DVD Review: Around the World in 80 Days (2021)

Around the World in 80 Days (2021)
(DVD Around)

Masterpiece Theatre has given us some of the best British drama productions through WGBH Boston on PBS. Around the World in 80 Days (2021) is another fine chapter in the Masterpiece book.  This eight-part adaptation stars David Tennent (Doctor Who, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire), as Phileas Fogg.  Tennent is also listed as one of the Executive Producers.  In short, Phileas Fogg makes a bet with a fellow member of The Reform Club in London, that he can circumnavigate the globe in 80 days.  Each episode deals with a section of his trip that is either perilous or hindering his progress.

I love the 1956 David Niven film of “Around the World” but mostly because of all the star cameos. I haven’t read the book yet, so I can’t speak to how true this current production is to Jules Verne’s novel, but I can tell you I was involved and entertained in this show.  Even though I know the events and outcome this film did a fine job of providing tense action and apprehension for the characters.  I was very nervous at the end as Fogg, his French valet Passepartout, and Fix, his chronicler, are dashing to The Reform Club in a last minute, desperate attempt to meet the deadline.

Season One gives us the story of Around the World in 80 Days, while focusing on the personal growth of Fogg.  I really enjoyed this interpretation, and loved the opening graphics and soundtrack.  I highly recommend this series, and if you wish to binge the shows you need to set aside only one eight-hour day to do so.

It’s implied that Season Two will place the trio in the world of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea but no official word, trailers, nor release date have been provided yet.

(Also available in traditional print format.)

 

( Internet Movie Database entry for this film )

 

Recommended by Charlotte M.
Public Service — Bennett Martin Public Library

 

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