Not the best version of the Jules Verne classic, the 1980s TV series, but in all honesty I wasn't expecting it to be. It is still a very enjoyable version in its own right. Of Burbank Films Australia's output, Around the World in Eighty Days is not quite as good as Wind in the Willows and Peter Pan but better than The Three Musketeers and The Prisoner of Zenda and on the same level as their Treasure Island and Robin Hood. It is not perfect, I did think Passporttout's French accent was overdone, and the stereotypical portrayal of the Chinese railway employee verged on embarrassingly insulting. However, the animation is colourful in settings and not too scratchy in character design. I did find the different places and cultures very interesting also, while the music is suitably rousing, the story is exciting and although abbreviated maintains the spirit generally of the original story and the script has its witty spots. I loved the character of Phineas Fogg, shown here as a fox, and he is voiced excellently. In conclusion, I enjoyed this Around the World in Eighty Days very much. 8/10 Bethany Cox
Review of Around the World in 80 Days
