Three Fantastic Journeys by Karel Zeman (Criterion Collection)

The astounding blend of live-action, animation, and practical effects served by pioneering Czech cinema fabulist Karel Zeman are on display in "Journey to the Beginning of Time" (1955), which follows four boys whose river ride into an uncharted cave brings them face-to-face with long-vanished prehistoric beasts. Josef Lukáš, Petr Herrmann star. In "Invention for Destruction" (1958), Zeman’s pastiche from the fantasy of Jules Verne, a scientist and his assistant working on an explosive new energy source are kidnapped by pirates hired by a nasty industrialist. Arnost Navratil, Miloslaw Holub star. Finally, Zeman set his skills to limning the absurd adventures of literature’s most legendary liar--as he graciously escorts a cosmonaut back home from the Moon--in "The Fabulous Baron Munchausen" (1962). Miloš Kopecký, Jana Brejchová star. 4 hrs. total on 3 discs. Standard; Soundtrack: Czech Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English; bonus shorts " A Christmas Dream " (1946), " A Horseshoe for Luck " (1946), " Inspiration " (1949), " King Lavra " (1950); bonus documentary " Film Adventurer: Karel Zeman " (2015); featurettes; theatrical trailers; more. In Czech with English subtitles. 1.37:1