Karel Zeman | Karel Zeman Films & Gifts

Karel Zeman

Enter a world of boundless fantasy, where steel engravings from Verne’s novels come to life and dinosaurs walk alongside young boys. The Czech film genius Karel Zeman, whose trick art is honoured by giants such as Steven Spielberg, Tim Burton, and Terry Gilliam, created a body of work unparalleled in world cinema. This category belongs to a visionary who combined live-action with animation using humour, precision, and incredible playfulness, amazing audiences from Japan to America.

Cinematic Gems of Karel Zeman

Journey to the Beginning of Time (1955) – An adventurous expedition against the flow of time. Four boys embark on a journey into our planet's history, encountering mammoths and fearsome dinosaurs. A film that raised generations of naturalists and filmmakers.

Invention for Destruction (1958) – The most famous Czech film in history, which circled the globe at EXPO 58. The unique visual style of animated steel engravings brings Jules Verne's novel about a dangerous invention in the hands of pirates to life.

The Fabulous Baron Munchausen (1961) – A poetic celebration of human imagination. The unforgettable Miloš Kopecký stars as the Baron who travels to the moon, rides a cannonball, and proves that truth is merely what we choose to believe.

The Stolen Airship (1966) – Another Verne-inspired variation full of Art Nouveau beauty and technical marvels. The story of five boys who embark on an unplanned trip around the world in a stolen airship.

Karel Zeman Museum

The creator's legacy lives on in the Karel Zeman Museum in Prague at Kampa. Established in 2012, this institution is not just a collection of exhibits, but a gateway to the world of film tricks. Visitors can peek under the lid of Zeman's "kitchen," fly on a flying machine, or control the submarine from Invention for Destruction. The products in this category come directly from the museum's workshop, bearing the seal of quality and love for film craft.

Bring the magic home! In addition to restored films on DVD and Blu-ray, you will find original merchandise here – from stylish posters and mugs to unique gifts inspired by Zeman's visuals. Ideal for lovers of classic cinema and gentle humour.