The trip was based on several self-imposed rules. The use of aircraft was only allowed when surface travel was not possible, and public transportation was used as much as possible. The trip attempted to follow the 30 degree east longitude line, down through Scandinavia, the then-existing USSR, Turkey and all the way down through the continent of Africa.

The trip took five months and was quite arduous at times. Transportation was almost non-existent in central Africa, parts of Africa had to be avoided due to civil war and Michael Palin was hit by several health problems including two cracked ribs.

The wonderful thing about Michael Palin's travelogues is the enthusiasm, wit and charm that Mr. Palin shows. There are many impromptu encounters with the local people that are humorous and interesting. And, of course, there's the beautiful photography showing the stunning nature that was found along the way.

On the down side it was depressing to see the poverty and hints of political repression and social unrest in parts of Africa. The AIDS epidemic in Africa was also mentioned, and Michael Palin visited an evacuated village near Chernobyl.

This trip was made in 1991 and already when the trip was over world history had changed the landscape, in that the USSR completely unraveled shortly after Michael Palin traveled through it. The years that have passed since 1991 can be noticed in other ways too. For example, the situation in most of Africa has unfortunately gotten worse rather than better. And Antarctica, almost completely inaccessible in 1991, now has a tourist trade with 23,000 landed tourists during the 2004-2005 season!

The DVD version of this trip consists of three discs. These contain eight 50-minute episodes (total of six hours 40 minutes) and, as extra material, a 30-minute interview with Michael Palin. I found the interview to be very interesting and am glad that it was included.

Highly recommended, as is the book version of this trip and all of Michael Palin's other trips, both in DVD version and as books.

Rennie Petersen


An absolutely terrific adventure!   June 3, 2005
 2 out of 3 found this review helpful

I was introduced to Michael's journeys by pure chance - I happened to be channel surfing one day in the early 1990's and stopped at our local PBS station (public broadcasting) and there he was. I was transfixed by this down-to-earth global traveler who was clearly adventuring as much as any regular person. That he's a Python alumnus was nearly irrelevant, Michael's charm and warm personality carries the story, and it seem more story than travel guide. It was so much revealing than the well packaged touristy programs that seem intent on showing only the best and shiniest. Not our friend - his happenstance selections and choices leads us to wonderful adventures, interesting sights & people. He even shows us some of the tainted and sadder sides of travel. It was, and continues to be, one of the best travel documentaries ever produced.

Over the years I've since had the opportunity to purchase 'Full Circle', '80 Days', 'Hemingway', among others, but Pole-To-Pole remains a favorite. I highly recommend this program and personally cannot wait 'til a Region 1 DVD is released.

Note: When this was rebroadcast in the US on the Art & Entertainment Channel (A&E) our favorite traveler did some wonderful promos for sales of the videos which included a special Pole-To-Pole duffle bag. I really hope some of these quick commercial walk-throughs will be included in the DVD production as 'extras' . Being his usual slightly confused self, Michael provided hilarious Palin-isms about traveling that were not included with the 4-tape set.