The Michael Palin Collection - Complete 16 Disc Box Set [DVD]

value for money second hand

Today you can almost get too much of Mike Palin. It's hard to visit anywhere -- in the world or on the TV schedules -- without bumping into the man. But back in 1980, with the BBC having pulled the plug on 'Ripping Yarns' for cost reasons, any programme featuring Palin was definitely a rare event to be savoured.1980 was when he made his first 'Railway Journeys' film -- the programme which kicked off his second career -- and it's a sentimental gem. And you can only get it by buying this boxed set. One of my favourite scenes is when he is sitting in the cockpit of a 125 and talking to the driver about the old days. Mike suggests that in comparison, driving a train today must seem rather boring. For an instant, there's the faint possibility that the driver might down tools and bring the whole power of the NUR and ASLEF onto Palin's shoulders. Fortunately the slur is ignored, but then, a couple of moments later, the driver blinks in the way that both seriously overworked employees and drug addicts sometimes do, and you fear for the safety of all BR passengers.It's wonderful to see Palin as Mr Everyman, dressing in the very dodgy M&S clothes of 1980, and talking to many other travellers on the trains, who are equally affectionate about the experience. He's not entirely sure whether he is making a Python-style travelogue or a serious diatribe against the destruction caused by BR and Dr Beeching.With the aid of external shots provided by the BBC helicopter, this boxed set will take you to many parts of the world that you'll now have to visit yourself. Great stuff!

I grew up watching Palin as a kid in the early 90s,with his shows repeated on tv alot lately it rekindled my love for him so i bought this boxset.This dvd boxset includes 8 series of michael palin plus the 20 years on version of around the world in 80 days. Both boxes have a world map fold out showing the route palin took which i thought was a pretty cute feature,the booklet has lots of photos and has very detailed descriptions on each episode my only fault to the dvd boxset is it only says “special features” but doesn’t actually tell you what the special features are.Please note the bbc series michael palin in brazil is not included.

I watched all the series as and when they were shown on TV. The later series however do get a bit tiring. I think you watch these for Palin - not so much for where he visits. These series were definitely a huge improvement over those awfully condescending travel programmes of the 1970's (Alan Wicker). But New travellers like Simon Reeve have set the bar even higher.

What can one say about this 16 disc set, apart from they represent near perfection in presentation, content and video photography. I originally watched all but the Hemingway Journey when they were broadcast on BBC 1. When they were first released I loved them so much I bought them all on VHS. Today we can buy them on DVD for less than £25 and watching them again and again they lose non of their original charm.Each journey captures unexpected moments, unique landscapes, has factual commentary and the odd bit of Python type comedy. Also Palin travels to areas that we are no longer able to see, such as the Yangtze Gorge cities in China, which now lie under water. Every series is fantastic and worth watching. I can think of no weak episode from the whole set. I simply cannot recommend buying this collection enough.For anyone who is interested in travel documentaries and wants to watch a true Pro in front of the camera, this collection is for you. As close to perfect as you can get.Highly Recommended.

If you like watching Michael Palin on his travels. The. You need to add this to your collection

I bought this box set 8 years ago, and I have been through the whole lot at least twice, and that's not including when the series first ran on TV.I've just finished another watch, and I as ever - I always watch them in order of original transmission - am disappointed that he has reached the Bay of Bengal, and it is all over again.New Europe and Brazil (Plus his program 20 years on from 80 days) are all just as entertaining, but they don't quite have the "Epic" feel of these Journeys. For me, the favourite is probably Full circle, possibly for the sheer scale, but they all have their value.I dare say that Michael Palin will be doing at least one more program/series, but at the age of 70, even though in apparent good health, it won't be to the scale seen in this box set.

There are 20 DVDs in this set. If you are looking for Michael Palin Travelogues, then you'll know what he's about, and I don't really need to rave about that. The gentle humour, interesting places, are simply an easy watch, and great way to relax. You probably know that already. What makes this set worthwhile is that I think every series has a number of "deleted scenes" which for me, make this set. The quality of what got cut is still excellent, and you can't see these any other way. There's usually 30 - 60 minutes worth for each series. Plus interviews with Michael. When I bought this set the value was extraordinary, and at current prices (as at Nov 2010), they're well worth the money.