Andrew M
Second Unit
The new Karel Zeman Museum in Prague (www.muzeumkarlazemana.cz) is currently selling restored PAL DVD versions of Journey To The Beginning Of Time, The Fabulous World Of Jules Verne and Braron Prasil (The Fabulous Baron Munchausen). All three subtitled DVDs include bonus features with interviews and brief vignettes on how some of the special effects were achieved.
I've watched all three titles and it was a revelation. I was only familiar with Journey To The Beginning Of Time from the VHS English dubbed version and from seeing segments serialized on TV when I was a child. Anyone who has been writing reviews and critiques on this title based on the English-dubbed and American edited version needs to re-write them. The prehistoric creature design was clearly based on the artwork of Zdenek Burian, not Charles R. Knight on whom Willis O'Brien and Ray Harryhausen based their designs.
I had seen The Fabulous World Of Jules Verne in the movies back in 1961 when I was 9 years old. When Wade Williams/Englewood Entertainment released this title on VHS I purchased it and eventually transferred it to DVD-R. But seeing it in pristine condition brought back that sense of wonder I experienced as a child. The effects work in this movie is stunning and charming. It has a very high re-watchable quotient. The Fabulous World Of Jules Verne is considered the greatest steampunk movie ever made. This DVD shows why.
I had the laserdisc release of Baron Prasil but I was never able to fully appreciate the intricate detailed artwork and production design until watching the DVD. It is a delightful film that is both a homage to Georges Melies and to silent comedy.
All 3 DVDs are professionally produced with paper covers over slim cases with full color artwork. The price including shipping to California for all 3 DVDs was under $30.00.
If you can play PAL DVDs and have even the slightest interest in fantasy, science fiction or special effects this collection is a must buy.