The Invention of Doom - DVD

Genius inventor Professor Roch is on the verge of discovering a substance that could destroy the world in the wrong hands. And such hands belong to Count Artigas, a mysterious and dark adventurer who sails the world’s seas in his submarine, sinking ships and using the wealth he acquires as a tool for world domination.
Artigas kidnaps Professor Roch from a sanatorium and forces him to complete the invention at his headquarters in the crater of the Back Cup volcano. By coincidence, Artigas also kidnaps the professor's assistant, engineer Hart, who is also the narrator of the story. Hart tries everything he can to free the professor and prevent the impending catastrophe.
Hart eventually sends a balloon with a message to humanity up through the volcano’s vent, which unites the world’s naval fleets to prevent the destruction at the eleventh hour.

This is the first film by Karel Zeman based on a novel by Jules Verne. Here, the director experimented with a new artistic style, bringing the black and white engravings of the first illustrators of Verne's books, Édouard Riou and Léon Benett, to life. He continued to develop this style throughout his life, applying his visionary perspective to it.
Verne's timeless story of a misused inventor whose work threatens the entire world in the hands of criminals, the paper sets, and the distinctive stylisation – all contribute to the unique visual form and unforgettable atmosphere of the film.

In 1958, the film travelled literally all over the world, was showered with awards, and became one of the most important films of the 20th century. Among other accolades, it won the Grand Prix at the EXPO 58 World's Fair in Brussels.

Bonus features:
Bonus materials on the life and work of the world cinema legend