The World of 'The Dark Crystal'
The World of 'The Dark Crystal'

Movie spotlight

The World of 'The Dark Crystal'

1983
Movie
57 min
English

A documentary which explores the making of Jim Henson and Frank Oz's 1982 fantasy film 'The Dark Crystal', which originally aired on PBS in the United States on January 9, 1983. This one-hour documentary details the technological innovations in the field of animatronics, art design, film making, and Henson's own brand of magic. Requiring 5 years of production, including 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's Creature Shop in London and the Muppet Workshop in New York brought Brian Froud's art and Jim Henson's vision to life.

Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic51/100
Google Users76%
Director: Jim Henson, Frank OzGenres: Fantasy, Adventure, Puppet, Family

Plot Summary

In a world called Thra, the Gelfling Jen is tasked with finding the missing shard of the Crystal of Truth and restoring it to its rightful place. This ancient artifact, once a source of balance and harmony, was shattered centuries ago, leading to the rise of the evil Skeksis and the decline of the peaceful Mystics. Jen, guided by the wisdom of his dying master, must overcome perilous obstacles and confront the Skeksis to fulfill his destiny and save Thra from eternal darkness.

Critical Reception

The Dark Crystal was met with mixed reviews upon its release, with many critics praising its groundbreaking puppetry and imaginative world-building but some finding its narrative and tone to be too dark or convoluted for younger audiences. Over time, it has gained a significant cult following and is now widely regarded as a landmark achievement in fantasy filmmaking and puppetry.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its innovative and detailed puppetry and creature design.

  • Lauded for its unique and immersive fantasy world, Thra.

  • Criticized by some for its dark themes and somewhat disjointed plot.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciate 'The Dark Crystal' for its stunning visual artistry, especially the pioneering puppetry and creature effects. Many fans fondly remember the film's unique mythology and dark, fairy-tale atmosphere, though some find the story a bit slow or complex.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Fantasy Film. Won a Young Artist Award for Best Family Feature Film (Fantasy or Sci-Fi).

Fun Fact

The intricate and alien-looking designs for the creatures and environments were heavily influenced by artist Brian Froud, who also contributed to the development of the film's mythology.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review