REVIEW: ‘IKARIE XB 1,’ a sci-fi masterpiece, has finally been restored
Photo: IKARIE XB 1 finds a group of astronauts facing an unknown danger in outer space. Photo courtesy of Janus Films / Provided by Film Forum official site.
Wondrously restored, IKARIE XB 1 is now available to stream from New York City’s Film Forum. The 1963 science-fiction film, directed by Jindřich Polák, is a marvel to behold. Its look, its themes and its commentary on society no doubt influenced many genre films and TV shows in later years.
The 86-minute movie follows a group of astronauts in 2163 who decide to venture into space for 15 years with the express mission of finding life on another planet. What they discover is a mysterious dark star that wreaks havoc on the crew and provides more questions than answers.
The black-and-white film has a Star Trek feel in both its plot and ensemble acting. The cast walk around the spaceship with similar uniforms and loose-fitting collars. There are plenty of buttons to push and monitors to examine, and, of course, there is that one screen that has a tripped-out series of wavy lines that is oh so Twilight Zone.
What’s amazing about IKARIE XB 1, which is also known as Voyage to the End of the Universe, is how many genre staples it features. There’s the two astronauts who decide to head out on a dangerous mission to another spaceship. There’s the need to quarantine a crew member from the rest of the ship. There’s the whirring robot straight out of Lost in Space. There’s even chance for the crew to let down their hair and enjoy some time off — in IKARIE XB 1, that means a dance party or working out in a futuristic Olympic gym.
There is some clever foreshadowing throughout the feature, including the pending birth of a baby on board, but there’s also an equal amount of unexpected dismay. The plot heads in different directions, and a few revelations are quite startling and make the audience consider the movie’s release year (1963) and where it originated (the Eastern Bloc during the Cold War). One image in particular is ghostly and dreadful, leaving both the astronauts and the viewers with uncertainty and an unsettled feeling.
There is so much to enjoy for sci-fi fans in this restored classic. Its tension and energy are palpable, its characters are believable and interesting, and its plot offers commentary not only on the 22nd century, but the 20th century as well.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
IKARIE XB 1 (1963). In Czech with English subtitles. Directed by Jindřich Polák. Starring Zdenek Stepánek. Running time: 86 minutes. Janus Films. Currently available via New York City’s Film Forum. Click here for more information. Rating: 
