Invention for Destruction

Invention for Destruction

Directed by Karel Zeman • 1958 • Czechoslovakia
Starring Lubor Tokoš, Arnošt Navrátil, František Šlégr

This eye-popping escapade revolves around a scientist and his doomsday machine—and the pirates who will stop at nothing to gain possession of it. Freely adapting the fiction of Jules Verne, and inspired by Victorian line engravings, Karel Zeman surrounds his actors with animated scenery of breathtaking intricacy and complexity, constructing an impossibly vivid proto-steampunk world. Released abroad at the turn of the 1960s, INVENTION FOR DESTRUCTION went on to become one of the most internationally successful Czechoslovak films of all time.

Invention for Destruction
  • Invention for Destruction

    Directed by Karel Zeman • 1958 • Czechoslovakia
    Starring Lubor Tokoš, Arnošt Navrátil, František Šlégr

    This eye-popping escapade revolves around a scientist and his doomsday machine—and the pirates who will stop at nothing to gain possession of it. Freely adapting the fiction of Jules Verne, and...

Extras

  • U.S. Alternate Opening

    Made for the 1961 English-dubbed U.S. released of INVENTION FOR DESTRUCTION under the title THE FABULOUS WORLD OF JULES VERNE, this opening sequence features different credits and title design, along with a filmed introduction by broadcaster Hugh Downs.

  • Making Magic

    In this conversation, filmed by the Criterion Collection in 2019, animator and visual-effects supervisor Phil Tippett and visual-effects artist Jim Aupperle discuss their appreciation for director Karel Zeman and his cinematic techniques.

  • A Christmas Dream

    Directed by Karel Zeman • 1945 • Czechoslovakia

    This early short from 1945 showcases the technical skill, wit, and creativity of director Karel Zeman.

  • A Horseshoe for Luck

    Directed by Karel Zeman • 1946 • Czechoslovakia

    This early short from 1946 showcases the technical skill, wit, and creativity of director Karel Zeman.

  • Inspiration

    Directed by Karel Zeman • 1949 • Czechoslovakia

    This early short from 1949 showcases the technical skill, wit, and creativity of director Karel Zeman.

  • King Lavra

    Directed by Karel Zeman • 1950 • Czechoslovakia

    This early short from 1950 showcases the technical skill, wit, and creativity of director Karel Zeman.

  • Why Zeman Made the Film

    Produced by the Karel Zeman Museum in 2015, these short documentaries feature new and archival interviews with Zeman, actor Lubor Tokoš, artist Ludmila Zeman, and others on the production, effects, and restoration of INVENTION FOR DESTRUCTION.

  • Special-Effects Techniques

    Produced by the Karel Zeman Museum in 2015, these short documentaries feature new and archival interviews with Zeman, actor Lubor Tokoš, artist Ludmila Zeman, and others on the production, effects, and restoration of INVENTION FOR DESTRUCTION.

  • About the Restoration

    Produced by the Karel Zeman Museum in 2015, these short documentaries feature new and archival interviews with Zeman, actor Lubor Tokoš, artist Ludmila Zeman, and others on the production, effects, and restoration of INVENTION FOR DESTRUCTION.

  • Restoration Demonstration

    Produced by the Karel Zeman Museum in 2015, these short documentaries feature new and archival interviews with Zeman, actor Lubor Tokoš, artist Ludmila Zeman, and others on the production, effects, and restoration of INVENTION FOR DESTRUCTION.

  • English-Dubbed Version