Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.5

Journey to the Beginning of Time Blu-ray Movie Review

An imaginative science-fiction spectacle with stunning visual effects.

Journey to the Beginning of Time is an incredible motion-picture combining inventive animation and special effects with live-action filmmaking. Produced by William Cayton (Legendary Champions, Knockout), the film is a visual spectacle with plenty to offer. A must- see classic.

While on a journey in the vastness of the wilderness outdoors, a young boy and his three friends discover a fossil that leads them to finding even more magic: a trip through pre-history with dinosaurs, mammoths, and cave-men. An exciting adventure awaits. What magic resides at the beginning of time?

Journey to the Beginning of Time is a special effects masterpiece. There are countless inventive effects showcasing dinosaurs and other pre-historic creatures. These effects make the filmmaking soar with originality. Featuring effects work by Arnost Kupcik (On the Comet), Jindrich Liska (Invention for Destruction), and Karel Zeman (War of the Fools), Journey to the Beginning of Time is a testament to creativity and to the pioneering advancements in cinematographic special effects.

The music score composed by E.F. Burian (The Strike, A Warning), Vlastimil Pinkas (Trziste senzaci, Princ Chocholous), and Frantisek Strangmuller adds some charm as well. The score is a perfectly pleasant accompaniment to the splendid visuals. An excellent effort.

An epic adventure. Endless imagination.

The cinematography by Antonin Horak (A Treasure on Bird Island, Invention for Destruction ) and Vaclav Pazdernik (Reed Bells, Cesta ke stesti) is astonishing. Journey to the Beginning of Time is magnificent as a showcase for the stirring power of cinematography. There are countless quality visuals: enhancing the tone of the filmmaking at every turn. A beautiful work of art.

The production design by Ivo Mrdzek, Zdenek Rozkopal, and Karel Zeman is another element that excels in spades. The landscape of the production seems vast and epic in scope. The production is ambitious and imaginative: full of magic. For a production exploring pre-history, the efforts needed to be quite extraordinary – and indeed, they are.

The screenplay penned by Karel Zeman and co-screenwriter J.A. Novotny (A Week in the Quiet House, Matous the Cobbler) is a quality effort from beginning to end. The story is entertaining and charming in spades. There certainly is a sense of wonderment throughout the production. The characters are compelling and the pacing is impressive. There is certainly never a dull moment in the script.

Directed by Karel Zeman (A Christmas Dream, The Fabulous Baron Munchausen), Journey to the Beginning of Time is a timeless masterpiece. The filmmaking is stunning and breathtaking to behold. Few productions are as magical as this one. Edited to perfection by Zdenek Stehlik (The Third Prince, The Man from London), Journey to the Beginning of Time should be considered essential filmmaking: don't miss it.

Journey to the Beginning of Time Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Second Run, Journey to the Beginning of Time is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1 full frame. The release presents a brand new 4K restoration. The restoration quality is outstanding. The special effects hold up well with the 4K scanning and the level of crispness in the image stuns. Featuring dinosaurs, cave-men, and pre-historic creatures, the transfer showcases the inventive visuals with ease. Colors are effective and well-balanced. The cinematography shines throughout the new presentation.

Journey to the Beginning of Time Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in the original Czech. The lossless uncompressed PCM 2.0 stereo audio track is downright exceptional. The audio is crisp, clear, and engaging throughout. Dialogue is clean and dynamic without having any unnecessary harshness. There were no significant issues to report in regards to pops, clicks, warps, hiss, and other audio-related detriments. The English subtitles are free from any significant spelling or grammatical errors.

Journey to the Beginning of Time Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

20 page booklet featuring writings about Journey to the Beginning of Time by author Michael Brooke.

English version of the film (HD, 1:23:09) is a reconstruction of the U.S. theatrical cut (with alternate footage). The cut features a combination of high-definition and standard-definition footage. The U.S. footage is in significantly worse condition than the original international version – but it is still nice to see the alternate version provided as an option for enthusiasts to compare.

Interview with John Stevenson (HD, 22:59) was recorded in London in August 2019.

The Making of Journey to the Beginning of Time (HD, 9:08)

Restoring the World of Fantasy (HD, 2:10)

Image Gallery features over 60 high quality images from the production and marketing of the feature-film.

Restoration Trailer (HD, 1:46)

US Trailer (SD, 1:26)

Karel Zeman Museum promo (HD, 1:22)

Journey to the Beginning of Time Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Journey to the Beginning of Time is an imaginative masterpiece. The production is full-to-the-brim of spectacular special effects and breathtaking visuals. The 4K restoration is astonishing: breathing new life in to the filmmaking. Everything about this release is exceptional. The release includes a selection of supplemental features as well. Highly recommended.