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 Henson's genius lives on! Nov 14, 2009
This is another retro-review featuring movies/DVDs that have been out for quite some time but I have never critiqued.This one I recently revisited for the first time since its' first release in theatres back in /82;and gladly it has not lost any of its'power to fascinate.
Inspired by fantasy characters from the works of Brian Stroud,Henson came up with a plot which involves the Crystal of Truth.The Urskeks were once the guardians of this huge crystal but cracked it,thus splitting their race into the gentle Mystics and the evil Skeksis(symbolic of the evil/good in all creatures).
The Skeksis are large,ugly bird like creatures who rely on the power of the now Dark Crystal to dominate their world.However prophecies fortell of a Gelfling who is to recover the broken shard from the broken Crystal of Truth and restore the Urskeks race.The Skeksis try to make sure this never happens,but fate is in motion and a Gelfling by the name of Jen is the chosen one.Along his journey he meets another Gelfling(elf-eared creatures),called Kira.The knowledge of one compliments the other and together they journey back to the Dark Crystal and restore the shard and the Urskek race.
A totally engaging and imaginative tale,The Dark Crystal was a perfect vehicle in which Henson would display his numerous talents as a puppeteer.As the founding father of the Muppets,he and his close collaborator Frank Oz created a unique world here and the myriad of creatures brought to life on screen,big and small,is astounding.For instance,watch the scene where Jen is sitting in the swamp.As the camera pans left to right watch for all the critters that emphasize just how alive the swamp really is.And little touches like Kira's dog when it barks/whines when it fears it's getting left behind;very visible are its' tonsils.The details make the film that much more enjoyable,and Henson was a stickler for details.
The picture was produced with the minimum of computer help.While his Labyrinth was mostly humans,humans in costume and muppets,The Dark Crystal features mostly men in costumes and muppets,no humans.It was quite an undertaking but Henson pulled it off brilliantly.Henson left us too soon and it makes you wonder just how much he would have been able to accomplish with today's technology had he survived.
As an aside I do not know if this is the original print of the movie.I seem to recall that some creatures spoke their own language and it was subtitled.I recall that that slowed the pace of the movie somewhat but this print actually enhances it without it so,unusually,I'm not complaining.Although it would be nice to have the original print and this one to compare them.
Technically the back jacket on this particluar release(2005) says it has been mastered in Hi-Def but the print,while clear,still shows a little too much dirt specs.A recent remastered release is much better picture wise but it lacks all the special features existing on this release.Those include a documentary on the films making,deleted funeral scenes,original language work print scenes,drawings and profiles and the original trailer.Maybe one day they will release all of these features on one disc.
For now however this film/DVD is certainly a keeper.This wonderful film will amuse and facinate both the young and young at heart.While we have relatively little of puppet master Henson's works on celluloid,there is much to savour in every one of his works and The Dark Crystal is no exception.
 Great DVD Product! Nov 10, 2009
Great job by the seller! Package arrived as described and professionally wrapped. The DVD was in perfect working order with no flaws! Would definitely order again from this seller!
classic luminary family entertainment Nov 06, 2009
I never realised it took five years to make this movie. Puppets and scenes hand made not computer generated. Worth the money.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 An old memory Nov 01, 2009
I was there in theater when this movie came out. I ordered it to see why it had not caught on the old movie channels, now I know. I remembered it as more interesting. Service on getting the movie was excellent.
0 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Dark Crystal on BluRay Oct 23, 2009
I've always loved the Dark Crystal, there's something magical about the universe Jim Henson created that has always resonated with me. This BluRay disc was crisp and clear and is the best transfer to date. However, I also owned the prior DVD version of the film which was excellent as well. This BluRay is basically identical to the DVD version in every respect aside from the movie itself being higher resolution. Maybe it has something to do with the movies film origins, but the BluRay version really doesn't add a whole lot to the experience, the only real noticeable difference is the film grain. I love the movie, but for a film I watch maybe once every two years, In hind sight I would've been just as happy with the DVD version.
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