Movie: Around The World in 80 Days

I barely remember this movie -- it was released when I was only two, though I've probably seen it at least twice in subsequent years.  It has a reputation as a boffo blockbuster production.  When a copy of the 2-disc restoration showed up at Half Price Books I snagged it.

Earlier I said "Mike Todd is mainly known for 'Around The World in 80 Days.'"  In fact, 80 Days was his ONLY picture -- and it won 1957's Best Picture Academy Award.

It has a cast of thousands (precisely 68,894 according to Wikipedia) including "cameos" (Todd invented the idea) from over 40 world famous actors.  It was filmed in his new 70mm Todd AO process, and on DVD it looks as sharp and precise as the latest 4K video.

Cost a whopping $6 million to make (a fortune in 1956) but returned $42 million at the box office (an even bigger fortune).

"Spectacle" is too small a word for this film.  Every frame bursts with sound, color and dazzling action.

Like the Cinerama travelogue productions which proceeded it, "80 Days" is largely an excuse to parade gorgeous scenery in front of the camera -- in extreme wide angle.

The part of the Indian princess is played by a very young, very ravishing Shirley MacLaine. Hardly recognizable. Except for that voice.