Sunday, August 23, 2009

Around the World in 80 Days [DVD]

Around the World in 80 Days with Michael Palin
[DVD 810.41 Pal]
by Michael Palin

In 1988, Monty Python vet Michael Palin, backed by a 5-person BBC camera crew, took on the challenge of duplicating the fictional Phileas Fogg's legendary journey around the entire globe -- in 80 days -- 115 years after that literary achievement. Limiting himself to only the methods of transportation that would have been available in the 1860s (many of which were no longer available to him!), Palin was not only filmed for his successful BBC documentary series, but he also kept a detailed journal, which was reproduced as a companion book to this documentary. This 7-hour DVD set can be enjoyed on its own -- filled with footage both gorgeous and disheartening -- but I recommend pairing it with the companion book that was released at the same time. In that, Palin is able to provide more detailed background about some of his experiences than he's allowed to impart in the video format. Still, this documentary is amazing at showing cultures and ways of life in countries most of us will never have a chance to visit. -- recommended by Scott C. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[Also available in Print format.][ Internet Movie Database entry for this production ] [ official Palin's Travels web site ]

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