The Dark Crystal is a masterful live action fantasy starring some of Jim Henson's most ... more
imaginative creatures ever! Directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz and produced By Gary Kurtz (Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back), The Dark Crystal brilliantly weaves a timeless myth of good and Evil! In another time, The Dark Crystal - a source of Balance and Truth in the Universe - was shattered, dividing the world into two factions: the wicked Skeksis and the peaceful Mystics. Now, as the convergence of the three suns approaches, the Crystal must be healed, or darkness will reign for evermore! It's up to Jen - the last of his race - to fulfill the prophecy that a Gelfling will return the missing shard to the Crystal and destroy the Skeksis evil Empire. But will young Jen's courage be any match for the unknown dangers that await him'
The Dark Crystal is a remarkable fantasy adventure, starring some of Jim Henson's most ... more
imaginative creatures ever. Five years in the making, this magical tale of good and evil is directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz and produced by Gary Kurtz (Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back). You can also discover some of the secrets behind the making of the first ever all-puppet film in a special 60 minute featurette! In another time, The Dark Crystal - a source of Balance and Truth in the Universe - was shattered, dividing the world into two factions: the wicked Skeksis and the peaceful Mystics. Now, as the convergence of the three suns approaches, the Crystal must be healed, or darkness will reign forever! It's up to Jen - the last of his race - to fulfil the prophecy that a Gelfling will return the missing shard to the Crystal and destroy the Skeksis' evil empire. But will young Jen's courage be any match for the unknown dangers that await him?
Science Fiction - Director: Hiroyuki Yamaga - Original Language: Japanese - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Ayako Kawasumi, Fujiko Takimoto
Production Year: 2007 - Science Fiction - Director: Francis Lawrence - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Alice Braga, Charlie Tahan, Dash Mihok, Will Smith, Salli Richardson, Willow Smith
Advantages: Incredibly imaginative and creative, an absorbing and often beautiful film. Disadvantages: Very few-perhaps some of the animation (not the puppetry)
This is a wonderful film; it is totally memorable, unique and engaging, a great Jim Henson production. As with most Henson creations, I think this will appeal to both children and adults, although there are some dark moments and scary images that may frighten the younger, more sensitive child, so best watch it with them. The traditional plot line - a hero defeating evil and ultimately saving his world- is one that will engage and inspire the younger viewer, and the art work and puppet work are skillfull and creative enough to make this a film perfect for many fantasy-loving adults.
The basic plot line is relatively simple - the film is not set on earth, and there are no human characters, instead there are two main races; the evil skeksis and the gentle, peace-loving mystics. The mystics are dying out however, and the way to prevent ...
Advantages: Brilliant special effects Disadvantages: May be scary for younger children
This is a brilliant film. I can not recommend it strongly enough. In a far away land live the peace loving mystics and the violent skegsies. Two opposing races whose fate is wrapped up in the darkcrystal, Jen is the last of his gelfling kind and has his part to play in fulfilling the prophecy surrounding the darkcrystal.
This isn't your typical good vs. evil film. It is much better and done the George Lucas/ Jim Henson way.The evil skeggsies are great (especially the one that goes mmmmm). I'm sure there are some deep underlying moral stories in the film but try not to be analytical. Just enjoy the film. The Henson work shop was excelled itself here. The special effects are fantastic. Try not to watch the making of documentary before you view the film or it will ruin the magic. I'm sure I read that this story was going to be part ...
Advantages: An epic visually stunning film Disadvantages: Zilch
The DarkCrystal is an outstanding and sadly overlooked piece of cinema history from 1982. Created by Jim Henson and Frank Oz, its exclusive use of puppets in lieu of humans was groundbreaking and produced stunning visuals that can only now be dimly reproduced in CGI. Filmed entirely in Elstree Studios, England and drawing on Brian Froud?s exquisite concept art, The DarkCrystal has achieved almost cult status on the Jim Henson circuit.
The tale begins with Jen, a young male creature from a race called Gelflings. When he was orphaned, a group of massive bear-like creatures called Mystics raised him and taught him their slow, ancient rituals. When the master is on his deathbed, he instructs Jen to ?heal the darkcrystal? which has no meaning to Jen. After his death, Jen leaves his sanctuary and sets out to fulfil his quest.
On Jen ...
A luxuriant live-action fantasy inhabited by alien beings and set in a world without light. Jen, the last survivor of an elfin-like race, sets to the task of returning a crystal shard to the all-powerful dark crystal, making it whole again and restoring light to the world.
Release details
DVD Region
DVD
Studio(s)
SONY PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT; CINRAM LOGISTICS
Languages
Main Language
English
Technical information
Sound
Dolby Digital
DVD Description
A fantastical, puppet-filled adventure, this tale co-directed by Muppet creator Jim Henson and Frank Oz reveals the story of Jen, a young Gelfling boy chosen by prophecy to mend the Dark Crystal, which broke 1,000 years ago and plunged the land under the dominion of the evil, quarrelsome Skeksis. Fearing the prophecy, whose fulfillment would mean the end of their reign, the Skeksis exterminated the Gelflings--all but Jen and Kira, a girl he meets on his journey to the crystal. Pursued by the Skeksis and their dark creatures, Jen and Kira race to the crystal, even as their time runs out.
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![Dark Crystal [Collectors Edition]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/98877569.jpg "Dark Crystal [Collectors Edition]")
