The Dark Crystal (1982)

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93 min - Animation | Adventure | Family - 17 December 1982 (USA)

7.0

Ratings: 7.0/10 from 19,863 users
Reviews: 176 user | 71 critic

On another planet in the distant past, a Gelfling embarks on a quest to find the missing shard of a magical crystal, and so restore order to his world.

Directors:

Jim Henson, Frank Oz

Writers:

Jim Henson (story), David Odell (screenplay)

Stars:

Jim Henson, Kathryn Mullen and Frank Oz

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Nominated for BAFTA Film Award. Another 2 wins & 4 nominations See more awards »

Cast

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Storyline

Another planet, another time. 1000 years ago the mysterious Dark Crystal was damaged by one of the Urskeks and an age of chaos has began! The evil race of grotesque birdlike lizards the Skeksis, gnomish dragons who rule their fantastic planet with an iron claw. Meanwhile the orphan Jen, raised in solitude by a race of the peace-loving wizards called the Mystics, embarks on a quest to find the missing shard of the Dark Crystal which gives the Skesis their power and restore the balance of the universe. Written by Anthony Pereyra {hypersonic91@yahoo.com}

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

Taglines:

Another World, Another Time... In the Age of Wonder.

Genres:

Animation | Adventure | Family | Fantasy

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »

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Details

Country:

USA | UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 December 1982 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

El cristal encantado See more »

Filming Locations:

Twyecross, Leicestershire, England, UK See more »

Box Office

Budget:

$15,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$4,657,335 (USA) (19 December 1982) (858 Screens)

Gross:

$40,577,001 (USA) (9 January 1983)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Incorporated Television Company (ITC), Jim Henson Productions, Henson Associates (HA) See more »

Show detailed company contact information on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby (35 mm prints) | 70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.20 : 1

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Did You Know?

Trivia

Pre-production work revolved around Brian Froud's designs without a finished script. When Froud originally presented Jim Henson with concept drawings for the crystal, Henson seemed totally perplexed. When Froud asked why, Henson said he had no idea what the designs were for. As it turned out, Froud had misunderstood Henson during early production conversations - Henson intended the film to be called "The Dark Chrysalis," referring to the Skesis dominance over the world. Henson, however, loved the concept art and integrated the idea of the crystal into the storyline. See more »

Goofs

Continuity: The Gelfling puppets have three fingers and one thumb on each hand. When Kira and Jen make their way into the castle via a mouth-like entrance, Kira's right hand has five fingers in the long shot (actors, not puppets, were used for long shots of the Gelflings). See more »

The Dark Crystal (1982)

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Did You Know?

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Connections

Cast overview, first billed only:
	Jim Henson	...	Jen / High Priest (Ritual Master) / Podling / Additional Characters
	Kathryn Mullen	...	Kira, A Gelfling (performer) / Jen, A Gelfling (assistant) / Additional Characters (uncredited)
	Frank Oz	...	Aughra - A Keeper Of Secrets / Chamberlain / Podling / Additional Characters
	Dave Goelz	...	Fizzgig, A Friendly Monster (performer) / General (Garthin Master) (performer) / Dying Emperor (performer) / Podling (performer)
	Steve Whitmire	...	Scientist (performer and voice) / Kira, A Gelfling (assistant) (voice)
	Louise Gold	...	Gourmand (performer)
	Brian Muehl	...	Ornamentalist (performer and voice) / Urzah (performer) / Dying Master (performer and voice) (voice)
	Bob Payne	...	Historian (Scrollkeeper) (performer)
	Mike Quinn	...	Slave Master (performer)
	Tim Rose	...	Treasurer (performer)
	Jean-Pierre Amiel	...	Weaver (performer) (as Jean Pierre Amiel)
	Hugh Spight	...	Cook / Landstrider (performer)
	Robbie Barnett	...	Numerologist (performer) / Landstrider (performer)
	Swee Lim	...	Hunter / Landstrider - Performer
	Simon Williamson	...	Ursol, The Chanter (performer)