Does 'Around The World In 80 Days: Companion To The PBS Series' Follow The Book?

2025-06-15 21:03:40 103

3 answers

Vanessa
Vanessa
2025-06-16 09:56:13
I recently compared 'Around the World in 80 Days: Companion to the PBS Series' to Jules Verne's original novel, and they share the core adventure but differ in execution. The companion book expands on historical context and production insights from the PBS series, which modernizes some elements. While Phileas Fogg's journey remains intact, the companion delves deeper into cultural nuances and filming locations, offering behind-the-scenes trivia. Verne's focus was the race against time; the companion emphasizes the global tapestry behind the adaptation. It's faithful in spirit but richer in detail, blending 19th-century charm with 21st-century perspectives. For purists, the novel's tighter narrative might appeal more, but the companion excels as a visual and educational supplement.
Isaac
Isaac
2025-06-18 04:01:28
As someone who devoured both the book and the companion, I noticed striking contrasts in pacing and depth. Verne's 'Around the World in 80 Days' is a sprint—lean, focused on Fogg's ticking clock. The companion, however, is a marathon. It pauses to dissect each leg of the journey with maps, actor interviews, and essays about colonial themes the series tackled. The book’s steamship routes become immersive segments about modern travel logistics. Characters like Passepartout get backstory expansions that Verne never explored.

The PBS series took liberties, like adding female perspectives absent in the 1872 original. The companion defends these choices, arguing they make the story resonate today. Detailed sidebars explain how certain scenes were shot—like the elephant sequence in India—using CGI versus practical effects. It’s less about strict adherence and more about reimagining Verne’s vision for a documentary-loving audience. If you want the adrenaline of the novel, stick to Verne. If you crave context, the companion is a treasure trove.

Bonus: The companion includes recommendations for further reading, like 'The Great Railway Bazaar' by Paul Theroux, which mirrors Fogg’s rail-heavy itinerary with a 1970s twist.
Hattie
Hattie
2025-06-16 14:27:14
The companion isn’t a page-for-page replica—it’s a love letter to both the novel and the series. Verne’s plot beats are there, but the companion layers them with glossy production photos and script snippets. For instance, the book’s brief balloon scene becomes a two-page spread on how the series avoided using balloons (historically inaccurate) in favor of period-appropriate trains. The tone shifts too: where Verne’s prose feels urgent, the companion lingers on aesthetics, like the costume designer’s rationale for Fogg’s muted palette.

What surprised me was the geopolitical commentary. The novel glosses over cultural clashes; the companion dissects them, analyzing how the series portrayed British imperialism in India or gambling dens in Hong Kong. It’s less 'Did they follow the book?' and more 'Here’s why they changed X.' For visual learners, the companion outshines the novel—its pull-out route map alone is worth the purchase. Pair it with the 'PBS Masterpiece' podcast episodes for deeper dives into adaptation choices.
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Related Questions

How Accurate Is 'Around The World In 80 Days: Companion To The PBS Series'?

3 answers2025-06-15 10:10:34
As someone who's both read the book and watched the PBS series, I can say 'Around the World in 80 Days: Companion to the PBS Series' does a solid job bridging the gap between Jules Verne's classic and the modern adaptation. The companion book nails the historical context, especially how travel methods have evolved since the 1870s. It points out clever details like how Phileas Fogg's route would be impossible today due to geopolitical changes, while acknowledging where the series took creative liberties for dramatic effect. The maps and timeline comparisons are particularly accurate, showing side-by-side how the original journey stacks up against modern logistics. Where it shines is explaining production choices - why certain locations stood in for others, or how they recreated period-accurate transportation. It doesn't claim to be a scholarly work, but for fans wanting deeper insight, it hits the mark.

Who Stars In 'Around The World In 80 Days: Companion To The PBS Series'?

3 answers2025-06-15 22:21:07
I've watched 'Around the World in 80 Days: Companion to the PBS Series' multiple times, and the cast is stellar. David Tennant leads as the iconic Phileas Fogg, bringing his signature charm and wit to the role. Joining him is Ibrahim Koma, who plays the adventurous Passepartout with a perfect mix of humor and heart. Leonie Benesch shines as Abigail Fix, the determined journalist who adds depth to the journey. The supporting cast includes Jason Watkins as the skeptical Detective Fix and Peter Sullivan as the stern Lord Kelvin. Each actor elevates the story, making this adaptation fresh and engaging. Their chemistry is palpable, especially during the chaotic globe-trotting scenes. If you enjoy historical adventures with modern flair, this series delivers.

Where To Watch 'Around The World In 80 Days: Companion To The PBS Series'?

3 answers2025-06-15 08:41:28
I recently watched 'Around the World in 80 Days: Companion to the PBS Series' on the PBS website itself. They keep a rotating selection of their shows available for free streaming, though you might need to check if it's currently in their catalog. The quality is excellent, and you get the full documentary experience without any cuts. Amazon Prime Video also has it available for rent or purchase if you prefer a permanent copy. Some local libraries have partnerships with platforms like Kanopy or Hoopla where you can stream PBS content for free with a library card. It's worth checking those out if you want legal and free access.

What Year Was 'Around The World In 80 Days: Companion To The PBS Series' Made?

3 answers2025-06-15 11:29:23
I remember coming across 'Around the World in 80 Days: Companion to the PBS Series' while browsing through classic TV companions. This gem was released in 1989, tying in perfectly with the PBS series that brought Jules Verne's adventure to life. The book serves as a detailed behind-the-scenes look, packed with production notes, route maps, and historical context about the journey. It's a must-read for fans of the series or anyone obsessed with 19th-century exploration narratives. The timing of its release was strategic, capitalizing on the show's popularity while offering deeper insights into Phileas Fogg's world.

Is 'Around The World In 80 Days: Companion To The PBS Series' A Book Or Show?

3 answers2025-06-15 00:28:51
I've been digging into 'Around the World in 80 Days: Companion to the PBS Series' and it’s actually a book, not a show. It serves as a companion piece to the PBS television series, offering deeper dives into the historical context, production details, and cultural themes explored in the episodes. The book is packed with behind-the-scenes photos, maps of Phileas Fogg’s journey, and essays that enrich the viewing experience. If you loved the series, this companion book adds layers of understanding you won’t get from the screen alone. It’s perfect for fans who want to geek out about Victorian travel or the challenges of adapting Jules Verne’s classic.

How Does 'Around The World In Eighty Days' End?

3 answers2025-06-15 20:06:03
The ending of 'Around the World in Eighty Days' is a masterstroke of irony and timing. Phileas Fogg, after his whirlwind global journey, believes he's lost his wager by a mere minutes, arriving back in London what he thinks is a day late. The twist? He actually gained a day by traveling eastward across time zones, something he didn't account for. His precise nature and meticulous planning ironically blind him to this temporal loophole. The moment he realizes he's won, just as all hope seems lost, is pure magic. He secures both his fortune and, unexpectedly, love—marrying Aouda, the woman he rescued during his travels. It’s a satisfying payoff that blends adventure, romance, and a dash of scientific curiosity about time.

Who Is Passepartout In 'Around The World In Eighty Days'?

3 answers2025-06-15 08:57:18
Passepartout is the loyal French valet to Phileas Fogg in 'Around the World in Eighty Days', and he's honestly the heart of the story. This guy isn't just some background character—he's a former circus performer with crazy agility and adaptability, which comes in handy during their globe-trotting adventure. Passepartout's the one keeping Fogg's schedule running like clockwork, but he's also prone to getting into scrapes that add humor and tension to their journey. His devotion to Fogg is absolute, even when he accidentally causes delays that threaten their eighty-day deadline. What makes him special is how he represents the human side of their scientific precision—he feels excitement, fear, and wonder at every new location while Fogg remains unflappable. The contrast between master and servant creates this perfect dynamic that drives the novel forward.

Why Does Phileas Fogg Bet In 'Around The World In Eighty Days'?

3 answers2025-06-15 08:33:56
Phileas Fogg's bet in 'Around the World in Eighty Days' isn't just about money—it's about proving a point. The guy is ridiculously precise, living his life like a clockwork machine. When his clubmates mock the idea of global travel in 80 days, he takes it as a challenge to his intellect and reputation. This isn't gambling for thrills; it's a calculated move by a man who trusts railways, steamships, and his own meticulous planning. The wager becomes his way of shutting up skeptics while testing human ingenuity against nature's obstacles. His quiet confidence suggests he sees the journey as inevitable, not risky—like solving an equation where he's already written the answer.
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