Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Invention for Destruction Blu-ray Movie Review

An exceptional presentation of a science-fiction classic.

Invention for Destruction is an outstanding feature-film inspired by and based on the beloved writings of Jules Verne. Produced by Jeffrey C. Hogue (In Broad Daylight, Angel of Vengeance), Invention for Destruction is a visual extravaganza with spectacular special effects in spades. The most successful Czech film of all time.

Artigas (Miroslav Holub) is a diabolical millionaire determined to take control over the entire world with a dangerous device with explosive capabilities. Using the device from within his headquarters, Artigas plots his global take-over. Within a volcano, Artigas' fire of destruction brews. Can Earth survive?

At the heart of Invention for Destruction is the breathtaking special effects on display throughout the film. Every sequence in the production is improved dramatically by the visual splendor of the efforts work. The spectacular visualizations throughout the film are awe-inspiring. There is enormous beauty in the effects.

"The Life Aquatic... with Wes Anderson?"

One of the most essential elements of the film is the superb music score composed by Zdenek Liska (And I'll Run to the Ends of the Earth, The Hour of Truth). The score provides a nice backdrop that befits the material throughout the film. An excellent effort.

The black-and-white cinematography by Antonin Horak (A Journey to the Beginning of Time), Bohuslav Pikhart (A Thousand and One Nights), and Jiri Tarantik (The Phantom of Morrisville, The Cucumber Hero) manages to imbue sequences within Invention for Destruction with a sense of visual splendor. The visuals are key to telling the story. The creativity on display is out-of-this-world.

Directed by Karel Zeman (A Thousand and One Night's, The Fabulous Baron Munchausen), Invention for Destruction is a showcase for the brilliant gifts of Zeman. Not only did Zeman direct the film with a sense of inventiveness at every turn of the film, the director co- penned the script alongside Milan Vacha (who handled the dialogue) and imbued it with an original vision. The screenplay has a wonderful pace and rhythm that adapts the writings of Jules Verne beautifully. Zeman even handles the special effects and the production design.

Invention for Destruction Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Second Run, Invention for Destruction is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1 full frame. The presentation is superb on every level. Throughout the film, the picture-quality is razor-sharp and never struggles to convey the breathtaking cinematography.

The release comes from a brand new 4K restoration and the scan is consistently a testament to the importance of the 4K scanning technology. The black-and-white cinematography shines. The presentation never struggles with dirt, debris, scratches, and other print-related deficiencies.

Invention for Destruction Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in the original Czech. The uncompressed PCM 2.0 stereo audio is in 24 bit depth. The audio quality on the presentation is superb. The music is well presented and adds to the experience. English subtitles are provided.

Invention for Destruction Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

12 page booklet featuring writings on Invention for Destruction by critic James Oliver.

Invention for Destruction: English dubbed version (HD, 1:22:29) featuring a different introduction to the film. The alternate footage is in worse shape than the remarkable restoration featured on the original theatrical cut. However, viewers with an interest in alternate cuts will find it a noteworthy inclusion.

An appreciation by filmmaker John Stevenson (HD, 16:17) is a special featurette produced in London in August of 2018.

Karel Zeman's short films:

Inspiration (Inspirace, 1949) (HD, 11:30)

King Lavra (Kral Lavra, 1950) (HD, 29:37)

Why Zeman Made the Film (SD, 3:33)

Zeman's Special Effects Techniques (HD, 3:20)

Restoring the World of Fantasy (HD, 3:32)

Restoration (HD, 2:49)

Karel Zeman Museum (HD, 1:13)

Trailer (HD, 1:19)

Invention for Destruction Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Based on the imaginative writings of Jules Verne, Invention for Destruction is a must-see classic with inventive special effects. The filmmaking is timeless and enormously entertaining. The film is a testament to the joy of creativity and to the magic of cinema. The Blu-ray release is sourced from a new 4K restoration. The release also includes a number of supplemental features. Fans of the film will be enormously thrilled. Highly recommended.