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Adrian's Reviews > Journey to the Center of the Earth
Journey to the Center of the Earth
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So my first experience of this story was the 1959 film (a good year ha ha), that I saw probably in my early teens, normally around the Christmas time. I have a penchant for 1950s sci-fi "B" movies and this film was certainly part of my drive to read the books that were made into the wonderful films.
So some time in the mid 70s I read this book and discovered there were loads more that I knew I would enjoy.
So fast forward 40 years and I've probably watched the 50s movie more than I've read the book, so it was time to read the book again. And what a memorable read it was, yes I could see James Mason as Professor Lindenbrook, but the characters are (regardless of the movie) well rounded and unique. Considering it is not really a long book Jules managed to pack an amazing amount of story into such a small number of pages, a story that is fast paced and well constructed. And worth reading if you are into classic sci-fi or even if you just enjoyed the film (1959 version is far superior).
Given it is now 5 years since I read this (I had forgotten to write a review), it should certainly be making its way to the top of my TBR again.
So some time in the mid 70s I read this book and discovered there were loads more that I knew I would enjoy.
So fast forward 40 years and I've probably watched the 50s movie more than I've read the book, so it was time to read the book again. And what a memorable read it was, yes I could see James Mason as Professor Lindenbrook, but the characters are (regardless of the movie) well rounded and unique. Considering it is not really a long book Jules managed to pack an amazing amount of story into such a small number of pages, a story that is fast paced and well constructed. And worth reading if you are into classic sci-fi or even if you just enjoyed the film (1959 version is far superior).
Given it is now 5 years since I read this (I had forgotten to write a review), it should certainly be making its way to the top of my TBR again.
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Reading Progress
August 15, 2013
–
Started Reading
August 15, 2013
– Shelved
January 27, 2014
–
Finished Reading
January 28, 2016
– Shelved as:
sf-classic
January 28, 2016
– Shelved as:
sci-fi
January 28, 2016
– Shelved as:
zz-paper-books
Comments Showing 1-16 of 16 (16 new)
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Luffy Sempai
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Apr 02, 2019 10:29AM
I too read it ages ago. Great and honest review!
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Luffy wrote: "I too read it ages ago. Great and honest review!"Thanks Luffy
I loved this book! Perhaps I should now go and watch the movie(s)...
Jessica wrote: "I loved this book! Perhaps I should now go and watch the movie(s)..."Glad you enjoyed the book Jessica, and yes now go and watch the movies. I shall be interested in your review/thoughts of the 50s version and the newer one.
I am reading this presently.
C. wrote: "I am reading this presently."I hope you enjoyed Carolyn.
Certainly one of my favorites. Love the 1959 film too...iguanas included ;)
Michael Fierce wrote: "Certainly one of my favorites. Love the 1959 film too...iguanas included ;)"Fantastic film I agree Michael, especially the Iguanas and the mushrooms 😊
oh yes, the mushroms too! can't forget those! 
Michael Fierce wrote: "oh yes, the mushroms too! can't forget those! "
Wonderful picture Michael 👍🏻
I think of the movie whenever I hear the title. Someday I will have to read the book.
Interesting, only watched the 2008 version. Will have to watch the 1959 movie now. Great review Adrian!
Federico wrote: "Interesting, only watched the 2008 version. Will have to watch the 1959 movie now. Great review Adrian!"Thanks Federico. Obviously the special effects are nowhere near as good, but the 1959 film is far more enjoyable I think.
They're both fun but Adrian is right. The original with the enlarged lizard sequences used for dinosaurs is still a superior film. James Mason was perfectly cast along with strong performances by the rest. The set designs and script are creative and perfectly complent each other. The visuals are colorful and with the smart dialogue and sharp direction do justice to the book by the master of Scientific Romances.
Michael Fierce wrote: "They're both fun but Adrian is right. The original with the enlarged lizard sequences used for dinosaurs is still a superior film. James Mason was perfectly cast along with strong performances by t..."Well said Michael !!
