Michael Palin - Around the World in 80 Days

Michael Palin is probably better known to most as one of the members of the British comedy team Monty Python. He is a very dry-witted fellow, with a sharp, but subtle, sense of humour and an irresistible charm. Around the World in 80 Days was one, if not the first, of his detailed travelogues that approaches travel in a rather frank, almost unromantic style. He seems able to capture the true essence of what international travel is all about; endless queues in airports (though not on this trip) and train stations, language and cultural barriers, itinerary stuff ups and some truly personal and unique experiences that many of the glossier travel programs seem reluctant to show you.

Filmed in 1988, the challenge for Palin was to make his way around the world starting and ending in his home city of London, in less than 80 days. This was the time it took Jules Verne’s fictitious character of Phileas Fogg in the novel Around the World in 80 Days. There was really only one stipulation, that air travel was not an option, ever.

With bags packed, and witty sense of humour and good-natured approach to life at the ready, Palin and his very own Passepartout (a six person film crew) set off to do what many believed was not possible. Bets were placed, and he was off on a sail and a prayer.

The seven episodes are approximately 49 minutes apiece and are a really honest, no frills look at many of the world’s more intriguing, mysterious and often non-touristy destinations. Unable to use aircraft meant that Palin was required to travel on ships for much of the journey, and sea travel is in no way as reliable as air travel. Many of the people he encounters are usually not the kind you see on normal travel programs. They are real people going about their everyday lives. Many are poor, speak little or no English, but have a wealth of experience and some amazing stories to tell. Most seem as intrigued by Palin as he is with them, and some very unique though short-lived friendships are struck. It is refreshing to see how many people are willing to open up their humble homes, share their meagre possessions, and aid Palin in his attempts to keep up the pace in order to beat the deadline.

The whole journey is a highlight, and each destination is interesting in its own way. The people are both fascinating and charming, but the best thing is still the chance to see what other travellers seem reluctant to show. While we all like to see the tourist attractions, and the glossy malls and/or places of historical interest, what is equally as special is the chance to see ‘everyday’ life in such places as market squares, back alleys, ports and harbours, the hustle and bustle of train stations, chaotic public transport systems, heat and dust, crappy hotel plumbing, and the gypsies, tramps, and thieves that are as much a hazard of travelling (and often more fun and far more interesting) than boarding air-conditioned coaches, drinking bottled water and getting your photo taken in front of some palace or museum.

It is a good thing the content is pretty damned good because this is not going to win any awards for DVD excellence. Having said that may cause a few to baulk at checking it out, but wait, it’s not that bad. It is in full frame, but this was the original aspect so what can you do? It is generally quite soft overall, but never so bad that you can’t make out what’s going on. There is noticeable grain and evidence of noise across the entire series. Colouring too seems a little faded and washed out at times, but if this was as bad as things ever got DVD-wise, then everything would be great in DVDland.

There is also some mild colour bleeding, shadow detail is at times rather poor, and black levels are only acceptable at best. There are some fleeting artefacts such as specks and dirt, but neither is particularly problematic. There is a layer change placed mid-episode on the first two of the three discs, and neither is particularly spectacular.

The supplied Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo track is fine in every respect, especially where it counts. There are no issues with volume, clarity or synchronisation. There is a fair amount of voiceover narration that is always loud and clear. Sound effects are limited to what the camera can pick up, and there is a slightly open feel to the sound across the front speakers, but obviously nothing from the centre, surrounds, or subwoofer.

The accompanying music is appropriate, well mixed and never obtrusive. This DVD audio may not really make you feel as you are there, but it does more than enough to add to the feel.

The only real extra is an 18-minute interview with our very own Phileas Fogg, Michael Palin. This is a recent interview, but the overall increased quality of the interview footage more than gives that away. The interview confirms that Palin is as charming and affable as ever.

There are also some web links that any half-savvy Internet geek could find without resorting to this DVD.

Travel enthusiasts will possibly relate better to this series with its firsthand, less than romantic, but honest look at the ‘real’ world. The exotic, unusual, interesting destinations, atypical choices of transport and all the time racing against the clock provides a great mix that is sure to please.