Marco Polo (1982–1983) User Reviews (33)

Something Wondrous to Behold

[khatcher-2 · 9/10 · 27 October 2001]

Soon after finding out what IMDb was, only about a year ago, one of the first things I did was to look up Marco Polo in an attempt to find out something about this series on video. How surprised I was to find various contributors bemoaning the fact that they had not been able to track down any version of this magnificent production. For this is what Marco Polo – beware! 1982 version – is. A wondrous work of art; a beautiful piece of story-telling based on this medieval traveller's experiences as he followed the silk route caravans deep into Persia, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan and reaching China.

Although nearly twenty years old and with no way of seeing it again since then, memorable scenes from this tremendous production still come to my mind, accompanied by that glorious music – one of Ennio Morricone's crowning achievements. Haunting, exciting scenes, so beautifully filmed by Pasqualino de Santis you could almost smell the thronged streets and cooking turms, the obstinate camels and ragged beggars, and through it all one of the best scores to have ever been written for any TV series.

Oh, how I wish I had had VHS back in those days!

Superb directing by Giuliano Montaldo, who for me is a complete unknown, such that the acting is of the best to be seen anywhere. And what a surprise to see further down the list names such as Anne Bancroft, Sir John Gielgud, Burt Lancaster, Leonard Nimoy and even F. Murray Abraham, could you ever believe that?

Marco Polo in this production was a gigantic production by the Italian RAI. This superb work should be repeated, like any other great work of art; it should be made available on VHS and DVD; it should be shown in cinemas; this fine epic is not like Kleenex – to be used once and thrown away.

Some paltry excuse of copyright would seem to be the problem. But I argue that if other TV mini-series are repeated, why not this one? The only other magnificent TV mini comparable to Marco Polo that I can recall was 'Nostromo' (1996), another European co-production, based on Joseph Conrad's exquisite novel of the same name.

At last, now in 2005 I have managed to get this wonderful series on DVD: more than twenty years waiting for it!

Great Series but shorter than the European version

[marting-70469 · 9/10 · 3 August 2018]

I originally saw it in Europe in the early 1980s. It was longer. There was a whole episode just about the plague in Hormuz which was mostly cut out in the American version.

But it's still a great series. Very realistic and authentic compared to most series produced in these days.

Absolutely loved it

[maggiej · 10/10 · 19 December 2000]

This movie kept my interest throughout every single last minute, from the opening credits the night of the first episode, to the closing credits the night of the final episode. One might think that somewhere in there, your attention would wander, but not with this movie. It was absolutely wonderful and the way it combined all aspects of the story and the characters - love, adventure, compassion, greed, war, in-fighting, etc. - was marvellous. It seems that nearly all of the TV mini-series are available on video, but I can't find this. The highest compliment a movie can get from the viewer is their time and I will say that I would watch this over and over and over again. I give it a 10!!!

Filmmaking at its best -- positively excellent

[Rexie · 24 February 1999]

Filmed on location, the 1982 version of "Marco Polo" must certainly be the most authentic representation ever made of the travels of Marco Polo. While viewing, it is ever so easy for one to astrally project into the film, thus becoming part of history. The cinematography was second to none. The score was hauntingly beautiful. The casting for each part was perfectly matched to each character, and each role was played at the peak of perfection. The mini series was evenly paced and seemed to hold the viewer spellbound for the next adventure. This film would certainly qualify as an educational tool for kids in junior high and above. I would love to purchase the series, but after years of searching, I have not located a seller.

A lavish spectacle

[EdouardBMesert · 10/10 · 17 December 2002]

This is one of the most beautiful mini-series ever filmed. The script was good, the casting was beautiful, the music was wonderful. When TV is good, it is very, very good! This is a jewel, savor it, play it again, and marvel at the wondrous world of Marco Polo.

One of the best miniseries produced - ever.

[jkniemann · 10/10 · 19 January 2006]

This DVD needs to be produced in DVD format. This epic story line is excellent and well written. There can not be enough said about this production as the all-star cast weaves the tale of the Marco Polo's life, the political and economic reasons began his journey, and the problems he encountered the from start to finish. Ken Marshall's portrayal of Marco Polo developing from young Marco beginning his journey to a more mature Marco through the friendships and experiences that he encounters is excellent. I remember Sada Thompson's great performance as Marco's Aunt Flora. The location shots will take the watcher round the world without ever leaving a seat. The richness of costumes and many locations thrust the watcher back into the time of Marco Polo. It has been a while since I have watched Marco Polo, but I still remember the pageantry, the great performances of each actor, and the the fact that this could also be a documentary -drama about Marco Polo. The watcher can truly develop a picture of the life and times of Marco Polo. NBC really needs to find this in its archives and re-issue this Emmy winning epic in DVD, perhaps for a 25 year anniversary!

Extraordinary piece of work !

[jlibarra · 10/10 · 15 April 2002]

It is a pity that after a great number of years this masterpiece has not been released (DVD-VHS)to be enjoyed by others. It is an extraordinary tell in regard of human nature, different cultures, traveling, adventure, friendship, love, loyalty. It should be taken into consideration for educational/historical purposes. It would be a real shame not to take additional advantage of this magnificent work.

Cinemagraphic feast of adventure and pageantry for the eyes

[jerphayes · 10/10 · 7 February 2002]

This is one of the better Mini series to be put forth by made for t.v series, showing when t.v. studio production gets it right they get it right. If anyone knows where I can locate a video copy of this please let me know. It's a exquisite story based on the true life adventures and experiences of Marco Polo the Venetian explorer and traveler. It spell binds you to the true life adventures and times of Marco Polo. You are made aware of the intrigues both politcal and as well as economic that send Marco Polo on this long journey. You feel the horror, terror and devastation that the black plague brings to a Middle Eastern port city where death seems to abound around every corner. You feel the majesty and the pageantry of the Great Khan's court and the simple humanity of friendship, expressed between two human beings from different worlds, the Great Khan and Marco Polo. You see Leonard Nimoy in his in between days of Star Trek the t.v. series and the Star Trek bigscreen productions; as Ahmet the evil Muslim administrator in the court of the Great Khan who trys to destroy Marco Polo because he's a rising star in the court of the Great Khan. This is one panoramic, cinemagraphic feast for the eyes truly a miniseries masterpiece and I don't say that lightly. This production could easily serve as historic docu-drama of the life and times of Marco Polo it entertains as well as educates. NBC the originating broadcaster needs to dig into there vaults and dust this one off and let a new generation experience the passion, the majesty and the adventure that is Marco Polo.

Excellent 20 years later a True Classic in 2002

[AAI · 7 August 2001]

I have seen this TV mini series when it first aired over WOR-TV in New York City in 1982, over one of the first home satellite TV receivers.

I was fortunate to record in VHS format this mini series on my Video Tape Recorder, although the quality is far from good. I still find this feature made for TV one of the greatest reenactments of Marco Polo ever. Even today with Hollywood relying on Computer Graphics and Blue Screen can't compare to the cinematography of Marco Polo of 1982. Why this feature was never released in Motion Picture Theaters or made available on commercial grade VHS or DVD or even re-aired over TV has me baffled. Yet this will always remain in my film library as a Classic film

Absolutely hard to find!!!!!!

[danijelaj · 10/10 · 24 October 2000]

I have seen this mini series long time ago and I still can remember the impact it had on me. Its been 12 years now that I am looking to find it but no luck this should tell you about how great this mini series is, if someone knows someone who has this series please let me know.

Great miniseries

[Andy-296 · 10/10 · 5 October 2013]

I saw this 1982 miniseries on the famous medieval Venetian explorer of the Far East as a teenager and I loved it. The great story of Marco Polo done in this international co production with a great cast, great locations (in Italy, Morocco and Inner Mongolia in China), great historical reconstruction of the era, great storytelling, faithfulness to the original material. The little known actor Kenneth Marshall stars as Marco Polo. Denholm Elliot is his father Niccolo. Anne Bancroft is his mother. John Gielgud has a cameo as the Doge of Venice. Burt Lancaster is Pope Gregory X. Despite its many virtues, this miniseries has become quite hard to find and it is not usually aired on TV on reruns.

A Truly Epic Mini-series!

[Ironclad · 10/10 · 9 July 2001]

I remember when this aired in 1982. It was a breath taking and epic mini-series. I am extremely interested in getting a copy, but haven't been able to find a seller in 2 years of searching for it on the internet, auction sites, etc.

An unforgettable Mini series

[siddsarkar · 10/10 · 10 April 2005]

This is without a doubt, one of the greatest mini-series ever filmed. The screenplay, direction and cinematography is absolutely brilliant. This mini series is simply unforgettable and is intensely moving. This is a film that would never grow old and can be seen over a over again.It is an absolute must for any DVD collector to have this in his collection. The DVD is available in the Netherlands, but can freely be obtained from hub.ebay.com. The acting of most of the main cast members is excellent. Ken Marshal fits in very well in the title role. The lush landscapes and the exotic locales, make viewing this movie a memorable experience. The screenplay is very historically authentic and I would recommend this mini series to be seen by any school-going kid. RAI did an excellent job in this production and have made history come alive.

A series that made a huge impact

[malinflood · 10/10 · 6 October 2003]

I saw this mini series when it was broadcasted in Sweden 1982. It made an enormous impact on me, and ever since then I have been fascinated by China and its history. It is actually thanks to that series that I now work and live in Hong Kong.

Even though I was rather young when I saw it on TV, I remember the autencity, the detailed surroundings, the beatiful photo, the great actors and much more that made me eager to know more.

A fine, ambitious mini-series that deserves a DVD Box Set.

[sekander · 18 September 2004]

As a long-time history buff and Silk Road scholar, I've been enamored of the Marco Polo mystique for many years. I've had this on VHS since it first aired and finally replayed the whole thing last week for the first time in 20 years. While it holds up remarkably well, it is not without some major faults. While the international cast is fabulous, Ken Marshall in the lead role is adequate at best. The real problem lies in the stiffs in the Asian scenes. I mean horrendously badly read English by Asian actors who sound like they took their first English lesson last week. What was the director thinking in letting such amateurish work into the final cut? Or was this an attempt at cinema verite, where people are struggling with a tongue that is not their own? Whatever, it is actually painful to listen to some of this stuff. Apart from Ying Ruocheng, who is perfect as Kubilai Khan, and James Hong, as Phags-Pa, the rest of the Asian cast sounds embarrassingly inept. Maybe its just the dubbing, but this is a real obstacle to enjoying some of the scenes set in China. I'm thinking they should re-dub some of the parts if they decide to ever release a DVD of this in the States. But, that's the only negative to this fine, ambitious project that succeeds in telling the story of Marco Polo against the backdrop of some great, exotic locations and the fabled Forbidden City in Beijing. And what's the deal with that? Wasn't the Forbidden City built by the Ming Dynasty after the fall of the Mongols? Oh well, we need not split hairs here. That and the Great Wall look fabulous. There's a lot to enjoy over the many hours and Ennio Morricone's score is still beautiful. Its a shame it isn't as exalted as some of his other work. I consider it one of his best.

I love this miniseries

[ajramsay · 10/10 · 31 January 2000]

The first time I saw this miniseries, I was spellbound by the locations, the cast, and the sweeping story. I cried at the end, which is a good measure of a movie in my book. The performances were all excellent and I felt like I'd really been there on their travels.

A true gem

[floatingsara · 10/10 · 26 November 2019]

I remember watching this tv-series when I was a child, and have still so vivid memories about it. After so many years I finally got the DVD!!! Just like pure gold, it has withstood the test of time magnificently. Ken Marshall is perfectly credible in depicting Marco's moving naivety, he really seems to grow up with the film, and his complex relationship with his father is depicted with depth, a sequence after another. And Burt Lancaster! And Leonard Nimoy! And the whole legion of great actors and characters, who paint a wonderful fresco. The whole story is re-written into a very thoughtful script which gives the audience fully understanding of what was going on. I also appreciated the subtle humour of many scenes, for example when the Doge of Venice recalled the ambiguity of the City during the Crusades. I'm surely not doing justice to all the staff which worked on the costumes and photograph, not even to the film-maker, Giuliano Montaldo, who is not super famous now in Italy. I only remember the name of Ennio Morricone for the music. I'm watching it with my husband,who is really not on historical films, and last night he asked me about a written version of the "Million". To make a long story short: watch it. You'll thank me, really.

A rare masterpiece of an epic size

[mahatma-kumar16 · 10/10 · 29 October 2019]

I watched it twice - on TV and on DVD bought on a flee market. This is truly a masterpiece of a serious movie-making. The production succeeds in resurrecting a 13th century saga (last breath of the Crusades) of a young idealistic beautiful man going East in search of adventure. This epic mini-series is populated by realistic colorful personalities played by first-class actors travelling agsinst the backdrop of crusader castles, nomadic tents and Chinese pagodas. Strongly recommended for all who travel to the East in search of soul and meterial well-being. A Christian theme is added as an extra delicate flavor.

Still the greatest!

[perscorilo · 10/10 · 14 December 2014]

The 'original' is still the better presentation of the life of Marco Polo, so far.

Although, a dated production, it benefits from having a large crew, well known and skilled principal actors, lavish sets and dress. The story-line is presented with more accuracy and in a coherent manner, as compared to other Marco Polo films.

The latest Netflix/Winestein 2014 production is a low-budget action film, that lacks in many respects, especially, accuracy and presentation.

Reviewing the Italian 1982 production should be a must for all Marco Polo fans.

Cinema for the ages

[dstockwell · 10/10 · 5 June 2007]

This was without a doubt one of the best movies I have ever seen. I agree with some of the others that it either should have been released at the theater or on VHS a long time ago (and by now, on DVD as well). These people (meaning the film's owners) do not realize the gold mine they are sitting on. I am certain that with only a minimum of advertising this re-release could surpass all expectations. I have initiated inquiries into what it would take to unearth this fine product from the dust heap it is apparently under. I will keep this website posted concerning my efforts on a regular basis. I think it needs to see the light of day once more so that others too young to remember can enjoy the majesty and pomp of truly great cinema. In the meantime, if anyone discovers a decent copy, please let me know.

Delicate memories

[Vincentiu · 13 January 2012]

Chronicle. Colors. Feelings. Waters of events. Way. A young Venitian and essence of a wonderful universe. For my childhood, this movie was Wikipedia and cartoons in same skin. Images of far land and adventures of Marco Polo, smell of freedom and lessons about fundamental values are yet precious. It was more than a movie. Encyclopedia, trampoline, fairy tale, key to a form to know and feel, ingredient of escapes and show. One film for empathic travel, masterpiece in art to give elements from civilization and to teach science of dialog between different cultures. Ken Marshall is axis of an extraordinary trip. Ruocheng Ying is perfect Khan. So, a biographic movie is, in this case, a kind of palace, docu-drama and slice of delight in same time, in same measure.

Marco Polo, a great TV series ever made!

[akjmw · 10/10 · 23 December 2006]

When Marco Polo was aired in the 80s, I was totally in love with the movie in every aspect of it, the music, the places, the peoples and the cultures... One strange thing about it is, after the 80s show time, the movie basically went disappeared, not a word of it, not a copy can be bought, not a rental can be found, not even in the public library, or not in what so ever in the US!! it seems as if it is never existed! Luckily, thanks to the nowadays internet, I got a hold of a copy in ebay, and hey, my son watched it and liked it very much! I don't know what is going on, it is a great movie, and I hope it will be made available to every body in the US, after all, it was a big budget movie, why waste it? Thanks.

I just enjoyed seeing the series again after 23 years!!

[completealso · 10/10 · 20 November 2005]

Wonderful miniseries. The soundtrack is hauntingly beautiful! I searched for it for years and years. Several months back,I read the post regarding it being available in Holland and recently purchased the DVD from Holland and plugged it into my computer, changed my Windows Media Player to Region 2 and I just enjoyed seeing the series after a 23 year wait. It was like finding an old friend once again. I wanted to share the information for others who may wish to own the Region 2 DVD and didn't know if they could play it here in the US. Thanks for the helpful comments and the trail that led to my finding this miniseries once again.To summarize: Region 2 DVD plus Computer plus DVDPlayer plus Windows Media set on Region 2 equals wonderful viewing! Oh, and a good set of speakers helps, too! Enjoy!!

Great series

[strayerpam · 10/10 · 18 December 2010]

It's the only decent telling of the tale of Marco Polo. Incredible cast! You can find it in DVD on Amazon for about $40. I just got one. It's about 8 hours long.

I returned from a trip to Venice and wanted to know more about this history of Venice. This DVD is great at painting a picture of the way Venice looked in the 1200s, centuries before the style of Venetian Gothic we now associate with Venice was born.

The series has an all star cast - Burt Lancaster, John Gielgud, John Houseman, Anne Bancroft - the true greats - sprinkled in with lesser known but very good actors, like Ken Marshall in the title role.

The opening scenes are riveting - you'll find yourself wondering if this could possibly be true and then going to wikipedia to check the historical facts and finding out everything, pretty much, comes from real historical sources.

Not available on Netflix, so you might visit Amazon and grab one of the rare copies that surfaces there.

One of the best historical mini-series

[Billyjhobbs · 10/10 · 27 September 2006]

Unfortunatetly, after the initial television run in 1982 this excellent mini-series has been shelved. Too bad. Combining much of what we know of Marco Polo and his trips to the Far East with some interesting and worthwhile Hollywood additions, this series makes for mesmerizing viewing. I would LOVE to see it again. And again. Any leads on its commercial future are, indeed, welcomed.

It's always good to see cameo performances by established stars and this version of a historical wonder-man is no exception (Gielgud, Bancroft, McShane, Lancaster, to name a few). The over-all casting deserves high marks, especially the role of Marco (young and older). Filled with humor, pathos, excitement, and welcomed verisimilitude, this is a series that deserves to be re-run.