown on cable TV without interruptions, and make your own video disc. The most delightful version of this work, featuring great erformances by Eric Idle and Pierce Brosnan, it deserves a better fate. Avoid this DVD version like the plague.

I found the acting excellent, and the scenery engaging. The original story was a fantasy, and so is the movie. The storyline is not realistic, but it's not supposed to be! Once you accept that premise, the story is fun. The cast is entertaining, with a mixture of comedy and adventure. There are not enough movies like this. There is something for everyone and no cursing, sex, or excessive violence. A great family film. Tops over all the other attempts at filming this book.

Around the World in 80 Days is pure fun for anyone, but most especially for fans of Pierce Brosnan, Julia Nickson or Eric Idle. All three of them have great fun with the mishaps of Phileas Fogg and his companions. Peter Ustinov is also a delight to watch. Isn't he always?

If you enjoy not-so-realistic adventure with an upbeat ending, you are going to love this one!

Excellent cinematography, music, costumes and dialog make this a most enjoyable mini-series - despite its length!

There are still some people out there who do not realize that Pierce Brosnan is an excellent comedy actor! Get an eyefull! You won't regret it!

This version with Pierce Brosnan is even better than with David Niven and that one was excellent. The movie follows Jules Verne's adventure of a proper Englishman who on the basis of a wager travels around the world in 80 days. The scenery is outstanding, the places you visit make you wish you lived in the 1800's. The actors do a superb job. And before you know it... it's over. You will wish it would last twice as long. I give it 5 stars. A definate addition to your collection of classics!

I watched the same film in VHS few years ago.
It was very impressive and had a lot of fun.
But after I got this DVD, it really disappointed me!!

A lot of scenes have been REMOVED: just like the chapter in China, Japan and India.And that part(saving the princess) has gone also.

If this is a miniseries, I guess they really didn`t have an idea about when and where to cut it!!!

This is an excellent movie which aired as an mini movie in 1989. The movie has a nice flow and the characters are quite vivid. Around the world imagery is quite colorful. It was a delight to watch it again. Unfortunately, the DVD quality resembles that of VHS. It was a poor quality transfer for a DVD considering that this movie was shot using Panavision equipment.

Pierce is great as Phileas Fogg in this one.

I remember seeing the movie version with David Niven in Pierce's role. Pierce brings out a sensitivity to the character of Phileas Fogg. He shows that the man has some humor. It's great that in the end he finally does marry the princess and win his bet.

Pierce is great! But don't go by me entirely, because I just love him. I think he is absolutely gorgeous, stunning, and totaly charming.

He's great.

I saw this movie last summer on tv. When I started watching it I had no idea that it was as long as it is, otherwise I probably wouldn't have watched it, what would have been a mistake. Then this movie is wonderful. The only reason I can see that some people might not like it is, that it doesn't use all this high technology, full of action and sex scenes that we are used to now a days, when watching a movie. For me it is a welcome change and I enjoyed it, but everyone has their own opinion and is entitled to it.
Another thing I like about this movie is all the build in obstacles Pierce Brosnan has to go through on his quest. Often, it seems to me, that once he got out of one problem, he faces another one, what creates suspence on whether he will reach his goal or not. Also I highly appreciate the differente cultures portrayed in it.