Release Date: 9 Sept 2013Jindřich Polák’s pioneering and much-imitated feature Ikarie XB 1 is one of the cornerstones of contemporary sci-fi cinema. It predates Star Trek and Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey and was clearly an influence on both, as well as on almost every other science-fiction work that followed.
Adapted from Stanisław Lem's 1955 novel The Magellanic Cloud, the film is set in 2163 and follows a mission deep into space in search of alien life. During their perilous journey the crew confront the effects of a malignant dark star, the destructive legacy of the 20th century and, ultimately, the limits of their own sanity. With outstanding design and cinematography, Ikarie XB 1 is imbued with a seriousness, intelligence and attention to detail rarely seen in science-fiction cinema of the period.The DVD is presented in a superb new anamorphic digital transfer with restored picture and sound and features a newly filmed appreciation by author and critic Kim Newman and a new essay on the film by author Michael Brooke.
Second Run are delighted to present this seminal work of fantasy cinema in its complete and original form for the first time ever in the English-speaking world.
• Presented in a superb new anamorphic transfer with restored picture and sound.
• An appreciation - new filmed interview with author and critic Kim Newman.
• Booklet featuring a new essay by writer and film historian Michael Brooke.
• New and improved English subtitle translation.
• Released in its complete and original version for the first time in the English-speaking world.
• Optimal quality dual-layer disc.
Zdeněk Štěpánek - Captain Vladimír Abajev
Radovan Lukavský – MacDonald
Dana Medřická - Nina Kirová
Miroslav Macháček - Marcel Bernard
František Smolík - Dr Anthony Hopkins
Jiří Vršťala - Erik Svenson
Otto Lackovič - Michal
Svatava Hubeňáková - Rena
Irena Kačírková - Brigitte
Martin Ťapák - Petr Kubeš
Marcela Martínková - Štefa
Directed by Jindřich Polák
Story and screenplay - Jindřich Polák, Pavel Juráček
based on the novel The Magellanic Cloud (Obłok Magellana)
by Stanisław Lem
Cinematography - Jan Kališ
Music - Zdeněk Liška
Production design - Jan Zázvorka
Editor - Josef Dobřichovský
Costumes - Ester Krumbachová
Special Effects - Jan Kališ, Milan Nejedlý, Jiří Hlupý,
Pavel Nečesal, Karel Císařovský, František Žemlička
1963 Trieste International Science Fiction Film Festival,
Winner: Grand Prix, Best Film
"Remains one of the most original and exciting science fiction films ever made... packed with sublime moments unlike those of any film preceding it. A game-changing film that profoundly influenced the genre and showed that science-fiction movies weren't only about special effects; they were also high art. Of the hardest and most admirable kind"
Alex Cox, The Guardian
"Finally available in its complete, original form, Polák's groundbreaking celestial saga is every bit as impressive today as it was in 1963. Don't tell me Kubrick missed this one..."
Joe Dante, filmmaker
"An absolute treat, offering all the kitsch pleasures of vintage SF while still bearing up remarkably well to modern scrutiny. Anyone brave enough to check it out will be very glad they did" Starburst
"Immaculately filmed in black-and-white Cinemascope, it is beautiful and austere. The effects are second to none: Kubrick and his visual effects genius Wally Veevers must have seen it and analysed its models and matte shots before making 2001" Alex Cox, The Guardian