Around the World in 80 Days
This TV mini-series adaptation of Jules Verne's classic tale is simply good fun and wonderful viewing.
With a dapper Pierce Brosnan perfect as the archetypical Victorian-era 'English gentlemen' Phileas Fogg, Eric Idle in brilliant form as the often perplexed manservant, Passepartout, the supberb Peter Ustinov taking the opportunity to 'ham it up' as Detective Fix, and a delightful Julia Nickson as Princess Aouda, the production is quality from beginning to end.
While it doesn't quite have the star-studded line-up of guest and cameo appearances that Mike Todd's cinema version boasted, there are many familiar faces throughout the production.
John Hillerman, Henry Gibson, Jack Klugman, Christopher Lee, Patrick MacNee, Roddy McDowell, Darren McGavin, Robert Morely, Pernell Roberts, Lee Remick, James B. Sikking, Jill St John, Robert Wagner and Simon Ward are among those who appear - in some instances as more than one character.
For a 1989 TV mini-series the production values certainly are impressive on screen - and that's where it counts, of course!
There are not a lot of 'extras' on this 3-disc release. Apart from the chapter selection, the most notable features are the "what happened previously" and "a preview of the next episode" options.
Extras aside, this is 4½-hours of thoroughly enjoyable 'entertainment', with plenty of laughs, continuous adventure and never a dull moment.
Review by Trevor Hennigan
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