Customer Ratings & Reviews

I love this movie ever since I was a kid is has great Comedy if you can be open-minded Mel Brooks is a genius and his work Grovess

History of the World, Part I is a 1981 American anthology comedy film written, produced, and directed by Mel Brooks. Brooks also stars in the film, playing five roles: Moses, Comicus the stand-up philosopher, Tomás de Torquemada, King Louis XVI, and Jacques, le garçon de pisse. The large ensemble cast also features Sid Caesar, Shecky Greene, Gregory Hines (in his film debut), Charlie Callas; and Brooks regulars Ron Carey, Dom DeLuise, Madeline Kahn, Harvey Korman, Cloris Leachman, Andreas Voutsinas, and Spike Milligan. The film also has cameo appearances by Royce D. Applegate, Beatrice Arthur, Hugh Hefner, John Hurt, Phil Leeds, Barry Levinson, Jackie Mason, Paul Mazursky, Andrew Sachs and Henny Youngman, among others. Orson Welles narrates each story. Despite carrying the title Part 1, there is no sequel; the title is a play on The History of the World, Volume 1 by Sir Walter Raleigh.

What a classic! Big fan of Mel Brooks and this one is probably my favorite. I laughed so much and loved this movie when it came to theaters in 80's, that I watched three times in a row. "History Of The World, Part I", which never had a part 2 and it was never planned (how hilariously Mel could be), is a comedy movie that you must have a fair knowledge of history and I mean World History, the Beginning, Greek and Roman civilizations, the Old Testament, Jesus Christ and stuff like that in order for you to understand the humor, which is really very clever, or you won't get it if you don't know what it's referring to. I'm so happy I finally got this DVD that I've been looking for ever. At the moment of this review, I'm getting ready to unpack and watch this movie that I know it will bring back some great memories!!!

It had been years since I watched this movie. The conversion onto Blu-Ray was fantastic. Clear picture, sharp sound. Unfortunately, this movie is not the laugh riot I remember as a teenager. Probably because tastes change. Also the packaging has a little confusing labeling. I misunderstood that the musical track was also included separately from the movie. It is not to say the packaging states this explicitly, but it is possible to misread the bonus features this way. Overall an excellent film transfer and parts of the movie are slightly amusing and the musical number is well done, however, I would not spend more than $6-7 for this movie. There are other movies of the same era by others and also by Mel Brooks, that make me laugh more. The Brooks interview in itself was also interesting, but not worth the cost of the disk by itself.

This Mel Brooks send off of the history of the world (part 1) is an irreverent parody of the historical film genre anthology. The four main segments have vignettes of the Stone Age, the Roman Empire, the Spanish Inquisition, and the French Revolution. These segments are all done in typical Mel Brooks ridiculousness with tongue embedded deeply into his cheek. Although there is a teaser at the end about a Part 2, the sequel was never intended to be made, but what was hinted at came out in some of his other forth-coming movies, such as Space Balls.

Unfortunately, ghere won't be more like this, if the current PC nonsense continues. Mel Brooks is a comic genius, making light of everything in this spoof of world history. There are jokes on many levels from obvious to very subtle. He put together an all-star castcovering prehistoric man, the Roman empire, Spanish Inquisition, and French Revolution.

Mel Brooks becomes your favorite history teacher in this comedic look at things that have happened in world history. There are a lot of great sight gags and a lot of funny musical numbers which Mr. Brooks is so Adept at creating. Mel Brooks does it again in one of his best comic farce of the history of the world in part 1.

Definitely one of Mel Brooks's funniest films of all time! Glad theres a part 2 on Hulu & theres more to laugh at it!

You are going to laugh you sides sore with this classic film. So funny, that you could watch it over, the same day. DO NOT LOOK for Part II...lol. MEL BROOKS genius is shown in every seen of this great example of when we could laugh at ourselves.

One of the best Mel Brooks movies of all time! A romp through the history of mankind, with Brooks' movie regulars playing multiple characters through different time periods. This is one of my favs after Blazing Saddles & before Spaceballs.

This movie is so funny. Of course it couldn’t be made today as it’s absolutely not politically correct. It’s a fun romp thru history. I just wish they had made a second one!

When it comes to comedies no one does it better than Mel. In an abbreviated study of history we see the follies of our lives and laugh. Can anyone else say Count De Money!!!

I was introduced to Mel Brooks with Spaceballs. I wanted to see what else he had done, a friend recommended this. It did not disappoint, really wish there was a Part 2

I love watching this movie over and over. I always find a new one liner or a new quote for the week. I like all of Mel Brooks movies and this one is a must have.

Mel Brookes and his all star cast hit the perverbial nail on the head with this timeless classic! I wish they still made movies like this!!! Poking pure fun at every turn

A funny comedy back in the day, before the PC era. I Doubt that some of the jokes and comedic moments in this movie would be allowed today. Thats what makes it so special. For a movie this old the transfer is pretty good. Sharp and clean.

If you know Mel Brooks, you know History of the World: Part 1 is among his funniest. If you don't know Mel Brooks, this movie is a good starting point.

This had to be delivered because I couldn't get it on time for Christmas. It arrived on time and in great condition. Great Present! Mel Brooks is the best.

For $3.99 this is a great movie to have on hand. It's one to watch again and again because you always see something that you missed before.

I never thought I'd find this in high def. This is probably the best way to view and own this classic and hilarious movie. One of Mel Brook's finest!