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From Amazon.co.uk
Jim Henson's fantasy epic The Dark Crystal doesn't take place a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, but like Star Wars it takes the audience to a place that exists only in the imagination and, for an hour and a half, on the screen. Recalling the worlds of J.R.R. Tolkien, Henson tells the story of a race of grotesque birdlike lizards called the Skeksis, gnomish dragons who rule their fantastic planet with an iron claw. A prophecy tells of a Gelfling (a small elfin being) who will topple their empire, so in their reign of terror they have exterminated the race, or so they think. The orphan Jen, raised in solitude by a race of peace-loving wizards called the Mystics, embarks on a quest to find the missing shard of the Dark Crystal (which gives the Skeksis their power) and restore the balance of the universe. Henson and codirector Frank Oz have pushed puppetry into a new direction: traditional puppets, marionettes, giant bodysuits, and mechanical constructions are mixed seamlessly in a fantasy world of towering castles, simple huts, dank caves, a giant clockwork observatory, and a magnificent landscape that seem to have leaped off the pages of a storybook. Muppets fans will recognise many of the voice actors--a few characters sound awfully close to familiar comic creations--but otherwise it's a completely alien world made familiar by a mythic quest that resonates through stories over the ages. --Sean Axmaker
Product Description
Lisa Maxwell, Stephen GarlickDirectors: Jim Henson & Frank Oz
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
25 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is a classic, a captivating and charming movie that remains in a class of its own. There's a spectacular array of creatures and a memorable plot with marvellous twists.
The fact is that all the species and characters come across as very real and believable - from the kindly and wise Mystics to the human Podlings to the awful and hideous Skeksis. The meal scene in the Skeksis castle is particularly vivid and memorable, although it's not for the squeamish! The visit to the lair of the witch Ogra is also quite humorous and spectacular, and I loved the little doggie, if it is a dog.
One of my favourite scenes is where the two Gelflings fall over a cliff and the girl spreads her wings, upon which the relieved boy exclaims: "But I don't have wings" to which the girl replies: "Of course not - you're a boy.". This is in the class of Lord of the Rings about 20 years before the latter was made, although it's probably not fair to compare the two.
Dark Crystal convinces with its world of believable puppets and impressive scenery, which adds a unique flavour to the film. I cannot fault this little gem on any aspect: the old myth is infused by new life here because of the amazing turns in the plot. The scenes are so colourful you cannot forget them, the characterization is of the highest calibre, and the cinematography is breathtaking.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By Anne
Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase
This was a highly original concept from the team behind the Muppets. I first saw it with my young sons back in 1982 and 27 years on it still possesses that magical quality to entertain people of all ages. Blu-ray certainly has enhanced the picture quality as opposed to the previous DVD version though I could not detect any difference in the sound. A treat for all to enjoy.
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is a film I have owned for many years on VHS and I have always been captivated by it. So, when I saw it was available on DVD I HAD to buy it and I have not been dissapointed. The sheer brilliance of what Jim Henson and his team created considering it was made almost 20 years ago is amazing!! What is also wonderful about this DVD is that the original colours have been wonderfully restored and I now notice things in the film that I never noticed on my VHS edition because they are so much easier to see. Some of the extras are brilliant as well, especially the documentary which is a fascinating insight into the making of this classic film! I have to say, I was a little dissapointed with the deleted scenes feature as I expected to have more commentary about why the scenes were deleted and also many of the scenes are just original takes on scenes that did make it into the film and were just altered slightly (sometimes u can't notice the difference other than the film quality).
However, if you have never seen this film, or if you are already a passionate Dark Crystal fan, I urge you to buy this DVD, it really is money well spent!!!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Must see movie for any Henson fan
Great movie. Loved it 20+ years ago, and love it now. Really looking forwards to watching it with grandchild when she's a bit older and has the concentration to sit through a... Read more
Published 6 days ago by The Grand Mother
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Classic
Flopped at the box office and was panned by the critics for not being very cute and cuddly, but do you know, who cares? This is a master piece of film making. Read more
Published 12 days ago by Mr T
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Piece of Film History
This film was the first ever live action film without any humans being on the screen.
I love the story, a great fantasy adventure. Read more
I love the story, a great fantasy adventure. Read more
Published 1 month ago by jo oxley
4.0 out of 5 stars
A forgotten classic
The Dark Crystal is the brainchild of Muppets-creator Jim Henson. Yes, he's best known for creating Kermit and Miss Piggy, but, judging by his impressive body of other work,... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Albatross
5.0 out of 5 stars
The dark crystal 1982
This is one of jim Henson greatest film The dark crystal.Excellent film and great special effects!!recommended 5 stars ;-) .
Published 2 months ago by Alawes
5.0 out of 5 stars
love
I love this movie. Recent conversation with a friends girlfriend revealed she hadn't ever watched it, when I couldn't find my own copy, I had to run right out and get this, just to... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Emma Willcox
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fabulous
You'd have to have a heart of stone to not love this film. It is an absolute gem. Have to give the highest possible praise to the exquisite picture and sound quality of the blu ray... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Zeus22
5.0 out of 5 stars
Pristine version of sublime film
This is a great upscale of a great film. The movie itself is a masterpiece, but having already owned versions of it on VHS and then DVD (twice! Read more
Published 2 months ago by burnohbeard
5.0 out of 5 stars
A childhood favriote
Still just as scary in parts as it was the first time, Jim Henson was a real legend and a true talent
Published 3 months ago by Hicksonone
5.0 out of 5 stars
memeries
really enjoyed this it brought a lot of memerories back to when i watch it with my children on vhs
Published 3 months ago by maurie
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