The Dark Crystal

1982 "Another world, another time...in the age of wonder."

The Dark Crystal

7.1 | 1h33m | PG | en | Adventure

On another planet in the distant past, a Gelfling embarks on a quest to find the missing shard of a magical crystal and restore order to his world, before the grotesque race of Skeksis find and use the crystal for evil.

WATCH FREEFOR 30 DAYS

All Prime Video
Cancel anytime

Watch Now

7.1 | 1h33m | PG | en | Adventure , Fantasy , Family | More Info

Released: December. 17,1982 | Released Producted By: Universal Pictures , ITC Entertainment Country: United States of America Budget: 0 Revenue: 0 Official Website:

Synopsis

Stream Online

The movie is currently not available onine

Cast

Jim Henson , Kathryn Mullen , Frank Oz

Director

Brian Ackland-Snow

Producted By

Universal Pictures , ITC Entertainment

More infos on 99reel

Watch Free for 30 Days

All Prime Video Movies and TV Shows. Cancel anytime.

Watch Now

Trailers & Images

Cast

Jim Henson

as Jen / High Priest, Ritual Master

Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street Gumby II: Dead by Dawn I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story Jim Henson: Behind the Seams Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey Paul Williams Still Alive Reflections of 'The Dark Crystal' Sesame Street: Bert & Ernie's Word Play The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson

Kathryn Mullen

as Kira, a Gelfling

Reflections of 'The Dark Crystal' Between the Lions The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss Fraggle Rock: The Animated Series A Muppet Family Christmas The Christmas Toy Jim Henson's Little Muppet Monsters Follow That Bird Fraggle Rock

Frank Oz

as Aughra, a Keeper of Secrets / Chamberlain

Echoes of Violence Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street Knives Out The Director and the Jedi Star Wars: The Last Jedi Muppet Guys Talking: Secrets Behind the Show the Whole World Watched The Great Gilly Hopkins Inside Out I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story

Reviews

Paul Magne Haakonsen For some odd reason then I never have gotten around to watching "The Dark Crystal", despite the fact that the movie is from 1982 and also despite the fact that I have been playing fantasy RPG since around 1985. But 2017 was the year that I finally got to watch it.The story told in this movie was actually rather good story, and it being a very classic fantasy tale, but I will also say that it was a generic one of such stories. But that was not really a bad thing. If you enjoy the fantasy genre, then you will definitely enjoy the story told in "The Dark Crystal".The creature design in the movie was quite good, but of course that was to be expected given this being at the hands of Jim Henson and Frank Oz. The level of details on the characters and creatures was just spectacular, and the ideas for the creatures was quite good and very much in the fantasy genre.In fact, the entire world was vibrant and felt very much alive. And the amounts of detail in the sets, props and costumes was just mind-blowing. They really put so much effort into bringing this fantasy world to life that you feel like you are right there yourself. I was more than impressed by the level of details there was to be seen in every single shot.I watched "The Dark Crystal" with my seven year old son, and he was also quite entertained by the movie, and found many of the creatures to be rather interesting and fun to look at.It should be said that the storyline is rather generic and predictable, which might not be the best of selling points. But personally I could look past that because of my admiration and love for the fantasy genre.If you enjoy the fantasy genre, then you really much take the time to sit down to watch "The Dark Crystal". This is definitely a typical and classic Jim Henson and Frank Oz movie. And I will say that the movie also has enough contents to actually support being watched more than just once.

Kirpianuscus he is the heart of this touching fantasy who reminds old truths, who redefine old values, who remains fascinating for the lovely manner to reinvent the laws of fairy tale in inspired manner. a film about friendship and courage and love and discover the other as part of yourself. nothing new. but magical presented. The Dark Crystal is the expression of a great artist genius. strange and beautiful. fascinating and old fashion using technology. a noble pledge for peace and self definition. not original but useful for the art to build a world who , remaining bizarre, is definitely charming. one of films of many childhoods. same strange and seductive at each new meeting. and good motif for remind Jim Henson and his profound personal perspective about fantasy.

zsofikam Let me start off by proclaiming my love for this movie, my favourite of all time. My love of the movie mostly stems from its characters, most notably the Skeksis. The Skeksis include Emperor SkekSo, Chamberlain SkekSil, General SkekUng, High Priest SkekZok, Scientist SkekTek, Slave Driver SkekNa, Treasurer ShekShod, Gourmand SkekAyuk, Ornamentalist SkekEkt, and Historian SkekOk. The Skeksis also have a group of counterparts known as the Mystics or UrRu, which include Master UrSu, Chanter UrSol, Healer UrIm, Ritual Guardian UrZah, Alchemist UrTih, Herbalist UrNol, Numerologist UrYod, Cook UrAmaj, Weaver UrUtt, and Scribe UrAc. In addition to the Skeksis and Mystics we meet the Podlings, a group of potato-like peasants, the one-eyed astronomer Aughra (a feminization of the word ogre), and protagonists in the form of Gelflings Jen and Kira and their fluffy pet Fizzgig. Jen has been sent on a mission by the dying UrSu, who raised him, and along the way he meets Kira and Fizzgig, Aughra, and the Podlings. But for me, the most fascinating aspect of the movie was the Skeksis and their relationship with the Mystics. While the Mystics are unconcerned with material possessions, the Skeksis are extreme materialists who's very clothes are status symbols. After SkeSil's failed bid for leadership, he's stripped and revealed to be scrawny and bony with bad posture. Just goes to show that the clothes make the man (or monster). The most potent scene for me has got to be the death of the Skeksis Emperor. I actually find myself feeling sorry for SkekSo. The other Skeksis are only interested in power, to the point where SkekSil attempts to take his cane while he's still alive, albeit just barely. Like a 2-year- old, SkekSo grabs his staff and insists "IamstillEmperor!" The Skeksis are vulture capitalists that are actually vultures. This film is so magical that it's hard to believe it was actually made rather than being an item composed of frozen stardust. The Dark Crystal is all at once a fond childhood memory, a rare and beautiful cinematic achievement, an enduring tale of love, trust, and courage, and a masterpiece and a cornerstone of my heart.

Anssi Vartiainen The Dark Crystal is one of the more personal fantasy films made in the 80s. It's also one of the biggest triumphs practical special effects have had in the history of cinema. Because, if you didn't know already, every single character in this film is a puppet. They're animatronics, designed by fantasy illustrator Brian Froud, and they're all fantastic, ground-breaking even. They're all visually distinct, evocative designs that are sure to stick with you after you've seen this film. On a technical level this film is a marvel and it's a shame it was so hard to make because I'd love to see more films done this way.The story is also pretty good, following the quest of a gelfling named Jen as he sets out to find the missing piece of the eponymous Dark Crystal in order to restore balance and to stop the villainous skeksis from taking over the world. Basic stuff, but the execution really makes an impact here. The whole story plays out in front of you like something larger than life, like an epic from the ancient times. The themes appear clear and easy to understand, yet the deeper you dig, the more you find to analyze.Though there are some problems as well. Like the character of Kira, who's pretty superfluous to the plot and mainly there to give Jen a love interest and someone to save in the third act. She's an interesting personality, so she's not as bad as some damsels in distress, but a damsel in distress she still remains. The final third as a whole is overall somewhat disappointing because it's so predictable. I don't really mind it being classic because the whole story heavily leans on literary traditions, but it could have been a little more innovative.Nevertheless, The Dark Crystal is a brilliant experience for all fans of fantasy and for those that appreciate practical effects and knowing that what's in the screen was actually there during the filming as well.