Very well executed

Such a frustrating disappointment

Powerful

It’s sentimental, ridiculously long and only occasionally funny

My fault. The promotional ads on the website were in color, so I just assumed...But lack of color is not the only drawback in this Czech version of family entertainment. I disagree with just about all the other contributors and felt that this was a dull, boring movie based on the work of a very exciting storyteller. Perhaps I have been spoiled over the years and was expecting too much. I had seen "20,000 Leagues Under The Sea" when it first came out in 1954, and then "Around The World In 80 Days" in 1956, and was familiar with Verne's unique storytelling ability. This picture falls far short of those two masterpieces in all major categories.I appreciated the animation, later borrowed, as everyone has mentioned, by Terry Gilliam of Monty Python fame, but the story lacked the aforementioned excitement of a Jules Verne tale as well as the cohesion and continuity. It was like watching someone making oatmeal. The actors were unattractive and the print I watched needed to be restored, as it was dull and scratchy. A poor production from start to finish."The Fabulous World Of Jules Verne" was shown at MOMA, NYC, and it was a rip-off, probably for the museum as well as myself. Several people at the show I attended got up and left at various points in time. Not having better sense, I stayed until the end.

Few films have ever captured the feel of a fantasy world better than this one. The opening sequence alone (no, I'm not talking about the Hugh Downes intro) is absolutely masterful, presenting us with a seemingly unending series of striking images done using a technique (described at length by other reviewers) I don't think has ever been used again in a feature. Fantastic planes, trains, and airships soar past evoking a sort of "steam-punk" atmosphere of retro technology before that term was ever coined. Film fans, Verne fans, fans of pure hand-crafted cinema artistry and imagination must do themselves a favor and check this movie out.

***Spoilers ahead*** My late childhood had two cinematographic icons: Star Wars and this film by Czech genius Karel Zeman. A Jules Verne encyclopedia where XIX century illustrations come to life in exquisite black and white photography, combined with stop motion and conventional animation. Verne's spirit of adventure is fully present throughout the film, as well as a very modern questioning on the moral limits of power and advanced technology. In fact, it brings atomic energy into Verne's universe in a very elliptic and elegant way. Also elliptic and elegant is the demise of the villain, with a (probably nuclear) explosion sending his hat flying over the sea. The resolution of the film is symbolic and very satisfactory, something very rare today, when a lot of films don't seem to know how to end themselves.I was fortunate to catch this gem in reruns on local TV in the late 70s: it enhanced my enjoyment of Verne's fiction and of cinema.10 out of 10 for Karel Zeman, under-appreciated master of imagination.

An interesting movie based on three of Jules Verne's novels. Considering the special effects and computer enhanced animation of today, this movie stands as an historic marker of cinematic resourcefulness and imagination. Karel Zeman has brought to life the lithographic images of the original Jules Verne texts. this is a must see for classic science fiction and history buffs.I give this movie 9 out of 10. Enjoy!!