THE DARK CRYSTAL [1982 / 2018] [Anniversary Edition] [Blu-ray + Digital Download] [UK Release] Another World, Another Time . . . In the Age of Wonder! An Elaborate Fantasy Where Everything Seems Possible and Nothing is as it seems!
Jim Henson co-directs, produces and lends his voice to this classic animated adventure set on the planet Thra. 1000 years ago, a mysterious crystal was broken creating two new races, the evil Skeksis and the kind Mystics. With feuding all around him, Gelling Jen [voice of Jim Henson] the only one left of his kind and dreams of the day when he can restore peace to his planet. A Mystic tells him that in order to return Thra to its former glory Jen must heal the crystal before the three suns align. If he fails, the Skeksis will be free to rule forever.
In another time, The Dark Crystal was the Balance and Truth in the Universe, but was destroyed 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 is up to Jen, the last of his race, to carry out the prophecy that a Golfing will return the missing shard of crystal and destroy the Skeksis’ evil Empire. But will Jen be up to the challenge of battling the unknown? Narrated by Joseph O'Conor.
FILM FACT No.1: Awards and Nominations: 1983 Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films: Win: Best Fantasy Film. Nominated: Best Special Effects for Brian Smithies and Roy Field. Nominated: Best Poster Art. 1983 Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival: Win: Jim Henson and Frank Oz. 1983 Hugo Awards: Nominated: Best Dramatic Presentation for Jim Henson (story/director), Frank Oz (director), Gary Kurtz (director) and David Odell (screenplay). 1984 BAFTA® Awards: Nominated: Best Special Visual Effects for Brian Smithies, Ian Wingrove and Roy Field. 2008 Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films: Nominated: Best DVD Classic Film Release.
FILM FACT No.2: The film's soundtrack was composed by Trevor Jones, who became involved before shooting had started. Trevor Jones initially wanted to compose a score which reflected the settings' oddness by using acoustical instruments, electronics and building structures. This was scrapped in favour of an orchestral score once Gary Kurtz became involved, as it was felt that an unusual score would alienate audiences. The main theme of the film is a composite of the Skeksis's and Mystic's themes. Trevor Jones wrote the baby Landstrider theme in honour of his newly born daughter.
The Character Performers: Jim Henson, Kathryn Mullen, Frank Oz and Dave Goelz
The Skeksis Performers: Jim Henson, Steve Whitmire, Louise Gold, Brian Muel, Bob Payne, Mike Quinn and Tim Rose
The Mystics Performers: Brian Muehl, Jean Pierre Amiel, Hugh Spight, Robbie Barnett, Swee Lim, Simon Williamson, Hus Levant, Toby Philpott, Dave Greenaway and Richard Slaughter
The Landstriders Performers: Hugh Spight, Swee Lim and Robbie Barnett
The Character Voices: Stephen Garlicl (Jen), Lisa Maxwell (Kira), Billie Whitelaw (Aughra), Percy Edwards (Fizzgig), Barry Dennen (The Chamberlain), Michael Kilgarriff (The Garthim Master), Jerry Nelson (High Priest/Dying Emperor), Steve Whitmire (Gourmand), Brian Muehl (The Ornamentalist), John Baddeley (The Scroll Keeper), David Buck (The Slave Master), Charles Collingwood (The Treasurer), Brian Muehl (The Dying Master), Seán Barrett (urZah), Miki Iveria (The Podlings), Patrick Monckton (The Podlings), Sue Weatherby (The Podlings), Barry Dennen (The Podlings) and Joseph O'Conor (Narrator/Urskeks)
Directors: Jim Henson and Frank Oz
Producers: Jim Henson, Gary Kurtz, Bruce Sharman, David Lazer and Duncan Kenworthy
Screenplay: David Odell (screenplay) and Jim Henson (story)
Composer: Trevor Jones
Costume and Conceptual Designer: Brian Froud
Cinematography: Oswald Morris, B.S.C. (Director of Photography)
Image Resolution: 1080p (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 (Panavision)
Audio: English: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audi
German: 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound
Italian: 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
English: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
Subtitles: English, English SDH, Danish, Finnish, German, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish and Turkish
Running Time: 93 minutes
Region: All Regions
Number of discs: 1
Studio: Universal Pictures / Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Andrew’s Blu-ray Review: The Jim Henson Company presents you the amazing ‘THE DARK CRYSTAL’ [1982] and to a modern audience today will not realise that when this film was released it comes from a time when the term CGI did not exist yet, and most of the special effects that you see in this fantasy film were actually made by hand, using amazing professional skills and lots of hard work via Jim Henson and his behind-the-scene professional crew. Most importantly, all effects employed are actual physical things that occupied actual three-dimensional space in front of the camera lens.
In 1982, Jim Henson created this feature length fantasy film ‘THE DARK CRYSTAL’ and when it was released I eagerly went along to the cinema to view this film, anticipating the further adventures of the Muppets, instead we learn about the pursue of a mysterious sounding precious stone, but of course I was in for a wonderful amazing surprise. After the cinema lights were dimmed, the orchestral film score music by Trevor Jones began, especially heavy on the horns and drums, and the screen was filled with a dimly-lit image of a castle in a barren landscape. It was clearly nightfall, and it was here that I learned the power and magic of cinema to set the mysterious mood by various means had begun to appear before me.
Within the world of ‘THE DARK CRYSTAL,’ we find out that over 1000 thousand years ago, the magic crystal cracked, and two races appeared, the wise and gentle Mystics, and the cruel evil Skeksis. Since that time, the world was plunged into war and ruin, as the Skeksis pillaged the land for their benefit. After millennia, the triple suns of the world were to come together in the Great Conjunction, which the Skeksis would harness to achieve immortality, and lock the planet into a twisted empire that would never be renewed. It is up to Jen the Gelfling, last of his race, to stop this from happening. So, basically the usual good guys and bad guys struggle that will end when the good guys win, the bad guys get their comeuppance, and the credits roll. At least, that’s what I thought. Those of you familiar with this classic fantasy film are well aware that all expectations were defied.
‘THE DARK CRYSTAL’ is an overwhelming work of supreme Jim Henson imagination. That’s where the Muppets comparison ends. The audience is immersed in an alien world. There are no humans here, just plants and creatures that are wholly unrecognizable. There are no digital effects; just amazing extraordinary sets and costumes that form entire ecosystems. In one astonishing shot, you see plants that fly, trees that walk down to the river for a drink, and a doglike creature that is eaten by a hillside. For these and many other reasons ‘THE DARK CRYSTAL’ is an excellent fantasy film for all generations and especially it can give a child inspired by these wonderful images, but the action is also a great deal more mature and darker than most children’s entertainment.
‘THE DARK CRYSTAL’ places us in a rather familiar world, yet a unique one. A fantastical realm governed by a magic crystal that shattered a thousand-year ago. This event spawned two very different races of creatures, the Skeksis and the Mystics. The Skeksis quickly took control after the event, using the remaining crystal to keep themselves alive, employing some highly immoral methods in the process, as we learn later in the film, while the gentle Mystics were exiled.
The story picks up after a thousand-year time-span when Jen the Gelfling, the last of a species of creatures called the Gelflings, is tasked with repairing the crystal and saving the world from imminent destruction. Jen the Gelfling receives this mission from his master, The Wisest of the Mystics, who on his deathbed tells him of this history and gives him his mission. It turns out that the Mystics saved Jen when the Skeksis culled his entire race of people from the world. Why did it happen? Well, there’s this prophecy you see, which says that only a Gelfling can repair the Crystal and since the Skeksis are not the nicest creatures in fantasy writing, they’re not too keen on this happening.
The story borrows concepts and ideas from all manner of places and times, and if that would’ve been all, then ‘THE DARK CRYSTAL’ would’ve been lost to history amidst the multitude of sub-mediocre films, without any of us ever hearing from it again. But the story isn’t what stands out when it comes to ‘THE DARK CRYSTAL’ and the focus of the movie is the world that the film takes place in and most importantly, the execution of the fantasy film.
It’s pretty clear that even though the fantasy film was meant for children, but obviously not in reality, as there is a lot of death in the film, whether it’s implied, talked about or actually on-screen, not to mentioned. Undoubtedly ‘THE DARK CRYSTAL,’ as the name implies, is pretty dark, especially for younger kids, who might be frightened even by the general appearance of the fantast film’s villains the Skeksis. These are a weird hybrid of vultures and reptiles, wrapped in an amalgam of cloths and jewellery.
According to the film’s co-director, Frank Oz, Jim Henson’s intention was to make a story that harkened back to the original Brothers Grimm stories and considered that it’s not good for children if they are not frightened from time to time, and I have to say, if that was indeed his true intention, he accomplished it. Setting aside the tone and the atmosphere for a bit, I cannot overlook the technical accomplishments that made this fantasy film possible because this is what makes the film truly fascinating.
‘THE DARK CRYSTAL’ was the first live-action fantasy film to not feature any people on-screen, absolutely everything that we see are practical effects and animatronics, and the result is nothing short of extraordinary. The sheer amount of work, thoroughness, attention to detail and dedication required for this fantasy film to exist, elicits nothing but my utmost admiration for those who made it possible.
Blu-ray Image Quality – Sony Pictures Home Entertainment presents you the ‘THE DARK CRYSTAL’ fantasy film that is well over 35 years of age, and gives us a fantastic spectacular remastered 1080p image presentation and the 2.40:1 Panavision aspect ratio simply dazzles the visual experience, and easily making this new Blu-ray disc the best home entertainment film that you will ever enjoy the crystal clear images, that enhances the Jim Henson’s imagination, bringing out the finer points of the image frame, even introducing you to enthralling new details. The image is crisp without losing the film-like qualities of the original elements, allowing the Blu-ray disc to retain a comfortable theatrical appearance, with splendid, deep colours and secure black levels that allow for further frame inspection. There is little in way of Blu-ray colour explosion here, leaving the presentation more about safeguarding the richness and hyper-nuance of the cinematography and overall design work. So all in all, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment brings us a very professional Blu-ray image presentation.
Blu-ray Audio Quality – Sony Pictures Home Entertainment brings us a brilliant audio presentation of 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix that is not a forceful creation that will rattle your sound system, it’s more of a cathedral style of ambiance, building all the elements into a stout presentation of the film music scoring of composer Trevor Jones hits a grand slam with the music, dialogue, and peculiar sound effects. Most sequences maintain appropriate surround atmospherics, with castle interiors offering a pleasing echo effect to underline the ornate architecture. The dramatic Garthim attack scenes inject some really nice veracious mix, but most of the energy here is with the three main speakers, which feels more natural to the storytelling aesthetics at hand. So all in all, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has brought us a superb audio experience presentation.
Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:
2009 Audio Commentary with Brian Froud: This feature-length audio commentary features the Costume and Conceptual Designer and all-around fairy geek Brian Froud for the film ‘THE DARK CRYSTAL’ and welcomes us to his audio commentary and informs us that it was wonderful to hear the Trevor Jones composed film music in the background, and it has been years since Brian Froud last heard it since the last time he viewed the film, and also had to separate his emotions towards the film, because of his last time he was heavily involved in the film over a five year period. Brian Froud says a lot of people did not understand the concept of the film, especially asking what they were viewing, as they had never seen puppets on a big screen before, which personally I get very angry with such naïve comments and suspect it is mainly American teenagers who are the ones in this category, as most of them want the whole thing spelt out for them line by line. Brian Froud also informs us that the film is about a “myth,” especially in an unfamiliar world that Brian Froud helped to create and bring to the screen. Brian Froud also talks about when Jim Henson came to visit him in Devon near Dartmoor to explain his scenario about crocodiles living in a castle or palace and wanted a juxtaposition of reptiles dressed elaborately in a beautiful setting, but when Brian Froud did all the designs, the concept of the film changed dramatically, especially the Skeksis were more like fish originally in design, but of course over time the designs dramatically to what you now view in the film, to be a cross between a bird and a dinosaur. When you see the lettering ‘THE DARK CRYSTAL’ appears at the start of the film, which of course was designed by Brian Froud and could not believe they were keen to use his conceptual design, and obviously Jim Henson was very impressed in wanting to use Brian Froud’s designed lettering. When you first see the male Gelflin playing his pipes and if you look closely he is completely naked and Jim Henson wanted the public to see this, especially his private parts, but of course the censors at the time would not allow this and again had to be hidden discretely. Brian Froud talks about the Cinematographer Oswald Morris, who he felt was an absolute genius and he had worked previously with the director John Huston and also worked on the films ‘Moulin Rouge’ [1952] and ‘Moby Dick’ [1956] and wanted Brian Froud’s conceptions to really stand out via Oswald Morris and use the system called “Light Flex.” When Jim Henson came over to England and visited Brian Froud, Jim Henson really loved the countryside where Brian Froud lived and wanted the same type of scenery created in his film, especially all the rocks, the moss, the trees and the rivers. When Brian Froud saw the film in Italian and thought it was totally hysterical and especially when he saw the Skeskis ranting in Italian and it was like a demented Vatican priest, and of course the clothing was very Jacobian. Brian Froud talks about how sound is very important in a film, as well as the songs, plus he points out how the puppets do hardly anything and when one of the male Gelfling walks into the bush and out comes the other side a midget dressed as a Gelflin, all in one shot. Brian Froud was very encourage by Jim Henson and Frank Oz to create the Skeskis to look really gross, especially when they grossed out eating their food, as Jim Henson and Frank Oz really love their monsters. When everyone escapes from the dungeon and the old hag Aughra tells the Gelflin to hurry up as the conjunction of the suns, well Brian Froud mentions that the voice of Aughra was done by the actress Billie Whitelaw. As the credits roll up the screen, Brian Froud states that he feels everyone did a fantastic job on the film, and is amazed how it all started out with just nine people in New York, and then of course over time grew even bigger amount of people involved in the film at the Elstree Studios, which in fact was 360 people working on this wonderful joyous film and Brian Froud felt very privilege working with Jim Henson, who was a very generous man in his creativity, and feels that all of people involved in the film were also very creative with this astonishing fantasy film for all generations to come and I second this, and I feel Brian Froud did a fantastic and fascinating audio commentary that should not be missed.
Special Feature: Storyboard Track: Picture-in-Picture: Here we are welcomed to ‘THE DARK CRYSTAL’ Storyboard and Concept Art Picture-in-Picture experience. As early as 1977, Jim Henson began meeting with British Fantasy artist Brian Froud to help him imagine an elaborate visual world that would eventually become ‘THE DARK CRYSTAL.’ In January, 1978, Brian Froud came to New York and started designing characters, creatures, and environments, before a story or plot had even been written. The Concept Art presented to us, provides you with a glimpse into the creative process and evolution world of ‘THE DARK CRYSTAL.’ Most of the art you will see was created by Brian Froud, with contributions from storyboard artist Bill Stallion, set designer Harry Lange, production painter Roy Carnon, and sketch artists Mike Ploog and Denis Rich. You also get to view a few storyboard sequences, which reveal how some shots in the film were carefully planned in pre-production, changed and evolved by the time the camera rolled. Unfortunately, a complete set of storyboards for the film no longer exists. They have attempted to re-construct the sequences with what was available at the time. So what you actually get to see is now and again a panel appears at the bottom right hand of the screen informing you that you are either viewing the CONCEPT ART or the STORYBOARD and under these heading is the wording describing what the art or storyboard drawing is that you are viewing and what it is relating to the scene you are viewing with the film. As you experience this Storyboard Track: Picture-in-Picture special feature, you view everything in 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio.
Special Feature: THE DARK CRYSTAL: The Myth, Magic and Jim Henson Legacy [2018] [1080p] [2.40:1/1.78:1/1.37:1] [10:27] With this NEW special feature, we go behind-the-scenes of this iconic film. We get to view an overwhelming programme of material, some of it very rare, and all of it technically creative. You will get a real sense of the origins of Jim Henson's obsessions, especially with mythology and a detailed look at the conceptualization of the film and its place in the world of special creature effects. We get to see rare behind-the-scenes in the Jim Henson Workshop, on the film set, rare original screening footage with the Skesis’s made up language no one could understand. All in all it is totally fascinating. Contributors include: Lisa Henson (CEO of The Jim Henson Company), Jim Henson (Producer/Director) (Archive footage), Brian Froud (Conceptually Designer) (Archive images), Toby Froud (Puppeteer), Wendy Froud (Creature Designer) (Archive image) and Frank Oz (Co-director) (Archive image).
Special Feature: The World of ‘THE DARK CRYSTAL’ [Making of Documentary] [1983] [480i] [1.37:1] [57:26] The World of ‘THE DARK CRYSTAL’ is a documentary on the making of ‘THE DARK CRYSTAL,’ which at the time of its release in the cinema was well over 35 year ago. The documentary originally aired on PBS in the United States on 9th January, 1983. This documentary details the technological innovations in the field of animatronics, art design, film making, and Jim Henson magic. Requiring over two years of pre-production, ‘THE DARK CRYSTAL’ was inspired by the imagination of artist Brian Froud and conceived by scores of talented designers, builders, technicians, and performers. The World of the Dark Crystal shows how Jim Henson and his Jim Henson Creature Shop in London and the Muppet Workshop in New York brought Brian Froud’s art and Jim Henson’s vision to life to fruition. This is the definitive take on the making of the film. The World of ‘THE DARK CRYSTAL’ gives the viewer an exhaustive peek on how Jim Henson and Frank Oz faced during the difficult production process. We also get to view lots of Brian Froud’s beautiful illustrations and his equally impressive storyboard illustrations, as well as seeing Brian Froud working on his drawings of the creatures that will appear in the film. We get to see rare glimpses of behind-the-scenes filming on the sets in Elstree Studios. This is truly a remarkable document of the film and a real treasure worthy of repeated viewings. Contributors include: Jim Henson (Producer/Director), Brian Froud (Conceptual Designer), Wendy Widener Froud (Gelfling Supervisor), Gary Kurtz (Producer), Frank Oz (Co-director), Lyle Conway (Skeksis Co-Supervisor), Fred Nihda (Garthim Supervisor) and Kathryn Mullen [Puppet Performer).
Special Feature: Reflections of THE DARK CRYSTAL: This special feature is split into two separate features and as usual you can either view them separately or Play All and they are as follows:
Special Feature: Light on the Path of Creation [2007] [1080p/480i] [2.40:1/1.78:1] [20:25] Light on the Path of Creation is behind-the-scenes retrospective documentary about ‘THE DARK CRYSTAL.’ The feature focuses on the films themes and interpretations plus the real-life design influences. The creators and performers talk about the story behind how ‘THE DARK CRYSTAL was created, and the designs of the characters that populated the world. The featurette contains never before seen test footage from the Jim Henson archives. Here is a closer look at the mystical intentions of the film, and how Jim Henson’s limitless imagination led the production to glory, along with that all-important test footage. Primarily short snippets of video-recorded backyard brainstorming, this nugget of ‘THE DARK CRYSTAL’ history will surely have fans drooling. We get lots of rare Dark Crystal Test Footage. Thank heaven for the merciless creative process. Contributors include: Brian Froud (Conceptual Designer), Brian Henson (The Jim Henson Company), David Odell (Screenwriter), David Goelz (Puppeteer/Performer), Kathryn Mullen (“Kira” Performer) and Jane Gootnick (Puppet Designer/Builder).
Special Feature: Shard of Illusion [2007] [1080p/480i] [1.78:1/2.40:1] [16:18] Shard of Illusion is a follow up behind-the-scenes retrospective documentary about ‘THE DARK CRYSTAL.’ The feature focuses on delving more into production stories and how the creatures came to life with the help of the creative puppeteers. Again, more of the test footage is layered into this featurette, but it isn’t as much as expected. Of specific interest is David Odell discussing Hollywood’s boomerang reaction to ‘THE DARK CRYSTAL’ and the disastrous test process the film suffered throughout. We get lots of rare Dark Crystal Test Footage. Contributors include: Brian Froud (Conceptual Designer), David Goelz (Puppeteer/Performer), Brian Henson (The Jim Henson Company), David Odell (Screenwriter), Jane Gootnick (Puppet Designer/Builder) and Kathryn Mullen (“Kira” Performer).
Special Feature: Deleted Funeral Scenes [1983] [480i] [1.37:1] [3:48] Here you get to view a scene concerning the funeral for the Skeksis leader and also scenes with Jen the Gelfling and the Mystics. You can see why this particular part of the film was edited out, as it would have slowed the pace of the film. The scene appears once again courtesy of a well-worn VHS tape copy from a working print.
Special Feature: Original Skeksis Language: Test Scenes [2003] [480i] [1.37:1] [22:56] Here you have a selection of Eight separate viewings of Test Scene selection and they are as follows: Introduction by Screenwriter David Odell; Emperor’s Deathbed; The New Emperor; Aughra and The Skeksis; Fountain of Youth and Presenting Kira. As usual you can view each item separately or Play All. The scenes that you view appears once again courtesy of a well-worn VHS tape copy from a working print.
Special Feature: Storyboards: Here you get to view ten rough hand drawn black-and-white storyboard images. To advance all the images, you have to press the right arrow key on your remote control.
Special Feature: Photo Galleries: Here you get to view beautiful colourful hand drawn images via three separate categories, which are as follows: Character Illustrations [10 images]; Character Drawings & Profiles: The Ur-Ur [16 images] and Character Drawings & Profiles: The Skeksis [16 images]. To advance all the images in each category, you have to press the right arrow key on your remote control.
Theatrical Trailers: Here we get to view two trailers for the film ‘THE DARK CRYSTAL,’ which consist of: Theatrical Teaser Trailer [1982] [1080p] [2.40:1] [00:37] and Theatrical Trailer [1982] [1080p] [1.78:1] [1:19].
BONUS: You get a stunning 31 page colourful printed booklet. You have THE WORLD OF THE DARK CRYSTAL Map. Articles entitled THE DARK CRYSTAL by Lisa Henson [CEO of The Jim Henson Company]; THE DREAM WORLD OF JIM HENSON; THE STORY OF THE DARK CRYSTAL; ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL; THE GELFINGS; THE SKEKSIS; THE GARTHIM; THE MYSTICS and THE EVOLUTION OF THE DARK CRYSTAL ARTWORK. You also get to see brilliant colourful and black-and-white rare photographs, rare Brian Froud illustrations, as well as several Cinema Posters.
Finally, 'THE DARK CRYSTAL' is an immaculate Jim Henson creation, and as new generations grow up to understand its unique magical exquisiteness, and gives us a more precious and wonderful experience with this unique Jim Henson motion picture and has become a firm favourite of fans around the world of this amazing film, like me. I could easily watch the ‘THE DARK CRYSTAL’ film quite a few times and you can still discover new visual treats that you may not have noticed before, or small sly quirky performances that register differently, than they did when first viewed via this enchanting magical film. The fantasy film is a brilliant creation of pure imagination and remains Jim Henson’s professional crown jewel. Decades later, the film has not lost any of its crucial fantasy touchstone, and in a wonderful twist of fate, continues to amaze people of all ages to this day. Very Highly Recommended!
Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom
