Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.5

Journey to the Beginning of Time Blu-ray Movie Review

A stunning 4K restoration of the Karel Zeman masterpiece.

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.

Adventure awaits.

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 the Criterion Collection, Journey to the Beginning of Time is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1. The presentation comes from a 4K restoration. The print quality is exceptionally good and the film is breathtakingly beautiful throughout. Color reproduction looks excellent as well. The film has a satisfying layer of natural film grain as well. The scan never suffers from egregious print damage: scratches, dirt, and debris are minimal. An outstanding 4K restoration.

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

The release is presented in the original Czech in uncompressed PCM 1.0 mono (encoded at 24 bit). The lossless audio quality is impressive and manages to capably preserve the soundtrack. There aren't any serious issues to report in regards to hiss, crackle, warps, pops, or clicks. A superb lossless audio presentation.

Optional English subtitles are provided.

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

Please Note: The release of Journey to the Beginning of Time is included in the Three Fantastic Journeys by Karel Zeman Criterion Collection box-set. On disc supplements are as follows:

Directed by Karel Zeman (HD, 12:21) features animation filmmaker John Stevenson as he discusses the work of filmmaker Karel Zeman in this exclusive piece produced by the Criterion Collection in 2019.

U.S. Release of Journey to the Beginning of Time (HD, 1:23:36) featuring chapter-select as noted below. Presented in Dolby Digital 1.0.

1. Museum

2. Early man

3. Mammals and birds

4. Dinosaurs

5. To the beginning

Museum Documentaries

The Birth of a Film Legend (SD, 5:13)

Why Zeman Made the Film (SD, 2:35)

Where the Film Was Shot (SD, 3:59)

Special-Effects Techniques (SD, 2:59)

Restoration Demonstration (HD, 2:10)

Museum Documentaries explores the development of the production of Journey to the Beginning of Time and the 4K restoration effort. These museum shorts include interviews with artist Ludmila Zeman, actor Zdenek Hustak, and Zeman himself. Combining both new and archival footage, these pieces delve further into a fantastical world of imagination.

Journey to the Beginning of Time Theatrical Trailer (HD, 1:43)

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

Journey to the Beginning of Time is a marvelous film (full of life and wonder) and it stands as one of the best fantasy motion-pictures of all time. The production has remarkable cinematography and special-effects that rival or excel that of big-budget blockbusters produced today. Karel Zeman is a creative maestro and the results in Journey to the Beginning of Time are impeccable. No one should miss this cinematic masterpiece. Highly recommended.