This has been a really great month as far as older films being released on DVD. I have a few other reviews strewn about, but this one is all about Warner’s release of “Around the World in 80 Days.” Released in 1956, this 3 hour star-studded spectacular took audiences to new heights of adventure as we followed Phileas Fogg (David Niven) on his quest to win a bet that he can indeed travel around the globe in the prescribed amount of time. “Around the World in 80 Days” was based on Jules Verne’s classic tale, and so took audiences by storm that it was nominated for several Academy Awards, of which it won five (including Best picture). By today’s standards, there will probably be a lot of younger audiences who won’t enjoy it the way we older folk do, much to their loss.

Most of them will probably be captivated by the upcoming remake starring Jackie Chan (Jackie Chan??). Though I’m sure there will be much to like about this new version as it will be fill of loud and obnoxious bombast, but there is no doubt in my mind that it won't even come close to capturing the charm and wit of the original. Thankfully, those of us that prefer this original can revisit it again on its first foray into the DVD market.

What I’m enjoying the most about this resurgence of older films onto DVS is the fact that studios seem to be taking a little more time and care in releasing some truly inspired Special Edition versions. Generally the transfers are far superior to what was previously available on video, but even better is the inclusion of tons of extra features for those of us with an appreciation for these films, as well as a little too much time on our hands. The new Warner release of “Around the World in 80 Days” is certainly no slouch in this area.

This is a 2-disc affair, complete with an introduction by Robert Osborne (the host of Turner Classic Movies) and a feature length commentary by BBC Radio’s Brian Sibley. Both offer up a lot of information that would be useful to new viewers, but I’m most surprised by Sibley’s ability to add so much information over the course of three hours. The rest of the first disc is filled with outtakes and stills as well as a couple of theatrical trailers. The real treat for film buffs though, is the inclusion of the infamous Georges Melies 1902 film, “A Trip to the Moon.” If you’re familiar with the title, you’ll really get a kick out of seeing the complete film. If you’ve never heard of it, what rock did you grow up under?

The second disc, aside form having the remainder of the movie, includes another introduction by Osborne and several featurettes. The first, “Around the World of Mike Todd” was produced in 1968 and focuses on the career of the film’s producer. It is narrated by the great Orson Welles, an in it we hear from the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Gypsy Rose Lee and Ethel Merman. This is followed up with excerpts from “Playhouse 90: Around the world in 90 Minutes”, where we one again see Taylor as she hosts a Madison Square Garden celebration of the one year anniversary of the film’s release. It was originally telecast live in October of 1957 and features some great guest stars like Charles Boyer and Frank Sinatra.

There are also some highlights from the March 27, 1957 Academy Awards, which is only fitting since the film walked away with five awards, plus there is some newsreel footage of both the Los Angeles and Spain premieres. Both DVDs are housed in a foldout disc holder that fits snugly in a handsome slipcover.

I love re-visiting old movies like this whenever possible. The experience is always enhanced when I can see them fully restored and with lots of extra features. “Around the World in 80 Days” is a wonderful film, full of sumptuous locations and more than a handful of cameos from big name celebrities of the day. If you’re going to introduce your kids to this movie, I suggest doing it before the release of the remake. People tend to like the version they see first, and I don’t know if this charming original will be able to compete with today’s big-budget, big special effects extravaganza’s, at least in eyes of children.

Directed by: Michael Anderson
Starring: David Niven, Cantinflas, Robert Newton, Shirley MacLaine
Extras: Introduction by Turner Classic Movies Host Robert Osborne, Audio Commentary by BBC Radio’s Brian Sibley, Documentary – “Around the World of Mike Todd”, Excerpts from Playhouse 90’s “Around the World in 90 Minutes” Commemorating the Film’s One-Year Anniversary, Highlights of the March 27, 1957 Academy Awards Ceremony, Newsreels of the Los Angeles Premiere and Opening in Spain, Outtakes, Georges Melies’ “A Trip to the Moon”, Stills Gallery, Theatrical Trailers, DVD-Rom Feature – “Michael Todd’s Around the World in 80 Days Almanac
Specifications: Widescreen, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Studio: Warner Brothers
Release Date: 5/18/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: G
Website

We'll give Around the World in 80 Days an A.