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A captivating film that showcases storytelling prowess, the beauty of filmmaking for children and youth, and the generally incredible abilities of filmmakers, especially in terms of visual effects. This is one of those movies that gave me a lot as a kid. These types of films make me love dinosaurs. Moreover, the viewer learns quite a lot here. Simply one of the best Czech films, and with only four actors. The animation and special effects work are incredible. (2014.11.20)

This more than half-century-old Czech classic would still give many C-horror films a run for their money when it comes to special effects. Karel Zeman really managed to bring long-extinct creatures to life, placing A Journey into the Primeval Times right up there with the American fantasy films co-written by the great Ray Harryhausen. Perhaps the only blemish on this gem is the four leading boys, who come across as too (but really too) plankish. In short, one of those Czech films of which we can be truly proud. (2011.05.11)

Journey to the Beginning of Time was a groundbreaking effects showcase on a global scale, mainly because the central quartet of heroes, floating on the river of time, merely observe prehistoric nature reverently without interfering with it in any way. Therefore, there is no interaction between the animatronics and live actors, as there has been in similar films to date, and thus the shots with non-existent creatures and humans at the same time were more fluid than had been customary up to that point. However, the film was also adapted by the Americans for their market in the 1960s and excerpts from it appeared on the BBC and on children's shows in the USA. From today's perspective, it's a kind of cute interactive museum ride with audio commentary and a sympathetic toy-like tactility of tricks that I'd honestly be interested to see how they might work for contemporary children. The very dynamic cinematography is surprising for the 1950s, by the way. Most of all, the feeling of the irreversible ending on a rocky shoreline has affected me personally since childhood, making it seem as if the boys have accepted their fate at the beginning of all life in oblivion and damnation. However much the film's opening tries to deny this. In this case, I recommend that American opening, when that group of boys, faces downcast, hang around Manhattan before discovering a mysterious Indian cave, which, when they enter, cuts to the classic Journey to the Beginning of Time. (2019.07.24)

This film caused quite a stir in the film world at the time and was successfully screened in dozens of countries. Karel Zeman became a renowned name in the film industry, and if he hadn't been working behind the Iron Curtain, he would likely have had a brilliant career, with the child actors becoming recognized stars. For its time, the special effects scenes with attractive depictions of prehistoric creatures were exceptionally well done, making the film still interesting today and a significant reminder of film history. However, the script, in retrospect, is rather flat, and the didactic intent is glaringly obvious. In many ways (exclusively male cast, scout ideals, a desire for adventure), the film is reminiscent of and likely intentionally follows Jaroslav Foglar's work. Overall impression: 70%. (2006.06.13)

To watch this film is to take sheer delight in Zeman's fantasy. The originality of his visual effects is still unsurpassed today, despite digital technology. With the money he had available, he wouldn’t have made even the credits in America. A beauty, and I can’t wait for the DVD edition. (2003.04.13)