The Ultimate
R. Epstein | USA | 02/13/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"One would think that trying to best a fictional record from the 1870s would be an easy task these days, even if one has to abide by the same modes of travel such as trains and boats, but we discover along with Palin that it isn't as easy at it would seem. We also discover the joys of simple travel, simple pleasures, everyday people from faraway lands, and such important lessons as how to remove a snake's gall bladder and - my favorite bit - the manly way to iron laundry. Yes, on top of being provided with a fascinating window to other cultures, we are awarded the constant presence of the wittiest, most charming and most informative travel guide ever to grace a TV screen. I love all of Palin's travel adventures but this - his first - is still in my book, the very best. I've heard that the DVD extras on this only include an interview with Palin, but that shouldn't dissuade anyone from buying this magnificent 7-part series."
A true pleasure
Bo Østergaard Jepsen | 05/13/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I like travelling, but normally I don't like travel programs. They're boring and sensible, and although the surroundings are beautiful, they don't deliver anything you couldn't have looked up in a Lonely PLanet guide.
But not this one. Ex-Python turned globetrotter and British national treasure Michael Palin delivers a thoroughly entertaining, funny, untraditional and quite exciting travel program with, what would become his first of many great travel programs, "Around the World in 80 Days", in which he tries to recreate Phileas Fogg's journey around the world in Jules Vernes classic novel. No planes allowed, only boats and land transportation.
Not only is (was) it a new and more exciting way to create a travel program, but Palin, with his great sense of humour and his happy go lucky sort of approach to the task before him, is one of the best television presenters ever. He really grabs your attention and makes you interested in the places he goes to. He has indeed made the entire UK sit and watch his travels to places they had never heard of before week after week.
I have never spoken to anybody who, after seeing Palin's travels, did not feel invigorated and full of lust for adventure. It did certainly rekindle my love of trains and boats watching "Around the World in 80 Days". Now I travel by train instead of plane whenever I can.
I have watched the series some 4 or 5 times over the years now, and it never gets boring. They are the benchmark of travel programming. Highest possble recommendation."
Around the World in 80 Days with Michael Palin
Daniel W. Bertsch | Newport Coast Ca | 03/05/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The best modern travelogue ever made! Informative, adventuresome, funny, beautiful, and engaging.
A wonderful film to be viewed more than once.
I also use it in teaching world history and geography."
See the world from the comfort of your living room!
Daniel W. Bertsch | 06/09/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Dinner's burnt, the kids are crying and you've had another "interesting" day at the office. Oh to be a teenager back-packing through Europe once again! If you're like me and can't heed the call of the open road, at very least you owe it to yourself to watch this informative video which through a combination of tongue-in-cheek humor and a keen sense of adventure will allow you to travel along with the modern day Phinius Fogg. Thoroughly entertaining and informative. Among the best travel related vidoes I've seen to date. Great family viewing.Send me a postcard if after watching this video you pack a knapsack and hit the road!"