The Dark Crystal (1982)

User Rating:

7.0/10   

Directors:

Jim Henson
Frank Oz

Writers:

Jim Henson (story)
David Odell (screenplay)

Release Date:

17 December 1982 (USA)

Genre:

Animation | Adventure | Family | Fantasy

Tagline:

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

Plot:

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.

Plot Keywords:

Crystal | Shard | Evil | Quest | Monster

Awards:

Nominated for BAFTA Film Award. Another 2 wins & 4 nominations

Cast

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	...	Chanter (performer)

Runtime:

93 min

Country:

USA | UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.20 : 1

Sound Mix:

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

Certification:

Iceland:LH | Canada:G (Quebec) | Canada:PG (Manitoba/Ontario) | Malaysia:(Banned) | Iran:(Banned) | South Korea:All | Japan:G | Hong Kong:I | Argentina:Atp | Australia:G | Finland:K-12 | France:U | Singapore:PG | Sweden:11 | UK:A (original rating) | UK:PG (video rating) (1986) | USA:PG | West Germany:12

Filming Locations:

Twyecross, Leicestershire, England, UK

Company:

Henson Associates (HA)

Trivia:

From a budget of $15 million, "The Dark Crystal" made slightly over $40 million, a rather disappointing figure. This was put down to the fact that many parents felt the film was too scary for their children and also because it opened against the box office juggernaut that was "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" (1982).

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).

Quotes:

Jen: Where are we?
Kira: Safe.
Jen: I don't think anywhere is safe any more.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Triangles and Tribulations (2001) (V)

Loved this movie for many ages....

Though I love the Muppets and other works of Jim Henson, I still say for years since my birth in 1982, The Dark Crystal has always grown on me. From interesting characters to surreal environments, this movie will capture the eyes of the imaginative and Sci-Fi/Fantasy fans. Though it may move slow at times, but it does not bother me. It gets me more into the world of the Dark Crystal, named Thyra.

It was also good for it's symbolism as well. The Dark Crystal like many classic children's shows and movies of its time did not talk down to kids nor underestimate their intelligence for that matter. In fact, the morals and symbolism appeals to non-discriminating adults as well.

P.S. I think the Skeksis are awesome! Especially the General, Chamberlain and the Mad Scientist Skeksis!