Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.5

Invention for Destruction Blu-ray Movie Review

Full of wonder and imagination, Invention for Destruction is a "must-see" gem.

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.

One of the most imaginative science-fiction films of all time.

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 the Criterion Collection, Invention for Destruction is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.33:1 full frame. Featuring a 4K restoration, the picture-quality on the transfer is exceptional. The scan was an immaculate restoration effort with superb clarity and detail. The stunning black-and-white cinematography shines. The special effects look crisp and well-defined. The transfer is surprisingly sharp throughout (without ever appearing to suffer from over-sharpening and other similar picture-quality issues). A superb 4K scan.

Invention for Destruction Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in Czech in uncompressed PCM 1.0 mono (encoded at 24 bit). The lossless, high-resolution audio track on the release is superb and doesn't struggle at preserving both the dialogue and the music. The release also includes the English dub version (as produced for the United States market).

Optional English subtitles are provided.

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

U.S. Alternate Opening (SD, 3:00) produced for the United States release of Invention for Destruction. The alternate opening features unique credits and a special introduction by broadcaster Hugh Downs.

Making Magic (HD, 23:29) is an exclusive conversation produced by the Criterion Collection in 2019. The special featurette includes a discussion between visual effects supervisor and animator Phil Tippett alongside visual effects artist Jim Aupperle. The duo discuss the works of Karel Zeman and his importance in cinema history.

Short Films

A Christmas Dream (1945) (HD, 10:49)

A Horseshoe for Luck (1946) (HD, 4:36)

Inspiration (1949) (HD, 11:32)

King Lavra (1950) (HD, 29:41)

Museum Documentaries

Why Zeman Made The Film (HD, 3:30)

Special-Effects Techniques (HD, 3:44)

About the Restoration (HD, 3:34)

Restoration Demonstration (HD, 3:04)

Produced in 2015 for the Karel Zeman Museum, these shorts feature a combination of new and archival interviews with Zeman, artist Ludmila Zeman, actor Lubor Tokos, and others who were involved in the production of Invention for Destruction.

Invention for Destruction Theatrical Trailer (HD, 1:38)

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

Invention for Destruction is one of the most magical and entertaining science-fiction films ever made. The production has sweeping visuals and an epic scope and scale that is rarely seen anymore. The remarkable special effects are a sight to behold and far surpass most big-budget films produced today. From the extraordinary mind of Karel Zeman, Invention for Destruction is a must-see cinema classic. Highly recommended.